Fragmenta aurea A collection of all the incomparable peeces, written by Sir John Suckling. And published by a friend to perpetuate his memory. Printed by his owne copies.

Fragmenta Aurea .

A Collection of all THE Incomparable Peeces ,

WRITTEN By Sir JOHN SVCKLING .

And published by a Friend to perpetuate his memory .

Printed by his owne Copies .

LONDON , Printed for Humphrey Moseley , and are to be sold at his shop , at the Signe of the Princes Armes in St Pauls Churchyard MDCXLVI .

Obijt anno

Aetatis suae 28.

SUCKLIN whose numbers could invite Alike to wonder and delight And with new spirit did inspire The Thespian Scene and Delphick Lyre ; Is thus exprest in either part Above the humble reach of art ; Drawne by the Pencill here yow find His Forme , by his owne Pen his mind .

W. Marshall fecit .

To the READER .

WHile Sucklins name is in the forehead of this Booke , these Poems can want no preparation : It had been a prejudice to Posterity they should have slept longer , and an injury to his own ashes . They that convers'd with him alive , and truly , ( under which notion I comprehend only knowing Gentlemen , his soule being transcendent , and incommunicable to others , but by reflection ) will honour these posthume Idaea's of their friend : And if any have liv'd in so much darknesse , as not to have knowne so great an Ornament of our Age , by looking upon these Remaines with Civility and Vnderstanding , they may timely yet repent , and be forgiven .

In this Age of Paper-prostitutions , a man may buy the reputation of some Authors into the price of their Volume ; but know , the Name that leadeth into this Elysium , is sacred to Art and Honour , and no man that is not excellent in both , is qualified a Competent Judge : For when Knowledg is allowed , yet Education in the Censure of a Gentleman , requires as many descents , as goes to make one ; And he that is bold upon his unequall Stock , to traduce this Name , or Learning , will deserve to be condemned againe into Ignorance his Originall sinne , and dye in it .

But I keep backe the Ingenuous Reader , by my unworthy Preface : The gate is open , and thy soulé invited to a Garden of ravishing variety , admire his wit , that created these for thy delight , while I withdraw into a shade , and contemplate who must follow .

POEMS , &c.

Written by Sir JOHN SUCKLING .

Printed by his owne Copy .

The Lyrick Poems were set in Musick by Mr. Henry Lawes , Gent. of the Kings Chappel , and one of His Majesties Private Musick .

LONDON , Printed by Ruth Raworth for Humphrey Mosely , and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Princes Arms in S. Pauls Church-yard . 1646.

On New-years day 1640. To the KING . 1. AWake ( great Sir ) the Sun shines heer , Gives all Your Subjects a New-yeer , Onely we stay till you appear , For thus by us Your Power is understood , He may make fair days , You must make them good . Awake , awake , and take Such Presents as poor men can make , They can adde little unto blisse who cannot wish . 2. May no ill vapour cloud the skie , Bold storms invade the Soveraigntie , But gales of joy , so fresh , so high ; That You may think Heav'n sent to try this year What sayl , or burthen , a Kings mind could bear . Awake , awake , &c. 3. May all the discords in Your State ( Like those in Musick we create ) Be govern'd at so wise a rate , That what would of it self sound harsh , or fright , May be so temper'd that it may delight . Awake , awake , &c. 4. What Conquerors from battels find , Or Lovers when their Doves are kind , Take up henceforth our Masters mind , Make such strange Rapes upon the place , 't may be No longer joy there , but an extasie . Awake , awake , &c. 5. May every pleasure and delight That has or does your sence invite Double this year , save those o' th night : For such a Marriage-bed must know no more Then repetition of what was before . Awake , awake , and take Such Presents as poor men can make , They can add little unto blisse who cannot wish .

Loving and Beloved . 1. THere never yet was honest man That ever drove the trade of love ; It is impossible , nor can Integrity our ends promove : For Kings and Lovers are alike in this That their chief art in reigne dissembling is . 2. Here we are lov'd , and there we love , Good nature now and passion strive Which of the two should be above , And laws unto the other give . So we false fire with art sometimes discover , And the true fire with the same art do cover . 3. What Rack can Fancy find so high ? Here we must Court , and here ingage , Though in the other place we die . Oh! 't is torture all , and cozenage ; And which the harder is I cannot tell , To hide true love , or make false love look well . 4. Since it is thus , God of desire , Give me my honesty again , And take thy brands back , and thy fire ; I 'me weary of the State I 'me in : Since ( if the very best should now befal ) Loves Triumph , must be Honours Funeral .

1. IF when Don Cupids dart Doth wound a heart , we hide our grief and shun relief ; The smart increaseth on that score ; For wounds unsearcht but ranckle more . 2. Then if we whine , look pale , And tell our tale , men are in pain for us again ; So , neither speaking doth become The Lovers state , nor being dumb . 3. When this I do descry , Then thus think I , love is the fart of every heart . It pains a man when 't is kept close , And others doth offend , when 't is let loose .

A Sessions of the Poets . A Session was held the other day , And Apollo himself was at it ( they say ) The Laurel that had been so long reserv'd , Was now to be given to him best deserv'd . And Therefore the wits of the Town came thither , T was strange to see how they flocked together , Each strongly confident of his own way , Thought to gain the Laurel away that day . There Selden , and he sate hard by the chair ; Weniman not far off , which was very fair ; Sands with Townsend , for they kept no order ; Digby and Shillingsworth a little further : And There was Lucans Translator too , and he That makes God speak so bigge in 's Poetry ; Selwin and Walter , and Bartlets both the brothers ; Jack Vaughan and Porter , and divers others . The first that broke silence was good old Ben , Prepar'd before with Canary wine , And he told them plainly he deserv'd the Bayes , For his were calld Works , where others were but Plaies . And Bid them remember how he had purg'd the Stage Of errors , that had lasted many an Age , And he hopes they did not think the silent Woman , The Fox , and the Alchymist out done by no man . Apollo stopt him there , and bade him not go on , 'T was merit , he said , and not presumption Must carry 't ; at which Ben turned about , And in great choler offer'd to go out : But Those that were there thought it not fit To discontent so ancient a wit ; And therefore Apollo call'd him back agen , And made him mine host of his own new Inne . Tom Carew was next , but he had a fault That would not well stand with a Laureat ; His Muse was hard bound , and th' issue of 's brain Was seldom brought forth but with trouble and pain . And All that were present there did agree , A Laureat Muse should be easie and free , Yet sure 't was not that , but 't was thought that his Grace Consider'd he was well he had a Cup-bearers place . Will . Davenant asham'd of a foolish mischance That he had got lately travelling in France , Modestly hoped the handsomnesse of 's Muse Might any deformity about him excuse . And Surely the Company would have been content , If they could have found any President ; But in all their Records either in Verse or Prose , There was not one Laureat without a nose . To Will Bartlet sure all the wits meant well , But first they would see how his snow would sell : Will smil'd and swore in their judgements they went lesse , That concluded of merit upon successe . Suddenly taking his place agen , He gave way to Selwin , who streight stept in ; But alas ! he had been so lately a wit , That Apollo hardly knew him yet . Toby Mathews ( pox on him ) how came he there ? Was whispering nothing in some-bodies ear : When he had the honour to be nam'd in Court , But Sir , you may thank my Lady Carleil for't : For had not her care furnisht you out With something of handsome , without all doubt You and your sorry Lady Muse had been In the number of those that were not let in . In haste from the Court two or three came in , And they brought letters ( forsooth ) from the Queen , 'T was discreetly done too , for if th 'had come Without them , th 'had scarce been let into the room . Suckling next was call'd , but did not appear , But strait one whisperd Apollo i' th' ear , That of all men living he cared not for 't , He loved not the Muses so well as his sport ; And prized black eyes , or a lucky hit At bowls , above all the Trophies of wit ; But Apollo was angry , and publiquely said 'T were fit that a fine were set upon 's head . Wat Montague now stood forth to his tryal , And did not so much as suspect a denial ; But witty Apollo asked him first of all If he understood his own Pastoral . For if he could do it , 't would plainly appear He understood more than any man there , And did merit the Bayes above all the rest , But the Mounsier was modest , and silence confest . During these troubles in the Court was hid One that Apollo soon mist , little Cid ; And having spied him , call'd him out of the throng , And advis'd him in his ear not to write so strong . Murrey was summon'd , but 't was urg'd that he Was Chief already of another Company . Hales set by himself most gravely did smile To see them about nothing keep such a coil ; Apollo had spied him , but knowing his mind Past by , and call'd Faulkland that sate just behind : But He was of late so gone with Divinity , That he had almost forgot his Poetry , Though to say the truth ( and Apollo did know it ) He might have been both his Priest and his Poet. At length who but an Alderman did appear , At which Will . Davenant began to swear ; But wiser Apollo bade him draw nigher , And when he was mounted a little higher Openly declared that the best signe Of good store of wit 's to have good store of coyn , And without a Syllable more or lesse said , He put the Laurel on the Aldermans head . At this all the wits were in such a maze That for a good while they did nothing but gaze One upon another , not a man in the place But had discontent writ in great in his face . Onely the small Poets clear'd up again , Out of hope as 't was thought of borrowing , But sure they were out , for he forfeits his Crown When he lends any Poets about the Town .

Loves World . IN each mans heart that doth begin To love , there 's ever fram'd within A little world , for so I found , When first my passion reason drown'd . Earth , Instead of Earth unto this frame , I had a faith was still the same , For to be right it doth behoove It be as that , fixt and not move ; Yet as the Earth may sometime shake ( For winds shut up will cause a quake ) So , often jealousie , and fear , Sunne , Stolne into mine , cause tremblings there . My Flora was my Sun , for as One Sun , so but one Flora was : All other faces borrowed hence Their light and grace , as stars do thence . Moon My hopes I call my Moon ; for they Inconstant still , were at no stay ; But as my Sun inclin'd to me , Or more or lesse were sure to be : Sometimes it would be full , and then Oh! too too soon decrease agen ; Eclip'st sometimes , that 't would so fall There would appear no hope at all . Starres , My thoughts 'cause infinite they be Must be those many Stars we see ; Fixed Planets . Of which some wandred at their will , But most on her were fixed still . Element of fire . My burning flame and hot desire Must be the Element of fire , Which hath as yet so secret been That it as that was never seen : No Kitching fire , nor eating flame , But innocent , hot but in name ; A fire that 's starv'd when fed , and gone When too much fewel is laid on . But as it plainly doth appear , That fire subsists by being near The Moons bright Orbe , so I beleeve Ours doth , for hope keeps love alive . Ayre . My fancy was the Ayre , most free And full of mutability , Big with Chimera's , vapours here Innumerable hatcht as there . Sea . The Sea 's my mind , which calm would be Were it from winds ( my passions ) free ; But out alas ! no Sea I find Is troubled like a Lovers mind . Within it Rocks and Shallows be , Despair and fond credulity . But in this World it were good reason We did distinguish Time and Season ; Her presence then did make the Day , And Night shall come when shee 's away . Winter . Long absence in far distant place Creates the Winter , and the space She tarryed with me ; well I might Summer . Call it my Summer of delight . Diversity of weather came From what she did , and thence had name ; Somtimes sh'would smile , that made it fair ; And when she laught , the Sun shin'd clear . Sometimes sh'would frown , and sometimes weep , So Clouds and Rain their turns do keep ; Sometimes again sh'would be all ice , Extreamly cold , extreamly nice . But soft my Muse , the world is wide , And all at once was not descride : It may fall out some honest Lover The rest hereafter will discover .

Song . WHy so pale and wan fond Lover ? prethee why so pale ? Will , when looking wel can't move her looking ill prevail ? prethee why so pale ? Why so dull and mute young sinner ? prethee why so mute ? Will ▪ when speaking well can't win her , saying nothing doe 't ? prethee why so mute ? Quit , quit for shame , this will not move , this cannot take her ; If of her self she will not love , nothing can make her : the divel take her .

Sonnet . I. 1. DO'st see how unregarded now that piece of beauty passes ? There was a time when I did vow to that alone ; but mark the fate of faces ; That red and white works now no more on me Then if it could not charm or I not see . 2. And yet the face continues good , and I have still desires , Am still the self same flesh and blood , as apt to melt and suffer from those fires ; Oh! some kind power unriddle where it lies , Whether my heart be faulty , or her eyes ? 3. She every day her Man does kill , and I as often die ; Neither her power then , nor my will can question'd be , what is the mystery ? Sure Beauties Empires , like to greater States Have certain periods set , and hidden fates .

Sonnet . II. 1. OF thee ( kind boy ) I ask no red and white to make up my delight , no odd becomming graces , Black eyes , or little know-not-whats , in faces ; Make me but mad enough , give me good store Of Love , for her I Court , I ask no more , 'T is love in love that makes the sport . 2. There 's no such thing as that we beauty call , it is meer cousenage all ; for though some long ago Like't certain colours mingled so and so , That doth not tie me now from chusing new , If I a fancy take To black and blue , That fancy doth it beauty make . 3. T is not the meat , but 't is the appetite makes eating a delight , and if I like one dish More then another , that a Pheasant is ; What in our watches , that in us is found , So to the height and nick We up be wound , No matter by what hand or trick .

Sonnet III. 1. OH ! for some honest Lovers ghost , Some kind unbodied post Sent from the shades below . I strangely long to know Whether the nobler Chaplets wear , Those that their mistresse scorn did bear , Or those that were us'd kindly . 2. For what-so-e're they tell us here To make those sufferings dear , 'T will there I fear be found , That to the being crown'd , T' have lov'd alone will not suffice , Unlesse we also have been wise , And have our Loves enjoy'd . 3. What posture can we think him in , That here unlov'd agen Departs , and 's thither gone Where each sits by his own ? Or how can that Elizium be Where I my Mistresse still must see Circled in others Armes ? 4. For there the Judges all are just , And Sophonisba must Be his whom she held dear ; Not his who lov'd her here : The sweet Philoclea since she dy'de Lies by her Pirocles his side , Not by Amphialus . 5. Some Bayes ( perchance ) or Myrtle bough For difference crowns the brow Of those kind souls that were The noble Martyrs here ; And if that be the onely odds ( As who can tell ) ye kinder Gods , Give me the Woman here .

To his much honoured , the Lord Lepinton , upon his Translation of Malvezzi his Romulus and Tarquin . IT is so rare and new a thing to see Ought that belongs to young Nobility In print ( but their own clothes ) that we must praise You as we would do those first shew the waies To Arts or to new Worlds : You have begun ; Taught travel'd youth what'tis it should have done : For 't has indeed too strong a custome bin To carry out more wit then we bring in . You have done otherwise , brought home ( my Lord ) The choisest things fam'd Countries do afford ▪ Malvezzi by your means is English grown , And speaks our tongue as well now as his own . Malvezzi , he : whom 't is as hard to praise To merit , as to imitate his waies . He does not shew us Rome great suddenly , As if the Empire were a Tympany , But gives it natural growth , tells how , and why The little body grew so large and high . Describes each thing so lively , that we are Concern'd our selves before we are aware : And at the wars they and their neighbours wag'd , Each man is present still , and still engag'd . Like a good Prospective he strangely brings Things distant to us : and in these two Kings We see what made greatnesse . And what 't has been Made that greatnesse contemptible again . And all this not tediously deriv'd , But like to Worlds in little Maps contriv'd . 'T is he that doth the Roman Dame restore , Makes Lucrece chaster for her being whore ; Gives her a kind Revenge for Tarquins sin ; For ravish't first , she ravisheth again . She says such fine things after 't , that we must In spite of vertue thank foul Rape and Lust , Since 't was the cause no woman would have had , Though she 's of Lucrece side , Tarquin lesse bad . But stay ; like one that thinks to bring his friend A mile or two , and sees the journeys end , I straggle on too far : long graces do But keep good stomacks off that would fall too .

Against Fruition . STay here fond youth and ask no more , be wise , Knowing too much long since lost Paradise ; The vertuous joyes thou hast , thou would'st should still Last in their pride ; and would'st not take it ill If rudely from sweet dreams ( and for a toy ) Tho'wert wak't ? he wakes himself that does enjoy . Fruition adds no new wealth , but destroyes , And while it pleaseth much the palate , cloyes ; Who thinks he shall be happyer for that , As reasonably might hope he might grow fat By eating to a Surfet , this once past , What relishes ? even kisses loose their tast . Urge not 't is necessary , alas ! we know The homeliest thing which mankind does is so ; The World is of a vast extent we see , And must be peopled ; Children there must be ; So must bread too ; but since there are enough Born to the drudgery , what need we plough ? Women enjoy'd ( what e're before t' have been ) Are like Romances read , or sights once seen : Fruition's dull , and spoils the Play much more Than if one read or knew the plot before ; 'T is expectation makes a blessing dear , Heaven were not heaven , if we knew what it were . And as in Prospects we are there pleas'd most Where somthing keeps the eye from being lost , And leaves us room to guesse , so here restraint Holds up delight , that with excesse would faint . They who know all the wealth they have , are poor , Hee 's onely rich that cannot tell his store .

1. THere never yet was woman made , nor shall , but to be curst ; And oh ! that I ( fond I ) should first of any Lover This truth at my own charge to other fools discover . 2. You that have promis'd to your selves propriety in love , Know womens hearts like straws do move , and what we call Their sympathy , is but love to jett in general , 3. All mankind are alike to them ; and though we iron find That never with a Loadstone joyn'd , 't is not the irons fault , It is because the loadstone yet was never brought . 4. If where a gentle Bee hath fall'n and laboured to his power , A new succeeds not to that Flower , but passes by ; 'T is to be thought , the gallant else-where loads his thigh . 5. For still the flowers ready stand , one buzzes round about , One lights , one tasts , gets in , gets out all , all waies use them , Till all their sweets are gone , and all again refuse them .

Song . 1. NO , no , fair Heretick , it needs must be But an ill love in me , And worse for thee ; For were it in my power , To love thee now this hower More then I did the last ; I would then so fall I might not love at all ; Love that can flow , and can admit increase , Admits as well an ebbe , and may grow lesse . 2. True Love is still the same ; the Torrid Zones , And those more frigid ones It must not know : For love grown cold or hot , Is lust , or friendship , not The thing we have . For that 's a flame would dye Held down , or up too high : Then think I love more then I can expresse , And would love more could I but love thee lesse .

To my Friend Will . Davenant ; upon his Poem of Madagascar . WHat mighty Princes Poets are ? those things The great ones stick at , and our very Kings Lay down , they venter on ; and with great ease , Discover , conquer , what , and where they please . Some Flegmatick Sea-Captain , would have staid For money now , or victuals ; not have waid Anchor without 'em ; Thou ( Will ) do'st not stay So much as for a wind , but go'st away , Land'st , view'st the Country ; fight'st , put'st all to rout , Before another could be putting out ! And now the news in Town is ; Dav'nant's come From Madagascar , Fraught with Laurel home ; And welcom ( Will ) for the first time , but prithee In thy next Voyage , bring the gold too with thee .

To my Friend Will . Davenant on his other Poems . THou hast redeem'd us , Wil. and future Times Shall not account unto the Age's crimes Dearth of pure wit : since the great Lord of it ( Donne ) parted hence , no Man has ever writ So neer him , in 's own way : I would commend Particulars , but then , how should I end Without a Volume ? Ev'ry line of thine Would ask ( to praise it right ) twenty of mine .

1. LOve , Reason , Hate , did once bespeak Three mates to play at barley-break ; Love , Folly took ; and Reason , Fancy ; And Hate consorts with Pride ; so dance they : Love coupled last , and so it fell That Love and Folly were in hell . 2. They break , and Love would Reason meet , But Hate was nimbler on her feet ; Fancy looks for Pride , and thither Hyes , and they two hugge together : Yet this new coupling still doth tell That Love and Folly were in hell . 3. The rest do break again , and Pride Hath now got Reason on her side ; Hate and Fancy meet , and stand Untoucht by Love in Folly's hand ; Folly was dull , but Love ran well , So Love and Folly were in hell .

Song . 1. I Prethee spare me , gentle Boy , Presse me no more for that slight toy , That foolish trifle of an heart , I swear it will not do its part , Though thou dost thine , employ'st thy power and art . 2. For through long custom it has known The little secrets , and is grown Sullen and wise , will have its will , And like old Hawks pursues that still That makes least sport , flies onely where 't can kill . 3. Some youth that has not made his story , Will think perchance the pain 's the glory ; And mannerly sit out Loves Feast ; I shall be carving of the best , Rudely call for the last course 'fore the rest . 4. And oh ! when once that course is past , How short a time the Feast doth last ; Men rise away , and scarce say grace , Or civilly once thank the face That did invite ; but seek another place .

Vpon my Lady Carliles walking in Hampton-Court garden . Dialogue . T. C. I. S. Thom. DIdst thou not find the place inspir'd , And flow'rs as if they had desir'd No other Sun , start from their beds , And for a sight steal out their heads ? Heardst thou not musick when she talk't ? And didst not find that as she walkt She threw rare perfumes all about Such as bean ▪ blossoms newly out , Or chafed spices give ? — J. S. I must confesse those perfumes ( Tom ) I did not smell ; nor found that from Her passing by , ought sprung up new , The flow'rs had all their birth from you ; For I pass't o're the self same walk , And did not find one single stalk Of any thing that was to bring This unknown after after spring . Thom. Dull and insensible , could'st see A thing so near a Deity Move up and down , and feel no change ? J. S. None , and so great , were alike strange , I had my Thoughts , but not your way , All are not born ( Sir ) to the Bay ; Alas ! Tom , I am flesh and blood , And was consulting how I could In spite of masks and hoods descry The parts deni'd unto the eye ; I was undoing all she wore , And had she walkt but one turn more , Eve in her first state had not been More naked , or more plainly seen . Thom. 'T was well for thee she left the place , There is great danger in that face ; But had'st thou view'd her legg and thigh , And upon that discovery Search't after parts that are more dear ( As Fancy seldom stops so near ) No time or age had ever seen So lost a thing as thou hadst been .

To Mr. Davenant for Absence . WOnder not if I stay not here , Hurt Lovers ( like to wounded Deer ) Must shift the place ; for standing still Leaves too much time to know our ill : Where there is a Traytor eye That lets in from th' enemy All that may supplant an heart , 'T is time the Chief should use some Art ; Who parts the object from the sence , Wisely cuts off intelligence . O how quickly men must die , Should they stand all Loves Battery ; Persindaes eyes great mischief do , So do we know the Canon too ; But men are safe at distance still , Where they reach not , they cannot kill . Love is a fit , and soon is past , Ill dyet onely makes it last ; Who is still looking , gazing ever , Drinks wine i' th' very height o' th' Fever .

Against Absence . MY whining Lover , what needs all These vows of life Monastical ? Despairs , retirements , jealousies , Aud subtile sealing up of eyes ? Come , come , be wise ; return again , A finger burnt's as great a pain ; And the same Physick , self same art Cures that , would cure a flaming heart : Would'st thou whilst yet the fire is in But hold it to the fire again . If you ( Dear Sir ) the plague have got , What matter is 't whether or not They let you in the same house lie , Or carry you abroad to die ? He whom the plague , or Love once takes , Every Room a Pest-House makes . Absence were good if 't were but sence That onely holds th' Intelligence : Pure love alone no hurt would do , But love is love , and magick too ; Brings a mistresse a thousand miles , And the sleight of looks beguiles , Makes her entertain thee there , And the same time your Rival here ; And ( oh ! the divel ) that she should Say finer things now then she would ; So nobly Fancy doth supply What the dull sence le ts fall and die . Beauty like mans old enemy 's known To tempt him most when hee 's alone : The ayre of some wild o'regrown wood , Or pathlesse Grove is the Boyes food . Return then back , and feed thine eye , Feed all thy sences , and feast high . Spare dyet is the cause Love lasts , For Surfets sooner kill than Fasts .

A Supplement of an imperfect Copy of Verses of Mr. Wil. Shakespears , By the Author . 1. ONe of her hands , one of her cheeks lay under , Cozening the pillow of a lawful kisse , Which therefore swel'd , and seem'd to part asunder , As angry to be rob'd of such a blisse : The one lookt pale , and for revenge did long , While t'other blusht , cause it had done the wrong . 2. Out of the bed the other fair hand was On a green sattin quilt , whose perfect white Lookt like a Dazie in a field of grasse , Thus far Shakespear . * And shew'd like unmelt snow unto the sight , There lay this pretty perdue , safe to keep The rest o th' body that lay fast asleep . 3. Her eyes ( and therefore it was night ) close laid , Strove to imprison beauty till the morn , But yet the doors were of such fine stuffe made , That it broke through , and shew'd it self in scorn . Throwing a kind of light about the place , which turnd to smiles stil as 't came near her face . 4. Her beams ( which some dul men call'd hair ) divided Part with her cheeks , part with her lips did sport , But these , as rude , her breath put by still ; some Wiselyer downwards sought , but falling short , Curl'd back in rings , and seem'd to turn agen To bite the part so unkindly held them in .

THat none beguiled be by times quick flowing , Lovers have in their hearts a clock still going ; For though Time be nimble , his motions are quicker and thicker where Love hath his notions : Hope is the main spring on which moves desire , And these do the lesse wheels , fear , joy , inspire ; the ballance is thought , evermore clicking and striking , and ne're giving ore Occasions the hand which still 's moving round , Till by it the Critical hour may be found , And when that falls out , it will strike kisses , strange blisses , and what you best like .

1. T Is now since I sate down before That foolish Fort , a heart ; ( Time strangely spent ) a Year , and more , And still I did my part : 2. Made my approaches , from her hand Unto her lip did rise , And did already understand The language of her eyes . 3. Proceeded on with no lesse Art , My Tongue was Engineer ; I thought to undermine the heart By whispering in the ear . 4. When this did nothing , I brought down Great Canon-oaths , and shot A thousand thousand to the Town , And still it yeelded not . 5. I then resolv'd to starve the place By cutting off all kisses , Praysing and gazing on her face , And all such little blisses . 6. To draw her out , and from her strength , I drew all batteries in : And brought my self to lie at length As if no siege had been . 7. When I had done what man could do , And thought the place mine owne , The Enemy lay quiet too , And smil'd at all was done . 8. I sent to know from whence , and where , These hopes , and this relief ? A Spie inform'd , Honour was there , And did command in chief . 9. March , march ( quoth I ) the word straight give , Le ts lose no time , but leave her : That Giant upon ayre will live , And hold it out for ever . 10. To such a place our Camp remove As will no siege abide ; I hate a fool that starves her Love Onely to feed her pride .

Vpon my Lord Brohalls Wedding . Dialogue . S. B. S. IN bed dull man ? When Love and Hymens Revels are begun , And the Chnrch Ceremonis past and done . B. Why who 's gone mad to day ? S. Dull Heretick , thou wouldst say , He that is gone to Heaven's gone astray ; Brohall our gallant friend Is gone to Church as Martyrs to the fire : Who marry differ but i'th'end , Since both do take The hardest way to what they most desire : Nor staid he till the formal Priest had done , But ere that part was finisht , his begun : Which did reveal The hast and eagernesse men have to seal That long to tell the money . A sprigg of Willow in his hat he wore , ( The loosers badge and liv'ry heretofore ) But now so ordered that it might be taken By lookers on , forsaking as forsaken . And now and then A careles smile broke forth , which spoke his mind , And seem'd to say she might have been more kind . When this ( dear Jack ) I saw Thought I How weak is Lovers Law ? The bonds made there ( like gypsies knots ) with ease Are fast and loose , as they that hold them please . But was the fair Nymphs praise or power lesse That led him captive now to happinesse ? 'Cause she did not a forreign aid despise , But enterr'd breaches made by others eyes : The Gods forbid , There must be some to shoot and batter down , Others to force and to take in the Town . To Hawkes ( good Jack ) and hearts There may Be sev'ral waies and Arts ; One watches them perchance , and makes them tame : Another , when they 're ready , shews them game .

Sir , WHether these lines do find you out , Putting or clearing of a doubt ; ( Whether Predestination , Or reconciling three in one , Or the unriddling how men die , And live at once eternally , Now take you up ) know 't is decreed You straight bestride the Colledge Steed : Leave Socinus and the Schoolmen , ( Which Jack Bond swears do but fool men ) And come to Town ; 't is fit you show Your self abroad , that men may know ( What e're some learned men have guest ) That Oracles are not yet ceas't : There you shall find the wit , and wine Flowing alike , and both divine : Dishes , with names not known in books , And lesse amongst the Colledge-Cooks , With sauce so pregnant that you need Not stay till hunger bids you feed . The sweat of learned Johnsons brain , And gentle Shakespear's eas'er strain , A hackney-coach conveys you to , In spite of all that rain can do : And for your eighteen pence you sit The Lord and Judge of all fresh wit . News in one day as much w' have here As serves all Windsor for a year , And which the Carrier brings to you , After 't has here been found not true . Then think what Company 's design'd To meet you here , men so refin'd , Their very common talk at boord , Makes wise , or mad a young Court-Lord , And makes him capable to be Umpire in 's Fathers Company . Where no disputes nor forc't defence Of a mans person for his sence Take up the time ; all strive to be Masters of truth , as victory : And where you come , I 'de boldly swear A Synod might as eas'ly erre .

Against Fruition . FYe upon hearts that burn with mutual fire ; I hate two minds that breath but one desire : Were I to curse th' unhallow'd sort of men , I 'de wish them to love , and be lov'd agen . Love 's a Camelion , that lives on meer ayre ; And surfets when it comes to grosser fare : 'T is petty Jealousies , and little fears , Hopes joyn'd with doubts , and joyes with April tears , That crowns our Love with pleasures : these are gone When once we come to full Fruition . Like waking in a morning , when all night Our fancy hath been fed with true delight . Oh! what a stroke't would be ! Sure I should die , Should I but hear my mistresse once say , I. That monster expectation feeds too high For any Woman e're to satisfie : And no brave Spirit ever car'd for that Which in Down-beds with ease he could come at . Shee 's but an honest whore that yeelds , although She be as cold as ice , as pure as snow : He that enjoys her hath no more to say But keep us Fasting if you 'l have us pray . Then fairest Mistresse , hold the power you have , By still denying what we still do crave : In keeping us in hopes strange things to see That never were , nor are , nor e're shall be .

A Ballade . Vpon a Wedding . I Tell thee Dick where I have been , Where I the rarest things have seen ; Oh things without compare ! Such sights again cannot be found In any place on English ground , Be it at Wake , or Fair. At Charing-Crosse , hard by the way Where we ( thou know'st ) do sell our Hay , There is a house with stairs ; And there did I see comming down Such folk as are not in our Town , Vorty at least , in Pairs . Amongst the rest , one Pest'lent fine , ( His beard no bigger though then thine ) Walkt on before the rest : Our Landlord looks like nothing to him : The King ( God blesse him ) 't would undo him , Should he go still so drest . At Course-a-Park , without all doubt , He should have first been taken out By all the Maids i' th' Town : Though lusty Roger there had been , Or little George upon the Green , Or Vincent of the Crown . But wot you what ? the youth was going To make an end of all his woing ; The Parson for him staid : Yet by his leave ( for all his haste ) He did not so much wish all past , ( Perchance ) as did the maid . The maid ( and thereby hangs a tale ) For such a maid no Whitson-ale Could ever yet produce : No Grape that 's kindly ripe , could be So round , so plump , so soft as she , Nor half so full of Juyce . Her finger was so small , the Ring Would not stay on which they did bring , It was too wide a Peck : And to say truth ( for out it must ) It lookt like the great Collar ( just ) About our young Colts neck . Her feet beneath her Petticoat , Like little mice stole in and out , As if they fear'd the light : But oh ! she dances such a way ! No Sun upon an Easter day Is half so fine a sight . He would have kist her once or twice , But she would not , she was nice , She would not do 't in sight , And then she lookt as who should say I will do what I list to day ; And you shall do 't at night . Her Cheeks so rare a white was on , No Dazy makes comparison , ( Who sees them is undone ) For streaks of red were mingled there , Such as are on a Katherne Pear , ( The side that 's next the Sun . ) Her lips were red , and one was thin , Compar'd to that was next her chin ; ( Some Bee had stung it newly . ) But ( Dick ) her eyes so guard her face ; I durst no more upon them gaze , Then on the Sun in July . Her mouth so small when she does speak , Thou 'dst swear her teeth her words did break , That they might passage get , But she so handled still the matter , They came as good as ours , or better , And are not spent a whit . If wishing should be any sin , The Parson himself had guilty bin ; ( She lookt that day so purely , ) And did the youth so oft the feat At night , as some did in conceit , It would have spoil'd him , surely . Just in the nick the Cook knockt thrice , And all the waiters in a trice His summons did obey , Each serving man with dish in hand , Marcht boldly up , like our Train'd Band , Presented , and away . When all the meat was on the Table , What man of knife , or teeth , was able To stay to be intreated ? And this the very reason was , Before the Parson could say Grace , The Company was seated . The bus'nesse of the Kitchin 's great , For it is fit that men should eat ; Nor was it there deni'd : Passion oh me ! how I run on ! There 's that that would be thought upon , ( I trow ) besides the Bride . Now hatts fly off , and youths carrouse ; Healths first go round , and then the house , The Brides came thick and thick : And when 't was nam'd anothers health , Perhaps he made it hers by stealth . ( And who could help it ? Dick ) O' th' sodain up they rise and dance ; Then sit again and sigh , and glance : Then dance again and kisse : Thus sev'ral waies the time did passe , Till ev'ry Woman wisht her place , And ev'ry Man wisht his . By this time all were stoln aside To counsel and undresse the Bride ; But that he must not know : But yet 't was thought he ghest her mind , And did not mean to stay behind Above an hour or so . When in he came ( Dick ) there she lay Like new-faln snow melting away , ( 'T was time I trow to part ) Kisses were now the onely stay , Which soon she gave , as who would say , Good Boy ! with all my heart . But just as heav'ns would have to crosse it , In came the Bridemaids with the Posset : The Bridegroom eat in spight ; For had he left the Women to 't It would have cost two hours to do 't , Which were too much that night . At length the candles out and out , All that they had not done , they do 't : What that is , who can tell ? But I beleeve it was no more Then thou and I have done before With Bridget , and with Nell .

MY dearest Rival , least our Love Should with excentrique motion move , Before it learn to go astray , Wee 'l teach and set it in a way , And such directions give unto 't , That it shall never wander foot . Know first then , we will serve as true For one poor smile , as we would do If we had what our higher flame , Or our vainer wish could frame . Impossible shall be our hope ; And Love shall onely have his scope To joyn with Fancy now and then , And think what reason would condemn : And on these grounds wee 'l love as true , As if they were most sure t' ensue : And chastly for these things wee 'l stay , As if to morrow were the day . Mean time we two will teach our hearts In Loves burdens bear their parts : Thou first shall sigh , and say shee 's fair ; And I 'le still answer , past compare . Thou shalt set out each part o' th face , While I extol each little grace ; Thou shalt be ravisht at her wit ; And I , that she so governs it : Thou shalt like well that hand , that eye , That lip , that look , that majesty ; And in good language them adore : While I want words , and do it more . Yea we will sit and sigh a while , And with soft thoughts some time beguil ; But straight again break out and praise All we had done before new-waies . Thus will we do till paler death Come with a warrant for our breath , And then whose fate shall be to die First of us two , by Legacy Shall all his store bequeath , and give His love to him that shall survive ; For no one stock can ever serve To love so much as shee 'l deserve .

Song . 1. HOnest Lover whosoever , If in all thy love there ever Was one wav'ring thought , if thy flame Were not still even , still the same : Know this , Thou lov'st amisse , And to love true , Thou must begin again , and love anew . 2. If when she appears i' th' room , Thou dost not quake , and art struck dumb , And in striving this to cover Dost not speak thy words twice over , Know this , Thou lov'st amisse , And to love true , Thou must begin again , and love anew . 3. If fondly thou dost not mistake , And all defects for graces take , Perswad'st thy self that jeasts are broken , When she hath little or nothing spoken , Know this , Thou lov'st amisse , And to love true , Thou must begin again , and love anew . 4. If when thou appear'st to be within , Thou lett'st not men ask and ask agen , And when thou answer'st , if it be To what was askt thee properly , Know this , Thou lov'st amisse , And to love true Thou must begin again , and love anew . 5. If when thy stomack calls to eat , Thou cutt'st not fingers ' steed of meat , And with much gazing on her face Dost not rise hungry from the place , Know this , Thou lov'st amisse , And to love true , Thou must begin again , and love anew . 6. If by this thou dost discover That thou art no perfect Lover , And desiring to love true , Thou dost begin to love anew : Know this , Thou lov'st amisse , And to love true , Thou must begin again , and love anew .

Vpon two Sisters . BEleev't yong Man , I can as eas'ly tell How many yards and inches 't is to hell ; Unriddle all predestination , Or the nice points we now dispute upon , Had the three Goddesses been just as fair , It had not been so easily decided And sure the apple must have been divided : It must , it must ; hee 's impudent , dares say Which is the handsomer till one 's away . And it was necessary it should be so ; Wise Nature did foresee it , and did know When she had fram'd the Eldest , that each heart Must at the first sight feel the blind-god's dart : And sure as can be , had she made but one , No plague had been more sure destruction ; For we had lik't , lov'd , burnt to ashes too , In half the time that we are chusing now : Variety , and equal objects make The busie eye still doubtful which to take ; This lip , this hand , this foot , this eye , this face , The others body , gesture , or her grace : And whilst we thus dispute which of the two , We unresolv'd go out , and nothing do . He sure is happy'st that has hopes of either , Next him is he that sees them both together .

To his Rival . NOw we have taught our Love to know That it must creep where 't cannot go ▪ And be for once content to live , Since here it cannot have to thrive ; It will not be amisse t' enquire What fuel should maintain this fire : For fires do either flame too high , Or where they cannot flame , they die . First then ( my half but better heart ) Know this must wholy be her part ; ( For thou and I , like Clocks , are wound Up to the height , and must move round ) She then by still denying what We fondly crave , shall such a rate Set on each trifle , that a kisse Shall come to be the utmost blisse . Where sparks and fire do meet with tinder , Those sparks meer fire will still engender : To make this good , no debt shall be From service or fidelity ; For she shall ever pay that score , By onely bidding us do more : So ( though she still a niggard be ) In graceing , where none's due , shee 's free : The favors she shall cast on us , ( Least we should grow presumptuous ) Shall not with too much love be shown , Nor yet the common way still done ; But ev'ry smile and little glance Shall look half lent , and half by chance : The Ribbon , Fan , or Muffe that she Would should be kept by thee or me , Should not be giv'n before to many , But neither thrown to 's when there 's any ; So that her self should doubtful be Whether 't were fortune flung't , or she . She shall not like the thing we do Sometimes , and yet shall like it too ; Nor any notice take at all Of what , we gone , she would extol : Love she shall feed , but fear to nourish , For where fear is , love cannot flourish ; Yet live it must , nay must and shall , While Desdemona is at all : But when shee 's gone , then Love shall die , And in her grave buried lie .

Farewel to Love . 1. WEll shadow'd Landskip , fare-ye-well : How I have lov'd you , none can tell , At least so well As he that now hates more Then e're he lov'd before . 2. But my dear nothings , take your leave , No longer must you me deceive , Since I perceive All the deceit , and know Whence the mistake did grow . 3. As he whose quicker eye doth trace A false star shot to a mark't place , Do's run apace , And thinking it to catch , A gelly up do's snatch . 4. So our dull souls tasting delight Far off , by sence , and appetite , Think that is right And real good ; when yet 'T is but the Counterfeit . 5. Oh! how I glory now ▪ that I Have made this new discovery ! Each wanton eye Enflam'd before : no more Will I encrease that score . 6. If I gaze , now , 't is but to see What manner of deaths-head 't will be , When it is free From that fresh upper skin ; The gazers Joy , and sin . 7. The Gun and glist'ning which with art And studi'd method , in each part Hangs down the heart , Looks ( just ) as if , that day Snails there had crawl'd the Hay . 8. The Locks , that curl'd o're each eare be , Hang like two Master-worms to me , That ( as we see ) Have tasted to the rest Two holes , where they lik't best . 9. A quick coarse me-thinks I spy In ev'ry woman ; and mine eye , At passing by , Check , and is troubled , just As if it rose from Dust . 10. They mortifie , not heighten me : These of my sins the Glasses be : And here I see How I have lov'd before . And so I love no more . FINIS .

LETTERS To divers Eminent PERSONAGES : Written on several Occasions ,

By Sir JOHN SUCKLING .

Printed by his owne Copy .

LONDON , Printed by Ruth Raworth for Humphrey Moseley , and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Princes Arms in S. Pauls Church-yard . 1646.

FOrtune and Love have ever been so incompatible , that it is no wonder ( Madam ) if having had so much of the one for you , I have ever found so little of the other for my self ; Comming to Town ( and having rid as if I had brought intelligence of a new-landed Enemy to the State ) I find you gone the day before , and with you ( Madam ) all that is considerable upon the place ; for though you have left behind you , faces whose beauties might well excuse perjury in others , yet in me they cannot , since to the making that no sin , Loves Casuists have most rationally resolved , that she for whom we forsake , ought to be handsomer then the forsaken , which would be here impossible : So that now a gallerie hung with Titians or Vandikes hand , and a chamber filled with living Excellence , are the same things to me ; and the use that I shall make of that Sex now , will be no other then that which the wiser sort of Catholiques do of Pictures ; at the highest , they but serve to raise my devotion to you : Should a great Beauty now resolve to take me in ( as that is all they think belongs to it ) with the Artillery of her eyes , it would be as vain , as for a Thief to set upon a new robd passenger ; You Madam ) have my heart already , nor can you use it unkindly but with some injustice , since ( besides that it left a good service to wait on you ) it was never known to stay so long , or so willingly before with any ; After all , the wages will not be high ; for it hath been brought up under Platonicks , and knows no other way of being paid for service , then by being commanded more ; which truth when you doubt , you have but to send to its master and

Your humble Servant , J. S.

A disswasion from Love . Jack ,

THough your disease be in the number of those that are better cured with time then precept , yet since it is lawful for every man to practise upon them that are forsaken and given over ( which I take to be your state ) I will adventure to prescribe to you ; and of the innocence of the Physick you shall not need to doubt , since I can assure you I take it daily my self .

To begin Methodically , I should enjoyn you Travel ; for Absence doth in a kind remove the cause ( removing the object ) and answers the Physitians first Recipez , vomiting and purging ; but this would be too harsh , and indeed not agreeing to my way . I therefore advise you to see her as often as you can , for ( besides that the rarity of visits endears them ) this may bring you to surprise her , and to discover little defects , which though they cure not absolutely , yet they qualifie the fury of the Feaver : As neer as you can let it be unseasonably , when she is in sicknes , and disorder ; for that will let you know she is mortal , and a Woman , and the last would be enough to a wise man : If you could draw her to discourse of things she understands not , it would not be amisse .

Contrive your self often into the Company of the cryed ▪ up Beauties ; for if you read but one book , it will be no wonder if you speak or write that stile ; variety will breed distraction , and that will be a kind of diverting the humour .

I would not have you deny your self the little things ( for these Agues are easier cured with Surfets than abstinence ) rather ( if you can ) tast all : for that ( as an old Author saith ) will let you see That the thing for which we wooe , Is not worth so much ado . But since that here would be impossible , you must be content to take it where you can get it . And this for your comfort I must tell you ( Jack ) that Mistresse and Woman differ no otherwise then Frontiniack and ordinary Grapes : which though a man loves never so well , yet if he surfet of the last , he will care but little for the first .

I would have you leave that foolish humour ( Jack ) of saying you are not in love with her , and pretending you care not for her ; for smothered fires are dangerous , and malicious humors are best and safest vented and breathed out . Continue your affection to your Rival still , that will secure you from one way of loving , which is in spite ; and preserve your friendship with her woman ; for who knows but she may help you to the remedy .

A jolly glasse and right Company would much conduce to the cure ; for though in the Scripture ( by the way it is but Apocrypha ) Woman is resolved stronger than Wine , yet whether it will be so or not , when wit is joyned to it , may prove a fresh question .

Marrying ( as our friend the late Ambassador hath wittily observed ) would certainly cure it ; but that is a kind of live Pigeons laid to the soals of the feet , a last remedy , and ( to say truth ) worse than the disease .

But ( Jack ) I remember I promised you a letter , not a Treaty ; I now expect you should be just , and as I have shewed you how to get out of love , so you ( according to our bargain ) should teach me how to get into it . I know you have but one way , and will prescribe me now to look upon Mistris Howard ; but for that I must tell you aforehand , that it is love as in Antipathy ; The Capers which will make my Lord of Dorset go from the Table , another man will eat up . And ( Jack ) if you would make a visit to Bedlam , you shall find , that there are rarely two there mad for the same thing .

Your humble Servant .

THough ( Madam ) I have ever hitherto beleeved play to be a thing in it self as meerly indifferent as Religion to a States-man , or love made in a privie-chamber ; yet hearing you have resolved it otherwise for me , my faith shall alter without becomming more learned upon it , or once knowing why it should do so ; so great and just a Soveraignty is that your reason hath above all others , that mine must be a Rebel to it self , should it not obey thus easily ; and indeed all the infallibility of judgement we poor Protestants have , is at this time wholy in your hands .

The losse of a Mistris ( which kills men onely in Romances , and is still digested with the first meat we eat after it ) had yet in me raised up so much passion , and so just a quarrel ( as I thought ) to Fortune for it , that I could not but tempt her to do me right upon the first occasion : yet ( Maddame ) has it not made me so desperate but that I can sit down a loser both of that time and money too , when there shall be the least fear of losing you ▪

And now , since I know your Ladyship is too wise to suppose to your self impossibilities , and therefore cannot think of such a thing , as of making me absolutely good ; it will not be without some impatience that I shall attend to know what sin you will be pleased to assigne me in the room of this : something that has lesse danger about it ( I conceive it would be ) and therefore if you please ( Madam ) let it not be Women : for to say truth , it is a dyet I cannot yet rellish , otherwise then men do that on which they surfetted last .

Your humblest Servant , J. S.

Madam ,

BEfore this instant I did not beleeve Warwickshire the other world , or that Milcot walks had been the blessed shades . At my arrival here I am saluted by all as risen from the dead , and have had joy given me as preposterously and as impertinently as they give it to men who marry where they do not love . If I should now die in earnest , my friends have nothing to pay me , for they have discharged the Rites of Funeral sorrow before hand . Nor do I take it ill , that report which made Richard the second alive so often after he was dead , should kill me as often when I am alive ; The advantage is on my side : The onely quarrel I have , is that they have made use of the whole Book of Martyrs upon me ; and without all question the first Christians under the great persecutions suffered not in 500. years , so many several waies as I have done in six daies in this lewd Town . This ( Madam ) may seem strange unto you now , who know the Company I was in ; and certainly if at that time I had departed this transitory World , it had been a way they had never thought on ; and this Epitaph of the Spaniards ( changing the names ) would better have become my Grave-stone , then any other my friends the Poets would have found out for me :

Epitaph . Here lies Don Alonzo , Slain by a wound received under His left Pappe , The Orifice of which was so Small , no Chirurgion could Discover it . Reader , If thou wouldst avoid so strange A Death , Look not upon Lucinda'es eyes .

Now all this discourse of dying ( Madam ) is but to let you know how dangerous a thing it is to be long from London , especially in a place which is concluded out of the World . If you are not to be frighted hither , I hope you are to be perswaded ; and if good Sermons , or good Playes , new Braveries , or fresh Wit , Revells ( Madam ) Masks that are to be , have any Rhetorique about them , here they are I assure you in perfection ; without asking leave of the Provinces beyond Seas , or the assent of — I write not this that you should think I value these pleasures above those of Milcot : for I must here protest , I preferre the single Tabor and Pipe in the great Hall , far above them : and were there no more belonging to a journey then riding so many miles ( would my affairs conspire with my desires ) your Ladyship should find there not at the bottom of a Letter

Madam , Your humble Servant ,

Madam ,

I Thank Heaven we live in an Age in which the Widdows wear Coulers , and in a Country where the Women that lose their Husbands may be trusted with poison , knives , and all the burning coals in Europe , notwithstanding the president of Sophonisba and Portia : Considering the estate you are in now , I should reasonably imagine meaner Physitians then Seneca or Cicero might administer comfort . It is so far from me to imagine this accident should surprize you , that in my opinion it should not make you wonder ; it being not strange at all that a man who hath lived ill all his time in a house , should break a Window , or steal away in the night through an unusual Postern : you are now free , and what matter is it to a Prisoner whether the fetters be taken off the ordinary way or not ? If insteed of putting off handsomly the chain of Matrimony , he hath rudely broke it , 't is at his owne charge , nor should it cost you a tear ; Nothing ( Madam ) has worse Mine than counterfet sorrow , and you must have the height of Womans Art to make yours appear other , especially when the spectators shall consider all the story .

The sword that is placed betwixt a contracted Princesse and an Ambassador , was as much a Husband , and the onely difference was , that that sword laid in the bed , allowed one to supply its place ; this Husband denied all , like a false Crow set up in a Garden , which keeps others from the fruit it cannot taste it self : I would not have you so much as enquire whether it were with his garters or his Cloak-bag strings , nor ingage your self to fresh sighs by hearing new relations .

The Spanish Princesse Leonina ( whom Balzac delivers the Ornament of the last Age ) was wise ; who hearing a Post was sent to tell her her Husband was dead , and knowing the Secretary was in the way for that purpose , sent to stay the Post till the arrival of the Secretary , that she might not be obliged to shed tears twice . Of ill things the lesse we know , the better . Curiosity would here be as vain , as if a Cuckold should enquire whether it were upon the Couch or a Bed , and whether the Cavalier pulld off his Spurrs first or not .

I must confesse it is a just subject for our sorrow to hear of any that does quit his station without his leave that placed him there ; and yet as ill a Mine as this Act has : 't was a-la-Romansci , as you may see by a line of Mr. Shakespears , who bringing in Titinius after a lost battel , speaking to his sword , and bidding it find out his heart , adds By your leave Gods , this a Romanes part .

'T is true , I think Cloak-bag strings were not then so much in fashion ; but to those that are not Sword-men , the way is not so despicable ; and for my owne part , I assure you Christianity highly governs me in the minute in which I do not wish with all my heart that all the discontents in his Majesties three Kingdoms would find out this very way of satisfying themselves and the world .

I. S.

Sir ,

SInce the setling of your Family would certainly much conduce to the setling of your mind ( the care of the one being the trouble of the other ) I cannot but reckon it in the number of my misfortunes , that my affairs deny me the content I should take to serve you in it .

It would be too late now for me ( I suppose ) to advance or confirm you in those good resolutions I left you in , being confident your own reason hath been so just to you , as long before this to have represented a necessity of redeeming time and fame , and of taking an handsome revenge upon your self for the injuries you would have done your self .

Change I confesse ( to them that think all at once ) must needs be strange , and to you hateful , whom first your owne nature , and then custome another nature , have brought to delight in those narrow and uncouth waies we found you in . You must therefore consider that you have entred into one of those neer conjunctions of which death is the onely honourable divorce ; and that you have now to please another as well as your self ; who though she be a Woman , and by the patent she hath from nature , hath liberty to do simply ; yet can she never be so strongly bribed against her self , as to betray at once all her hopes and ends , and for your sake resolve to live miserably . Examples of such loving folly our times afford but few ; and in those there are , you shall find the stock of Love to have been greater , and their strengths richer to maintain it , than is to be feared yours can be .

Woman ( besides the trouble ) has ever been thought a Rent-charge , and though through the vain curiosity of man it has often been inclosed , yet has it seldom been brought to improve or become profitable ; It faring with marryed men for the most part , as with those that at great charges wall in grounds and plant , who cheaper might have eaten Mellons elsewhere then in their owne Gardens Cucumbers . The ruines that either time , sicknesse , or the melancholy you shall give her , shall bring ; must all be made up at your cost : for that thing a husband is but Tenant for life in what he holds , and is bound to leave the place Tenantable to the next that shall take it . To conclude , a young Woman is a Hawk upon her wings ; and if she be handsome , she is the more subject to go out at check ; Faulkners that can but seldom spring right game , should still have something about them to take them down with . The Lure to which all stoop in this world , is either garnisht with profit or pleasure , and when you cannot throw her the one , you must be content to shew out the other . This I speak not out of a desire to increase your fears which are already but too many , but out of a hope that when you know the worst , you will at once leap into the River , and swim through handsomly , and not ( weather-beaten with the divers blasts of irresolution ) stand shivering upon the brink .

Doubts and fears are of all the sharpest passions , and are still turning distempers to diseases ; through these false Opticks 't is , all that you see is like evening shaddows , disproportionable to the truth , and strangely longer then the true substance : These ( when a handsome way of living and expence sutable to your Fortune is represented to you ) makes you in their stead see want and beggery : thrusting upon your judgement impossibilities for likelyhoods , which they with ease may do ( since as Solomon saith ) they betray the succors that reason offers .

'T is true , that all here below is but diversified folly , and that the little things we laugh at Children for , we do but act our selves in great ; yet is there difference of Lunacy , and of the two , I had much rather be mad with him , that ( when he had nothing ) thought all the Ships that came into the Haven his ; Than with you , who ( when you have so much comming in ) think you have nothing ; This fear of losing all in you , is the ill issue of a worse Parent , desire of getting in you ; So that if you would not be passion-rent , you must cease to be covetous : Money in your hand is like the Conjurers Divel , which , while you think you have , that has you .

The rich Talent that God hath given , or rather lent you , you have hid up in a napkin , and Man knows no difference betwixt that and Treasures kept by ill Spirits , but that yours is the harder to come by . To the guarding of these golden Apples , of necessity must be kept those never sleeping Dragons , Fear , Jealousie , Distrust , and the like ; so that you are come to moralize AEsop , and his fables of beasts are become prophecies of you ; for while you have catcht at the shadow , uncertain riches ; you have loft the substance , true content .

The desire I have ye should be yet your self , and that your friends should have occasion to blesse the providence of misfortune , has made me take the boldnes to give you your own Character ; and to shew you your self out of your own glasse : And though all this tells you but where you are , yet it is some part of a cure to have searcht the wound . And for this time we must be content to do like Travellers , who first find out the place , and then the neerest way .

My Noble Lord ,

YOur humble Servant had the honour to receive from your hand a Letter , and had the grace upon the sight of it to blush . I but then found my owne negligence , and but now could have the opportunity to ask pardon for it . We have ever since been upon a March , and the places we are come to , have afforded rather blood than Inke : and of all things , Sheets have been the hardest to come by , specially those of Paper . If these few lines shall have the happines to kisse your hand , they can assure , that he that sent them knows none to whom he owes more obligation then to your Lordship , and to whom he would more willingly pay it : and that it must be no lesse than necessity it self that can hinder him from often presenting it . Germany hath no whit altered me , I am still the humble servant of my Lord [ ] that I was , and when I cease to be so , I must cease to be

John Suckling .

SInce you can breath no one desire that was not mine before it was yours , — or full as soon , ( for hearts united never knew divided wishes ) I must chide you ( dear Princesse ) not thank you , for your Present : and ( if at least I knew how ) be angry with you for sending him a blush , who needs must blush because you sent him one . If you are conscious of much , what am I then ? who guilty am of all you can pretend to , and somthing more — unworthinesse . But why should you at all ( Heart of my heart ) disturb the happines you have so newly given me ? or make love feed on doubts , that never yet could thrive on such a diet ? If I have granted your request — Oh! — Why will you ever say that you have studied me , and give so great an instance to the contrary ? that wretched If — speaks as if I would refuse what you desire , or could : both which are equally impossible . My dear Princesse , There needs no new Approaches where the Breach is made already ; nor must you ever ask any where , but of your fair self , for any thing that shall concern

Your humble Servant .

My Dearest Princesse ,

BUt that I know I love you more then ever any did any , and that yet I hate my self because I can love you no more , I should now most unsatisfied dispatch away this messenger .

The little that I can write to what I would , makes me think writing a dull commerce , and then — how can I chuse but wish my self with you — to say the rest . My Dear Dear , think what merit , vertue , beauty , what and how far Aglaura with all her charmes can oblige , and so far and something more I am

Your humble Servant .

A Letter to a Friend to diswade him from marrying a Widow which he formerly had been in Love with , and quitted .

AT this time when no hot Planet fires the blood , and when the Lunaticks of Bedlam themselves are trusted abroad ; that you should run mad , is ( Sir ) not so much a subject for your friends pitty , as their wonder . 'T is true , Love is a natural distemper , a kind of Small Pocks : Every one either hath had it , or is to expect it , & the sooner the better .

Thus far you are excused : But having been well cured of a Fever , to court a Relapse , to make Love the second time in the same Place , is ( not to flatter you ) neither better nor worse then to fall into a Quagmire by chance , and ride into it afterwards on purpose . 'T is not love ( Tom ) that that doth the mischief , but constancy , for Love is of the nature of a burning-glasse , which kept still in one place , fireth : changed often , it doth nothing : a kind of glowing-Coal , which with shifting from hand to hand a man easily endures . But then to marry ! ( Tom ) Why thou hadst better to live honest . Love thou knowst is blind , what will he do when he hath Fetters on thinkest thou ?

Dost thou know what marriage is ? 'T is curing of Love the dearest way , or waking a loosing Gamester out of a winning dream : and after a long expectation of a strange banquet , a presentation of a homely meal . Alas ! ( Tom ) Love-seeds when it runs up to Matrimony , and is good for nothing . Like some Fruit-trees , it must be transplanted if thou wouldst have it active , and bring forth any thing .

Thou now perchance hast vowed all that can be vowed to any one face , and thinkst thou hast left nothing unsaid to it : do but make love to another , and if thou art not suddenly furnisht with new-language , and fresh oathes , I will conclude Cupid hath used thee worse then ever he did any of his train .

After all this , to marry Widow , a kind of chew'dmeat ! What a fantastical stomack hast thou , that canst not eat of a dish til another man hath cut of it ? who would wash after another , when he might have fresh water enough for asking ?

Life is sometimes a long-journey : to be tyed to ride upon one beast still , and that halftyr'd to thy hand too ! Think upon that ( Tom. )

Well ; If thou must needs marry ( as who can tell to what height thou hast sinned ? Let it be a Maid , and no Widow : ( for as a modern Author hath wittily resolved in this case ) 't is better ( if a man must be in Prison ) to lie in a private room then in the hole .

An Answer to the Letter .

CEase to wonder ( honest Jack ) and give me leave to pitty thee , who labourest to condemn that which thou confessest natural , and the sooner had , the better .

Thus far there needs no excuse , unlesse it be on thy behalf , who stilest second thoughts ( which are by all allowed the Best ) a relapse , and talkest of a quagmire where no man ever stuck fast , and accusest constancy of mischief in what is natural , and advisedly undertaken .

'T is confest that Love changed often doth nothing ; nay 't is nothing : for Love and change are incompatible : but where it is kept fixt to its first object , though it burn not , yet it warms and cherisheth , so as it needs no transplantation , or change of soyl to make it fruitful : and certainly if Love be natural , to marry is the best Recipe for living honest .

Yes , I know what mariage is , and know you know it not , by terming it the dearest way of curing Love : for certainly there goes more charge to the keeping of a Stable full of horses , then one onely Steed : and much of vanity is therein besides : when , be the errand what it will , this one Steed shall serve your turn as well as twenty more . Oh! if you could serve your Steed so !

Marriage turns pleasing Dreams to ravishing Realities which out doe what Fancy or expectation can frame unto themselves .

That Love doth seed when it runs into Matrimony , is undoubted truth ; how else should it increase and multiply , which is its greatest blessing .

'T is not the want of Love , nor Cupids fault , if every day afford not new-language , and new-waies of expressing affection : it rather may be caused through an excesse of joy , which oftentimes strikes dumb .

These things considered I will marry , nay , and to prove the second Paradox false , I 'le marry a Widow , who is rather the chewer , then thing chewed . How strangely fantastical is he who will be an hour in plucking on a strait-boot , when he may be forthwith furnisht with enough that will come on easily , and do him as much credit , and better service ? Wine when first-broacht , drinks not half so well as after a while drawing . Would you not think him a mad man who whilst he might fair & easily ride on the beaten-road-way , should trouble himself with breaking up of gaps ? a well wayed horse will safely convay thee to thy journeys end , when an unbackt Filly may by chance give thee a fall : 'T is Prince-like to marry a Widow , for 't is to have a Taster .

T is true , life may prove a long ▪ journey ; and so believe me it must do , A very long one too , before the Beast you talke of prove tyr'd . Think you upon that ( Jack . )

Thus , Jack , thou seest my wel-tane resolution of marrying , and that a Widow , not a maid ; to which I am much induced out of what Pythagoras saith ( in his 2 da Sect. cu●iculorum ) that it is better lying in the hole , then sitting in the Stocks .

WHen I receive your lines ( my Dear Princesse ) and find there expressions of a Passion ; though reason and my own immerit tell me , it must not be for me ; yet is the Cozenage so pleasing to me , that I ( bribed by my own desires ) beleeve them still before the other . Then do I glory that my Virgin-Love has staid for such an object to fixe upon , and think how good the Stars were to me that kept me from quenching those flames ( Youth or wild Love furnished me withall ) in common and ordinary Waters , and reserved me a Sacrifice for your eyes ; — While thought thus smiles and solaces himself within me , cruel Remembrance breaks in upon our retirements , and tells so sad a Story , that ( trust me ) I forget all that pleased Fancy said before , and turnes my thoughts to where I left you . Then I consider that stormes neither know Courtship , nor Pittie , and that those rude blasts will often make you a Prisoner this Winter , if they doe no worse .

While I here enjoy fresh diversion , you make the sufferings more , by having leisure to consider them ; nor have I now any way left me to make mine equal with them , but by often considering that they are not so : for the thought that I cannot be with you to bear my share , is more intolerable ▪ to me , then if I had borne more — but I was onely born to number houres , and not enjoy them — yet can I never think my selfe unfortunate , while I can write my selfe

Aglaura , Her humble Servant .

WHen I consider ( my Dear Princesse that I have no other pretence to your favours , then that which all men have to the Original of Beauty , Light : which we enjoy not that it is the inheritance of our eyes , but because things most excellent cannot restrain themselves , but are ours , as they are diffusively good ; Then doe I find the justnesse of your quarrel , and cannot but blush to think what I doe owe , but much more to thinke what I doe pay , Since I have made the Principal so great , by sending in so little Interest — When you have received this humble confession , you will not I hope , conceive me one that would ( though upon your bidding ) enjoy my selfe , while there is such a thing in the world , as —

Aglaura — Her humble Servant . J. S.

SO much ( Dear — ) was I ever yours since I had first the honour to know you , and consequently so little my self since I had the unhappines to part with you , that you your self ( Dear ) without what I would say , cannot but have been so just as to have imagined the welcom of your own letters ; though indeed they have but removed me from one Rack , to set me on another ; from fears and doubts I had about me of your welfare , to an unquietnesse within my self , till I have deserv'd this Intelligence .

How pleasingly troublesome thought and remembrance have been to me since I left you , I am no more able now to expresse , then another to have them so . You onely could make every place you came in worth the thinking of , and I do think those places worthy my thought onely , because you made them so . But I am to leave them , and I shall do 't the willinger , because the Gamester still is so much in me , as that I love not to be told too often of my losses : Yet every place will be alike , since every good object will do the same . Variety of Beauty and of Faces ( quick underminers of Constancy to others ) to me will be but pillars to support it ; Since when they please me most , I most shall think of you .

In spite of all Philosophy , it will be hottest in my Climate , when my Sun is farthest off ; and in spite of all reason , I proclaim , that I am not my self but when I am

Yours wholy .

THough desire in those that love be still like too much sail in a storm , and man cannot so easily strike , or take all in when he pleases : Yet ( Dearest Princesse ) be it never so hard , when you shall think it dangerous , I shall not make it difficult , though — Well ; Love is love , and Aire is Aire ; and ( though you are a Miracle your self ) yet do not I believe that you can work any ; without it I am confident you can never make these two thus different in themselves , one and the self same thing ; when you shall , it will be some small furtherance towards it , that you have

Your humble servant . J. S.

Who so truly loves the fair Aglaura , that he will never know desire , at least not entertain it , that brings not letters of recommendation from her , or first a fair Pasport .

My Dear Dear ,

THink I have kist your Letter to nothing , and now know not what to answer . Or that now I am answering , I am kissing you to nothing , and know not how to go on ! For you must pardon , I must hate all I send you here , because it expresses nothing in respect of what it leaves behind with me . And oh ! Why should I write then ? Why should I not come my self ? Those Tyrants , businesse , honour , and necessity , what have they to do with you and I ? Why should we not do Loves commands before theirs whose Soveraignty is but usurped upon us ? Shall we not smell to Roses 'cause others do look on ? or gather them , 'cause there are prickles , and something that would hinder us ? Dear — I fain would — and know no hindrance — but what must come from you — and — why should any come ? since 't is not I , but you must be sensible how much time we lose , It being long since I was not my self , but

Yours .

Dear Princesse ,

FInding the date of your Letter so young , and having an assurance from [ ] who at the same time heard from Mr. [ ] that all our Letters have been delivered at [ B ] I cannot but imagine some ill mistake , and that you have not received any at all . Faith I have none in Welch , man ; and though Fear and Suspition look often so far that they oversee the right , yet when Love holds the Candle , they seldom do mistake so much . My Dearest Princesse , I shall long , next hearing you are well , to hear that they are safe : for though I can never be ashamed to be found an Idolater to such a shrine as yours , yet since the world is ful of profane eyes , the best way , sure , is to keep all mysteries from them , and to let privacy be ( what indeed it is ) the best part of devotion . So thinks

My D. D. P. Your humble Servant .

SInce the inferiour Orbes move but by the first , without all question desires and hopes in me are to be govern'd still by you , as they by it . What mean these fears then ? Dear Princesse .

Though Planets wander , yet is the Sphere that carries them the same still ; and though wishes in me may be extravagant , yet he in whom they make their motion is , you know , my dear Princesse ,

Yours , and wholy to be disposed of by you .

And till we hear from you , though ( according to the form of concluding a Letter ) we should now rest , we cannot .

Fair Princesse ,

IF parting be a sin ( as sure it is ) what then to part from you ? if to extenuate an ill be to increase it , what then now to excuse it by a letter ? That which we would alledge to lessen it , with you perchance has added to the guilt already , which is our sodain leaving you . Abruptnesse is an eloquence in parting , when Spinning out of time , is but the weaving of new sorrow . And thus we thought yet not being able to distinguish of our owne Acts , the fear we may have sinn'd farther then we think of , has made us send to you , to know whether it be Mortal or not .

For the Two Excellent Sisters .

THough I conceive you ( Ladies ) so much at leisure that you may read any thing , yet since the stories of the Town are meerly amorous , and sound nothing but Love , I cannot without betraying my owne judgement make them news for Wales . Nor can it be lesse improper to transport them to you , then for the King to send my Lord of C. over Ambassador this winter into Green-land .

It would want faith in so cold a Countrey as Anglesey , to say that your Cozen Dutchesse , for the quenching of some foolish flames about her , has endured quietly the losse of much of the Kings favour , of many of her houses , and of most of her friends .

Whether the disfigurement that Travel or sicknes has bestowed upon B W. be thought so great by the Lady of the Isle , as 't is by others , and whether the alteration of his face has bred a change in her mind — it never troubles you — Ladies . What old Loves are decay'd , or what new ▪ ones are sprung up in their room ; Whether this Lady be too discreet , or that Cavalier not secret enough ; are things that concern the inhabitants of Anglesey not at all . A fair day is better welcom and more news , then all that can be said in this kind . And for all that I know now , the Divels Chimney is on fire , or his pot seething over , and all North-Wales not able to stay the fury of it . Perchance while I write this , a great black cloud is sayling from Mistris Thomasses bleak Mountains over to Baron-hill , there to disgorge it self with what the Sea or worse places fed it with before .

It may be the honest banks about you turn bankrupt too , and break ; and the Sea like an angry Creditor seizes upon all , and hath no pitty , because he has been put off so long from time to time . For variety ( and it is not impossible ) some boysterous wind flings up the hangings ; and thinking to do as much to your cloths , finds a resistance , and so departs , but first breaks all the windows about the house for it in revenge .

These things now we that live in London cannot help , and they are as great news to men that sit in Boxes at Black-Fryars , as the affairs of Love to Flannel-Weavers .

For my own part , I think I have made a great complement , when I have wisht my self with you , and more then I dare make good in Winter : and yet there is none would venture farther for such a happines then

Your humble servant .

The Wine-drinkers to the Water-drinkers , greeting .

WHereas by your Ambassador two daies since sent unto us , we understand that you have lately had a plot to surprize ( or to speak more properly ) to take the waters ; and in it have not onely a little miscarryed , but also met with such difficulties , that unlesse you be speedily relieved , you are like to suffer in the adventure ; We as well out of pitty to you , as out of care to our State and Common-Wealth ( knowing that Women have ever been held necessary , and that nothing relisheth so well after Wine ) have so far taken it into our consideration , that we have neglected no means since we heard of it first , that might be for your contents , or the good of the cause ; and therefore to that purpose we have had divers meetings at the Bear at the Bridge-foot , and now at length have resolv'd to dispatch to you one of our Cabinet-Councel , Colonel Young , with some slight Forces of Canary , and some few of Sherry , which no doubt will stand you in good steed , if they do not mutiny and grow too head-strong for their Commander ; him Captain Puffe of Barton shall follow with all expedition , with two or three Regiments of Claret ; Monsieur de Granville , commonly called Lieutenant Strutt , shall lead up the Reer of Rhenish and White . These succors thus timely sent , we are confident will be sufficient to hold the Enemy in Play ; and till we hear from you again , we shall not think of a fresh supply : For the Waters ( though perchance they have driven you into some extremities , and divers times forc't their passages through some of your best guarded places ) yet have they , if our intelligence fail us not , hitherto had the worst of it still , and evermore at length plainly run away from you .

Given under our hands at the Bear , this fourth of July .

SInce Joy ( the thing we all so Court ) is but our hopes stript of our fears , pardon me if I be still pressing at it , and like those that are curious to know their fortunes aforehand desire to be satisfied , though it displeases me afterward . To this Gentleman ( who has as much in-sight as the t'other wanted Ey-sight ) I have committed the particulars , which would too much swell a Letter : if they shall not please you , 't is but fresh subject still for Repentance ; nor ever did that make me quarrel with any thing but my owne starres . To swear new oaths from this place , were but to weaken the credit of those I have sworn in another : if heaven be to forgive you now for not beleeving of them then , ( as sure as it was a sin ) heaven forgive me now for swearing of them then ( for that was double sin . ) More then I am I cannot be , nor list ,

Yours , I. S.

I am not so ill a Protestant as to beleeve in merit , yet if you please to give answer under your owne hand , such as I shall for ever rely upon : if I have not deserv'd it already , it is not impossible but I may .

To a Cosin ( who still loved young Girles , and when they came to be mariageable , quitted them , and fell in love with fresh ) at his fathers request , who desired he might be perswaded out of the humour , and marry . Honest Charles ,

WEre there not fooles enow before in the Common-Wealth of Lovers , but that thou must bring up a new Sect ? Why delighted with the first knots of roses , and when they come to blow ( can satisfie the sence , and do the end of their Creation ) dost not care for them ? Is there nothing in this foolish transitory world that thou canst find out to set thy heart upon , but that which has newly left off making of dirt-pyes , and is but preparing it self for loam , and a green ▪ sicknes ? Seriously ( Charles ) and without ceremony , 't is very foolish , and to love widdows is as tolerable an humour , and as justifiable as thine — for beasts that have been ridd of their legges are as much for a mans use , as Colts that are un-way'd , and will not go at all : — Why the divel such yong things ? before these understand what thou wouldst have , others would have granted . Thou dost not marry them neither , nor any thing else . 'Sfoot it is the story of the Jack-an-apes and the Partridges ; thou starest after a beauty till it is lost to thee , & then let'st out another , and starest after that till it is gone too . Never considering that it is here as in the Thames , and that while it runs up in the middle , it runnes down on the sides ; while thou contemplat'st the comming-in-tide and flow of Beauty , that it ebbes with thee , and that thy youth goes out at the same time : After all this too , She thou now art cast upon will have much ado to avoid being ugly . Pox on 't , Men will say thou wert benighted , and wert glad of any Inne . Well! ( Charles ) there is another way if you could find it out . Women are like Melons : too green , or too ripe , are worth nothing ; you must try till you find a right one . Tast all , but hark you — ( Charles ) you shall not need to eat of all , for one is sufficient for a surfet : Your most humble servant .

I should have perswaded you to marriage , but to deal ingeniously , I am a little out of arguments that way at this present : 'T is honourable , there 's no question on 't ; but what more , in good faith I cannot readily tell .

Madam ,

TO tell you that neither my misfortunes nor my sins did draw from me ever so many sighs as my departure from you has done , and that there are yet tears in mine eyes left undryed for it ; or that melancholy has so deeply seized me , that colds and diseases hereafter shall not need above half their force to destroy me , would be I know superfluous and vain , since so great a goodnesse as yours , cannot but have out-beleeved already what I can write .

He never knew you that will not think the losse of your Company , greater then the Imperialists can all this time the losse of all their Companies ; and he shall never know you that can think it greater then I , who though I never had neither wisdom nor wit enough to admire you to your worth , yet had my Judgement ever so much right in it , as to admire you above all . And thus he saies that dares swear he is

Your most devoted servant .

Madam ,

THe distrust I have had of not being able to write to you any thing which might pay the charge of reading , has perswaded me to forbear kissing your hands at this distance : So , like Women that grow proud , because they are chaste ; I thought I might be negligent , because I was not troublesom . And , were I not safe in your goodnes , I should be ( Madam ) in your judgement ; which is too just to value little observances , or think them necessary to the right honouring my Lady .

Your Ladyship I make no doubt , will take into consideration , that superstition hath ever been fuller of Ceremony then the true worship . When it shall concern any part of your real service , and I not throw by all respects whatsoever to manifest my devotion , take what revenge you please . Undo me Madam : Resume my best Place and Title ; and let me be no longer .

Your humble servant .

Madam ,

BY the same reason the Ancients made no sacrifice to death , should your Ladyship send me no Letters ; since there has been no return on my side . But the truth is , the place affords nothing : all our dayes are ( as the Women here ) alike : and the difference of Fair , does rarely shew it selfe ; Such great State do Beauty and the Sun keep in these parts . I keep company with my own Horses ( Madam ) to avoid that of the men ; and by this you may guesse how great an enemy to my living contentedly my Lady is , whose conversation has brought me to so fine a diet , that , wheresoever I go , I must starve : all daies are tedious , companies troublesom , and Books themselves ( Feasts heretofore ) no relish in them . Finding you to be the cause of all this , Excuse me ( Madam ) if I resent : and continue peremptory in the resolution I have taken to be

Madam , during life , Your humblest Servant ,

Madam ,

BUt that I know your goodnes is not mercinary , and that you receive thanks , either with as much trouble as men ill news , or with as much wonder as Virgins unexpected Love , this letter should be full of them . A strange proud return you may think I make you ( Madam ) when I tell you , it is not from every body I would be thus obliged ; and that if I thought you did me not these favours because you love me ; I should not love you because you do me these favours . This is not language for one in Affliction , I confesse , and upon whom it may be at this present , a cloud is breaking ; but finding not within my self I have deserv'd that storm ; I will not make it greater by apprehending it .

After all , least ( Madam ) you should think I take your favours as Tribute ; to my great grief , I here declare , that the services I shall be able to render you , will be no longer Presents , but payments of Debts ; since I can do nothing for you hereafter , which I was not obliged to do before .

Madam , Your most humble and faithful servant .

My Noble Friend .

THat you have overcome the danger of the Land and of the Sea , is news most welcom to us , and with no lesse joy receiv'd amongst us than if the King of Sweden had the second time overcome Tilley , and again past the Meine and the Rhine . Nor do we in this look more upon our selves and private interests , then on the publike , since in your safety both were comprised . And though you had not had about you the affairs and secrets of State , yet to have left your own person upon the way , had been half to undoe our poor Iland , and the losse must have been lamented with the tears of a whole Kingdom .

But you are now beyoud all our fears , and have nothing to take heed on your self , but fair Ladies . A pretty point of security ; and such a one as all Germany cannot afford . We here converse with Northern Beauties , that had never heat enough to kindle a spark in any mans breast , where heaven had been first so merciful , as to put in a reasonable soul .

There is nothing either fair or good in this part of the world ; and I cannot name the thing can give me any content , but the thought that you enjoy enough otherwhere : I having ever been since I had the first honour to know you ,

Yours , more then his owne .

My Lord ,

TO perswade one that has newly ship-wrackt upon a Coast to imbarque sodainly for the same place again , or your Lordship to seek that content you now enjoy in the innocence of a solitude , among the disorders and troubles of a Court , were I think a thing the King himself ( and Majesty is no ill Orator ) would find some difficulty to do . And yet when I consider that great soul of yours , like a Spider , working all inwards , and sending forth nothing , but like the Cloister'd Schoolmens Divinity , threads fine and unprofitable : if I thought you would not suspect my being serious all this while , for what I should now say , I would tell you that I cannot but be as bold with you as your Ague is , and for a little time , whether you will or not entertain you scurvily .

When I consider you look ( to me ) like — I cannot but think it as odd a thing , as if I should see Van Dike with all his fine colours and Pensills about him , his Frame , and right Light , and every thing in order , and yet his hands tyed behind him : and your Lordship must excuse me if upon it I be as bold .

The wisest men , and greatest States have made no scruple to make use of brave men whom they had laid by with some disgrace ▪ nor have those brave men so laid by , made scruple , or thought it a disgrace to serve again , when they were called to it afterwards .

These general motives of the State and Common good , I will not so much as once offer up to your Lordships consideration , though ( as 't is fit ) they have still the upper end : yet , like great Oleoes , they rather make a shew then provoke Appetite . There are two things which I shall not be ashamed to propound to you , as ends ; since the greater part of the wise men of the world have not been ashamed to make them theirs : and if any has been found to contemn them , it hath been strongly to be suspected that either they could not easily attain to them , or else that the readiest way to attain to them was to contemn them . These two are Honour and Wealth : and though you stand possest of both of them , yet is the first in your hands like a sword , which , if not through negligence , by mischance hath taken rust , and needs a little clearing ; and it would be much handsomer a present to posterity , if you your self in your life time wipe it off .

For your Estate ( which it may be had been more had it not been too much ) though it is true that it is so far from being contemptible , that it is Nobly competent , yet must it be content to undergo the same fate greater states ( Common-wealths themselves ) have been & are subject to : which is , when it comes to be divided in it self , not to be considerable . Both Honour and Estate are too fair and sweet Flowers , to be without Prickles , or to be gathered without some scratches .

And now ( my Lord ) I know you have nothing to urge but a kind of incapability in your self to the service of this State ; when indeed you have made the onely bar you have , by imagining you have one ▪

I confesse ( though ) had vice so large an Empire in the Court , as heretofore it has had , or were the times so dangerous that to the living well there , wise conduct were more necessary then vertue it self ; Your Lordship would have reason ( with AEsops countrey-mouse ) to undervalue all change of condition ; since a quiet-mediocrity is still to be preferred before a troubled superfluity : but these things are now no more : and if at any time they have threatned that Horizon , like great clouds , either they are fallen of themselves to the ground , or else , upon the appearing of the Sunne ( such a Prince as ours is ) they have vanished , and left behind them clear and fair daies . To descend to parts , envie is so lessen'd , that it is almost lost into vertuous emulation , every man trusting the Kings judgement so far , that he knows no better measure of his own merit , then his reward . The little word behind the back , and undoing whisper , which , like pulling of a sheat-rope at Sea , slackens the sail , and makes the gallantest ship stand still ; that that heretofore made the faulty and the innocent alike guilty , is a thing , I beleeve , now so forgot ; or at least so unpractiz'd , that those that are the worst , have leisure to grow good , before any will take notice they have been otherwise , or at least divulge it .

'T is true , Faction there is , but 't is as true , that it is as winds are , to clear , and keep places free from corruption ; the oppositions being as harmlesse , as that of the meeting-tides under the bridge , whose encounter makes it but more easie for him that is to passe . To be a little pleasant in my instances ; The very women have suffered reformation , and wear through the whole Court their faces as little disguised now , as an honest mans actions should be , and if there be any have suffer'd themselves to be gained by their servants , their ignorance of what they granted may well excuse them from the shame of what they did . So that it is more then possible to be great and good : and we may safely conclude , if there be some that are not so exact , as much as they fall short of it , just so much they have gone from the great Original , God ; and from the best Copies of him on earth , the King and the Queen .

To conclude , If those accidents or disasters which make men grow lesse in the world ( as some such , my Lord , have happened to you ) were inevitable as death , or , when they were once entered upon us , there were no cure for them ; examples of others would satisfie me for yours ; but since there have been that have delivered themselves from their ills , either by their good Fortune , or Vertue , 't would trouble me that my friends should not be found in that number , as much as if one should bring me a Catalogue of those that truly honoured my Lord of — and I should not find among the first ,

Your humble Servant ,

To Mr. Henry German , in the beginning of PARLIAMENT , 1640. Sir ,

THat it is fit for the King to do something extraordinary at this present , is not onely the opinion of the wise , but the expectation . Men observe him more now then at other times : for Majestie in an Eclipse , like the Sun , draws eyes that would not so much as have looked towards it , if it had shined out , and appeared like it self . To lie still now , would , at the best , shew but a calmnesse of mind , not a magnanimity ; since in matter of government , to think well ( at any time , much lesse in a very active ) is little better then to dream well . Nor must he stay to act till his people desire , because 't is thought nothing relishes else : for therefore hath nothing relisht with them , because the King hath for the most part stayed till they have desired ; done nothing but what they have or were petitioning for . But , that the King should do , will not be so much the question , as what he should do . And certainly , for a King to have right counsel given him , is at all times strange , and at this present impossible . His party for the most part ( I would that were modestly said , and it were not all ) have so much to do for their own preservation , that they cannot ( without breaking a law in nature ) intend anothers . Those that have courage have not perchance innocence , and so dare not shew themselves in the Kings busines ; and if they have innocence , they want parts to make themselves considerable ; so consequently the things they undertake . Then , in Court , they give much counsel , as they beleeve the King inclin'd , determine his good by his desires : which is a kind of setting the Sun by the Dial , Interest which cannot erre , by passions which may .

In going about to shew the King a Cure , now a man should first plainly shew him the disease . But to Kings , as to some kind of Patients , it is not alwaies proper to tell how ill they be : and it is too like a Countrey clown not to shew the way , unles he know from whence , and discourse of things before .

Kings may be mistaken , and Councellors corrupted ; but true interest alone ( saith Monsieur de Rohan ) cannot erre . It were not amisse then to find out the Interest : for setting down right principles before conclusions , is weighing the scales before we deal out the commodity .

Certainly the great interest of the King is , A union with his People , and whosoever hath told him otherwise ( as the Scripture saith of the divel ) was a seducer from the first . If there ever had been any one Prince in the whole world that made a felicity in this life , and left fair Fame after death , without the love of his Subjects , there were some colour to despise it .

There was not among all our Princes a greater Courtier of the People then Richard the third , not so much out of fear , as out of wisedom . And , shall the worst of our Kings have striven for that ? and shall not the best ? ( it being an Angelical thing to gain love . )

There are 2. things in which the people expect to be satisfied ; Religion , and Justice : nor can this be done by any little acts , but by Royal and Kingly resolutions .

If any shall think that by dividing the factions ( a good rule at other times ) he shall master the rest now , he will be strangely deceived : for in the beginning of things That would do much , but not when whole Kingdoms are resolv'd . Of those now that lead these parties , if you could take off the major number , the lesser would govern , and do the same things still : nay , if you could take off all , they would set up one , and follow him .

And of how great consequence it is for the King to resume this right , and be the author himself , let any body judge : since as Cumneus said , those that have the art to please the People , have commonly the power to raise them .

To do things so that there shall remain no jealousie , is very necessary , and is no more then really reforming , that is , pleasing them . For to do things that shall grieve hereafter , and yet pretend love ( amongst lovers themselves , where there is easiest faith ) will not be accepted . It will not be enough for the King to do what they desire , but he must do somthing more : I mean ( by doing more ) doing somthing of his owne , as throwing away things they call not for , or giving things they expected not . And when they see the King doing the same things with them , it will take away all thought and apprehension that he thinks the things they have done already ill .

Now if the King ends the differences , and takes away suspect for the future , the case will fall out to be no worse then when two duellists enter the Field , where the worsted party ( the other having no ill opinion of him ) hath his sword given him again ( without further hurt after he is in the others power . ) But otherwise it is not safe to imagine what may follow : for the people are naturally not valiant , and not much Cavalier . Now it is the nature of Cowards to hurt where they can receive none . They will not be content ( while they fear and have the upper hand ) to fetter only Royalty , but perchance ( as timorous spirits use ) will not think themselves safe while that is at all . And possibly , this is the present state of things .

In this great work ( at least to make it appear perfect and lasting to the Kingdom ) it is necessary the Queen really joyn ; for if she stand aloof , there will still be suspicions : it being a received opinion in the world , that she hath a great interest in the Kings favor and power . And to invite her , she is to consider with her self , whether such great vertues and eminent excellencies ( though they be highly admired & valued by those that know her ) ought to rest satisfied with so narrow a payment as the estimation of a few ? And whether it be not more proper for a great Queen to arrive at universal honour , and love , then private esteem and value .

Then , how becomming a work , for the sweetnes and softnes of her Sex , is composing of differences , and uniting hearts ? and how proper for a Queen , reconciling King and People ?

There is but one thing remains , which whisper'd abroad , busies the Kings mind much ( if not disturbs it ) in the midst of these great Resolutions , and that is , The preservation of some servants , whom he thinks somwhat hardly torn from him of late : which is of so tender a nature ; I shal rather propound something about it , then resolve it .

The first Quaere will be , Whether as things now stand ( Kingdoms in the ballance ) the King is not to follow nature , where the conservation of the more general still commands and governs the lesse . As Iron by particular sympathy sticks to the loadstone , but yet if it be joyned with a great body of Iron , it quits those particular affections to the loadstone , and moves with the other , to the greater , the common Countrey .

The second will be , Whether , if he could preserve those ministers , they can be of any use to him hereafter ? since no man is served with a greater prejudice , then he that employs suspected instruments , or not beloved , though able and deserving in themselves .

The third is , Whether , to preserve them , there be any other way then for the King to be first right with his people ? since the rule in Philosophy must ever hold good , nihil dat quod non habet . Before the King have power to save , he must have power .

Lastly , Whether the way to preserve this power be not to give it away ? For the people of England have ever been like wantons , which pull and tugg as long as the princes have pull'd w●th them , as you may see in Hen. 3. King John , Edw. 2. and indeed , all the troublesom and unfortunate reigns ; but when they have let it go , they come and put it into their hands again , that they may play on : as you may see in Queen Elizabeth .

I will conclude with a prayer ( not that I think it needs at this present : Prayers are to keep us from what may be , as well as to preserve us from what is ) That the King be neither too insensible of what is without him , nor too resolved from what is within him . To be sick of a dangerous sicknes , and find no pain , cannot but be with losse of understanding ( T is an Aphorisme of Hippocrates ) and on the other side , Opiniastrie is a sullen Porter , and ( as it was wittily said of Constancy ) shutts out often-times , Better things then it lets in .

FINIS .

AN ACCOVNT OF RELIGION BY REASON . A Discourse upon Occasion presented to the Earl of Dorset .

By Sir JOHN SUCKLING .

Printed by his owne Copy .

Lucret. pag. 227. Tentat enim dubiam mentem rationis egestas .

LONDON , Printed by Ruth Raworth for Humphrey Moseley , and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Princes Arms in S. Pauls Church-yard . 1646.

The Epistle .

I Send you here ( my Lord ) that Discourse enlarged , which frighted the Lady into a cold sweat , and which had like to have made me an Atheist at Court , and your Lordship no very good Christian . I am not ignorant that the fear of Socinianisme at this time , renders every man that offers to give an account of Religion by Reason , suspected to have none at all : yet I have made no scruple to run that hazard , not knowing why a man should not use the best Weapon his Creator hath given him for his defence . That Faith was by the Apostles both highly exalted , and severely enjoyned , is known to every man , and this upon excellent grounds ; for it was both the easiest and best way of converting : the other being tedious , and almost uselesse : for but few among thousands are capable of it , and those few not capable at all times of their life , Judgement being required . Yet the best servant our Saviour ever had upon Earth , was so far from neglecting or contemning Reason , that his Epistles were admired , even by those that embraced not the Truthes he delivered . And indeed , had the Fathers of the Church only bid men beleeve , and not told them why , they had slept now un-Sainted in their Graves , and as much benighted with Oblivion , as the ordinary Parish-Priests of their owne Age.

That man is deceivable , is true ; but what part within him is not likelyer then his Reason ? For as Manilius said , Nam neque decipitur ratio nec decipit unquam .

And how unlikely is it that that which gives us the Prerogative above other Creatures , and wholy entitles us to future happinesse , should be laid aside , and not used to the acquiring of it .

But by this time ( my Lord ) you finde how apt those which have nothing to do themselves , are to give others trouble . I shall onely therefore let you know that your Commands to my Lord of Middlesex are performed ; and that when you have fresh ones , you cannot place them where they will be more willingly received , then by

Bath , Sept. 2. Your humble Servant , John Suckling .

A Discourse by Sir John Suckling , Knight .

AMong the truths ( my Lord ) which we receive , none more reasonably commands our belief , then those which by all men , at all times have been assented to . In this number and highest I place this great one , that there is a Deity ; which the whole world hath been so eager to embrace , that rather then it would have none at all , it hath too often been contented with a very mean one .

That there should be a great Disposer and Orderer of things , a wise Rewarder and Punisher of good and evil , hath appeared so equitable to men ▪ that by instinct they have concluded it necessary ; Nature ( which doth nothing in vain ) having so far imprinted it in us all , that should the envie of Predecessors deny the secret to Succeders , they yet would find it out . Of all those little ladders with which we seale heaven , and climb up to our Maker , that seems to me not the worst , of which man is the first step . For but by examining how I , that could contribute nothing to mine owne being , should be here , I come to ask the same question for my Father , and so am led in a direct line to a last Producer , that must be more then man . For if man made man , Why died not I when my Father died ? since according to that Maxime of the Philosophers , the cause taken away , the effect does not remain . Or if the first man gave himself being , why hath he it not still ? Since it were unreasonable to imagine any thing could have power to give it self life , that had no power to continue it . That there is then a God , will not be so much the dispute , as what this God is , or how to be worshipped , is that which hath troubled poor mortals from the first , nor are they yet in quiet . So great has been the diversity , that some have almost thought God was no lesse delighted with variety in his service , then he was pleased with it in his works . It would not be amisse to take a survey of the world from its cradle ; and with Varro , divide it into three Ages : the Unknown , the Fabulous , and the Historical .

The first was a black night , and discovered nothing : the second was a weak and glimmering light , representing things imperfectly and falsly : the last ( more clear ) left handsom monuments to posterity . The unknown I place in the age before the Flood , for that Deluge swept away things as well as men , and left not so much as footsteps to trace them by . The fabulous began after the Flood ; in this time Godheads were cheap , & men not knowing where to choose better , made Deities one of another . Where this ended , the historical took beginning : for men began to ingrave in pillars , and to commit to Letters , as it were by joynt consent : for the three great Epoches or Termes of Accompt were all established within the space of 30. yeers : The Grecians reckoning from their Olympiades : The Romans from the building of their City : and the Babilonians from their King Salmonassar . To bring into the scale with Christian Religion any thing out of the first Age , we cannot ; because we know nothing of it .

And the second was so fabulous , that those which took it up afterwards , smil'd at it as ridiculous and false ( which though was easier for them to do then to shew a true . ) In the historical , it improved , and grew more refined : but here the Fathers entred the field , and so cleerly gained the victory , that I should say nothing in it , did I not know it still to be the opinion of good wits , that the particular Religion of Christians has added little to the general Religion of the World . Let us take it then in its perfecter estate , and look upon it in that age which was made glorious by the bringing forth of so many admirable spirits , and this was about the 80. Olympiad , in the year of the world 3480. for in the space of an 100. yeers , flourished almost all that Greece could boast of , Socrates , Plato , Aristotle , Architas , Isocrates , Pythagoras , Epicurus , Heraclitus , Xenophon , Zeno , Anaxagoras , Democritus , Demosthenes , Parmenides , Zenocrates , Theophrastes , Empedocles , Tymaeus , with divers others , Orators and Poets . Or rather ( for they had their Religion one from another , and not much different ) let us take a view of it in that Century in which Nature ( as it were to oppose the Grecian insolence ) brought forth that happy birth of Roman wits : Varro , Cicero , Caesar , Livie , Salust , Virgil , Horace , Vitruvius , Ovid , Pliny , Cato , Marcus Brutus , and this was from Quintus Servilius his Consulship to that of Augustus , 270. yeers after the other . And to say truth , a great part of our Religion , either directly or indirectly hath been professed by Heathens ; which I conceive not so much an exprobation to it , as a confirmation ; it being no derogating from truth , to be warranted by common consent .

First then , the Creation of the world is delivered almost the same in the Phoenician stories with that in Moses ; from this the Grecians had their Chaos , and Ovid the beginning of his Metamorphosis . That All things were made by God , was held by Plato , and others ; that darknes was before light , by Thales ; that the Stars were made by God , by Aratus ; that life was infused into things by the breath of God , Virgil ; that Man was made of dust , Hesied , and Homer ; that the first life of man was in simplicity and nakednes , the AEgyptians taught : and from thence the Poets had their Golden Age. That in the first times mens lives lasted a thousand yeers , Berosus , and others : that somthing divine was seen amongst men , till that the greatnes of our sins gave them cause to remove , Catullus : and this he that writes the story of Columbus , reports from the Indians of a great Deluge , almost all . But to the main , they hold one God , and though multiplicity hath been laid to their charge , yet certainly the clearer spirits understood these petty Gods as things , not as Deities ; second causes , and several vertues of the great power : by Neptune , water ; Juno , aire ; by Dispater , earth ; by Vulcan , fire ; and sometimes one God signified many things , as Jupiter the whole world , the whole heaven ; and sometimes many gods , one thing , as Ceres , Juno magna , the earth . They concluded those to be vices which we do ; nor was there much difference in their vertues ; onely Christians have made ready beleef the highest , which they would hardly allow to be any . They held rewards for the good , and punishments for the ill ; had their Elizium , and their hell ; and that they thought the pains eternal there , is evident , in that they beleev'd from thence was no return . They proportion'd sufferings hereafter , to offences here ; as in Tantalus , Sisyphus , and others , among which that of Conscience ) the worm that never dies ) was one , as in the Vultures gnawing of Promotheus heart , and Virgils ugliest of Furies thundring in Pirithous ear , was not obscurely shown ; and yet neerer us , they held the number of the Elect to be but small , and that there should be a last day in which the World should perish by fire . Lastly they had their Priests , Temples , Altars .

We have seen now the Parallel , let us enquire whether those things they seem to have in common with us , we have not in a more excellent manner , and whether the rest in which we differ from all the world , we take not up with reason . To begin then with their Jupiter ( for all before were but little stealthes from Moses workes ) how much more like a Deity are the actions our stories declare our God to have done , then what the Ethnick Authors deliver of theirs ? How excellently elevated are our descriptions of him ? Theirs looking as if they knew that power onely by their fears , as their Statues erected to him declare : for when he was Capitolinus , he appeard with thunder ; when Latiaris , besmear'd with blood ; when Feretrius , yet more terrible : We may ghesse what their conceptions were , by the worship they gave him : How full of cruelty were their sacrifices ? it being received almost through the whole world , that gods were pleased with the blood of men : and this custom neither the Grecian Wisdom , nor Roman Civility abolished , as appears by sacrifices to Bacchus .

Then the ceremonies of Liber Pater , and Ceres , how obscene ? and those daies which were set a part for the honour of the gods , celebrated with such shews as Cato himself was ashamed to be present at . On the contrary , our services are such as not only Cato , but God himself may be there : we worship him that is the purest Spirit , in purity of spirit ; and did we not beleeve what the Scriptures deliver from himfelf , yet would our reason perswade us that such an Essence could not be pleased with the blood of beasts , or delighted with the steam of fat : and in this particular , Christians have gone beyond all others except the Mahometans ; besides whom there has been no Nation that had not sacrifice , and was not guilty of this pious cruelty .

That we have the same vertues with them is very true ; but who can deny that those vertues have received additions from Christianity , conducing to mens better living together ? revenge of injuries Moses both took himself , and allowed by the Law to others ; Cicero and Aristotle placed it in vertues quarter : We extol patient bearing of injuries ; and what quiet the one , what trouble the other would give the world , let the indifferent judge . Their justice only took care that men should not do wrong : ours that they should not think it , the very coveting severely forbidden : and this holds too in chastity , desire of a woman unlawfully being as much a breach of the commandement , as their enjoying , which shew'd not only the Christians care , but wisdom to prevent ill , who provided to destroy it where it was weakest in the Cradle , and declared , He was no lesse then a God which gave them these Laws ; for had he been but man , he never would have provided or taken care for what he could not look into , the hearts of Men , and what he could not punish , their thoughts . What Charity can be produced answerable to that of Christians ? Look upon the Primitive times , and you shall find that ( as if the whole World had been but a private Family ) they sent from Province to Province , and from Places farre distant , to Releeve them they never saw nor knew .

Now for the happinesse which they proposed : if they take it as the Heathens understood it , it was an Elizium , a place of blessed shades , at best but a handsom retirement from the troubles of this World : if according to the duller Jewes , Feastings and Banquettings ; ( for it is evident that the Sadduces , who were great observers of the Mosaical Law , had but faint thoughts of any thing to come ) there being in Moses books no promises but of Temporal blessings , and ( if any ) an obscure mention of eternity . The Mahometans are no lesse sensual , making the renewing of youth , high Feasts , a woman with great eyes , and drest up with a little more fancie , the last and best good .

Then the hell ; How gentle with the Heathens ? but the rowling of a stone , filling of a sieve with water , sitting before Banquets , and not daring to touch them , exercising the trade and businesses they had on earth ; with the Mahometans , but a Purgatory acted in the grave , some pains inflicted by a bad Angel , and those qualified and mitigated too , by an assisting good one . Now for the Jewes , as they had no hopes , so they had no fears ; so that if we consider it rightly , neither their punishments were great enough to deter them from doing ill , nor their rewards high enough to invite men to strictnes of life ; for since every man is able to make as good a heaven of his own , it were unreasonable to perswade him to quit that certain happines for an uncertainty : whereas Christians with as much more noble consideration both in their heaven and hell took care not onely for the body but the soul , and for both above mans apprehension .

The strangest , though most Epidemical disease of all Religions , has been an imagination men have had , that the imposing painful and difficult things upon themselves , was the best way to appease the Deity , grosly thinking the chief service and delight of the Creator to consist in the tortures and sufferings of the Creature . How laden with chargeable and unnecessary Ceremonies the Jews were , their feasts , circumcisions , sacrifices , great Sabbaths , and little Sabbaths , fasts , burials , indeed almost all their worship , sufficiently declare : and that the Mahometans are much more infected , appeares by the cutting of the Praepuces , wearing iron rings in the skin of their Fore parts , launcing themselves with knives , putting out their eyes upon the sight of their Prophets Tombe , and the like . Of these last we can shew no patterns amongst us : for though there be such a thing as whipping of the body , yet it is but in some parts of Christendom , and there perchance too , more smil'd at then practis'd . Our Religion teacheth us to bear afflictions patiently when they fall upon us , but not to force them upon our selves : for we beleeve the God we serve , wise enough to chuse his owne service , and therefore presume not to adde to his commands . With the Jews it is true we have somthing in common , but rather the names then thinges : Our Fasts being more the medicines of the body , then the punishments of it , spiritual , as our Sabbaths ; both good mens delight , not their trouble .

But least this discourse should swell into a greatnesse , such as would make it look rather like a defence which I had labour'd to get , then an accompt which I alwaies carry about me ; I will now briefly examine , whether we beleeve not with reason those things we have different from the rest of the world . First then , for the perswasion of the truth of them in general : let us consider what they were that conveigh'd them to us : men ( of all the world ) the most unlikely to plot the cozenage of others , being themselves but simple people , without ends , without designes , seeking neither honour , riches , nor pleasure , but suffering ( under the contrary ) ignominy , poverty , and misery ; enduring death it self , nay courting it : all which are things distasteful to nature , and such as none , but men strangely assured , would have undergone . Had they feigned a story , certainly they would not in it have registred their owne faults , nor deliver'd him whom they propounded as a God , ignominiously crucified : add to this the progresse their doctrine made abroad , miraculous above all other either before or since : other Religions were brought in with the sword , power , forcing a custom , which by degrees usurp'd the place of truth : this even power it self opposing . For the Romans ( contrary to their custome which entertained all Religions kindly ) persecuted this : which by its owne strength so possessed the hearts of men , that no age , sex , or condition , refused to lay down life for it . A thing so rare in other Religions , that among the Heathens , Socrates was the sole martyr : and the Jews ( unlesse of fome few under Manasses and Antiochus ) have not to boast of any . If we cast our eyes upon the healing of the blind , curing the lame , redeeming from the grave , and but with a touch or word , we must conclude them done by more then humane power , and if by any other , by no ill ; These busie not themselves so much about the good of man : and this Religion not only forbids by precept the worship of wicked spirits , but in fact destroys it wheresoever it comes . Now as it is clear by Authors impartial ( as being no Christians ) that strange things were done , so it is plain they were done without imposture . Delusions shun the light ; These were all acted openly , the very enemies both of the master and disciples daily looking on . But let us descend to those more principal particulars , which so much trouble the curious wits : these I take to be the Incarnation , Passion , Resurrection , and Trinity .

For the first , That man should be made without man , why should we wonder more at it in that time of the world , then in the beginning ? much easier , certainly , it was here , because neerer the natural way ; Woman being a more prepared matter then earth . Those great truths , and mysteries of salvation would never have been received without miracles ; and where could they more opportunely be shown , then at his entrance into the world , where they might give credit to his following actions and doctrine ? So far it is from being against my reason to think him thus borne , that it would be against it to beleeve him otherwise ; it being not fit that the Son of God should be produced like the race of men . That humane nature may be assumed by a Deity , the enemy of Christians , Julian , confirms ; and instances ( himself ) in AEsculapius , whom he will have descend from heaven in mortal shape , to teach us here below the Art of Physick . Lastly , That God has liv'd with men , has been the general fancy of all Nations : every particular having this tradition ; that the Deity at some time or other conversed amongst men . Nor is it contrary to reason to beleeve him residing in glory above , and yet incarnate here : So in man himself , the soul is in heaven when it remains in the flesh , for it reacheth with its eye the Sun ; why may not God then being in heaven , be at the same time with us in the flesh ? since the soul without the body would be able to do much more then with it , and God much more then the soul , being the soul of the soul . But it may be urged as more abstruse , how all in heaven , and all in earth ? Observe man speaking ( as you have done seeing ) Is not the same speech , at the instant it is uttered , all in every place ? Receives not each particular ear , alike , the whole ? and shall not God be much more Ubiquitary then the voice of man ? For the Passion ( to let alone the necessity of satisfying divine Justice this way , which , whosoever reads more particularly our Divines , shall find rationally enforced ) we find : the Heathen had something neer to this ( though , as in the rest , imperfect ) for they sacrificed single men for the sins of the whole City or Countrey . Porphyrius having laid this foundation : That the supreme happines of the soul is to see God , and that it cannot see him unpurified , concludes , That there must be a way for the cleansing of Mankind ; and proceeding to find it out , he tells that Arts and Sciences serve but to set our wits right in the knowledge of things , and cleanse us not enough to come to God : the like judgment he gives of purging by Theurgie , and by the mysteries of the Sun ; because those things extend but to some few , whereas this cleansing ought to be universal for the benefit of all mankind : in the end resolves that this cannot be done , but by one of the three In-beings , which is the word they use to expresse the Trinity by . Let us see what the divinest of the Heathens ( and his Master Plato ) delivers , to admiration , and as it were Prophetically , to this purpose . That a truly just man be shewn ( saith he ) it is necessary that he be spoil'd of his Ornaments , so that he must be accounted by others a wicked man , be scoffed at , put in prison , beaten , nay be crucified : and certainly for him that was to appear the highest example of patience , it was necessary to undergo the highest tryal of it , which was an undeserved death .

Concerning the Resurrection , I conceive the difficulty to lie not so much upon our Lord , as us ; it being with easie Reason imagined , that he which can make a body , can lay it down , and take it up again . There is somthing more that urges and presses us : for in our estate we promise our selves hereafter , there will be no need of Food , Copulation , or Excrement , to what purpose should we have a mouth , belly , or lesse comely parts ? it being strange to imagine God to have created man , for a moment of time , a body consisting of particulars , which should be uselesse to all eternity . Besides , Why should we desire to carry that along with us which we are ashamed of here , and which we find so great a trouble , that very wise men ( were it not forbidden ) would throw it off before it were worn out ? To this I should answer , that as the body is partner in well or ill doing , so it is but just it should share in the rewards or punishments hereafter : and though by reason of sin we blush at it here , yet when that shall cease to be , why we should be more ashamed then our first Parents were , or some in the last discover'd parts of the World are now , I cannot understand . Who knowes but these unsightly parts shall remain for good use , and that putting us in mind of our imperfect estate here , they shall serve to increase our content and happines there ? What kind of thing a glorified body shall be , how chang'd , how refin'd , who knowes ? Nor is it the meanest invitement to me now , to think that my estate there , is above my capacity here . There remaines that which does not onely quarrel with the likelyhood of a Resurrection , but with the possibility ; alleadging , that man corrupted into dust , is scattered almost into infinite , or devoured by an irrational creature , goes into aliment , and grows part of it ; then that creature perchance is made like food to another : And truly did we doubt of Gods power , or not think him omnipotent , this were a Labyrinth we should be lost in : but it were hard , when we see every petty Chymick in his little shop bring into one body things of the same kind , though scatter'd and disorder'd ; that we should not allow the great Maker of all things to do the same in his owne Universe .

There remains onely the mistery of the Trinity ; to the difficulty of which , the poverty and narrownesse of words have made no small addition .

St. Austin plainly saies the word Person was taken up by the Church for want of a better ; Nature , Substance , Essence , Hypostasis , Suppositum , and Persona , have caused sharp disputes amongst the Doctors : at length they are contented to let the three first and three last signifie the same thing . By all of them is understood somthing Compleat , Perfect , and Singular : in this onely they differ , that Nature , Substance , Essence are communicable ad quid , and ut quo ( as they call it ) The other are not at all : but enough of this ; Those that were the immediate Conveighers of it to us , wrapt it not up in any of these terms . We then hold God to be one , and but one , it being grosse to imagine two omnipotents , for then neither would be so ; yet since this good is perfectly good , and perfect goodnes cannot be without perfect love , nor perfect love without communication , nor to an unequal or created , for then it must be inordinate ; We conclude a Second Coeternal though Begotten : nor are these contrary ( though they seem to be so ) even in created substances , that one thing may come from another , and yet that from whence it comes , not be before that which comes from it ; as in the Sun and Light . But in these high mysteries , similitudes may be the best Arguments . In Metaphysicks they tell us , that to the constituting of every being , there is a Posse sui esse , from whence there is a Sapientia sui esse , and from these two proceedeth an Amor sui esse : and though these three be distinct , yet they make up one perfect being . Again , and more familiarly ; There is a hidden Original of waters in the earth , from this a spring flows up , and of these proceeds a stream : this is but one essence , which knows neither a before , nor an after , but in order , and ( that too ) according to our considering of it : the Head of a Spring is not a Head , but in respect of the Spring ; for if somthing flow'd not from it , it were no Original , Nor the Spring a Spring if it did not flow from somthing , nor the Stream a Stream but in respect of both : Now all these three are but one Water , and though one is not the other , yet they can hardly be considered one without the other . Now , though I know this is so far from a demonstration , that it is but an imperfect instance ( perfect being impossible of infinite by finite things ) yet there is a resemblance great enough to let us see the possibility . And here the eye of Reason needed no more the spectacles of Faith , then for these things of which we make sympathy the cause , as in the Load-stone , or antipathy , of which every man almost gives instance from his owne nature : nor is it here so great a wonder that we should be ignorant ; for this is distant and removed from sence ; these neer and subject to it ; and it were stranger for me to conclude that God did not work ad extra , thus one and distinct within himself , because I cannot conceive how begotten , how proceeding ; then if a Clown should say the hand of a Watch did not move , because he could not give an account of the wheels within . So far is it from being unreasonable , because I do not understand it , that it would be unreasonable I should : For why should a created substance comprehend an uncreated , A circumscribed and limited , an uncircumscrib'd and unlimited ? And this I observe in those great Lovers and Lords of Reason , quoted by the Fathers , Zoroastres , Trismegistus , Plato , Numenius , Plotinus , Proclus , Amelius , and Avicen , that when they spoke of this mystery of the Trinity , of which all writ something , and some almost as plainly as Christians themselves , that they discussed it not as they did other things , but delivered them as Oracles which they had received themselves , without dispute .

Thus much of Christian Profession compared with others : I should now shew which ( compar'd within it self ) ought to be preferred : but this is the work of every pen , perhaps to the prejudice of Religion it self . This excuse ( though ) it has , that ( like the chief Empire ) having nothing to conquer , no other Religion to oppose or dispute against , it hath been forced to admit of Civil wars , and suffer under its owne excellency .

FINIS .

AGLAURA . PRESENTED At the Private House in Black-Fryers , by his Majesties Servants .

Written by Sir JOHN SVCKLING .

LONDON , Printed for Tho. Walkley , and are to be sold by Humphrey Moseley , at his shop , at the signe of the Princes armes in St. Pauls Church-yard , 1646.

PROLOGVE . I 'Ve thought upon 't ; and cannot tell which way Ought I can say now , should advance the Play . For Playes are either good , or bad ; the good , ( If they doe beg ) beg to be understood . And in good faith , that has as bold a sound , As if a Beggar should aske twenty pound . — Men have it not about them : Then ( Gentlemen ) if rightly understood , The bad do need lesse Prologue than the good : For if it chance the Plot be lame , or blinde , Ill cloath'd , deform'd throughout , it needs must finde Compassion , — It is a beggar without Art : — But it falls out in penny-worths of Wit , As in all bargaines else . Men ever get All they can in ; will have London measure , A handfull over in their very pleasure . And now yee have 't ; hee could not well deny'ee , And I dare sweare hee 's scarce a saver by yee .

Prologue to the Court. THose common passions , hopes , and feares , that still , The Poets first , and then the Prologues fill In this our age , hee that writ this , by mee , Protests against as modest foolerie . Hee thinks it an odde thing to be in paine , For nothing else , but to be well againe . Who writes to feare is so ; had hee not writ , You ne're had been the Iudges of his wit ; And when hee had , did he but then intend To please himselfe , he sure might have his end Without th' expence of hope , and that he had That made this Play , although the Play be bad . Then Gentlemen be thriftie , save your doomes For the next man , or the next Play that comes ; For smiles are nothing , where men doe not care , And frownes as little , where they need not feare .

To the King . THis ( Sir ) to them , but unto Majestie . All hee has said before , hee does denie . Yet not to Majestie : that were to bring His feares to be , but for the Queen and King , Not for your selves ; and that hee dares not say : Y' are his Soveraignes another way : Your soules are Princes , and you have as good A title that way , as yee have by blood To governe , and here your power 's more great And absolute , than in the royall Seat . There men dispute , and but by Law obey , Here is no Law at all , but what yee say .

Scena Persia .

King , In love with Aglaura . Thersames , Prince , in love with Aglaura . Orbella , Queen , at first Mistresse to Ziriff : in love with Ariaspes . Ariaspes , Brother to the King . Ziriff , Otherwayes Sorannez disguised , Captaine of the Guard , in love with Orbella , brother to Aglaura . Iolas , A Lord of the Councell , seeming friend to the Prince , but a Traytour , in love with Semanthe . Aglaura , In love with the Prince , but nam'd Mistresse to the King . Orsames , A young Lord antiplatonique ; friend to the Prince . Philan , The same . Semanthe , In love with Ziriff ; platonique . Orithie , In love with Thersames . Pasithas , A faithfull servant . Jolinas , Aglaura's waiting-woman . Courtiers . Huntsmen . Priest . Guard .

AGLAURA .

ACTUS I. SCENA I. Enter IOLAS , IOLINA . Jolas , MArried ? and in Diana's Grove ! Jolin . So was th' appointment , or my Sense deceiv'd me . Jolas , Married ! Now by those Powers that tye those pretty knots , 'T is very fine , good faith 't is wondrous fine : Jolin . What is , Brother ? Jolas , Why ? to marrie Sister — T' injoy 'twixt lawfull and unlawfull thus A happinesse , steale as 't were ones owne ; Diana's Grove , sayest thou ? — Scratcheth his head . Jolin . That 's the place ; the hunt once up , and all Ingag'd in the sport , they meane to leave The company , and steale unto those thickets , Where , there 's a Priest attends them ; Jolas , And will they lye together think'st thou ? Jolin . Is there distinction of sex thinke you ? Or flesh and bloud ? Jolas , True ; but the King , Sister ! Jolin . But love , Brother ! Jolas , Thou sayest well ; 'T is fine 't is wondrous fine : Diana's Grove — Jolin . Yes , Diana's grove , But Brother if you should speake of this now , — ( so fast : Jol. Why thou know'st a drowning man holds not a thing Semanthe ! she shuns me too : ( Enter Semanthe she sees Jolin . The wound festred sure ! ( Iolas and goes in agen . The hurt the boy gave her , when first Shee look'd abroad into the world , is not yet cur'd . Iolas , What hurt ? Iolin . Why , know you not Shee was in love long since with young Zorannes , ( Aglaura's brother , ) and the now Queens betroth'd ? Iolas , Some such slight Tale I 'ave heard . Iolin . Slight ? she yet does weep , when she but hears him nam'd , And tels the prettiest , and the saddest stories Of all those civill wars , and those Amours , That , trust me both my Lady and my selfe Turne weeping Statues still . Iolas , Pish , 't is not that . 'T is Ziriff and his fresh glories here Have rob'd me of her . Since he thus appear'd in Court , My love has languish'd worse than Plants in drought . But time 's a good Physician : come , le ts in : The King & Queen by this time are come forth . Exeunt . Enter Serving-men to Ziriff . 1 Serv. Yonder 's a crowd without , as if some strange Sight were to be seen to day here . 2 Serv.

Two or three with Carbonadoes afore in stead of faces mistook the doore for a breach , & at the opening of it , are striving still which should enter first .

3 Serv. Is my Lord busie ? ( Knocks . ) Enter Ziriff as in his Studie . 1 Serv. My Lord there are some Souldiers without — Zir. Well ▪ I will dispatch them presently . 2 Serv. Th' embassadours from the Cadusians too — Zir. Shew them the Gallerie . 3 Serv. One from the King — Zir. Again ? I come , I come . Exeunt Serving-men . Ziriff solus . Greatnesse , thou vainer shadow of the Princes beames , Begot by meere reflection , nourish'd in extreames ; First taught to creepe , and live upon the glance , Poorely to fare , till thine owne proper strength Bring thee to surfet of thy selfe at last . How dull a Pageant , would this States-play seeme To mee now ; were not my love and my revenge Mixt with it ? — Three tedious Winters have I waited here , Like patient Chymists blowing still the coales , And still expecting , when the blessed houre Would com , should make me master of The Court Elixar , Power , for that turnes all : 'T is in projection now ; downe , sorrow , downe , And swell my heart no more , and thou wrong'd ghost Of my dead father , to thy bed agen , And sleep securely ; It cannot now be long , for sure Fate must , As 't has been cruell , so ▪ a while be just . Exit . Enter King and Lords , the Lords intreating for Prisoners . King . I say they shall not live ; our mercie Would turne sinne , should we but use it er'e : Pittie , and Love , the bosses onely be Of government meerly for show and ornament . Feare is the bit that mans proud will restraines , And makes its vice its vertue — See it done . Enter to them Queen , Aglaura , Ladies , the King addresses himselfe to Aglaura . So early , and so curious in your dresse , ( faire Mistresse ? ) These prettie ambushes and traps for hearts Set with such care to day , looke like designe : Speake , Lady , is 't a massacre resolv'd ? Is conquering one by one growne tedious sport ? Or is the number of the taken such , That for your safetie you must kill out-right ? Agl. Did none doe greater mischiefe ( Sir ) than I , Heav'n would not much be troubled with sad storie , Nor would the quarrell man has to the Starres Be kept alive so strongly . King . When hee does leave 't Woman must take it up , and justly too ; For robbing of the sex and giving all to you . Agl. Their weakenesses you meane and I confesse Sir . King . The greatest subjects of their power or glorie . Such gentle rape thou act'st upon my soule , And with such pleasing violence dost force it still ; That when it should resist , it tamely yeilds , Making a kinde of haste to be undone , As if the way to victorie were losse , And conquest came by overthrow . Enter an Expresse delivering a Packet upon his knee . The King reads . Qu. Prettie ! The Queen looking upon a flower in one of the Ladies heads . Is it the child of nature , or of some faire hand ? La. 'T is as the beauty Madam of some faces , Arts issue onely . King . Thersames , This concernes you most , brought you her picture ? Exp. Somthing made up for her in hast I have . ( Presents King . If she does owe no part of this faire dower ( the Picture . Vnto the Painter , she is rich enough . Agl. A kinde of merry sadnesse in this face Becomes it much . King . There is indeed , Aglaura , A prettie sullenesse drest up in smiles , That sayes this beauty can both kill , and save . How like you her Thersames ? Ther. As well as any man can doe a house By seeing of the portall , here 's but a face , And faces ( Sir ) are things I have not studied ; I have my dutie , and may boldly sweare . What you like best will ever please me most . King . Spoke like Thersames , and my sonne , Come ! the day holds faire , Let all the Hunts-men meet us in the vale , We will uncouple there . Exeunt . Ariaspes : solus stayes behinde . Ariasp . How odd a thing a croud is unto me ! Sure nature intended I should be alone , Had not that old doting man-mid-wife Time Slept , when he should have brought me forth ▪ I had Been so too — Studies and Scratches his head . To be borne nere , and onely nere a crowne — Enter Jolas . Iol. How now my Lord ? What ? walking o' th' tops of Pyramids ? Whispering your selfe away Like a deny'd lover ? come ! to horse , to horse , And I will shew you streight a sight shall please you More than kinde lookes from her you dote upon After a falling out . Ariasp . Prithee what is 't ? Iol. I le tell you as I goe . — Exeunt . Enter Hunts-men hollowing and whooping . Hunt . Which way ? which way ? Enter Thersames , Aglaura muffled . Ther. This is the grove 't is somwhere here within . — Ex. Enter dogging of them , Ariaspes , Jolas . Iol. Gently ! Gently ! Enter Orsames , Philan , a Huntsman , two Courtiers . Hunts. No hurt , my Lord , I hope . Ors. None , none , Thou wouldst have warranted it to another , If I had broke my neck : What ? dost thinke my horse and I shew tricks ? That which way soever he throwes me Like a tumblers boy I must fall safe ?

Was there a bed of roses there ? would I were Eunuch if I had not as leif h'a falne in the state , as where I did ; the ground was as hard , as if it had been pav'd with Platonicke Ladies hearts , and this unconscionable fellow askes whether I have no hurt ; where 's my horse .

1 Court . Making love to the next mare I thinke . 2 Court . Not the next I assure you , Hee 's gallop't away , as if all the spurs i ▪ th' field Were in his sides . Ors. Why there 's it ▪ the jades in the fashion too . Now ha's done me an injurie , he will not come nere me . Well when I hunt next , may it be upon a starv'd cow , Without a saddle too .

And may I fall into a saw-pit , and not be taken up , but with suspition of having been private , with mine owne beast there . Now I better consider on 't too , Gentlemen , 't is but the same thing we doe at Court ; here 's every man striving who shall be formost , and hotly pursuing of what he seldome overtakes , or if he does , it 's no great matter .

Phi.

He that 's best hors'd ( that is best friended ) gets in soonest , and then all hee has to doe is to laugh at those thȧt are behind . Shall we helpe you my Lord ? —

Ors Prithee doe — stay ! To be in view , is to be in favour , Is it not ? Phi.

Right ,

And he that has a strong faction against him , hunts , upon a cold sent , and may in time come to a losse .

Ors.

Here 's one rides two miles about , while another leapes a ditch and is in before him .

Phi. Where note the indirect way 's the nearest . Ors. Good againe — Phi.

And here 's another puts on , and fals into a Quagmire , ( that is ) followes the Court till he has spent all ( for your Court quagmire is want of money ) there a man is sure to stick and then not one helps him out , if they doe not laugh at him .

1 Court . What think you of him , that hunts after my rate And never sees the Deere ? 2 Court . Why he is like some young fellow , that follows The Court , and never sees the King . Ors . To spurre a horse till he is tir'd , is Phi. To importune a friend till he be weary of you . Ors . For then upon the first occasion y' are thrown off , As I was now . Phi. This is nothing to the catching of your horse Orsames . Ors . Thou say'st true , I think he is no transmigrated Philosopher , & therfore not likely to be taken with morals . Gentlemen — your help , the next I hope will be yours , And then 't will be my turne . — Exeunt . Enter againe married , Thersames , Aglaura , Priest . Ther 's . Feare not my Deare , if when Loves diet Was bare lookes and those stolne too , He yet did thrive ! what then Will he doe now ? when every night will be A feast , and every day fresh revelrie . Agl. Will he not surfet , when he once shall come To grosser fare ( my Lord ) and so grow sicke , And Love once sicke , how quickly will it dye ? Ther. Ours cannot ; 't is as immortall as the things That elemented it , which were our soules : Nor can they ere impaire in health , for what These holy rites doe warrant us to doe , More than our bodyes would for quenching thirst ▪ Come let 's to horse , we shall be mist , For we are envies marke , and Court eyes carry farre . Your prayers and silence Sir : — to the Priest . Exeunt . Enter Ariaspes , Jolas . Ari. If it succeed ? I weare thee here my Jolas — Iol. If it succeed ? will night succeed the day ? Or houres one to another ? is not his lust The Idoll of his soule ? and was not she The Idoll of his lust ? as safely he might Have stolne the Diadem from off his head ▪ And he would lesse have mist it . You now , my Lord , must raise his jealousie , Teach it to looke through the false opticke feare , And make it see all double : Tell him the Prince Would not have thus presum'd , but that he does Intend worse yet ; and that his crowne and life Will be the next attempt . Ari. Right , and I will urge How dangerous 't is unto the present state , To have the creatures , and the followers Of the next Prince ( whom all now striue to please ) Too neere about him : Iol. What if the male-contents that use To come unto him were discovered ? Ari. By no meanes ; for 't were in vaine to give Him discontent ( which too must needs be done ) If they within him gav 't not nourishment . Iol. Well ▪ I le away first , for the print's too big If we be seene together . — Exit . Ari. I have so fraught this Barke with hope , that it Dares venture now in any storme , or weather ; And if he sinke or splits , all 's one to me . " Ambition seemes all things , and yet is none , " But in disguise stalkes to opinion " And fooles it into faith , for every thing : 'T is not with th' ascending to a Throne , As 't is with staires , and steps , that are the same ; For to a Crowne , each humour 's a degree ; And as men change , and differ , so must wee . The name of vertue doth the people please , Not for their love to vertue , but their ease , And Parrat Rumour I that tale have taught . By making love I hold the womans grace , 'T is the Court double key , and entrance gets To all the little plots ; the fierie spirits My love to Armes hath drawne into my faction ; All , but the minion of the Time , is mine , And he shall be , or shall not be at all . He that beholds a wing in pieces torne , And knows not that to heav'n it once did beare The high-flowne and selfe-less'ning bird will thinke And call them idle Subjects of the winde : When he that has the skill to imp and binde These in right places , will thus truth discover ; That borrowed Instruments doe oft convey The Soule to her propos'd Intents , and where Our Stars deny ▪ Art may supply — Exit . Enter Semanthe , Orithie , Orsames , Philan. Sem. Thinke you it is not then The little jealousies ( my Lord ) and feares , Joy mixt with doubt , and doubt reviv'd with hope That crownes all love with pleasure ? these are lost When once we come to full fruition ; Like waking in the morning , when all night Our fancie has been fed with some new strange delight . Ors . I grant you , Madam , that the feares , and joyes , Hopes , and desires , mixt with despaires , and doubts , Doe make the sport in love ; that they are The very dogs by which we hunt the Hare ; But as the dogs would stop , and straight give o're Were it not for the little thing before ; So would our passions ; both alike must be Flesh ▪ t in the chase . Ori. Will you then place the happinesse , but there , Where the dull plow-man , and the plow-mans horse Can find it out ? Shall Soules refin'd , not know How to preserve alive a noble flame , But let it die , burne out to appetite ? Sem. Love 's a Chamelion , and would live on aire , Physick for Agues , starving is his food . Ors . Why ? there 's it now ! a greater Epicure Lives not on earth ? my Lord and I have been In 's Privie kitchin , seen his bills of Fare . Sem. And how , and how my Lord ? Ors. A mightie Prince , And full of curiositie — Harts newly slaine Serv'd up intire , and stucke with little Arrowes In stead of Cloaves — Phi. Sometimes a cheeke plumpt up With broth , with creame and claret mingled For sauce , and round about the dish Pomegranate kernells , strew'd on leaves of Lillies . Ors. Then will he have black eyes , for those of late He feeds on much , and for varietie The gray — Phi. You forget his cover'd dishes Of Jene-strayes , and Marmalade of Lips , Perfum'd by breath sweet as the beanes first blossomes . Sem. Rare ! And what 's the drinke to all this meat , my Lord ? Ors. Nothing but pearle dissolv'd , teares still fresh fetch'd From Lovers eyes , which if they come to be Warme in the carriage , are streight cool'd with sighs . Sem. And all this rich proportion , perchance We Would allow him : Ors. True ! but therefore this is but his common diet ; Onely serves When his chiefe Cookes , Liking and Opportunitie , Are out o' th' way ; for when hee feasts indeed , 'T is there , where the wise people of the world Did place the vertues , i' th' middle — Madam . Ori. My Lord there is so little hope we should cōvert you ; And if we should , so little got by it , That wee ll not loose so much upon 't as sleepe . Your Lordships servants — Ors. Nay Ladies wee ▪ ll wait upon you to your chambers . Ph. Prithee le ts spare the complement , we shall doe no good Ors. By this hand I le try , They keepe me fasting ▪ and I must be praying . Exeunt . Aglaura undressing of her selfe , Jolina . Agl. Undresse mee : — Is it not late , Iolina ? It was the longest day , this — Enter Thersames . Ther. Softly , as Death it selfe comes on , When it does steale away the sicke mans breath , And standers by perceive it not ▪ Have I trod , the way unto these lodgings . How wisely doe those Powers That give us happinesse , order it ? Sending us still feares to bound our joyes , Which else would over-flow and lose themselves : See where shee sits , Like day retir'd into another world . Deare mine ! where all the beautie man admires In scattered pieces , does united lye . Where sense does feast , and yet where sweet desire Lives in its longing , like a Misers eye , That never knew , nor saw sacietie : Tell me ▪ by what approaches must I come To take in what remaines of my felicitie ? Agl. Needs there any new ones , where the breach Is made already ? you are entred here — Long since ( Sir ) here and I have giv'n up all . Ther. All but the Fort , and in such wars , as these , Till that be yeilded up there is no peace , Nor triumph to be made ; come ! undoe , undoe , And from these envious clouds slide quicke Into Loves proper Sphere , thy bed : The wearie traveller , whom the busie Sunne Hath vex't all day , and scortch ▪ d almost to tinder . Nere long'd for night as I have long ▪ d for this . What rude hand is that ? One knockes hastily . Goe Iolina , see but let none enter — Iolina goes to the doore . Iol. 'T is Zeriff , Sir . Ther. — Oh — Something of weight hath falne out it seemes , Which in his zeale he could not keepe till morning . But one short minute , Deare , into that chamber . — Enter Ziriff . How now ? Thou start'st , as if thy sinnes had met thee , Or thy Fathers ghost ; what newes man ? Zir. Such as will send the blood of hastie messages Unto the heart , and make it call All that is man about you into councell ? Where 's the Princesse , Sir ? Ther. Why ? what of her ? Zir. The King must have her — Ther. How ? Zir. The King must have her ( Sir ) Ther. Though feare of worse makes ill , still relish better And this looke handsome in our friendship , Ziriff , Yet so severe a preparation — There needed not : come , come ! what is t ? Ziriff leads him to the doore , and shewes him a Guard . A Guard ! Thersames , Thou art lost ; betray'd By faithlesse and ungratefull man , Out of a happinesse : — He steps between the doore and him and drawes . The very thought of that , Will lend my anger so much noble justice , That wert thou master of as much fresh life , As th' ast been of villany , it should not serve , Nor stocke thee out , to glorie , or repent The least of it . Zir. Put up : put up ! such unbecomming anger I have not seene you weare before . What ? draw upon your friend , Discovers himselfe . Doe you beleeve me right now ? — Ther. I scarce beleeve mine eyes : — Zorannes . Zir. The same , but how preserv'd , or why Thus long disguis'd to you a freer houre must speake : That y' are betrai'd is certaine , but by whom , Unlesse the Priest himselfe , I cannot ghesse More than the marriage , though he knowes not of : If you now send her on these early summons Before the sparks are growne into a flame , You to redeeme th' offence , or make it lesse ; And ( on my life ) yet his intents are faire , And he will but besiege , not force affection . So you gaine time ; if you refuse , there 's but One way ; you know his power and passion . Ther. Into how strange a labyrinth am I Now falne ! what shall I doe Zorannes ? Zir. Doe ( Sir ) as Sea-men , that have lost their light And way : strike saile , and lye quiet a while . Your forces in the Province are not yet In readinesse , nor is our friend Zephines Arriv'd at Delphos ; nothing is ripe , besides — Ther. Good heavens , did I but dreame that she was mine ? Upon imagination did I climbe up to This height ? let mee then wake and dye , Some courteous hand snatch mee from what 's to come , And ere my wrongs have being give them end : Zir. How poore , and how unlike the Prince is this ? This trifle woman does unman us all ; Robs us so much , it makes us things of pittie . Is this a time to loose our anger in ? And vainly breathe it out ? when all wee have Will hardly fill the saile of Resolution , And make us beare up high enough for action . Ther. I have done ( Sir ) pray chide no more ; The slave whom tedious custome has enur'd And taught to thinke of miserie as of food , Counting it but a necessarie of life , And so digesting it , shall not so much as once Be nam'd to patience ▪ when I am spoken of : Marke mee ; for I will now undoe my selfe As willingly , as virgins give up all first nights To them they love : — Offers to goe out . Zir. Stay , Sir , 't were fit Auglara yet were kept In ignorance : I will dismisse the Guard , And be my selfe againe . Exit . Ther. In how much worse estate am I in now , Than if I neare had knowne her ; privation , Is a miserie as much above bare wretchednesse , As that is short of happinesse : So when the Sunne does not appeare , 'T is darker , cause it once was here . Enter Ziriff speakes to Orsames and others halfe entred . Zir. Nay , Gentlemen : There needs no force , where there is no resistance : I le satisfie the King my selfe . Ther. — Oh 't is well y' are come , There was within me fresh Rebellion , And reason was almost unking'd agen . But you shall have her Sir — Goes out to fetch Aglaura . Zir. What doubtfull combats in this noble youth Passion and reason have ! — Enter Thersames leading Aglaura . Ther. Here Sir — Gives her , goes out . Agl. What meanes the Prince , my Lord ? Zir. Madam , his wiser feare has taught him to disguise His love , and make it looke a little rude at parting . Affaires that doe concerne ▪ all that you hope from Happinesse , this night force him away : And lest you should have tempted him to stay , ( Which hee did doubt you would and would prevaile ) He left you thus : he does desire by mee You would this night lodge in the little tower , Which is in my command ▪ the reasons why Himselfe will shortly tell you . Agl. 'T is strange , but I am all obedience — Exeunt .

ACTUS II. SCENA I. Enter Thersames , Jolas a Lord of the Counsell Iol. I Told him so , Sir , urg'd 't was no common knot , That to the tying of it two powerfull Princes , Vertue and Love were joyn'd and that A greater than these two was now Ingaged in it , Religion ; but 't would , not doe , The corke of passion boy'd up all reason so That what was said ▪ swam but o' th' top of th' eare Nere reach't the heart : Ther. Is there no way for Kings to shew their power , But in their Subjects wrongs ? no subject neither But his owne sonne ? Iol. Right Sir : No quarrie for his lust to gorge on , but on what You fairly had flowne at and taken : Well — wert not the King , or wert indeed Not you , that have such hopes , and such a crowne To venter , and yet — 'T is but a woman . Ther. How ? that but againe , and thou art more enjurious Than hee , and woul't provoke me sooner . Iol. Why Sir ? There are no Altars yet addrest unto her , Nor sacrifice ; if I have made her lesse Than what she is , it was my love to you : For in my thoughts , and here within , I hold her The Noblest peece Nature ere lent our eyes , And of the which ▪ all women else , are but Weake counterfeits , made up by her journey-men . But was this fit to tell you ? I know you value but too high all that , And in a losse we should not make things more , 'T is miseries happinesse , that wee can make it lesse By art , through a forgetfulnesse upon our ils , Yet who can doe it here ? When every voyce , must needs , and every face , By shewing what she was not , shew what she was . Ther. I le instantly unto him — drawes . Iol. Stay Sir : Though 't be the utmost of my Fortunes hope To have an equall share of ill with you : Yet I could wish we sold this trifle life , At a farre dearer rate , then we are like to doe , Since 't is a King's the Merchant . Ther. Ha! King , I ! t is indeed . And there 's no Art can canncell that high bond : Iol. — He cooles againe . — ( to himselfe . ) True Sir , and yet mee thinkes to know a reason — For passive nature nere had glorious end , And he that States preventions ever learn'd , Knowes , 't is one motion to strike and to defend . Enter Serving-man . Serv. Some of the Lords without , and from the King , They say , wait you . Ther. What subtle State tricke now ? But one turne here , and I am back my Lord. — Exit . Iol. This will not doe ; his resolution 's like . A kilfull horse-man and reason is the stirrop , Which though a sudden shock may make It loose , yet does it meet it handsomly agen . Stay , ' t must be some sudden feare of wrong To her , that may draw on a sudden act From him , and ruine from the King ; for suth A spirit will not like common ones , be Rais'd by every spell , 't is in loves circle Onely 't will appeare . Enter Thersames . Thir. I cannot beare the burthen of my wrongs One minute longer . Iol. Why ! what 's the matter Sir ? Thir. They doe pretend the safety of the State Now , nothing but my marriage with Cadusia Can secure th' adjoyning countrey to it ; Confinement during life for me if I refuse Diana's Nunnerie for her — And at that Nunn'rie , Iolas , Allegiance in me like the string of a Watch Wound up too high and forc'd above the nicke , Ran back , and in a moment was unravell'd all . Iol. Now by the love I beare to Justice , That Nunn'rie was too severe ; when vertuous love 's a crime What man can hope to scape a punishment , Or who 's indeed so wretched to desire it ? Ther. Right ! Iol. What answer made you , Sir ! Ther. None , they gave me till to morrow , And e're that be , or they or I Must know our destinie : Come friend let 's in , there is no sleeping now ; For time is short , and we have much to doe . — Exeunt . Enter Orsames , Philan Courtiers . Ors . Judge you , Gentlemen , if I be not as unfortunate As a gamester thinks himselfe upon the losse Of the last stake ; this is the first she I ever swore too heartily , and ( by those eyes ) I thinke I had continued unperjur'd a whole moneth , ( And that 's faire you 'll say . ) 1 Court . Very faire — Ors . Had she not run mad betwixt . — 2 Court . How ? mad ? Who ? Semanthe ? Ors . Yea , yea , mad , aske Philan else . People that want cleere intervalls talke not So wildly : I le tell you Gallants ▪ 't is now , since first I Found my selfe a little hot and quivering 'bout the heart , Some ten dayes since , ( a tedious Ague ) Sirs ; ( But what of that ? ) The gracious glance , and little whisper past , Approches made from th' hand unto the lip . I came to visit her , and ( as you know we use ) Breathing a sigh or two by way of prologue , Told her , that in Loves Physicke 't was a rule , Where the disease had birth to seeke a cure ; It had no sooner nam'd love to her , but she Began to talke of Flames , and Flames , Neither devouring , nor devour'd , of Aire , And of Camelions — 1 Court . Oh the Platoniques . 2 Court . Those of the new religion in love ! your Lordship 's merrie , Troth how doe you like the humor on 't ? Ors . As thou wouldst like red haire , or leannesse In thy Mistresse ; scurvily , 't does worse with handsomnesse , Than strong desire would doe with impotence ; A meere tricke to inhance the price of kisses — Phi. Sure these silly women , when they feed Our expectation so high , doe but like Ignorant Conjurers , that raise a Spirit Which handsomly they cannot lay againe : Ors . True , 't is like some that nourish up Young Lions till they grow so great they are affraid of Themselves , they dare not grant at last , For feare they shou d not satisfie . Phi. Who 's for the Town ? I must take up againe , Ors .

This villanous Love 's as changeable as the Philosophers Stone and thy Mistresse as hard to compasse too !

Phi. The Platonique is ever so ; they are as tedious Before they come to the point , as an old man Fall'n into the Stories of his youth ; 2 Cour. Or a widow into the praises of her first husband , Ors . Well if she hold out but one moneth longer , If I doe not quite forget , I ere beleaguer'd there , And remove the siege to another place , may all The curses beguil'd virgins lose upon their perjur'd lovers Fall upon mee . Phi. And thou woult deserve 'em all . Ors . For what ? Phi. For being in the company of those That tooke away the Prince's Mistresse from him . Ors . Peace , that will be redeem'd — I put but on this wildnesse to disguise my selfe ; There are brave things in hand , heark i' thy ear● : — ( Whisper ) 1. Court . Some severe plot upon a maiden-head . These two young Lords make love , As Embroyderers work against a Mask , night and day ; They think importunity a neerer way then merit , And take women as Schoole-boyes catch Squirrells . Hunt 'em up and downe till they are wearie , And fall downe before'm . Ors . Who loves the Prince failes not — Phi. And I am one : my injuries are great as thine , And doe perswade as strongly . Ors . I had command to bring thee , Faile not and in thine owne disguise , Phi. Why in disguise ? Ors . It is the Princes policie and love ; For if we should miscarrie , Some one taken might betray the rest Unknowne to one another , Each man is safe , in his owne valour ; 2 Court . And what Mercers wife are you to cheapen now In stead of his silks ? Ors . Troth ; 't is not so well ; 't is but a Cozen of thine — Come Philan let 's along : — Exeunt . Enter Queene alone . Orb. What is it thus within whispering remorse , And calls Love Tyrant ? all powers , but his , Their rigour , and our feare , have made divine ! But every Creature holds of him by sense , The sweetest Tenure ; yea ! but my husbands brother : And what of that ? doe harmlesse birds or beasts Aske leave of curious Heraldrie at all ? Does not the wombe of one faire spring , Bring unto the earth many sweet rivers , That wantonly doe one another chace ▪ And in one bed , kisse , mingle , and embrace ? Man ( Natures heire ) is not by her will ti'de , To shun all creatures are alli'd unto him ; For then hee should shun all ; since death and life Doubly allies all them that live by breath : The Aire that does impart to all lifes brood , Refreshing , is so neere to it selfe , and to us all , That all in all is individuall : But , how am I sure one and the same desire Warmes Ariaspes : for Art can keepe alive A beddred love . Enter Ariaspes . Ari. Alone , ( Madam ) and overcast with thought , Uncloud — uncloud — for if wee may believe The smiles of Fortune , love shall no longer pine In prison thus , nor undelivered travell With throes of feare , and of desire about it . The Prince , ( like to a valiant beast in nets ) Striving to force a freedome suddenly , Has made himselfe at length , the surer prey : The King stands only now betwixt , and is , Just like a single tree , that hinders all the prospect : 'T is but the cutting downe of him , and wee — Orb. Why would 't thou thus imbarque into strange seas , And trouble Fate , for what we have already ? Thou art to mee what thou now seek'st a Kingdome ; And were thy love as great , as thy ambition ; I should be so to thee . Ari. Thinke you , you are not Madam ? As well and justly may you doubt the truths , Tortur'd , or dying men doe leave behind them : But then my fortune turnes my miserie , When my addition shall but make you lesse ; Shall I indure that head that wore a crowne , For my sake should weare none ? First let me lose Th' Exchequer of my wealth , your love ; nay , may All that rich Treasurie you have about you . Be rifled by the man I hated , and I looke on ; Though youth be full of sinne , and heav'n be just , So sad a doome I hope they keepe not from me ; Remember what a quicke Apostacie he made , When all his vowes were up to heav'n and you . How , e're the Bridall torches were burnt out , His flames grew weake , and sicklier ; thinke on that , Thinke how unsafe you are , if she should now , Not sell her honour at a lower rate , Than your place in his bed . Orb. And would not you prove false too then ? Ari. By this — and this — loves break-fast : ( Kisses her . ) By his feasts too yet to come , by all the Beauty in this face , divinitie too great To be prophan'd — Orb. O doe not sweare by that ; Cankers may eat that flow'r upon the stalke , ( For sicknesse and mischance , are great devourers ) And when there is not in these cheeks and lips , Left red enough to blush at perjurie , When you shall make it , what shall I doe then ? Ari. Our soules by that time ( Madam ) Will by long custome so acquainted be , They will not need that duller truch-man Flesh , But freely , and without those poorer helps , Converse and mingle ; meane time wee 'll teach Our loves to speake , not thus to live by signes , And action is his native language , Madam , Enter Ziriff unseene . This box but open'd to the Sense will doe 't . Orb. I undertake I know not what , Ari. Thine own safety ( Dearest ) Let it be this night , if thou do'st ; Whisper and kisse . Love thy selfe or mee . Orb. That 's very sudden . Ari. Not if wee be so , and we must now be wise , For when their Sun sets , ours begins to rise . — Exeunt . Ziriff solus . Zir. Then all my feares are true , and she is false ; False as a falling Star , or Glow-wormes fire : This Devill Beauty is compounded strangely , It is a subtill point , and hard to know , Whether 't has in 't more active tempting , Or more passive tempted ; so soone it forces , And so soone it yeelds — Good Gods ! shee seiz'd my heart , as if from you Sh 'ad had Commission to have us'd me so ; And all mankinde besides — and see , if the just Ocean Makes more haste to pay To needy rivers , what it borrow'd first , Then shee to give , where she ne're tooke ; Mee thinks I feele anger , Revenges Harbenger Chalking up all within , and thrusting out Of doores , the tame and softer passions ; — It must be so : To love is noble frailtie , but poore sin When we fall once to Love , unlov'd agen . Exit . Enter King , Ariaspes , Jolas . Ari. 'T were fit your Justice did consider , ( Sir ) What way it tooke ; if you should apprehend The Prince for Treason ( which he never did ) And which , unacted , is unborn ; ( at least will be beleev'd so ) Lookers on , and the loud talking croud , Will thinke it all but water colours Laid on for a time , And which wip'd off , each common eye would see , Strange ends through stranger wayes : King . Think'st thou I will compound with Treason then ? And make one feare anothers Advocate ? Iol. Vertue forbid Sir , but if you would permit , Them to approch the roome ( yet who would advise Treason should come so neere ? ) there would be then No place left for excuse . King . How strong are they ? Iol. Weake , considering The enterprize ; they are but few in number , And those few too having nothing but Their resolutions considerable about them . A Troope indeed design'd to suffer what They come to execute . King . Who are they are thus wearie of their lives ? Jol. Their names I cannot give you . For those he sent for , he did still receive At a back doore , and so dismist them too . But I doe thinke Ziriff is one . — King . Take heed ! I shall suspect thy hate to others , Not thy love to me , begot this service ; This Treason thou thy selfe do'st say Has but an houres age , and I can give accompt Of him , beyond that time . — Brother , in the little Tower Where now Aglaura's prisoner , You shall find him ; bring him along , Hee yet doth stand untainted in my thoughts , And to preserve him so , Hee shall not stirre out of my eyes command Till this great cloud be over . Jol. Sir , 't was the Prince who first — King . I know all that ! urge it no more ! I love the man ; And 't is with paine , wee doe suspect , Where wee doe not dislike : Th' art sure hee will have some , And that they will come to night ? Jol. As sure as night will come it selfe . King . Get all your Guards in readiness , we wil our selfe Disperse them afterwards ; and both be sure To weare your thoughts within : I le act the rest : Exeunt . Enter Philan , Orsames , Courtiers . 2. Court . Well . — If there be not some great storme towards , Ne're trust mee ; Whisper ( Court thunder ) is in Every corner , and there has been to day About the Towne a murmuring And buzzing , such as men use to make , When they doe feare to vent their feares ; 1. Court . True , and all the States-men hang downe their heads , Like full ear'd corne ; two of them Where I sup't , askt what time of night it was , And when 't was told them , started , as if They had been to run a race . 2. Court . The King too ( if you mark him , ) doth faigne mirth And jollitie , but through them both , Flashes of discontent , and anger make escapes : Ors . Gentlemen ! 't is pitty heav'n Design'd you not to make the Almanacks . You ghesse so shrewdly by the ill aspects , Or neere conjunctions of the great ones , At what 's to come still ; that without all doubt The Countrey had beene govern'd wholly by you , And plow'd and reap'd accordingly ; for mee , I understand this mysterie as little As the new Love , and as I take it too , 'T is much about the Time that every thing But Owles , and Lovers take their rest ; Good night , Philan — away — Exit . 1. Court . 'T is early yet ; let 's goe on the Queens side And foole a little ; I love to warme my selfe Before I goe to bed , it does beget Handsome and sprightly thoughts , and makes Our dreames halfe solid pleasures . 2. Court . Agreed : agreed : Exeunt .

ACTUS III. SCENA I. Enter Prince : Conspiratours . Ther. COuldst thou not find cut Ziriff ? 1. Court . Not speake with him my Lord ; Yet I sent in by severall men . Ors . I wonder Jolas meets us not here too . Ther. 'T is strange , but let 's on now how ere , When Fortunes , honour , life , and all 's in doubt Bravely to dare , is bravely to get out . Excursions : The Guard upon them . Ther. Betrai'd ! betraid ! Ors . Shift for your selfe Sir , and let us alone , Wee will secure your way , and make our own . Exeunt . Enter the King , and Lords . King . Follow Lords , and see quick execution done , Leave not a man alive . Who treads on fire , and does not put it out , Disperses feare in many sparks of doubt . Exeunt . Enter Conspirators , and the Guard upon them . Ors. Stand friends , an equall party — ( Fight . ) Three of the Conspirators fall , & three of the Kings side : Orsames & Philan kil the rest . They throw of their disguises . Ph. Brave Orsames , 't is pleasure to die neer thee . Ors . Talke not of dying Philan , we will live , And serve the noble Prince agen ; we are alone , Off then with thy disguise , & throw it in the bushes ; Quick , quick ; befor the torrent comes upon us : We shal be streight good subjects , & I despair not Of reward for this nights service : so . — Wee two now kill'd our friends ! 't is hard , But ' t must be so . Enter Ariaspes , Jolas , two Courtiers , part of the Guard . Ari. Follow ! Follow ! Ors . Yes ; so you may now , y' are not likely to overtake . Jol. Orsames , and Philan , how came you hither ? Ors . The neerest way it seems , you follow'd ( thank you ) As if 't had been through quicksets : Jol. 'Sdeath have they all escap'd ? Ors . Not all , two of them we made sure ; But they cost deare , looke here else . Ari. Is the Prince there ? Phi. They are both Princes I thinke , They fought like Princes I am sure . Jolas pulls off the vizors . Jol. Stephines , and Odîris — we trifle . Which way tooke the rest ? Ors . Two of them are certainly here abouts . Ari. Upon my life they swam the river ; Some streight to horse , and follow o're the bridge ; You and I my Lord will search this place a little better . Ors . Your Highnesse will I hope remember , who were The men were in — Ari. Oh! fear not , your Mistresse shall know y' are valiant . Ors . Philan ! if thou lov'st me , let 's kill them upon the place . Phi. Fie : thou now art wild indeed ; Thou taught'st me to be wise first , And I will now keep thee so . — Follow , follow . Exeunt . Enter Aglaura with a Lute . The Prince comes and knocks within . Ther. Madam ! Agl. What wretch is this that thus usurps Upon the priviledge of Ghosts , and walks At mid-night ? Ther. Aglaura . Agl. Betray me not My willing sense too soone , yet if that voyce Be false . — Ther. Open faire Saint , and let me in . Agl. It is the Prince — As willingly as those That cannot sleep do light ; welcome ( Sir , ) ( Opens . ) Welcome above . — Spies his sword drawne . Blesse me , what means this unsheath'd minister of death ? If , Sir , on mee quick Justice be to passe , Why this ? absence alas , or such strange lookes As you now bring with you would kill as soone : Ther. Softly ! for I , like a hard hunted Deere , Have only hearded here ; and though the crie Reach not our eares , yet am I follow'd close : O my heart ! since I saw thee , Time has been strangely Active , and begot A Monstrous issue of unheard of Storie : Sit ; thou shalt have it all ! nay , sigh not . Such blasts will hinder all the passage ; Do'st thou remember , how wee parted last ? Agl. Can I forget it Sir ? Ther. That word of parting was ill plac'd , I sweare , It may be ominous ; but do'st thou know Into whose hands I gave thee ? Agl. Yes into Ziriffs Sir . Ther. That Ziriff was thy brother , brave Zorannes Preserv'd by miracle in that sad day Thy father fell , and since thus in disguise , Waiting his just revenge . Agl. You doe amaze me , Sir . Ther. And must doe more , when I tell all the storie . The King , the jealous King , knew of the marriage , And when thou thought'st thy selfe by my direction , Thou wert his Prisoner ; Unlesse I would renounce all right , And cease to love thee , ( ô strange , and fond request ! ) Immur'd thou must have been in some sad place , And lockt for ever , from Thersames sight . For ever — and that unable to indure This night , I did attempt his life . Agl. Was it well done Sir ? Ther. O no! extremely ill ! For to attempt and not to act was poore : Here the dead-doing Law , ( like ill-paid Souldiers ) Leaves the side 't was on , to joyne with power , Royall villany now will looke so like to Justice , That the times to come , and curious posteritie , Will find no difference : weep'st thou Aglaura ? Come , to bed my Love ! And wee will there mock Tyrannie , and Fate , Those softer houres of pleasure , and delight , That like so many single Pearles , should have Adorn'd our thread of life , wee will at once , By Loves mysterious power , and this nights help Contract to one , and make but one rich draught Of all . Agl. What meane you Sir ? Ther. To make my selfe incapable of miserie , By taking strong preservative of happinesse : I would this night injoy thee : Agl. Doe : Sir , doe what you will with mee , For I am too much yours , to deny the right How ever claim'd — but — Ther. But what Aglaura ? Agl. Gather not reses in a wet and frowning houre , They 'll lose their sweets then , trust me they will Sir . What pleasure can Love take to play his game out , When death must keep the Stakes — A noise without . Hark Sir — grave-bringers , and last minutes are at hand , Hide hide your selfe , for Loves sake hide your selfe . Ther. As soon the Sunne may hide himselfe , as I. The Prince of Persia hide himselfe ? Agl. O talke not Sir ; the Sunne does hide himselfe then ; When night and blacknesse comes — Ther. Never sweet Ignorance , he shines in th' other world And so shall I , if I set here in glorie : Enter Opens the doore . enter Ziriff . Yee hastie seekers of life . Sorannez . — Agl. My brother ! If all the joy within mee come not cut , To give a welcome to so deare an object , Excuse it Sir ; sorrow locks up all doores . Zir. If there be such a Toy about you , Sister , Keep 't for your selfe , or lend it to the Prince ; There is a dearth of that Commoditie , And you have made it Sir . Now ? What is the next mad thing you meane to doe ? Will you stay here ? when all the Court 's beset Like to a wood at a great hunt and busie mischiefe hastes To be in view , and have you in her power — Ther. To mee all this — For great griefe 's deafe as well as it is dumbe , And drives no trade at all with Counsell : ( Sir ) Why doe you not Tutor one that has the Plague , And see if he will feare an after ague sit ; Such is all mischiefe now to me ; there is none left Is worth a thought . death is the worst , I know , And that compar'd to shame , does look more lovely now Than a chaste Mistresse , set by common woman — And I must court it Sir ? Zir. No wonder if that heav'n forsake us , when we leave our selves : What is there done should feed such high despaire ? Were you but safe — Agl. Deare ( Sir ) be rul'd , If love , be love , and magick too , ( As sure it is where it is true ; ) Wee then shall meet in absence , and in spight Of all divorce , freely enjoy together , What niggard Fate thus peevishly denies . Ther. Yea : but if pleasures be themselves but dreames , What then are the dreames of these to men ? That monster , Expectation , will devoure All that is within our hope or power , And e're we once can come to shew , how rich We are , we shall be poore , Shall we not Sorannez ? Zir. I understand not this , In times of envious penurie ( such as these are ) To keepe but love alive is faire , we should not thinke Of feasting him : come ( Sir ) Here in these lodgings is a little doore , That leads unto another ; that againe , Unto a vault that has his passage under The little river , opening into the wood ; From thence 't is but some few minutes easie businesse Unto a Servants house of mine ( who for his faith And honestie , hereafter must Looke big in Storie ) there you are safe however ; And when this Storme has met a little calme , What wild desire dares whisper to it selfe , You may enjoy , and at the worst may steale : Ther. What shall become of thee Aglaura then ? Shall I leave thee their rages sacrifice ? And like dull Seamen threatned with a storme , Throw all away , I have , to save my selfe ? Agl. Can I be safe when you are not ? my Lord ? Knowes love in us divided happinesse ? Am I the safer for your being here ? Can you give that you have not for your selfe ? My innocence is my best guard and that your stay Betraying it unto suspition , takes away . If you did love mee ? — Ther. Grows that in question ? then 't is time to part : — Kisses her . When we shall meet again Heav'n onely knowes , And when wee shall , I know we shall be old : Love does not calculate the common way , Minutes are houres there , and the houres are dayes , Each day 's a yeare and every yeare an age ; What will this come to thinke you ? Zir. Would this were all the ill , For these are pretty little harmlesse nothings ; Times horse runs full ▪ as fast , hard borne and curb'd , As in his full carreere , loose-rain'd and spurr'd : Come , come , let 's away . Ther. Happinesse , such as men lost in miserie Would wrong in naming , 't is so much above them . All that I want of it , all you deserve , Heav'n send you in my absence . Agl. And miserie such as wittie malice would Lay out in curses , on the thing it hates , Heav'n send me in the stead if when y' are gone I welcome it , but for your sake alone . — Exeunt . Leads him out , & enters up out of the vault . Zir. Stir not from hence , Sir , til you hear from me So goodnight deare Prince . Ther. Goodnight deere friend . Zir. When we meet next all this will but advance — Joy never feasts so high , As when the first course is of miserie . Exeunt .

ACTUS IV. SCENA I. Enter three or foure Courtiers . 1 Court . BY this light — a brave Prince , He made no more of the Guard , than they Would of a Taylor on a Maske night , that has refus'd Trusting before . 2 Court . Hee 's as Active as he is valiant too ; Did'st mark him how he stood like all the points O' th' Compasse , and as good Pictures , Had his eyes , towards every man . 3 Court . And his sword too , All th' other side walk up and down the Court now , As if they had lost their way , and stare , Like Grey-hounds , when the Hare has taken the furze . 1 Court . Right . And have more troubles about 'em Than a Serving-man that has forgot his message When he 's come upon the place . — 2 Court . Yonder 's the King within chafing , & swearing Like an old Falconer upon the first flight Of a young Hawke , when some Clowne Has taken away the quarrie from her ; And all the Lords stand round about him , As if he were to be baited , with much more feare , And at much more distance , Than a Countrey Gentlewoman sees the Lions the first time : Look : he 's broke loose . Enter King and Lords . King . Find him ; or by Osiris selfe , you all are Traitours ; And equally shall pay to Justice ; a single man , And guiltie too , breake through you all ! Enter Ziriff . Zir. Confidence ! ( Thou paint of women , and the States-mans wisdome , Valour for Cowards , and of the guilties Innocence , ) Assist me now . Sir , send these Starers off : I have some businesse will deserve your privacie . King . Leave us . Jol. How the villaine swells upon us ? — Exeunt . Zir. Not to punish thought , Or keepe it long upon the wrack of doubt , Know Sir , That by corruption of the waiting woman , The common key of secrets , I have found The truth at last , and have discover'd all : The Prince your Sonne was by Aglaura's meanes , Convey'd last night unto the Cypresse Grove , Through a close vault that opens in the lodgings : Hee does intend to joyne with Carimania , But e're he goes , resolves to finish all The rites of Love , and this night meanes To steale what is behind . King . How good is Heav'n unto mee ! That when it gave me Traitours for my Subjects , Would lend me such a Servant ! Zir. How just ( Sir ) rather , That would bestow this Fortune on the poore . And where your bountie had made debt so infinite That it grew desperate , their hope to pay it — King . Enough of that , thou do'st but gently chide Me for a fault , hat I wîll mend ; for I Have been toopoore , and low in my rewards Unto thy ▪ vertue : but to our businesse ; The question is , whether we shall rely Upon our Guards agen ? Zir. By no meanes Sir : Hope on his future fortunes , or their Love Unto his person , has so sicklied o're Their resolutions , that we must not trust them , Besides , it were but needlesse here ; Hee passes through the vault alone , and I My selfe durst undertake that businesse , If that were all , but there is something else , This accident doth prompt my zeale to serve you in . I know you love Aglaura ( Sir ) with passion , And would enjoy her ; I know besides Shee loves him so ▪ that whosoe're shall bring The tidings of his death , must carrie back The newes of hers , so that your Justice ( Sir ) Must rob your hope : but there is yet a way — King . Here ! take my heart ; for I have hitherto Too vainly spent the treasure of my love , I 'le have it coyn'd streight into friendship all , And make a present to thee . Zir. If any part of this rich happinesse . ( Fortune prepares now for you ) shall owe it selfe Unto my weake endeavours , I have enough , Aglaura without doubt this night expects The Prince , and why You should not then supply his place by stealth , And in disguise — King . I apprehend thee Ziriff , But there 's difficultie — Zir. Who trades in love must be an adventurer , ( Sir ) But here is scarce enough to make the pleasure dearer : I know the Cave ; your Brother and my selfe With Iolas , ( for those w' are sure doe hae him , ) With some few chosen more betimes will wait The Princes passing through the vault ; if hee Comes first , hee 's dead ; and if it be yourselfe , Wee will conduct you to the chamber door , And stand 'twixt you and danger afterwards . King . I have conceiv'd of joy , and am grown great : Till I have safe deliverance , time 's a cripple And goes on crutches . — as for thee my Ziriff , I doe here entertaine a friendship with thee , Shall drowne the memorie of all patternes past ; Wee will oblige by turnes ; and that so thick , And fast , that curious studiers of it , Shall not once dare to cast it up , or say By way of ghesse , whether thou or I Remaine the debtors , when wee come to die . Exeunt . Enter Semanthe , Orithie , Philan , Orsames , Lords and Ladies . Ori. Is the Queen ready to come out ? Phi. Not yet sure the Kings brother is but newly entred ; Sem. Come my Lord , the Song then . Ori. The Song . Ors . A vengeance take this love , it spoyles a voyce Worse than the losing of a maiden-head . I have got such a cold with rising And walking in my shirt a nights , that A Bittorne whooping in a reed is better musicke . Ori. This modestie becomes you as ill , my Lord , As wooing would us women ; pray , put 's not to 't . Ors . Nay Ladies , you shall finde mee , As free , as the Musicians of the woods Themselves ; what I have , you shall not need to call for . Nor shall it cost you any thing .

SONG . WHy so pale and wan fond Lover ? Prithee why so pale ? Will , when looking well can't move her , Looking ill prevaile ? Prithee why so pale ? Why so dull and mute young Sinner ? Prithee why so mute ? Will , when speaking well can't win her , Saying nothing doo 't ? Prithee why so mute ? Quit , quit , for shame , this will not move This cannot take her ; If of her selfe shee will not Love , Nothing can make her , The Devill take her .

Ori. I should have ghest , it had been the issue of Your braine , if I had not been told so ; Ors . A little foolish counsell ( Madam ) I gave a friend Of mine foure or five yeares agoe , when he was Falling into a Consumption . — Enter Queene . Orb. Which of all you have seene the faire prisoner Since shee was confinde ? Sem. I have Madam . Orb. And how behaves shee now her selfe ? Sem. As one that had intrench'd so deepe in Innocence ▪ Shee fear'd no enemies , beares all quietly , And smiles at Fortune , whil'st shee frownes on her Orb. So gallant ! I wonder where the beautie lies That thus inflames the royall bloud ? Ori. Faces , Madam , are like bookes , those that do study them Know best , and to say truth , 't is still Much as it pleases the Courteous Reader . Orb. These Lovers sure are like Astronomers , That when the vulgar eye discovers , but A Skie above , studded with some few stars , Finde out besides strange fishes , birds , and beasts . Sem. As men in sicknesse scorch'd into a raving Doe see the Devill , in all shapes and formes , When standers by wondring , aske where , and when ; So they in Love , for all 's but feaver there , And madnesse too . Orb. That 's too severe Semanthe ; But we will have your reasons in the parke ; Are the doores open through the Gardens ? Lo. The King has newly led the way . Exeunt . Enter Ariaspes : Ziriff , with a warrant sealed . Ari. Thou art a Tyrant , Ziriff : I shall die with joy . Zir. I must confesse my Lord ; had but the Princes ills Prov'd sleight , and not thus dangerous , Hee should have ow'd to me , at least I would Have laid a claime unto his safetie ; and Like Physicians , that doe challenge right In Natures cures , look'd for reward and thanks ; But since 't was otherwise , I thought it best To save my selfe , and then to save the State . Ari. 'T was wisely done . Zir. Safely I 'me sure , my Lord ! you know 't is not Our custome , where the Kings dislike , once swells to hate , There to ingage our selves ; Court friendship Is a Cable , that in stormes is ever cut , And I made bold with it ; here is the warrant seal'd And for the execution of it , if you thinke We are not strong enough , we may have Iolas , for him the King did name . Ari. And him I would have named . Zir. But is hee not too much the Prince's ( Sir ? ) Ari. Hee is as lights in Sceanes at Masques , What glorious shew so e're he makes without , I that set him there , know why , and how ; Enter Jolas . But here he is . — Come Jolas ; and since the Heav'ns decreed , The man whom thou should'st envie , should be such , That all men else must doo 't ; be not asham'd Thou once wert guiltie of it ; But blesse them , that they give thee now a meanes , To make a friendship with him , and vouchsafe To find thee out a way to love , where well Thou couldst not hate . Jol. What meanes my Lord ? Ari. Here , here he stands that has preserv'd us all ! That sacrific'd unto a publique good , ( The dearest private good we mortalls have ) Friendship : gave into our armes the Prince , When nothing but the sword ( perchance a ruine ) Was left to doe it . Iol. How could I chide my love , and my ambition now , That thrust me upon such a quarrell ? here I doe vow — Zir. Hold doe not vow my Lord , let it deserve it first ; And yet ( if Heav'n blesse honest mens intents ) 'T is not Impossible . My Lord , you will be pleas'd to informe him in particulars , I must be gone . — The King I feare already has been left Too long alone . Ari. Stay — the houre and place . Zir. Eleven , under the Tarras walke ; I will not faile you there . Goes out , returns back again . I had forgot : — 'T may be , the small remainder of those lost men That were of the conspiracie , will come along with him : 'T were best to have some chosen of the Guard Within our call — Exit Ziriff . Ari. Honest , and carefull Ziriff : Jolas stands musing . How now Planet strooke ? Iol. This Ziriff will grow great with all the world , Ari. Shallow man short sighteder than Travellers in mists , Or women that outlive themselves ; do'st thou not see , That whil'st hee does prepare a Tombe with one hand For his friend , he digs a Grave with th' other for himselfe ? Iol. How so ? Ari. Do'st thinke hee shall not feele the weight of this , As well as poore Thersames ? Iol. Shall wee then kill him too at the same instant ? Ari. And say , the Prince made an unluckie thrust . Iol. Right . Ari. Dull , dull , he must not dye so uselesly . As when we wipe off filth from any place , We throw away the thing that made it cleane , So this once done , hee 's gone . Thou know'st the People love the Prince , to their rage Something the State must offer up ; who fitter Than thy rivall and my enemy ? Iol. Rare ! our witnesse will be taken . Ari. Pish ! let me alone . The Giants that made mountaines ladders , And thought to take great Iove by force , were fooles : Not hill on hill , but plot on plot , does make Us sit above , and laugh at all below us . — Exeunt . Enter Aglaura , and a Singing Boy . Boy . Madam , 't will make you melancholly , I 'le sing the Prince's Song , that 's sad enough . Agl. What you will Sir .

SONG . NO , no , faire Heretique , it needs must bee But an ill Love in mee , And worse for thee . For were it in my Power , To love thee now this hower , More than I did the last ; I would then so fall , I might not Love at all ; Love that can flow , and can admit increase , Admitts as well an Ebb and may grow lesse . 2 True Love is stil the same ; the torrid Zones , And those more frigid ones , It must not know : For Love growne cold or hot , Is Lust , or Friendship , not The thing wee have ; For that 's a flame would die , Held downe , or up to high : Then think I love more than I can expresse , And would love more , could I but love thee lesse .

Agl. Leave mee ! for to a Soule , so out of Tune , As mine is now ; nothing is harmony : When once the maine-spring , Hope , is falne into Disorder ; no wonder , if the lesser wheeles , Desire , and Ioy , stand still ; my thoughts like Bees When they have lost their King , wander Confusedly up and downe , and settle no where . Enter Orithie . Orithie . flie ! flie the roome , As thou would'st shun the habitations Which Spirits haunt , or where thy nearer friends Walk after death ; here is not only Love , But Loves plague too — misfortune ; and so high , That it is sure infectious ! Ori. Madam , so much more miserable am I this way than you , That should I pitie you , I should forget my selfe : My sufferings are such , that with lesse patience You may indure your owne , than give mine Audience . There is that difference , that you may make Yours none at all , but by considering mine ! Agl. O speake them quickly then ! the marriage day To Passionate Lovers never was more welcome , Than any kinde of ease would be to mee now . Ori. Could they be spoke , they were not then so great . I love , and dare not say I love ; dare not hope , What I desire ; yet still too must desire — And like a starving man brought to a feast , And made say grace , to what he nere shall taste , Be thankfull after all , and kisse the hand , That made the wound thus deepe . Agl. 'T is hard indeed , but with what unjust scales , Thou took'st the weight of our mis-fortunes , Be thine owne Judge now . Thou mourn'st for losse of that thou never hadst , Or if thou hadst a losse , it never was Of a Thersames . Would'st thou not thinke a Merchant mad , Orithie ? If thou shouldst see him weepe , and teare his haire , Because hee brought not both the Indies home ? And wouldst not thinke his sorrowes very just . If having fraught his ship with some rich Treasure , Hee sunke i' th' very Port ? This is our case . Ori. And doe you thinke there is such odds in it ? Would Heaven we women could as easily change Our fortunes as ( 't is said ) we can our minds . I cannot ( Madam ) thinke them miserable , That have the Princes Love . Agl. Hee is the man then — Blush not Orithie , 't is a sinne to blush For loving him , though none at all to love him . I can admit of rivalship without A jealousie — nay shall be glad of it : Wee two will sit , and thinke ▪ and think and sigh , And sigh , and talke of love — and of Thersames . Thou shalt be praising of his wit , while I Admire he governes it so well : Like this thing , said thus , th' other thing thus done , And in good language him for these adore , While I want words to doo 't , yet doe it more . Thus will wee doe ▪ till death it selfe shall us Divide , and then whose fate ' t shall be to die First of the two by legacie shall all Her love bequeath , and give her stock to her That shall survive ; for no one stock can serve . To love Thersames so as he 'll deserve . Enter King , Ziriff . King . What have we here impossibilitie ? A constant night , and yet within the roome That , that can make the day before the Sunne ? Silent Aglaura too ? Agl. I know not what you say : Is 't to your pitie , or your scorne , I owe The favour of this visit ( Sir ? ) for such My fortune is , it doth deserve them both : King . And such thy beauty is , that it makes good All Fortunes , sorrow lookes lovely here ; And there 's no man , that would not entertaine His griefes as friends , were he but sure they 'd shew No worse upon him — but I forget my selfe , I came to chide . Agl. If I have sinn'd so high , that yet my punishment Equalls not my crime , Doe Sir ; I should be loth to die in debt To Justice , how ill soe ▪ re I paid The scores of Love . — King . And those indeed thou hast but paid indifferently To me , I did deserve at least faire death , Not to be murthered thus in private : That was too cruell , Mistresse . And I doe know thou do'st repent , and wilt Yet make me satisfaction : Agl. What satisfaction Sir ? I am no monstet , never had two hearts ; One is by holy vowes anothers now , And could I give it you , you would not take it , For 't is alike impossible for mee , To love againe , as you love Perjurie . O Sir ! consider , what a flame love is . If by rude meanes you thinke to force a light , That of it selfe it would not freely give , You blow it out , and leave your selfe i' th' darke . The Prince once gone , you may as well perswade The light to stay behinde , when the Sun posts To th' other world , as mee ; alas ! wee two , Have mingled soules more than two meeting brooks ; And whosoever is design'd to be The murtherer of my Lord , ( as sure there is , Has anger'd heav'n so farre that 't as decreed Him to encrease his punishment that way ) Would he but search the heart , when he has done , Hee there would find Aglaura murther'd too . King . Thou hust o'recome me , mov'd so handsomely For pitie , that I will dis-inherit The elder brother , and from this houre be Thy Convert , not thy Lover . — Ziriff , dispatch away — And he that brings newes of the Prince's welfare , Looke that he have the same reward , we had decreed To him , brought tidings of his death . ' t must be a busie and bold hand , that would Unlinke a chaine the Gods themselves have made : Peace to thy thoughts : Aglaura — Exit . Ziriff steps back and speakes . Zir. What e're he sayes beleeve him not Aglaura ; For lust and rage ride high within him now : He knowes Thersames made th' escape from hence , And does conceale it only for his ends : For by the favour of mistake and night , He hopes t' enjoy thee in the Prince's roome ; I shall be mist — else I would tell thee more ; But thou mayest ghesse , for our condition Admits no middle wayes , either we must Send them to Graves , or lie our selves in dust — Exit . Aglaura stands still and studies . Agl. Ha! 't is a strange Act thought puts me now upon ; Yet sure my brother meant the selfe-same thing , And my Thersames would have done 't for me : To take his life that seekes to take away The life of Life , ( honour from me ; ) and from The world ▪ the life of honour , Thersames ; Must needs be something sure , of kin to Justice . If I doe faile , th' attempt howe're was brave , And I shall have at worst a handsome grave — Exit . Enter Jolas , Semanthe . Semanthe steps backe , Jolas stayes her . Jol. What ? are we growne , Semanthe , night , and day ? Must one still vanish when the other comes ? Of all that ever Love did yet bring forth ( And 't has been fruitfull too ) this is The strangest issue . — Sem. What my Lord ? Jol. Hate Semanthe . Sem. You doe mistake , if I doe shun you , 't is , As bashfull Debtors shun their Creditors , I cannot pay you in the selfe-same coyne , And am asham'd to offer any other . Jol. It is ill done Semanthe , to plead bankrupt , When with such ease you may be out of debt ; In loves dominions , native commoditie Is currant payment , change is all the Trade , And heart for heart the richest merchandize , Sem. 'T would here be mean my Lord , since mine would prove In your hands but a Counterfeit , and yours in mine Worth nothing ; Sympathy , not greatnesse , Makes those Jewells rise in value . Iol. Sympathy ! ô teach but yours to love then , And two so rich no mortall ever knew . Sem. That heart would Love but ill that must be taught , Such fires as these still kindle of themselves . Iol. In such a cold , and frozen place as is Thy breast ? how should they kindle of themselves Semanthe ? Sem. Aske how the Flint can carrie fire within ? 'T is the least miracle that Love can doe : Jol. Thou art thy selfe the greatest miracle , For thou art faire to all perfection , And yet do'st want the greatest part of beautie , Kindnesse ▪ thy crueltie ( next to thy selfe , ) Above all things on earth takes up my wonder . Sem. Call not that crueltie , which is our fate , Beleeve me Iolas the honest Swaine That from the brow os some steepe cliffe far off , Beholds a ship labouring in vaine against The boysterous and unruly Elements , ne're had Lesse power , or more desire to help than I ; At every sigh , I die , and every looke , Does move ; and any passion you will have But Love , I have in store : I will be angrie , Quarrell with destinie , and with my selfe That itis no better ; be melancholy ; And ( though mine owne disasters well might plead To be in chiefe , ) yours only shall have place , I 'le pitie , and ( if that 's too low ) I 'le grieve , As for my sinnes , I cannot give you ease ; All this I doe , and this I hope will prove 'T is greater Torment not to love , than Love . — Exit . Iol. So perishing Sailours pray to stormes , And so they heare agen . So men With death about them , looke on Physitians that Have given them o're , and so they turne away : Two fixed Stars that keep a constant distance , And by lawes made with themselves must know No motion excentrick , may meet as soone as wee : The anger that the foolish Sea does shew , When it does brave it out , and rore against A stubborne rock that still denies it passage , Is not so vaine and fruitlesse , as my prayers . Yee mighty Powers of Love and Fate , where is Your Justice here ? It is thy part ( fond Boy ) When thou do'st find one wounded heart , to make The other so , but if thy Tyranny Be such , that thou willt leave one breast to hate , If we must live , and this survive , How much more cruell's Fate ? — Exit .

ACTUS V. SCENA I. Enter Ziriff , Ariaspes , Iolas . Iol. A Glorious night ! Ari. Pray Heav'n it prove so . Are wee not there yet ? Zir. 'T is about this hollow . Enter the Cave . Ari. How now ! what region are we got into ? Th' enheritance of night ; Are we not mistaken a turning Ziriff , And stept into some melancholy Devils Territorie ? Sure 't is a part of the first Chaos , That would endure no change . Zir. No matter Sir , 't is as proper for our purpose , As the Lobbie for the waiting womans . Stay you here , I 'le move a little backward , And so we shall be sure to put him past Retreat : you know the word if 't be the prince . ( Goes to the mouth of the Cave . Enter King . Here Sir , follow me , all 's quiet yet . — King . Hee is not come then ? Zir. No. King . Where 's Ariaspes ? Zir. Waiting within . He leads him on , steps behind him , gives the false word they kill the king . Iol. I do not like this waiting , Nor this fellowes leaving us . Ari. This place does put odd thoughts into thee , Then thou art in thine owne nature too , as jealous As either Love or Honor : Come weare thy sword in readinesse , And thinke how neere we are a Crowne . Zir. Revenge ! So let 's drag him to the light and search His pockets , there may be papers there that will Discover the rest of the Conspiratours . Iolas , your hand — Draw him out . Jol. Whom have we here ? the King ! Zir. Yes , and Zorannes too . Illo ! hoe ! — Enter Pasithas and others . Unarme them . D' ee stare ? This for my Fathers injuries & mine : Points to the Kings dead body . Halfe Love , halfe Duties Sacrifice , This — for the noble Prince , an offering to friendship : ( runs at Jolas . Iol. Basely ! and tamely — Dies . Ari. What hast thou done ? Zir. Nothing — kill'd a Traytour , So — away with them , and leave us , Pasithas be onely you in call . Ari. What do'st thou pawse ? Hast thou remorse already murtherer ? Zir. No foole : 't is but a difference I put Betwixt the crimes : Orbella is our quarrell ; And I doe hold it fit , that love should have A nobler way of Justice , than Revenge Or Treason ; follow me out of the wood , And thou shalt be Master of this againe : And then , best arme and title take it . They go out & enter agen . There — Gives him his Sword . Ari. Extreamly good ! Nature tooke paines I sweare , The villaine and the brave are mingled handsomely . Zir. 'T was Fate that tooke it when it decreed Wee two should meet , nor shall they mingle now Wee are brought together strait to part . — Fight . Ari. Some Devill sure has borrowed this shape . Pawse . My Sword ne're stay'd thus long to find an entrance . Zir. To guiltie men , all that appeares is Devill , Come Trifler , come . — Fight againe , Ariaspes falls . Ari. Whither whither , thou fleeting Coward life ? Bubble of Time , Natures shame , stay ; a little , stay ! Till I have look'd my selfe into revenge , And star'd this Traytour to a carkasse first . — It will not be : — Falls . The Crowne , the Crowne , too Now is lost , for ever lost — oh ! — Ambition's , but an Ignis fatuns , I see Misleading fond mortalitie , That hurries us about , and sets us downe Just — where — wee — first — begun — Dies . Zir. What a great spreading mightie thing this was , And what a nothing now ? how soone poore man Vanishes into his noone-tide shadow ? But hopes o're fed have seldom better done : — ( Hollows . ) Take up this lump of vanity , and honour , Enter Pasithas . And carry it the back way to my lodging , There may be use of States-men , when th' are dead : So. — for the Cittadell now , for in such times As these , when the unruly multitude Is up in swarmes , and no man knowes which way They 'll take , 't is good to have retreat . Exeunt . Enter Thersames . Ther. The Dog-star's got up high , it should be late : And sure by this time every waking eare , And watchfull eye is charm'd ; and yet me thought A noyse of weapons struck my eare just now . 'T was but my fancie sure , and were it more , I would not tread on step , that did not lead To my Aglaura , stood all his Guard betwixt , With lightning in their hands ; Danger ! thou Dwarfe drest up in Giants clothes , That shew'st farre off , still greater than thou art : Goe , terrifie the simple , and the guiltie , such As with false Opticks , still doe looke upon thee . But fright not Lovers , wee dare looke on thee In thy worst shape , and meet thee in them too . Stay — These trees I made my marke , 't is hereabouts , — Love guide me but right this night , And Lovers shall restore thee back againe Those eyes the Poets tooke so boldly from thee . Exit Aglaura with a torch in one hand and a dagger in the other . Agl. How ill this does become this hand how much the worse This suits with this , one of the two should goe . The shee within mee sayes , it must be this — Honor sayes this — and honour is Thersames friend . What is that shee then ? it is not a thing That sets a Price , not upon me , but on Life in my name , leading me into doubt , Which when 't as done , it cannot light me out . For feare does drive to Fate , or Fate if wee Doe flie , oretakes , and holds us , till or death , Or infamie , or both doth seize us . — Puts out the light . Ha! — would 't were in agen . Antiques and strange mishapes , Such as the Porter to my Soule , mine Eye , Was ne're acquainted with , Fancie lets in , Like a distracted multitude , by some strange accident Piec'd together , feare now afresh comes on , And charges Love to home . — Hee comes — he comes — Woman , if thou would'st be the Subject of mans wonder , Not his scorne hereafter ▪ now shew thy selfe . Enter Prince rising from the vault she stabs him two or three times , hee falls she goes back to her chamber . Sudden and fortunate . My better Angell sure did both infuse A strength , and did direct it . Enter Ziriff . Zir. Aglaura ! Agl. Brother — Zir. The same . So slow to let in such a long'd for Guest ? Must Joy stand knocking Sister ? come , prepare , Prepare . — The King of Persia's comming to you strait ! The King ! — marke that . Agl. I thought how poore the Joyes you brought with you , Were in respect of those that were with me : Joyes , are our hopes stript of their feares , And such are mine ; for know , deare Brother , The King is come already , and is gone — marke that . Zir. Is this instinct , or riddle ? what King ? how gone ? Agl. The Cave will tell you more — Zir. Some sad mistake — thou hast undone us all . Goes out , enters hastily againe . The Prince ! the Prince ! cold as the bed of earth He lies upon , as senslesse too ; death hangs Upon his lips . Like an untimely frost , upon an early Cherrie ; The noble Guest , his Soule , tooke it so ill That you should use his old Acquaintance so , That neither pray'rs , nor teares , can e're perswade Him back againe . — Aglaura swounes : rubs her . Hold hold ! wee cannot sure part thus ! Sister ! Aglaura ! Thersames is not dead , It is the Prince that calls — Agl. The Prince , where ? — Tell me , or I will strait goe back againe , Into those groves of Gessemine , thou took'st me from , And finde him out , or lose my selfe for ever . Zir. For ever . — I : there 's it ! For in those Groves thou talk'st of , There are so many by-wayes , and odd rurnings . Leading unto such wild and dismall places , That should we goe without a guide , or stir Before Heav'n calls , 't is strongly to be feared We there should wander up and downe for ever , And be benighted to eternitie ! — Agl. Benighted to eternitie ? — What 's that ? Zir. Why 't is to be benighted to eternitie ; To sit i' th' darke , and doe I know not what ; Unriddle at our owne sad cost and charge , The doubts the learned here doe onely move — Agl. What place have murtherers brother there ? for sure The murtherer of the Prince must have A punishment that Heaven is yet to make . — Zir. How is religion fool'd betwixt our loves , And feares ? poore Girle , for ought that thou hast done , Thy Chaplets may be faire and flourishing , As his in the Elysium : Agl. Doe you thinke so ? Zir. Yes , I doe thinke so . The juster Judges of our Actions , Would they have been severe upon Our weaknesses , Would ( sure ) have made us stronger . — Fie ! those teares A Bride upon the marriage day as properly Might shed as thou , here widowes doo 't And marrie next day after : To such a funerall as this , there should be nothing common — Wee 'll mourne him so , that those that are alive Shall thinke themselves more buried far than hee ; And wish to have his grave , to find his Obsequies : But stay — the Body . Brings up the body , she swouns and dies . Agen ! Sister — Aglaura — O speake once more , once more looke out faire Soule . — Shee 's gone . — Irrevocably gone . — And winging now the Aire , Like a glad bird broken from some cage : Poore Bankrupt heart , when 't had not wherewithall To pay to sad disaster all that was its due , It broke — would mine would doe so too . My soule is now within mee Like a well metled Hauke , on a blind Faulk'ners fist , Me thinkes I feele it baiting to be gone : And yet I have a little foolish businesse here On earth ; I will dispatch : — Exit . Enter Pasithas , with the body of Ariaspes . Pas .

Let me be like my burthen here , if I had not as lieve kill two of the Bloud-royall for him , as carrie one of them ; These Gentlemen of high actions are three times as heavie after death , as your private retir'd ones ; looke if he be not reduc'd to the state of a Courtier of the second forme now ? and cannot stand upon his owne legs , nor doe any thing without helpe , Hum. — And what 's become of the great Prince , in prison as they call it now , the toy within us , that makes us talke , and laugh , and fight , I ! why there 's it , well , let him be what he will , and where he will , I 'le make bold with the old Tenement here . Come Sir — come along : — Exit .

Enter Ziriff . Zir. All 's fast too , here — They sleepe to night I' their winding sheets I thinke , there 's such A generall quiet . Oh! here 's light I warrant : For lust does take as little rest , as care , or age . — Courting her glasse , I sweare , fie ! that 's a flatterer Madam , In me you shal see trulier what you are . ( Knocks . Ent. the Queen Orb. What make you up at this strange houre my Lord ? Zir. My businesse is my boldnesse warrant , ( Madam ) And I could well afford t' have been without it now , Had Heav'n so pleas'd . Orb. 'T is a sad Prologue , What followes in the name of vertue ? Zir. The King . Orb. I : what of him ? is well is he not ? Zir. Yes . — If to be free from the great load Wee sweat and labour under , here on earth Be to be well , he is . Orb. Why hee 's not dead , is hee ? Zir. Yes Madam , slaine — and the Prince too . Orb. How ? where ? Zir. I know not , but dead they are . Orb. Dead ? Zir. Yes Madam . Orb. Did'st see them dead ? Zir. As I see you alive . Orb. Dead ! Zir. Yes , dead . Orb. Well , we must all die ; The Sisters spin no cables for us mortalls ; Th' are thred ; and Time , and chance — Trust me I could weepe now , But watrie distillations doe but ill on graves , They make the lodging colder . She knocks . Zir. What would you Madam ? Orb. Why my friends , my Lord ! I would consult and know , what 's to be done . Zir. Madam 't is not so safe to raise the Court ; Things thus unsetled , if you please to have — Orb. Where 's Ariaspes ? Zir. In 's dead sleepe by this time I 'm sure , Orb. I know he is not ! find him instantly . Zir. I 'm gone , — Turnes back againe . But Madam , why make you choyce of him , from whom If the succession meet disturbance , All must come of danger ? Orb. My Lord , I am not yet so wise , as to be jealous ; Pray dispute no further . Zir. Pardon me Madam , if before I goe I must unlock a secret unto you ; such a one As while the King did breathe durst know no aire , Zorannes lives . Orb. Ha! Zir. And in the hope of such a day as this Has lingred out a life , snatching , to feed His almost famish'd eyes , Sights now and then of you , in a disguise . Orb. Strange ! this night is big with miracle ! Zir. If you did love him , as they say you did , And doe so still ; 't is now within your power ! Orb. I would it were my Lord , but I am now No private woman , If I did love him once ( And 't is so long agoe , I have forgot ) My youth and ignorance may well excus't . Zir. Excuse it ? Orb. Yes , excuse it Sir . Zir. Though I confesse I lov'd his father much . And pitie him , yet having offer'd it Unto your thoughts : I have discharg'd a trust ; And zeale shall stray no further . Your pardon Madam : Exit . Queen studies . Orb. May be 't is a plot to keep off Ariaspes Greatnesse , which hee must feare , because he knowes He hates him : for these great States-men , That when time has made bold with the King & Subject , Throwing down all fence that stood betwixt their power And others right , are on a change , Like wanton Salmons comming in with flouds , That leap o're wyres and nets , and make their way To be at the returne to every one a prey . Enter Ziriff , and Pasithas throwing down the dead body of Ariaspes . Orb. Ha! murthered too ! Treason — treason — Zir. But such another word , and halfe so loud , And th' art , — Orb. Why ? thou wilt not murther me too ? Wilt thou villaine ? Zir. I do not know my temper — Discovers himselfe . Looke here vaine thing , and see thy sins full blowne : There 's scarce a part in all this face , thou hast Not been forsworn by , and Heav'n forgive thee for 't ! For thee I lost a Father , Countrey , friends , My selfe almost , for I lay buried Long ; And when there was no use thy love could pay Too great , thou mad'st the principle away : Had I but staid , and not began revenge Till thou had'st made an end of changing , I had had the Kingdome to have kill'd : As wantons entring a Garden , take The first faire flower , they meet , and Treasure't in their laps . Then seeing more , do make fresh choyce agen , Throwing in one and one , till at the length The first poor flower o're-charg'd , with too much weight Withers , and dies : So hast thou dealt with mee , And having kill'd me first , I will kill — Orb. Hold — hold — Not for my sake , but Orbella's ( Sir ) a bare And single death is such a wrong to Justice , I must needs except against it . Find out a way to make me long a dying ; For death 's no punishment , it is the sense , The paines and feares afore that makes a death : To thinke what I had had , had I had you , What I have lost in losing of my selfe ; Are deaths farre worse than any you can give : Yet kill me quickly , for if I have time , I shall so wash this soule of mine with teares , Make it so fine , that you would be afresh In love with it , and so perchance I should Again come to deceive you . Sherises up weeping , & hanging down her head . Zir. So rises day , blushing at nights deformitie : And so the prettie flowers blubber'd with dew , And ever washt with raine , hang downe their heads , I must not looke upon her : ( Goes towards him . ) Orb. Were but the Lillies in this face as fresh As are the Roses ; had I but innocence Joyn'd to their blushes , I should then be bold , For when they went on begging they were ne're deni'de , 'T is but a parting kisse Sir — Zir. I dare not grant it . — Orb. Your hand Sir then , for that 's a part I shall Love after death ( if after death we love ) 'Cause it did right the wrong'd Zorannes , here — Steps to him , and opens the box of poyson , Zorannes falls . Sleepe , sleepe for ever , and forgotten too , All but thy ills , which may succeeding time Remember , as the Sea-man does his marks , To know what to avoyd , may at thy name All good men start , and bad too , may it prove Infection to the Aire , that people dying of it May help to curse thee for me . ( Turnes to the body of Ariaspes . Could I but call thee back as eas'ly now ; But that 's a Subject for our teares , not hopes ! There is no piecing Tulips to their stalks , When they are once divorc'd by a rude hand ; All we can doe is to preserve in water A little life , and give by couretous Art What scanted Nature wants Commission for , That thou shalt have : for to thy memorie Such Tribute of moyst sorrow I will pay , And that so purifi'd by love , that on thy grave Nothing shall grow but Violets & Primroses , Of which too , some shall be Of the mysterious number , so that Lovers shall Come thither not as to a tomb , but to an Oracle . She knocks , and raises the Court. Enter Ladies and Courtiers , as out of their beds . Orb. Come ! come ! help me to weep my selfe away , And melt into a grave , for life is but Repentance nurse , and will conspire with memorie , To make my houres my tortures . Ori. What Scene of sorrow 's this ? both dead ? Orb. Dead ? I ! and 't is but halfe death's triumphs this , The King and Prince lye somewhere , just Such empty truncks as these . Ori. The Prince ? Then in griefes burthen I must beare a part . Sem. The noble Ariaspes — valiant Ziriff too . — Weeps . Orb. Weep'st thou for him , fond Prodigall ? do'st know On whom thou spend'st thy teares ? this is the man To whom we owe our ills ; the false Zorannes Disguis'd , not lost ; but kept alive , by some Enter Pasithas , surveys the bodyes , finds his Master . Incensed Power , to punish Persia thus : He would have kill'd me too , but Heav'n was just , And furnisht me with meanes , to make him pay This score of villanie , e're he could do more . Pas . Were you his murth'rer then ? — Pasithas runs at her , kills her , and flies . Ori. Ah me ! the Queene . — Rub her till she come to her selfe . Sem. How doe you Madam ? Orb. Well , — but I was better , and shall — Dies . Sem. Oh! she is gone for ever . Enter Lords in their night-gownes , Orsames , Philan. Ors . What have we here ? A Church-yard ? nothing but silence , and grave ? Ori. Oh! here has been ( my Lords ) The blackest night the Persian world e're knew , The King and Prince are not themselves exempt From this arrest ; but pale and cold , as these , Have measured out their lengths . Lo. Impossible ! which way ? Sem. Of that we are as ignorant as you : For while the Queene was telling of the Storie , An unknowne villaine here has hurt her so , That like a sickly Taper , she but made One flash , and so expir'd : Enter tearing in Pasithas . Phi. Here he is , but no confession . Or. Torture must force him then : Though 'T will indeed , but weakly satisfie To know now they are dead , how they did die . Phi. Come take the bodies up , and let us all Goe drowne our selves in teares , this massacre Has left so torne a State , that 't will be policie Aswell as debt , to weep till we are blinde , For who would see the miseries behinde ?

Epilogue . OVr Play is done , and yours doth now begin : What different Fancies , people now are in ? How strange , and odd a mingle it would make , If e're they rise ; 't were possible to take All votes . — But as when an authentique Watch is showne , Each man windes up , and rectifies his owne , So in our very Judgements ; first there sits A grave Grand Jurie on it of Towne-wits ; And they give up their verdict ; then agin The other Jurie of the Court comes in ( And that 's of life and death ) for each man sees That oft condemnes , what th' other Jurie frees : Some three dayes hence , the Ladies of the Towne Will come to have a Judgement of their owne : And after them , their servants ; then the Citie , For that is modest , and is still last wittie . 'T will be a weeke at least yet e're they have Resolv'd to let it live , or give 't a grave : Such difficultie , there is to unite Opinion ; or bring it to be right .

Epilogue for the Court. SIR : THat th' abusing of your eare 's a crime , Above th' excuse any six lines in Rhime Can make , the Poet knowes : I am but sent T' intreat hee may not be a President , For hee does thinke that in this place there hee Many have done 't as much and more than hee But here 's , he sayes , the difference of the Fates , Hee begs a Pardon after 't , they Estates . FINIS .

AGLAURA . REPRESENTED At the Court , by his Majesties Servants .

Written by Sir JOHN SVCKLING .

LONDON , Printed for Tho Walkley , and are to be sold by Humphrey Moseley , at his shop , at the signe of the Princes armes in St. Pauls Church-yard , 1646.

Prologue . FOre love , a mighty Sessions : and I feare , Though kind last Sizes , 't will be now severe ; For it is thought , and by judicious men , Aglaura 'scap't onely by dying then : But 't would be vaine for mee now to indeare , Or speake unto my Lords , the Judges here , They hold their places by condemning still , And cannot shew at once mercie and skill ; For wit's so cruell unto wit , that they Are thought to want , that find not want i th' play , But Ladies you , who never lik'd a plot . But where the Servant had his Mistresse got , And whom to see a Lover dye it grieves , Although 't is in worse language that he lives , Will like't w are confident , since here will bee , That your Sex ever lik'd varietie .

Prologue to the Court. T Is strange perchance ( you 'll thinke ) that she that di'de At Christmas , should at Easter be a Bride : But 't is a privilege the Poets have , To take the long-since dead out of the grave : Nor is this all , old Heroes a sleepe 'Twixt marble coverlets , and six foot deepe In earth , they boldly wake , and make them doe All they did living here — sometimes more too , They give fresh life , reverse and alter Fate , And yet more bold , Almightie-like create : And out of nothing onely to deifie Reason , and Reasons friend , Philosophie , Fame , honour , valour , all that 's great , or good , Or is at least 'mongst us , so understood , They give , heav'ns theirs , no handsome woman dies , But if they please , is strait some star i' th' skies — But oh — How those poore men of Meetre doe Flatter themselves with that , that is not true , And 'cause they can trim up a little prose , And spoile it handsomly , vainly suppose Th' are Omnipotent , can doe all those things That can be done onely by Gods and Kings . Of this wild guilt , hee faine would bee thought free , That writ this Play , and therefore ( Sir ) by mee , Hee humbly begs , you would be pleas'd to know , Aglaura's but repriev'd this night , and though Shee now appeares upon a Poets call , Shee 's not to live , unlesse you say shee shall .

ACTUS V. SCENA I. Enter Ziriff , Pasithas , and Guard : hee places 'em : and Exit . A State set out . Enter Ziriff , Jolas , Ariaspes . Iol. A Glorious night ! Ari. Pray Heav'n it prove so . Are wee not there yet ? Zir. 'T is about this hollow . They Enter the Cave . Ari. How now ! what region are we got into ? Th' enheritance of night ; Have wee not mistaken a turning Ziriff , And stept into the confines of some melancholy Devils Territorie ? Iol. Sure 't is a part of the first Chaos , That would not suffer any change . Zir. No matter Sir , 't is as proper for our Purpose , as the Lobbie for the waiting womans . Stay you here , I 'le move a little backward , And so we shall be sure to put him past Retreat : you know the word if it be the prince . Ziriff goes to the doore Enter King . Ziriff . Here Sir , follow me , all 's quiet yet . King . Is hee not come then ? Zir. No. King . Where 's Ariaspes ? Zir. Waiting within . Iol. I do not like this waiting , Nor this fellowes leaving of us . Ari. This place does put odd thoughts into thee . Then thou art in thine owne nature too , As jealous , as Love , or Honour ; weare thy sword In readinesse , and thinke how neere we are a Crowne . Zir. Revenge ! — Guard seiseth on 'em . King . Ha! what 's this ? Zir. Bring them forth . — Brings them forth . Ari. The King . Zir. Yes , and the Princes friend — Discovers himselfe . D' you know this face ? King . Zorannes . Zor . The very same , The wrong'd Zorannes , — King — D you stare . — Away with them where I appointed . King . Traytours , let mee goe ; Villaine , thou dar'st not doe this — Zor . Poore Counterfeit , How faine thou now would'st act a King and art not : Stay you , — to Ariaspes . Unhand him , — Whispers . Leave us now . — Exeunt . Manet Ariasp . Zoran . Ari. What does this meane ? Sure hee does intend the Crowne to mee . Zor . Wee are alone , Follow mee out of the wood , and thou shalt be Master of this againe , And then best arme and title take it . Ari. Thy offer is so noble , in gratitude Icannot But propound gentler conditions , Wee will divide the Empire . Zor . Now by my fathers soule , I doe almost repent my first intents , And now could kill thee scurvily , for thinking If I had a minde to rule I would not rule alone , Let not thy easie faith ( lost man ) Foole thee into so dull an heresie ; Orbella is our quarrell , & I have thought it fit , That love should have a nobler way of Justice , Than Revenge , or Treason . If thou dar'st die handsomly , follow me . Ex. And enter both agen Zor . There , — Gives him his sword . Ari. Extremely good ; Nature tooke paines I sweare , The villaine and the brave are mingled handsomely : — Zir. 'T was Fate that tooke it , when it decreed Wee two should meet , nor shall they mingle now , Wee are but brought together strait to part . — Fight . Ari. Some Devill sure has borrowed this shape , My sword ne're staid thus long to finde an entrance . Zir. To guiltie men , all that appeare is Devill ; Come trifler come . — Fight . Ari. Dog , thou hast it , Zir. Why then it seemes my star's as great as his , Ariaspes pants , and runs at him to catch his sword I smile at thee , Thou now would'st have me kill thee , And 't is a courtesie I cannot afford thee , I have bethought my selfe , there will be use Of thee , — Pasithas — to the rest with him . Exit . Enter Pasithas , and two of the Guard . — Exeunt . Enter Thersames . Ther. The Dog-star's got up high , it should be late : And sure by this time every waking eare And watchfull eye is charm'd ; and yet mee thought A noyse of weapons struck my eare just now . 'T was but my Fancie sure , and were it more , I would not tread one step , that did not lead To my Aglaura , stood all his Guard betwixt , With lightning in their hands . Danger , thou Dwarfe drest up in Giants clothes , That shew'st far off still greater than thou art , Goe , terrifie the simple , and the guiltie , such As with false Opticks still doe looke upon thee : But fright not Lovers , wee dare looke on thee In thy worst shapes and meet thee in them too . — Stay these trees I made my marke , t is hereabouts , — Love guide mee but right this night , And Lovers shall restore thee back againe Those eyes the Poets tooke so boldly from thee . Exit . A Taper Table out . Enter Aglaura , with a Torch in one hand , a Dagger in the other . Agl. How ill this does become this hand ? much worse This suits with this , one of the two should goe . The shee within mee sayes , it must be this — Honor sayes this — and honour is Thersames friend . What is that shee then ? is it not a thing That sets a Price , not upon me , but on Life in my name , leading me into doubt , Which when 't as done it cannot light me out . For feare does drive to Fate , or Fate if wee Doe flie , oretakes , and holds us , till or death , Or infamie , or both doe seize us . — Puts out the light . Ha! — would 't were in agen . Antiques & strange mishapes , Such as the Porter to my Soule , mine Eye , Was ne're acquainted with , Fancie lets in , Like a disrouted multitude , by some strange accident Piec'd together , feare now afresh comes on , And charges Love too home . — Hee comes , he comes . — A little noyse below . Woman , if thou would'st be the Subject Of mans wonder , Not his scorne hereafter , — — Now shew thy selfe . Enter Thersames from the vault , she stabs him as hee riseth . Ther. Unkindly done — Agl. The Princes voyce , defend it Goodnesse ? Ther. What art thou that thus poorely Hast destroy'd a life ? Agl. Oh sad mistake , 't is hee ? Ther. Hast thou no voyce ? Agl. I would I had not , nor a being neither . Ther. Aglaura , it cannot be ? Agl. Oh still beleeve so , Sir , For 't was not I Indeed , but fatall Love . Ther. Loves wounds us'd to be gentler than these were , The paines they give us have some pleasure In them , and that these have not . Enter Ziriff with a taper . Oh doe not say 't was you , for that does wound agen : Guard me my better Angell , Doe I wake ? my eyes ( since I was man ) Ne're met with any object gave them so much trouble , I dare not aske neither to be satisfied , Shee lookes so guiltily — Agl. Why doe you stare and wonder at a thing That you your selfe have made thus mizerable ? Zir. Good gods , and I o' the partie too . Agl. Did you not tell me that the King this night Meant to attempt my honour ; that our condition Would not admit of middle wayes , and that we must Send them to graves , or lye our selves in dust ? Zir. Unfortunate mistake ? Ziriff knocks . I never did intend our safety by thy hands : Enter Pasithas . Pasithas , goe instantly and fetch Andrages From his bed ; how is it with you Sir ? Ther. As with the besieg'd : My soule is so beset it does not know , Whether 't had best to make a desperate Sally out by this port or not ? Agl. Sure I shall turne statue here . Ther. If thou do'st love me , weepe not Aglaura : All those are drops of bloud and flow from me . Zir. Now all the gods defend this way of expiation , Think'st thou thy crime , Aglaura would be lesse , By adding to it ? or canst thou hope To satisfie those powers , whom great sins Doe displease , by doing greater . Agl. Discourteous courtesie ! I had no other meanes left mee than this , To let Thersames know I would doe nothing To him , I would not doe unto my selfe , And that thou takest away . Ther. Friend , bring me a little neerer , I find a kind of willingnesse to stay And find that willingnesse something obey'd . My bloud now it perswades it selfe You did not call in earnest , Makes not such hast . — Agl. Oh my dearest Lord , This kindnesse is so full of crueltie , Puts such an uglinesse on what I have done , That when I looke upon it needs must fright Me from my selfe , and which is more insufferable . I feare from you . Ther. Why should that fright thee , which most comforts mee ? I glorie in it , and shall smile i' th' grave To thinke our love was such , that nothing But it selfe could e're destroy it . Agl. Destroy it ? can it have ever end ? Will you not be thus courteous then in the other world ? Shall we not be together there as here ? Ther. I cannot tell whether I may or not . Agl. Not tell ? Ther. No : The Gods thought me unworthy of thee here , And when thou art more pure Why should I not more doubt it ? Agl. Because if I shall be more pure , I shall be then more fit for you . Our Priests assure us an Elysium , And can that be Elysium where true Lovers Must not meet ? Those Powers that made our loves , Did they intend them mortall , Would sure have made them of a courser stuffe , Would they not my Lord ? — Ther. Prethee speake still , This musique gives my soule such pleasing businesse , Takes it so wholly up , it findes not leisure to Attend unto the summons death does make ; Yet they are loud and peremptorie now , And I can onely — Faints . Agl. Some pitying Power inspire me with A way to follow him : heart wilt thou not Breake it of thy selfe . Zir. My griefes besot me : His soule will saile out with this purple tide , And I shall here be found staring After't like a man that 's come too short o' th' ship , And 's left behind upon the land . Shee swounes . Enter Andrages . Oh welcome , we come here lyes Andrages Alas too great a triall for thy art . And. There 's life in him : from whence these wounds ? Zir. Oh 't is no time for storie . And. 'T is not mortall my Lord , bow him gently , And help me to infuse this into him ; The soule is but asleepe and not gone forth . Ther. Oh — ho : — Zir. Hearke ▪ the Prince does live . Ther. What e're thou art hast given me now a life , And with it all my cares and miseries , Expect not a reward no not a thanks . If thou would'st merit from me , ( Yet wh would be guilty of so lost an action ) Restore me to my quietnesse agen , For life and that are most incompatible . Zir. Still in despaires : I did not thinke till now 't was in the power Of Fortune to have robb'd Thersames of himselfe , For pitie , Sir ▪ and reason live ; If you will die die not Aglaura's murther'd , That 's not so handsome : at least die not Her murthered and her murtherer too ; For that will surely follow . Looke up , Sir , This violence of Fortune cannot last ever : Who knowes but all these clouds are shadowes , To set off your fairer dayes , if it growes blacker , And the stormes doe rise , this harbour's alwayes open . Ther. What say'st thou , Aglaura ? Agl. What sayes Andrages ? And. Madam , would Heaven his mind would admit As eafie cure , as his body will , 'T was onely want of bloud , And two houres rest restores him to himselfe . Zir. And by that time it may be Heaven Will give our miseries some ease : Come Sir , repose upon a bed , There 's time enough to day . Ther. Well , I will still obey , Though I must feare it will be with me , But as 't is with tortured men , Whom States preserve onely to wrack agen . Exeunt . Take off table . Enter Ziriff with a taper . Zir. All fast too , here They sleepe to night I' their winding sheets , I thinke , there 's such A generall quiet . Oh! here 's light I warrant you : For lust does take as little rest , as care , or age . Courting her glasse , I swear , fie ! that 's a flatterer Madam , In me you shall see trulier what you are . He knocks , Enter Queen . Orb. What make you up at this strange houre , my Lord ? Zir. My businesse is my boldnesse warrant , ( Madam ) And I could well afford t' have been without it now , Had Heav'n so pleas'd . Orb. 'T is a sad Prologue , What followes in the name of vertue ? Zir. The King — Orb. I : what of him ? is well , is he not ? Zir. Yes , — If to be on 's journey to the other world Be to be well , hee is . Orb. Why he 's not dead , is he ? Zir. Yes , Madam , dead . Orb. How ? where ? Zir. I doe not know particulars . Orb. Dead ! Zir. Yes ( Madam . ) Orb. Art sure hee 's dead ? Zir. Madam , I know him as certainly dead , As I know you too must die hereafter . Orb. Dead ! Zir. Yes , dead . Orb. We must all die . The Sisters spin no cables for us mortalls ; Th' are threds ; and Time , and chance — Trust me I could weep now , But watrie distillations doe but ill on graves , They make the lodging colder . Shee knocks . Zir. What would you Madam ? Orb. Why my friends , my Lord ; I would consult and know what 's to be done . Zir. ( Madam ) 't is not so safe to raise the Court ; Things thus unsetled , if you please to have — Orb. Where 's Ariaspes ? Zir. In 's dead sleepe by this time sure , Orb. I know he is not ! find him instantly . Zir. I 'm gone , — Turnes back againe . But Madam , why make you choyce of him , from whom If the succession meet disturbance , All must come of danger ? Orb. My Lord , I am not yet so wise , as to be Jealous ; Pray dispute no further . Zir. Pardon me ( Madam ) if before I goe I must unlock a secret to you ; such a one As while the King did breathe durst know no aire , Zorannes lives . Orb. Ha! Zir. And in the hope of such a day as this Has lingred out a life , snatching , to feed His almost famish'd eyes , Sights now and then of you , in a disguise . Orb. Strange ! this night is big with miracle ! Zir. If you did love him , as they say you did , And doe so still ; 't is now within your power ! Orb. I would it were , my Lord , but I am now No private woman , if I did love him once , ( as 't is so long agoe , I have forgot ) My youth and ignorance may well excus't . Zir. Excuse it ? Orb. Yes , excuse it Sir . Zir. Though I confesse I lov'd his father much ▪ And pitie him , yet having offer'd it Unto your thoughts : I have discharg'd a trust ; And zeale shall stray no further . ( Your pardon Madam : ) Exit . Orb. May be 't is but a plot to keep off Ariaspes Greatnesse which he must feare , because he knowes Hee hates him : for these great States-men , That when time has made bold with the King And Subject , throwing downe all fence That stood betwixt their power And others right , are on a change , Like wanton Salmons comming in with flouds , That leap o're wyres and nets and make their way To be at the returne to every one a prey . Enter Ziriff . Zir. Looke here vaine thing and see thy sins full blown : There 's scarce a part in all this face , thou hast Not been forsworne by , and Heav'n forgive thee for 't ! For thee I lost a Father , Countrey , friends , My selfe almost , for I lay buried long ; And when there was no use thy love could pay Too great , thou mad'st the principle away : — Prompt . As wantons entring a Garden , take The first faire flower they meet , and Treasur't in their laps . Then seeing more , doe make fresh choyce agen , Throwing in one and one , till at the length The first poor flower o're-charg'd , with too much weight Withers and dies : So hast thou dealt with me , And having kill'd me first , I will kill — Orb. Hold — hold — Not for my sake , but Orbella's ( Sir ) a bare And single death is such a wrong to Justice , I must needs except against it . Find out a way to make me long a dying ; For death 's no punishment , it is the sense , The paines and feares afore that makes a death : To thinke what I had had , had I had you , What I have lost in losing of my selfe ; Are deaths farre worse than any you can give : Yet kill me quickly , for if I have time , I shall so wash this soule of mine with teares , Make it so fine , that you would be afresh In love with it , and so perchance I should Again come to deceive you . She rises up weeping , & hanging down her head . Zir. So rises day , blushing at nights deformitie : And so the prettie flowers blubber'd with dew , And over washt with raine , hang downe their heads . I must not looke upon her : ( Queen Goes towards him . ) Orb. Were but the Lillies in this face as fresh As are the Roses ; had I but innocence Joyn'd to these blushes , I should then be bold , For when they went a begging they were ne're deni'de , 'T is but a parting kisse Sir — Enter Pasithas , and two Guard . Zir. I dare not grant it . — Pasithas — away with her . A bed put out . Thersames and Aglaura on it , Andrages by . Ther. Shee wake't me with a sigh , And yet shee sleepes her selfe , Sweet Innocence , Can it be sinne to love this shape , And if it be not , why am I persecuted thus ? — Shee sighs agen , sleepe that drownes all cares , Cannot I see charme loves ? blest pillowes , Through whose finenesse does appeare The Violets , Lillies and the Roses You are stuft withall , to whose softnesse I owe the sweet of this repose , Permit me to leave with you this , — Kisses them , shee wakes . See if I have not wake't her , Sure I was borne , Aglaura , to destroy Thy quiet . Agl. Mine , my Lord , Call you this drowsinesse a quiet then ? Beleeve me , Sir , 't was an intruder I much Struggled with , and have to thanke a dreame , Not you , that it thus left me . Ther. A dreame ! what dreame , my Love ? Agl. I dreamp't ( Sir ) it was day , And the feare you should be found here . Enter Ziriff . Zir. Awake ; how is it with you , Sir ? Ther. Well , extreamly well , so well , that had I now No better a remembrancer than paine , I should forget I e're was hurt , Thanks to Heav'n , and good Andrages . Zir. And more than thanks I hope we yet shall Live to pay him . How old 's the night ? And. Far-spent I feare , my Lord . Zir. I have a cause that should be heard Yet ere day breake and I must needs intreat You Sir to be the Judge in 't . Ther. What cause Zorannes ? Zir. When you have promis'd — ( Zorannes . Ther. 'T were hard I should deny thee any thing . — Exit Know'st thou , Andrages , what he meanes ? And. Nor cannot ghesse , Sir , — Draw in the bed . I read a trouble in his face , when first Hee left you , but understood it not . Enter Zorannes , King Ariaspes , Jolas , Queene and two or three Guard . Zor . Have I not pitcht my nets like a good Huntsman ? Looke , Sir , the noblest of the Herd are here . Ther. I am astonished . Zor . This place is yours . — Helps him up . Ther. What wouldst thou have me doe . Zor . Remember , Sir , your promise , I could doe all I have to doe , alone ; But Justice is not Justice unlesse 't be justly done : Here then I will begin , for here began my wrongs . This woman ( Sir ) was wondrous faire , and wondrous Kinde , — I , faire and kind , for so the storie runs , She gave me looke for looke , and glance for glance , And every sigh like eccho's was return'd , Wee sent up vow by vow , promise on promise , So thick and strangely multiplyed , That sure we gave the heavenly Registers Their businesse , and other mortalls oaths Then went for nothing , we felt each others paines , Each others joyes , thought the same thought , And spoke the very same ; Wee were the same and I have much a doe To thinke she could be ill , and I not Be so too , and after this , all this ( Sir ) Shee was false , lov'd him , and him , And had I not begun revenge , Till she had made an end of changing , I had had the Kingdome to have killd , What does this deserve ? Ther. A punishment he best can make That suffered the wrong . Zor . I thanke you , Sir , For him I will not trouble you , His life is mine , I won it fairly , And his is yours , he lost it foully to you — To him ( Sir ) now : A man so wicked that he knew no good , But so as 't made his sins the greater for 't . Those ills , which singly acted bred despaire In others , he acted daily , and ne're thought Upon them . The grievance each particular has against him I will not meddle with , it were to give him A long life , to give them hearing , I 'le onely speake my owne . First then the hopes of all my youth , And a reward which Heaven had settled on me , ( If holy contracts can doe any thing ) He ravisht from me , kill'd my father , Aglaura's father , Sir , would have whor'd my sister , And murther'd my friend , this is all : And now your sentence , Sir . Ther. We have no punishment can reach these crimes : Therefore 't is justest sure to send him where Th' are wittier to punish than we are here : And cause repentance oft stops that proceeding , A sudden death is sure the greatest punishment . Zor . I humbly thanke you Sir . King . What a strange glasse th ▪ have shew'd me now my selfe In ; our sins like to our shadowes , When our day is in its glorie scarce appear'd , Towards our evening how great and monstrous They are . Zor . Is this all you have to say ? — Drawes . Ther. Hold : — now goe you up . Zor . What meane you , Sir ? Ther. Nay , I denyed not you , — That all thy accusations are just , I must acknowledge , And to these crimes , I have but this t' oppose , Hee is my Father , and thy Soveraigne . — 'T is wickednesse ( deare Friend ) wee goe about to punish , and when w' have murther'd him , What difference is there 'twixt him and Our selves , but that hee first was wicked ? — Thou now would'st kill him 'cause he kill'd thy Father , And when th' hast kill'd , have not I the selfe same Quarrell ? Zor . Why Sir , you know you would your selfe Have done it . Ther. True : and therefore 't is I beg his life , There was no way for mee to have Redeem'd th' intent , but by a reall Saving of it . Be ready Courtiers , and Guard , with their swords drawne , at the brests of the Prisoners . If he did ravish from thee thy Orbella , Remember that that wicked issue had A noble parent Love , — Remember How he lov'd Zorannes when he was Ziriff , — Ther 's something due to that . If you must needs have bloud for your revenge , Take it here — despise it not Zorannes : Zorannes turnes away . The gods themselves , whose greatnesse Makes the greatnesse of our sins , And heightens'em above what wee can doe Unto each other , accept of sacrifice For what wee doe 'gainst them , Why should not you , and 't is much thriftier too : You cannot let out life there , but my honour Goes , and all the life you can take here , Posterity will give mee back agen ; See , Aglaura weepes : That would have beene ill Rhetorique in mee , But where it is , it cannot but perswade . Zor . Th' have thaw'd the ice about my heart ; I know not what to doe . King . Come downe come downe , I will be King agen , There 's none so fit to be the Judge of this As I ; the life you shew'd such zeale to save , I here could willingly returne you back ; But that 's the common price of all revenge . Enter Guard , Orsames , Philan , Courtiers , Orithie , Semanthe . Jol. Ari. Ha , ha , ha : how they looke now ? Zor . Death : what 's this ? Ther. Betray'd agen ; All th' ease our Fortune gives our miseries is hope , And that still proving false , growes part of it . King . From whence this Guard ? Ari. Why Sir , I did corrupt , while we were his prisoners , One of his owne to raise the Court ; shallow soules , That thought wee could not countermine , Come Sir , y' are in good posture to dispatch them . King . Lay hold upon his instrument : Fond man , do'st thinke I am in love with villany ? All the service they can doe mee here Is but to let these see the right I doe Them now is unconstrain'd , then thus I doe proceed . Upon the place Zorannes lost his life , I vow to build a tomb , and on that tomb I vow to pay three whole yeares penitence , If in that time I finde that heaven and you Can pardon ; I shall finde agen the way To live amongst you . Ther. Sir be not so cruell to your selfe this is an age , — King . 'T is now irrevocable , thy Fathers lands I give thee back agen , and his commands ; And with them , leave to weare the Tyara , That man there has abus'd . — To you Orbella , Who it seemes are foule as well as I , I doe prescribe the selfe same physick I doe take my selfe : But in another place , and for a longer time , Diana's Nunnerie . Orb. Above my hopes . King . For you , who still have beene The ready instrument of all my cruelties , And there have cancell'd all the bonds of brother , Perpetuall banishment : nor , should This line expire , shall thy right have a place . Ari. Hell and Furies . — Exit . King . Thy crimes deserve no lesse ; yet 'cause thou wert Heavens instrument to save my life , Thou onely hast that time of banishment , I have of penitence . — Comes down . Ziriff offers to kisse the Kings hand Jol. May it be plague and famine here till I returne . No : thou shalt not yet forgive mee : King . Aglaura thus I freely part with thee , And part with all fond flames and warme desires , I cannot feare new agues in my bloud Since I have overcome the charmes Thy beauty had , no other ever can Have so much power , Thersames , thou look'st pale , Is 't want of rest ? Ther. No Sir ; but that 's a storie for your eare — They whisper . Ors . A strange and happy change . Ori. All joyes wait on you ever . Agl. Orithie How for thy sake now could I wish Love were no Mathematick point , But would admit division , that Thersames might . Though at my charge , pay thee the debt he owes thee . Ori. Madam , I loved the Prince , not my selfe ; Since his vertues have their full rewards , I have my full desires . King . What miracles of preservation have wee had ? How wisely have the stars prepar'd you for felicitie ? Nothing endeares a good more than the contemplation Of the difficultie wee had to attaine to it : But see , Nights Empire 's out , And a more glorious auspitiously does begin ; Let us goe serve the gods , and then prepare For jollitie , this day I le borrow from my vowes . Nor shall it have a common celebration ; Since 't must be , A high record to all posteritie . — Exeunt omnes .

Epilogue . PLays are like Feasts , and every Act should bee Another Course , and still varietie : But in good faith provision of wit Is growne of late so difficult to get , That doe wee what wee can , wee are not able , Without cold meats to furnish out the Table . Who knowes but it was needlesse too ? may bee 'T was here , as in the Coach-mans trade ; and hee That turnes in the least compasse , shewes most Art : How e're , the Poet hopes ( Sir ) for his part , You 'll like not those so much , who shew their skill In entertainment , as who shew their will . FINIS .

THE GOBLINS A Comedy . Presented at the Private House in Black-Fryers , by His Majesties servants .

WRITTEN By Sir JOHN SUCKLING .

LONDON , Printed for Humphrey Moseley , and are to be sold at his shop , at the Signe of the Princes Armes in St Pauls Churchyard . MDCXLVI .

PROLOGUE . WIt in a Prologue , Poets justly may Stile a new imposition on a Play . When Shakespeare , Beamont , Fletcher rul'd the Stage , There scarce were ten good pallats in the age , More curious Cooks then guests ; for men would eat Most hartily of any kind of meat , And then what strange variety each Play , A Feast for Epicures , and that each day . But marke how odly it is come about , And how unluckily it now fals out : The pallats are growne , higher number increas't , And there wants that which should make up the Feast ; And yet y' are so unconscionable . You 'd have Forsooth of late , that which they never gave , Banquets before ; and after . — Now pox on him that first good Prologue writ , He left a kind of rent charge upon wit ; Which if succeding Poets faile to pay , They forfeit all their worth , and that s their play : Y' have Ladies humors , and y' are growne to that , You will not like the man lesse that his boots and hat Be right ; no play , unlesse the Prologue be , And Epilogue writ to curiositie . Well ( Gentiles ) '● is the grievance of the place , And pray consider 't , for here 's just the case ; The richnesse of the ground is gone and spent , Mens braines grow barren , and you raise the Rent .

Francelia .

ACT I. SCENE I. Enter as to a Duell : Samorat , Philatell , Torcular . Samorat , BUt my Lords , May not this harsh businesse Yet be left undone ! Must you hate me because I love your sister ; And can you hate at no lesse rate then death ? Phil. No , at no lesse : Thou art the blaster of our fortunes , The envious cloud that darknest all our day , While she thus prodigally , and fondly Throwes away her love on thee ; She has not wherewithall to pay a debt Unto the Prince . — Sam. Is this all ? Tor. Faith , what if in short we doe not thinke You worthy of her ? — Sam. I sweare that shall not make a quarrell . I thinke so too ; ‛ Have urg'd it often to my selfe ; Against my selfe have sworn't as oft to her , Pray let this satisfie . — Phil. Sure ( Torcular ) he thinks we come to talke Looke you Sir ; — drawes . And brother since his friend has fail'd him , Doe you retire . Tor. Excuse me ( Philatell ) I have an equall interest in this , And fortune shall decide it . — Phil. It will not need , hee 's come . — Enter Orsabrin . Ors . Mercury protect me ! what are these ? The brothers of the high way ! Phil. A stranger by his habit . — Tor. And by his looks a Gentleman . Sir , — will you make one ! We want a fourth . — Ors I shall be rob'd with a tricke now ! Sam. My Lords excuse me ! This is not civill . In what concernes my selfe , None but my selfe must suffer . — Ors . A duell by this light , — Now has his modestie , And t'others forwardnes warm'd me ▪ — goes towards them . Gentlemen , I weare a sword , And commonly in readines , If you want one , speake Sir . — to Samorat . I doe not feare much suffering . Sam. Y' are noble Sir , I know not how t' invite you to it ; Yet , there is Justice on my side , And since you please to be a witnesse To our actions , 't is fit you know our Story . — Ors . No Story Sir I beseech you , — The cause is good enough as 't is , It may be spoil'd i' th telling . Phil. Come we trifle then . — Sam. It is impossible to preserve I see My honor and respect to her . And since you know this too my Lord , It is not handsome in you thus to presse me , But come . — Torcular beckens to Orsabrin . — Oh! I understand you Sir . — Exeunt . Philatell and Samoratt fight . Phil. In posture still . — Oh , y' are mortall then it seemes . — A slight wound . Sam. Thou hast undone thy selfe rash man , For with this bloud thou hast let out a spirit Will vex thee to thy grave . — Fight agen , Samorat takes away Philatells sword , and takes breath , then gives it him . Sam. I 'm coole agen , Here my Lord. — And let this Present bind your friendship . — Phil. Yes thus . — Runs at him . Sam. Treacherous , and low . — Enter Orsabrin . Ors . I have dril'd my gentleman , I have made as many holes in him As would sinke a Ship Royall In sight of the Haven : — How now ? — Samorat upon his knee . S'foot yonder 's another going that way too . — Now have I forgot of which side I 'm on , No matter . I 'le help the weakest ; There 's some Justice in that . Phil. The Villaine sure has slaine my brother . If I have any friends above , Guide now my hand unto his heart . — Orsabrin puts it by , runs at him , Samo steps in . Sam. Hold noble youth ! Destroy me not with kindnesse : Men will say he could have kil'd me , And that injustice should not be ; For honours sake , leave us together . — Ors . 'T is not my businesse fighting — puts up . Th' employment's yours Sir : If you need me , I am within your call . Sam. The gods reward thee : — Now Philatell thy worst . — They fight agen , and close , Samo : forces his sword . Enter Orsabrin . Ors . Hell and the Furies are broke loose upon us , Shift for your selfe Sir . — Flyes into the woods severall wayes pursued by Theeves in Devils habits . Enter Torcular , weak with bleeding . Tor. It will not be , — My body is a Jade : I feele it tire , and languish under me . Those thoughts came to my soule Like Screech-owles to a sick mans window . — Enter Theeves back agen . Thee . Here — here — Tor. Oh! I am fetcht away alive . - Exeunt . They bend him , and carry him away . Enter Orsabrin . Ors . Now the good gods preserve my senses right , For they were never in more danger : 'I th name of doubt , what could this be ? Sure 't was a Conjurer I dealt withall : And while I thought him busie at his praiers , 'T was at his circle , levying this Regiment . Heere they are agen . — Enter Samoratt . Sam. Friend — Stranger — Noble youth — Ors . Heere — heere — Sam. Shift , shift the place , The wood is dangerous , As you love safety , Follow me . — Exeunt . Enter Philatell . Phi. Th' have left the place , And yet I cannot find the body any where — May be he did not kill him then , But he recover'd strength , And reacht the Towne — — It may be not too . — Oh that this houre could be call'd backe agen . — But 't is too late , And time must cure the wound that 's given by fate . — Exit . Enter Samoratt , Orsabrin . Ors . I' th shape of Lions too sometimes , And Beares ? — Sam. Often Sir . — Ors . Pray unriddle . — Sam. The wiser sort doe thinke them Theeves , Which but assume these formes to rob More powerfully . — Or. Why does not then the State Set out some forces and suppresse them ? Sam. It often has ( Sir ) but without successe . — Or. How so ? — Sam. During the time those leavies are abroad , Not one of them appeares , There have been That have attempted under ground ; But of those as of the dead There has been no returne . — Or. Strange . Sam. The common people thinke them a race Of honest and familiar Devills , For they do hurt to none , Unlesse resisted ; They seldome take away but with exchange ; And to the poore they often give , Returne the hurt , and sicke recover'd Reward , or punish , as they do find cause . — Or. How cause ? — Sar. Why Sir , they blind still those they take , And make them tell the stories of their lives , Which known , they do accordingly . — Or. You make me wonder ! Sir , — How long is 't since they thus have troubled you ? Sam. It was immediately upon The great deciding day , fought 'Twixt the two pretending families , The Samorats , and the Orsabrins . Or. Ha! Orsabrin ? Sam. But Sir , that storie 's sad , and tedious , W' are entring now the Town , A place lesse safe then were the Woods , Since Torcular is slaine . — Or. How Sir — Sam. Yes . — He was the Brother to the Princes Mistris , The lov'd one too . If wee do prize our selves at any rate , We must embarque , and change the clime , There is no safety here . — Or. Hum. — Sam. The little stay we make , must be In some darke corner of the Towne : From whence , the day hurried to th' other world , Wee 'le sally out to order for our journey . That I am forc't to this , it grieves me not ; But ( gentle youth ) that you should for my sake . — Or. Sir , loose not a thought on that A storme at Sea threw me on Land , And now a Storme on Land drives me To Sea agen . — Sam. Still noble , — Exeunt . Enter Nassurat , Pellagrin . Na. Why ; suppose 't is to a Wench , You would not goe with me , would you ? — Pella . To chuse , — to chuse , — Na. Then there 's no remedy . — Flings down his hat , unbuttons himself drawes . Pella . What doest meane ? — Na. Why ? since I cannot leave you alive , I will trie to leave you dead . Pella . I thanke you kindly Sir , very kindly . Now the Sedgly curse upon thee , And the great Fiend , ride through thee Booted and Spur'd , with a Sith on his necke ; Pox on thee , I 'le see thee hang'd first ; S'foot , you shall make none of your fine Points of honour , up at my charge : Take your course if you be so hot . Be doing , — be doing , — Ex. Na. I am got free of him at last : There was no other way ; H 'as been as troublesome as a woman that Would be lov'd whether a man would or not : And h 'as watcht me as if he had been My Creditors Sergeant . If they should have dispatcht In the meane time , there would be fine Opinions of me . — I must cut his throat In earnest , if it should be so . — Ex. Enter Theeves , A horne sounds . Th. A prize — A prize — A prize — Perid. Some duell ( Sir ) was faught this morning , this Weakned with losse of blood , we tooke , the rest Escap't . — Tamoren . Hee 's fitter for our Surgeon , then for us , Hereafter wee 'le examine him — Agen a shout . Thee . A prize — A prize — A prize — ( They set them down ) Ardelan , Piramant . Tam. Bring them , bring them , bring them in , See if they have mortall Sin , Pinch them , as you dance about , Pinch them till the truth come out . — Peri. What art ? Ar. Extreamely poore , and miserable . Per. 'T is well , 't is well , proceed , No body will take that away from thee , Feare not , — what Country ? — Ar. — Francelia — Per. Thy name ? — Ar. Ardelan . — Per. And thine , — Pira . Piramant . — Per. Thy story , — come — Ar. What story ! — Per. Thy life , thy life . — ( Pinch him ) Ar. Hold ▪ hold , — You shall have it ; — ( he sighs ) It was upon the great defeat Given by the Samorats unto the Orsabrins , That the old Prince for safety of the young , Committed him unto the trust of Garradan , And some few servants more , 'Mongst whom I fil'd a place . — Tam. Ha! Garradan ! Ar. Yes . Tam. Speake out , and set me nearer ; So ; void the place , proceed . — Ar. We put to Sea , but had scarce lost the sight Of Land , ere we were made a prey To Pirates , there Garradan Resisting the first Boord , chang'd life with death ; With him the servants too , — All but my selfe and Piramant . Under these Pirats ever since Was Orsabrin brought up , And into severall Countries did they carry him . Tam. Knew Orsabrin himselfe ? — Ar. Oh! no , his spirit was too great ; We durst not tell him any thing , But waited for some accident Might throw us on Francelia , ▪ 'Bout which we hover'd often , And we were neere it now , But Heaven decreed it otherwise : — ( he sighs ) Tam. Why dost thou sigh ? — Ar. Why do I sigh ? ( indeed , ) For teares cannot recall him ; Last night about the second watch , the Winds broke loose , And vext our Ships so long , That it began to reele and totter , And like a drunken man , Took in so fast his liquor , That it sunke downe i' th place . — Tam. How did you scape ? — Ar. I bound my selfe unto a maste , And did advise my Master to do so , For which he struck me only , And said I did consult too much with feare . — Tam. 'T is a sad story . — ( within there ) Let them have Wine and Fire , — but hearke you , — ( Whispers ) Enter Theeves . With a Poet. The. A Prize . — A prize , — A prize . — Per. Set him downe , — Poet. — Sings . — — And for the blew , — Give him a Cup of Sacke 't will mend his hew . — Per. Drunke as I live . — ( Pinch him , pinch him . What art ? — Poet. I am a Poet , A poore dabler in Rime . — Per. Come confesse , confesse ; Poet. I do confesse , I do want money . Per. By the description hee 's a Poet indeed . Well proceed . — ( Pinch him ) Poet. What d' you meane ? — Pox on you . Prethee let me alone , Some Candles here , — And fill us t'other Quart , and fill us Rogue , Drawer , the t'other Quart , Some small Beere . — And for the blew , Give him a Cup of Sack 't will mend his hew . — Tam. Set him by till hee 's sober , Come lett 's go see our Duellist Drest . — Exeunt . Enter Taylor , two Sergeants . Tay. Hee 's something tall , and for his Chin , It has no bush below : Marry a little wooll , as much as an unripe Peach doth weare ; Just enough to speake him drawing towards a man . — Ser. Is he of furie ? Will he foine , And give the mortall touch ? Tay. Oh no! He seldome weares his Sword . Ser , Topo is the word if he do , Thy debt , my little Mirmidon . Tay. A yard and a halfe I assure you without abatement . Ser. 'T is well , 't is wondrous well : Is he retired into this house of pleasure ? Tay. One of these hee 's entred ; 'T is but a little waiting , You shall find me at the next Taverne . — Exit . Ser. Stand close , I here one comming . Enter Orsabrin . Or. This house is sure no Seminary for Lucreces , Then the Matron was so over diligent , And when I ask't for meate or drinke , Shee look't as if I had mistooke my selfe , And cald for a wrong thing , Well ● 't is but a night , and part of it I 'le spend In seeing of this Towne , So famous in our Tales at Sea . — Ser. Looke , looke , mufled , and as melancholy after 't As a Gamester upon losse ; upon him , upon him , Or. How now my friends , Why do you use me thus ? Ser. Quietly ; 't will be your best way Or. Best way ? for what ? Ser. Why , 't is your best way , Because there will be no other , Topo is the word , And you must along . — Or. Is that the word ? Why then , this is my Sword — ( Run away ) Ser. Murder , murder , murder ; H 'as kil'd the Princes Officer , Murder — Murder — Murder . — Or. I must not stay , I heare them swarme . — Exit . Enter Constable , People . Con. Where is he , where is he ? Ser. Here , — here — oh a Manmender , A Manmender , Has broacht me in so many places , All the Liquor in my body will run out . Con. In good sooth ( neighbour ) has tapt you at the Wrong end too ; He has been busie with you here behind ; As one would say , lend a hand , some of you , And the rest follow me . — Exeunt Enter Orsabrin . Or. Still pursu'd ! Which way now ? I see no passage ; I must attempt this wall , — Oh — a luckie doore . And open . — Exit . Enters agen . Where am I now ? A garden , and a handsome house , If 't be thy will a Porch too 't , And I 'm made ; 'T will be the better lodging of the two . — ( goes to the Porch ) Enter Maid . Phemilia . Oh! welcome , welcome Sir , My Lady hath been in such frights for you . Or. Hum ! for me ? — Phe. And thought you would not come to night : Or. Troth , I might very well have fail'd her : Phe. Shee 's in the Gallery alone i' th darke . Or. Good , very good . Phe. And is so melancholly , — Or. Hum. — Phe. Have you shut the Garden doores ? Come I 'le bring you to her , enter , enter . — Or. Yes , I will enter : He who has lost himselfe makes no great venter . — Exit .

ACT II. Enter Sabrina , Orsabrin . Sab. OH welcome , welcome , as open aire to prisoners , I have had such feares for you . Or. Shee s warme , and soft as lovers language : Shee spoke too , pretilie ; Now have I forgot all the danger I was in . — Sab. What have you done to day ( my better part ) Or. Kind little Rogue ! I could say the finest things to her mee thinks , But then shee would discover me , The best way will be to fall too quietly . — ( kisses her ) Sab. How now my Samorat , What saucy heat hath stolne into thy bloud , And heightned thee to this ? I feare you are not well . — Or. S'foot ! 't is a Platonique : Now cannot I so much as talke that way neither . Sab. Why are you silent , Sir ? Come I know you have been in the field to day . Or. How does shee know that ? — Sab. If you have kill'd my brother , speake : It is no new thing that true Love Should be unfortunate : Or. 'T was her brother I kill'd then , Would I were with my Devils agen : I got well of them , That will be here impossible . — Enter Phemillia . Phe. Oh! Madam , Madam , Y' are undone ; The garden walls are scal'd , A floud of people are entring th' house . Or. Good — why here 's varietie of ruine yet . — Sab. 'T is so , The Feet of Justice Like to those of time , Move quick , And will destroy I feare as sure : Oh Sir , what will you do , There is no ventring forrh , My Closet is the safest , Enter there , While I goe down and meet their furie Hinder the search if possible . — Exit . Or. Her Closet , Yea where 's that ? And , if I could find it , What should I do there ? Shee will returne , — I will venture out . — Exit . Enter the Prince , Philatell Phontrell , Companie , Musique . Phi. The lightest aires ; 't will make them More secure , — Upon my life hee 'le visite her to night . — Musick plaies and sings . Prince . Nor shee , nor any lesser light Appeares , — The calme and silence 'bout the place , Perswardes me shee does sleep . Phi. It may be not , but hold , It is enough , — let us retire Behind this Pillar , Phontrell , is thy place , As thou didst love thy Master shew thy care , You to th' other Gate , There 's thy Ladder . — Exeunt . Enter Sabrina . Sab. Come forth my Samorat , come forth , Our feares were false , It was the Prince with Musicke , Samorat , Samorat . , He sleepes , — Samorat , Or else hee 's gon to find me out I' th Gallery , Samorat , Samorat , it must be so . — Exit . Enter Orsabrin . Ors . This house is full of Thresholds , And Trap-doores , I have been i' th Cellar , Where the Maids lie too , I laid my hand groping for my way Upon one of them , And shee began to squeake , Would I were at Sea agen i' th storme , Oh! a doore : Though the Devill were the Porter , And kept the Gate , I 'de out . — Enter Samorat Or. Ha! guarded ? taken in a trap ? Nay , I will out , And there 's no other But this . — ( Retires and drawes , runs at him Another passe they close . Sam. Philatell in ambush on my life - Enter Sabrina , and Phemillia with a light Sab. Where should he be ? Ha! — Good Heavens what spectacle is this ? my Samorat ! Some apparition sure , — ( They discover one another by the light , throw away their weapons , and embrace . Sam. My noble friend , What angry , and malicious Planet . Govern'd at this point of time ! — Sab. ( My wonder does grow higher ) Or. That which governes ever : I seldome knew it better . Sam. It does amaze me Sir , to find you here . How entred you this place ? Or. Forc't by unruly men it 'h street . Sab. Now the mistake is plaine . Or. Are you not hurt ? Sab. No , — but you bleed ? Or. I do indeed , But 't is not here , This is a scratch , It is within to see this beauty ; For by all circumstance , it was her brother , Whom my unlucky Sword found out to day . Sab. Oh! my too cruell fancy . — ( Weepes ) Sam. It was indeed thy Sword , But not thy fault , I am the cause of all these ills . Why d' you weep Sabrina ! — Sab. Unkind unto thy selfe , and me , The tempest , this sad newes has rais'd within me I would have laid with Sheares , But thou disturb'st me , Oh! Samorat . Had'st thou consulted but with love as much As honour , this had never been . Sam. I have no love for thee that has not had So strict an union with honour still , That in all things they were concern'd alike , And if there could be a division made , It would be found Honour had here the leaner share : 'T was love that told me 't was unfit That you should love a Coward . Sab. These handsome words are now As if one bound up wounds with silke , Or with fine knots , Which do not helpe the cure , Or make it heale the sooner : Oh! Samorat this accident Lies on our love , Like to some foule disease , Which though it kill it not , Yet wil't destroy the beauty ; Disfigur't so , That 't will looke ugly to th' world hereafter . — Sam. Must then the Acts of Fate be crimes of men ? And shall a death he pul'd upon himselfe , Be laid on others ? Remember Sweet , how often You have said it in the face of Heaven , That 't was no love , Which length of time , or cruelty of chance , Could lessen , or remove , Oh kill me not that way Sabrina , This is the nobler ; Take it , and give it entrance any where — Kneeles and presents his Sword . But here , For you so fill that plaee , That you must wound your selfe . — Or. Am I so slight a thing ? So bankerupt ? So unanswerable in this world ? That being principally i' th debt , Another must be cal'd upon , And I not once look't after ? Madam why d' you throw away your Teares ] On one that 's irrecoverable ? Sab. Why ? therefore Sir , Because hee 's irrecoverable . Ors . But why on him ? He did not make him so . Sab I do confesse my anger is unjust , But not my sorow Sir , Forgive these teares my Samorat , The debts of nature must be paid , Though from the stocke of love : Should they not Sir ? Sam. Yes . — But thus the precious minutes passe , And time , e're I have breath'd the sighs , Due to our parting , Will be calling for me . Sab. Parting ? — Sam. Oh yes Sabrina , I must part , As day does from the world , Not to returne till night be gone , Till this darke Cloud be over , Here to be found , Were foolishly to make a present Of my life unto mine enemy , Retire into thy Chamber faire , There thou shalt know all . — Sab. I know too much already . — Exeunt . Enter Phontrell . Hold rope for me , and then hold rope for him . Why , this is the wisdome of the Law now , A Prince looses a subject , and does not Think himselfe paid for the losse , Till he looses another : Well I will do my endeavour To make him a saver ; For this was Samorat .. — Exit . Enter Samorat , Orsabrin bleeding . Or. Let it bleed on , — you shall not stirre I sweare . — Sam. Now by the friendship that I owe thee , And the Gods beside , I will Noble youth , were there no danger in thy wound , Yet would the losse of bloud make thee Unfit for travell , My servants waite me for direction , With them my Surgeon , I 'le bring him instantly , Pray go back . — Exit . Enter Philatell , Guard . Phil. There . — ( places them at the doore . You to the other Gate , The rest follow me . — Ex. Enter Orsabrin , Sabrina . Sab. Hearke a noise Sir . This tread's too loud to be my Samorats . Searchers . ( Which way ? — which way ) — ( to them . Some villany in hand , Step in here Sir , quick , quick . — Locks him into her Closet . Enter Philatell , Guard , and passe ore the Stage . Phi Looke every where . — ( Philatell dragging out his Sister . Protect thy brothers murderer ? Tell me where thou hast hid him , Or by my fathers ashes I will search In every veine thou hast about thee , for him . — ( Orsabrin bounces thrice at the doore , it flies open . Enter Orsabrin . Or. Ere such a villany should be The Gods would lend unto a single arme Such strength , it should have power to punish An Armie , such as thou art . — Phi. Oh! are you here Sir ? — Or. Yes I am here Sir . — ( sight ) Phil. Kill her . — ( Shee interpos'd Or. Oh! save thy selfe faire excellence , And leave me to my Fate . — Base ▪ — Comes behind him , catches bold of his Armes . Phi. So bring him one , The other is not far , — Exeunt . Enter Sabrina , Phemilia . Sab Run , run , Phemillia To the Garden walls , And meet my Samorat , Tell him , oh tell him any thing , Charge him by all our loves He instantly take Horse , And put to Sea , There is more safety in a storme , Then where my brother is . — Exeunt .

ACT III. Enter Theeves . Thee . A Prize — A prize , A prize , Per. Bring him forth , bring him forth ; ( They dance about him and sing . Welcome , welcome , mortall wight , To the Mansion of the night : Good or bad , thy life discover Truly all thy deeds declare ; For about thee Spirits hover That can tell , tell what they are . — Pinch him , if he speake not true , — Pinch him , pinch him black and blew , Per. What art thou ? Stra I was a man . Per. Of whence ? — Str. The Court . — Per. Whether now bound ? Str , To my owne house . Per. Thy name ? Stra. Stramador . Per. Oh you fill a place about his Grace , And keep out men of parts , d' you not ? Str. Yes . — Per. A foolish Utensill of State , Which like old Plate upon a Gaudy day , 'Sbrought forth to make a show , and that is all ; For of no use y' are , y' had best deny this : Str. Oh no! — Per. Or that you do want wit , And then talke loud to make that passe for it ? You thinke there is no wisedom but in forme ; Nor any knowledge like to that of whispers : — Str. Right , right . Per. Then you can hate , and fawn upon a man At the same time , And dare not urge the vices of another , You are so foule your selfe ; So the Prince seldome heares truth . Str. Oh! very seldome . Per. And did you never give his Grace odde Councels . And when you saw they did not prosper , Perswade him take them on himselfe . — Str. Yes , yes , often . — Per. Get baths of Sulphur quick , And flaming oyles , This crime is new , and will deserve it . He has inverted all the rule of State ; Confounded policie , There is some reason why a Subject should suffer for the errours of his Prince ; But why a Prince should beare The faults of 's Ministers , none , none at All. — Cauldrons of Brimstone there . Thee . Great Judge of this infernall place Allow him yet the mercy of the Court . Str. Kind Devill . — Per. Let him be boyl'd in scalding lead a while T'enure , and to prepare him for the other . Str. Oh! heare me , heare me , Per. Stay ! Now I have better thought upon 't , He shall to earth agen : For villanie is catching , and will spread : He will enlarge our Empire much , Then w' are sure of him at any time , So 't is enough — where 's our Governour ? — Exeunt . Enter Goalor , Samorat , Nassurat , Pellegrin , three others in disguise Iai. His haire curles naturally , A handsome youth . — Sam. The same , — ( Drinkes to him . Is there no speaking with him ? He owes me a trifling summe . — Iay. Sure Sir the debt is something desperate , There is no hopes he will be brought To cleare with the world , He struck me but for perswading him To make even with Heaven , He is as surly as an old Lion , And as sullen as a Bullfinch , He never eate since he was taken . — Gentlemen Sam. I must needs speake with him , Heark in the eare . — Iai. Not for all the world . Sam. Nay I do but motion such a thing , Iai. Is this the businesse Gentlemen ? Fare you well . — Sam. There is no choice of waies then . — ( Run after him , draw their daggers , set it to his Brest . Stir not , if thou but think'st a noise , Or breath'st aloud , thou breath'st thy last . So bind him now . — Undoe , Quickly , quickly , His Jerkin , his Hat . Na. What will you do ? None of these Beards will serve , There 's not an eye of white in them . Pell . Pull out the Silver'd ones in his And sticke them in the other . Na. Cut them , cut them out , The bush will sute well enough With a grace still . Sam. Desperate wounds must have desperate Cures , extreames must thus be serv'd , — You know your parts , Feare not , let us alone . — Sings a Catch . Some drinke , — what Boy , — some drinke — Fill it up , fill it up to the brinke , When the Pots crie clinke , And the Pockets chinke , Then 't is a merry world . To the best , to the best , have at her , And a Pox take the Woman-hater . — The Prince of darknesse is a Gentleman , Mahu , Mohu is his name , How d' you Sir ? You gape as you were sleepy , Good faith he lookes like an — O yes . Pell Or as if he had overstrain'd himselfe At a deep note in a Ballad . — Na. What think you of an Oyster at a low ebb ? Some liquor for him ; You will not be a Pimpe for life you Rogue , Nor hold a doore to save a Gentleman , You are — Pox on him , what is he Pellagrin ? If you love me , let 's stifle him , And say 't was a sudden judgement upon him For swearing ; the posture will confirme it . Pell . We 're in excellent humour , Let 's have another bottle , And give out that Anne my wife is dead , Shall I Gentlemen ? — Na. Rare Rogue in Buckram , Let me bite thee , Before me thou shalt go out wit , And upon as good termes , As some of those in the Ballad too . — Pell . Shall I so ? — Why then foutree for the Guise , Saines shall accrew , and ours shall be , The black ey'd beauties of the time , I 'le ticke you for old ends of Plaies : — They sing , — A Round , — A Round , — A Round , — A Round , — A Round , — A Round — ( Knock ) Some bodie 's at doore . Preethee , preethee , Sirra , Sirra , Trie thy skill . Na. Who 's there . Messen. One Sturgelot a Jaylor here ? — Na. Such a on there was my friend , But hee 's gone above an houre ago : Now did this Rogue whisper in his heart That 's a lie , — and for that very reason , I 'le cut his throat . — Pell . No prethee now , — for thinking ? Thou shalt not take the paines , The Law shall do 't — Na. How , — how ? — Pell . Marry wee 'le write it over when wee 're gone , He joyn'd in the plot , and put himselfe Into this posture , meerely to disguise it to The world . — Na. Excellent , Here 's to thee for that conceit , Wee should have made rare Statesmen , We are so witty in our mischiefe . Another song , and so let 's go , It will be time . — Sing . — A health to the Nut browne Lasse , With the hazell eyes let it passe . Shee that has good eyes Has good thighs , Let it passe , — let it passe . — A much to the lively Grey , 'T is as good it 'h night as the day , Shee that has good eyes , Has good thighs , Drinke away , — drinke away . — I pledge , I pledge , what ho some Wine , Here 's to thine , and to thine , The colours are Divine . — But oh the blacke , the black Give me as much agen , and let 't be Sacke : Shee that has good Eyes , Has good Thighs , And it may be a better knack . — Na. A reckoning Boy . — ( They knock ) There . — ( paies him ) Dost heare Here 's a friend of ours ' has forgotten himselfe A little ( as they call it ) The Wine has got into his head , As the frost into a hand , he is benum'd , And has no use of himselfe for the present . Boy . Hum Sir . — ( Smiles . ) Na. Prethee lock the dore , and when he Comes t' himselfe , Tell him he shall find us at the old place , He knowes where . Boy . I will Sir . — Exeunt . Enter Orsabrin . Or. To die ! yea what 's that ? For yet I never thought on 't seriously ; It may be ' t is . — hum . — It may be 't is not too . — Enter Samorat , as Goaler undoes his Fetters . Ha. — ( as amaz'd . ) What happy intercession wrought this change ? To whose kind prayers owe I this my friend ? Sam. Unto thy vertue — Noble youth The Gods delight in that as well as praiers . I am — Or. Nay , nay , — Be what thou wilt , I will not question't : Undoe , undoe . Sam. Thy friend Samorat . Or. Ha ? Sam. Lay by thy wonder , And put on these cloathes , In this disguise thou 'lt passe unto the Prison-gates , there you shall finde One that is taught to know you ; He will conduct you to the corner Of the wood , and there my horses waite Us. — I 'le throw this Goaler off in some odde place , Or. My better Angell . — Exennt . Enter Theeves . Per. It is ' een as hard a world for Theeves As honest men , — nothing to be got — No prize stirring . — 1. Thee . None , but one with horses , Who seem'd to stay for some That were to come , And that has made us waite thus long . Per. A leane dayes worke , but what remedie ? Lawyers , that rob men with their owne consent , Have had the same : Come , call in our Perdues , We will away . — ( they whistle . ) Enter Orsabrin , as seeking the horses . Or. I heare them now , Yonder they are . — Per. Hallow , who are these ? Any of ours ? Thee . No , stand close , They shall be presently , Yeeld — yeeld . — Or. Agen betraid ? there is no end of my misfortune , Mischiefe vexes me Like a quotidian , It intermits a little , and returnes E're I have lost the memory of My former fit . — Per. Sentences , sentences , A way with him — A way with him . — Exeunt . Enter Goaler , Drawers , over the Stage . Jailer . I am the Goaler , undone , undone , Conspiracie , a cheat , my prisoner , my prisoner . — Exeunt . Enter Samorat . Sam. No men ? — nor horses ? — Some strange mistake , — May it be , th' are sheltred in the wood . — Enter Peridor and other Theeves , examining the young Lord Torcular that was hurt . Perid. And if a Lady did but step aside , To fetch a Masque or so , You follow'd after still , As if shee had gone proud ? Ha ; is 't not so ? — Tor. Yes . — Per. And if you were us'd but civillie in a place , You gave out doubtfull words upon 't , To make men thinke you did enjoy . Tor. Oh! yes , yes . Per. Made love to every peece of cried-up beauty ▪ And swore the same things over to them . Tor. The very same . — Per. Abominable . Had he but sworne new things , yet 't had been Tollerable . — Reades the summe of the Confession . Th. Let me see , — let me see . Hum. Court Ladies Eight , Of which two great ones . — Country Ladies twelve . Tearmers all . — Per. Is this right ? Tor. Very right . Per. Citizens wives of severall trades , He cannot count them . — Chamber maides , and Country wenches , About thirty : — Of which the greater part , The night before th' were married , Or else upon the day : Per. A modest reckoning , is this all ? — Tor. No. — I will be just t' a scruple . Per. Well said , — well said , — Out with it . — Tor. Put down two old Ladies more . Per. I' th name of wonder , How could he thinke of old , In such variety of young ? Tor. Alas I could never be quiet for them . Per. Poore Gentleman . Well what 's to be done with him now ? Shall he be thrown into the Cauldron With the Cuckolds , Or with the Jealous ? That 's the hotter place . Per. Thou mistakes't , 'T is the same , they go together still : Jealous and Cuckolds differ no otherwise Then Sheriffe and Alderman ; A little time makes th' one th' other . What thinke you of Gelding him , And sending him to earth agen , Amongst his women ? 'T wood be like throwing a dead fly Into an Ants nest . There would be such tearing , pulling , And getting up upon him , They would worry the poore thing To death , — Th. 1. Excellent , Or leave a string as they do sometimes In young Colts : Desire and impotence , Would be a rare punishment . Fie , fie , the common disease of age , A very old man has it . Enter The. A prize , — A prize , — A prize , ( Hornes blow , Brasse Plots , &c. Ors . This must be Hell by the noise Ta. Set him down , set him down ; Bring forth the newest wrack , And flaming pinching Irons , This is a stubborne peece of flesh , 'T would have broke loose . Or. So , this comes of wishing my selfe With Divels agen . — Per. What art ? — Or. The slave of Chaunce , One of Fortunes fooles ; A thing shee kept alive on earth To make her sport , Per. Thy name ? Or. Orsabrin . Per. Ha! he that liv'd with Pirats ? Was lately in a storme ? Or. The very same . — Ta. Such respect as you have paid to me , — ( whispers ) Prepare to Revels , all that can be thought on : But let each man still keep his shape . — ( Exit . ) They unbind him , all bow to him , ( Musicke ) Or. Ha! Another false smile of Fortune ? — ( They bring out severall suite of cloathes , and a banquets Is this the place the gowned Clearkes Do fright men so on earth with ? Would I had been here before . Master Devill ; To whose use are these set out ? Ta. To yours Sir . Or. I 'le make bold to change a little — ( takes a hat . Could you not affoord a good plaine Sword ( dresses himself . To all this gallantry ? — Per. Wee 'le see Sir . Or. A thousand times civiller then men , And better natur'd . Enter Tamoren , Reginella . Tam. All leave the roome . I like not this . — Ex. Tam. Cupid do thou the rest , A blunter arrow , and but slackly drawne , Would perfect what 's begun , When young and handsome meet , — The work 's halfe done . — Or. She cannot be lesse then a goddesse ; And 't must be Proserpine : I 'le speake to her , though Pluto's selfe stood by , Thou beauteous Queene of this darke world , That mak'st a place so like a hell , So like a Heaven , instruct me In what forme I must approach thee , And how adore thee ? — Re. Tell me what thou art first : For such a creature Mine eyes did never yet behold . — Or. I am that which they name above a man : I' th watry Elements I much have liv'd , And there they terme me Orsabrin . Have you a name too ? — Re. Why doe you aske ? Or. Because I 'de call upon it in a storme , And save a Ship from perishing sometimes . Re. 'T is Reginella . Or. Are you a woman too ? I never was in earnest untill now . Re. I know not what I am , For like my selfe I never yet saw any . Or. Nor ever shall . Oh! how came you hither ? Sure you were betraied . Will you leave this place , And live with such as I am ? Re. Why may not you live here with me ? Or. Yes . — But I 'de carry thee where there is a glorious light , Where all above is spread a Canopie , Studded with twinckling Gems , Beauteous as Lovers eies ; And underneath Carpets of flowry Meads To tread on . — A thousand thousand pleasures Which this place can ne're affoord thee . — Re. Indeed ! Or. Yes indeed — I 'le bring thee unto shady walkes , And Groves fring'd with Silver purling streams , Where thou shalt heare soft feathered Queristers Sing sweetly to thee of their own accord . I 'le fill thy lap with early flowers ; And whilst thou bind'st them up mysterious waies , I 'le tell thee pretty tales , and sigh by thee : Thus presse thy hand and warme it thus with kisses . Re. Will you indeed ? — Enter King Per. above with others . Ta. Fond Girle : Her rashnesse sullies the glory of her beauty , 'T wil make the conquest cheape , And weaken my designes , Go part them instantly . And bind him as before ; Be you his keeper Peridore . Per. Yes , I will keep him . Or. Her eyes like lightning shoot into my heart They 'le melt it into nothing , Eere I can present it to her , Sweet Excellence . — Enter Theeves . Ha! why is this hatefull curtaine drawne before my eyes ? If I have sinn'd , give me some other punishment ; Let me but looke on her still , And double it , oh ▪ whether , whether doe you hurry me ? Per. Madam , you must in . — ( carry him away . R. Ay me , what 's this ? — Must ! — Ex . Enter other Devils . Th. 1. We have had such sport ; Yonder 's the rarest Poet without , Has made all his confession in blanke verse : Not left a God , nor a Goddesse in Heaven , But fetch 't them all downe for witnesses ; Has made such a description of Stix , And the Ferry , And verily thinks has past them . Enquires for the blest shades , And askes much after certaine Brittish blades , One Shakespeare and Fletcher : And grew so peremptory at last , He would be carried where they were . Th. 2. And what did you with him ? Th. 1. Mounting him upon a Cowle-staffe , Which ( tossing him something high ) He apprehended to be Pegasus . So we have left him to tell strange lies , Which hee 'le turne into verse ; And some wise people hereafter into Religion .

ACT IV. Enter Samorat , Nashorat , Pellegrin . Na. GGod faith 't is wondrous well , We have ee'n done like eager disputers ; And with much adoe Are got to be just where we were . This is the corner of the wood . Sa. Ha! 't is indeed . — Pell . Had we no walking fire , Nor sawcer - ey'd Devill of these woods that led us ? Now am I as weary As a married man after the first weeke . And have no more desire to move forwards , Then a Post-horse that has past his Stage . Na. 'Sfoot yonder 's the night too , stealing away With her blacke gowne about her : Like a kind wench , that had staid out the Last minute with a man . Pel. What shall we doe , Gentlemen ? I apprehend falling into this Jaylors Hands strangely ; hee 'd use us worse Then we did him . Na. And that was ill enough of Conscience : What thinke you of turning Beggars ? Many good Gentlemen have don 't : or Theeves ? Pel. That 's the same thing at Court : Begging is but a kind of robbing th' Exchequer . Na. Looke foure fathome and a halfe OOS — In contemplation of his Mistres : There 's a Feast , you and I are out now Pellegrin ; 'T is a pretty tricke , this enjoyning in absence . What a rare invention ' t wood be , If a man could find out a way to make it reall . Pel. Dost thinke there 's nothing in 't as t is ? Na. Nothing , nothing . Did'st never heare of a dead Alexander , Rais'd to talke with a man ? Love 's a learned Conjurer , And with the glasse of Fancie will doe as strange things ? You thrust out a hand , Your Mistresse thrusts out another : You shake that hand that shakes you agen : You put out a lip ; she puts out hers : Talke to her , she shall answer you ; Marrie , when you come to graspe all this , It is but ayer . ( As out of his Study . Sam. It was unluckie , — Gentlemen , the day appeares , This is no place to stay in ; Let 's to some neighbouring Cottage , May be the Searchers will neglect The neerer places , And this will but advance unto our safety . Enter Fidlers . Na. Who are there ? Fid. 1. Now if the spirit of melancholy should possesse them ▪ F. 2. Why if it should , An honourable retreate . N. I have the rarest fancie in my head , — Whether are you bound my friends so early ? Fid. To a Wedding Sir . N. A Wedding ? I told you so . Whose ? Fid. A Country wenches here hard by , One Erblins daughter . N. Good : Erblin : the very place . To see how things fall out . Hold , here 's money for you . Harke you , you must assist me in a small designe . Fid. Any thing . Sam. What do'st meane ? N. Let me alone , I have a plot upon a wench . — Fid. Your Worship is merry . Na. Yes faith , to see her only . Looke you , some of you shall go back to ' th' Towne , And leave us your Coats , My friend and I am excellent at a little Instrument , And then wee 'l sing catches . P. I understand thee not ; Thou hast no more forecast then a Squirrell , And hast lesse wise consideration about thee . Is there a way safer then this ! Dost thinke what we have done Will not be spread beyond this place with ev'ry light . Should we now enter any house Thus near the Towne , and stay all day , T would be suspitious : What pretence have we ? P. He speaks reason Samorat . Sa. I doe not like it . Should any thing fall out 't would not looke well , I 'de not be found so much out of my selfe , So far from home as this disguise would make me , Almost for certainty of safety . N. Certainty ? Why , this will give it us , Pray let me governe once . Sa. Well , you suffered first with me , Now 't is my turne . P. Prethee name not suffering , N. Come , come , your Coats , Our Beards will suite rarely to them : There 's more money , Not a word of any thing as you tender — Fid. O Sir . N. And see you carry 't gravely too . — Now afore me Pellagrins rarely translated . 'Sfoot they 'l apprehend the head of the Base Violl As soone as thee ; Thou art so likely , Only I must confesse , that has a little the better face , P. Has it so ? — Pox on thee , thou look'st like I cannot tell what . N. Why , so I would foole , Th' end of my disguise is to have none Know what I am : Looke , looke , a Devill ayring himself . ( Enter a Divell . I 'le catch him like a Mole ere he can get under ground . P. Nashorat , Nashorat . — N. Pox on that noise , hee 's earth't . Prethee let 's watch him and see Whether hee 'le heave agen . P. Ar't madde ? — N. By this light , three or foure of their skins And wee 'd robbe . ‛ I would be the better way . — Come , come , let 's go — Exeunt . Enter Captain and Souldiers . Cap. Let the Horse skirt about this place , Wee ▪ le make a search within — Ex. Enter agen . Now disperse I' th hollow of the wood , Wee 'le meet agen . Enter Na. Pe. Sa. Fid. Sol. Who goes there ? Speake , — Oh! th' are Fidlers . — Sawe you no Men nor Horse I' th wood to day , — as you came along . ( Nashorat puls one of the Fidlers by the skirt ) Na. Speake , speake Rogue . Fid. None Sir , — Sol. Passe on . — Ex. N. Gentlemen what say you to th' invention now , I 'm a Rogue if I do not think I was design'd for the Helme of State , I am so full of nimble Stratagems : That I should have ordered affaires , and Carried it against the streame of a Faction , With as much ease as a Skippar , Would laver against the wind . — Ex. Enter Captaine and Soldiers meet agen . Cap. What , no newes of any ? Sol. No , — not a man stirring . Enter other Souldiers . Sa how , away , — away . — Cap. What , any discovery ? 1. Sol. Yes , the Horse has staid three fellowes , Fidlers they call themselves ; There 's something in 't ; they looke suspitiously ; One of them has offer'd at confession once or twice , Like a weake stomacke at vomiting , But 't would not out . — Ca. A little cold Iron thrust downe his throat Will fetch it up . — I am excellent at discoverie , And can draw a secret out of a Knave , With as much dexterity as a Barber-Surgeon Woo'd a hollow tooth . Let 's joyne forces with them . — Exeunt . Enter Orsabrin . Or. Sure 't is eternall night with me ; Would this were all too — For I begin to thinke the rest is true , Which I have read in books , And that there 's more to follow . — Enter Reginella . Re. Sure this is he . — ( She unbinds him . Or. The pure and first created Light Broke through the Chaos thus . — Keep off , keep off thou brighter Excellence , Thou faire Divinity : If thou com'st neere , ( So tempting is the shape thou now assum'st ) I shall grow sawcy in desire agen , And entertaine bold hopes which will but draw More , and fresh punishment upon me . — Re. I see y' are angry Sir : But if you kill me too , I meant no ill : That which brought me hither , Was a desire I have to be with you , Rather then those I live with : This is all Beleeve 't . — Or. With me ? Oh thou kind Innocence ! Witnesse all that can punish falshood , That I could live with thee , Even in this darke and narrow prison : And thinke all happinesse confin'd within the wals — Oh , hadst thou but as much of Love as I. Re. Of Love ? What 's that ? Or. Why 't is a thing that 's had before 't is knowne : A gentle flame that steales into a heart , And makes it like one object so , that it scarce cares For any other delights , when that is present : And is in paine when 't's gone ; thinks of that alone , And quarrels with all other thoughts that would Intrude and so divert it . — Re. If this be Love , sure I have some of it , It is no ill thing , is it Sir ? Or. Oh most Divine , The best of all the gods strangely abound in 't , And Mortals could not live without it : It is the soule of vertue , and the life of life . Re. Sure I should learne it Sir , if you would teach it . Or. Alas , thou taught'st it me ; It came with looking thus . — ( They gaze upon one another . Enter Per. Per. I will no longer be conceal'd , But tell her what I am , Before this smooth fac'd youth Hath taken all the roome Up in her heart , Ha! unbound ! and sure by her ! Hell and Furies . P. What ho — within there — Enter other Theeves . Practise escapes ? Get me new yrons to load him unto death . Or. I am so us'd to this , It takes away the sense of it : I cannot thinke it strange . Re. Alas , he never did intend to goe . Use him for my sake kindly : I was not wont to be deny'd . Ah me ! they are hard hearted all . What shall I doe ? I 'le to my Governour , Hee 'l not be thus cruell . — Exeunt . Enter Samorat , Nashorat , Pelegrin . Nas . 'T is a rare wench , she 'i th blew stockings : What a complexion she had when she was warme — 'T is a hard question of these Country wenches , Which are simpler , their beauties or themselves . There 's as much difference betwixt A Towne-Lady , and one of these , As there is betwixt a wilde Pheasant and a tame . Pell . Right : — There goes such essensing , washing , perfuming , Dawbing , to th' other that they are the least part ▪ Of themselves . Indeed there 's so much sauce , a man cannot taste the meat . N. Let me kisse thee for that ; By this light I hate a woman drest up to her height , Worse then I doe Sugar with Muskadine : It leaves no roome for me to imagine : I could improve her if she were mine : It looks like a Jade with his tayle tyed up with ribbons , Going to a Fayre to be told . Pell . No , no , thou hatest it out of another reason , Nashorat . Nas . Prethee , what 's that ? Pell . Why th' are so sine , th' are of no use that day . Na. Pellegrin is in good feeling . Sirra , did'st marke the Lasse 'i th green upon yellow , How she bridled in her head , And danc't a stroake in , and a stroake out , Like a young Fillet training to a pace . Pel. And how she kist , As if she had been sealing and delivering her self up To the use of him that came last , Parted with her sweet-hearts lips still As unwillingly , and untowardly , As soft Wax from a dry Seale . N. True ; and when she kisses a Gentleman , She makes a Curtsey , as who should say , The favour was on his side . What dull fooles are we to besiege a face Three moneths for that trifle . Sometimes it holds out longer , — And then this is the sweeter flesh too , — Enter Fidlers . Fid. You shall have horses ready at the time , And good ones too ( if there be truth in drinke ) And for your letters , they are there by this . — Sa. An excellent Officer . — Enter Wedding . Clowne . Tut , tut , tut , That 's a good one y'faith , not dance ? Come , come , strike up . ( Enter souldiers mufled up in their cloaks . Sa. Who are those that eye us so severely ? Belong they to the wedding ? Fid. I know 'em not . Clo. Gentlemen , wil't please you dance . — ( Offer their women . Sol. No , keep your women , wee 'l take out others here . Samorat , if I mistake not . Sa. Ha! betraid ? — ( A bussle . Clo. How now ! what 's the matter ? abuse our Fidlers ? 2 Sol. These are no Fidlers , fools ▪ obey the Princes officers , Unlesse you desire to goe to prison too . Sa. The thought of what must follow disquiets not at all : But tamely thus to be surpriz'd In so unhandsome a disguise ? — ( They carry him away . Pel. I's t ee'n so ? Why then , Farewell the plumed Troops , and the big Wars , Which made ambition vertue . — Nas . I , I , Let them goe , let them goe . Pel. Have you ever a stratagem Nasharot ? 'T wood be very seasonable . What thinke you now ? Are you design'd for the helme of State ? Can you laver against this Tempest ? Na. Prethee let me alone , I am thinking for life . Pe. Yes , 't is for life indeed , would 't were not . Cl. This is very strange ; Let 's follow after , And see if we can understand it . — Exeunt . Enter Peridor , Orsabrin . Per. A meere Phantasme Rais'd by Art to trie thee . Or. Good kind Devill , Trie me once more . Help me to the sight of this Phantasme agen . Per. Thou art undone , Wer't thou not amorous In th' other world ? Did'st not love women ? Or. Who did hate them ? Per. Why there 's it ; Thou thought'st there was no danger in the sinne , Because 't was common . Above the halfe of that vast multitude Which fils this place , Women sent hither : And they are highliest punisht still , That love the handsomest . Or. A very lying Devill this Certainly . — P. All that had their women with you , Suffer with us . Or. By your friendships favour though , There 's no justice in that : Some of them suffered enough In all conscience by 'em there . — P. Oh , this is now your mirth : But when you shall be pinch't Into a gellie , Or made into a crampe all over , These will be sad truths . Or. He talkes odly now , I doe not like it . Do'st heare ? — Prethee exchange some of thy good counsell For deeds . If thou bee'st an honest Devill , ( As thou seem'st to be ) Put a sword into my hand , And help me to the sight of this Apparition agen . — P. Well , some thing I 'le doe for thee , Or rather for my selfe . — Exeunt . Enter two other Devils . 1. D. Come , let 's goe relieve our Poet. 2. D. How , relieve him ? hee 's releas't ; is he not ? 1. D. No , no ; Bersat bethought himselfe at the mouth of the Cave , And found he would be necessary to our Masque too night . We have set him with his feet in a great tub of water , In which he dabbles and beleeves it to be Helicon : There hee 's contriving i' th honour of Mercury , Who I have told him comes this night of a message From Jupiter to Pluto , and is feasted here by him . Th. Oh , they have fetcht him off . Enter Poet and Theeves . Po. Carer per so lo carer , Or he that made the fairie Queene . 1 Th. No , none of these : They are by themselves in some other place ; But here 's he that writ Tamerlane . P. I beseech you bring me to him , There 's something in his Scene Betwixt the Empresses a little high and clowdie , I would resolve my selfe . 1 Th. You shall Sir . Let me see — the Author of the bold Beauchams , And Englands Joy . Po. The last was a well writ peice , I assure you , A Brittane I take it ; and Shakespeares very way : I desire to see the man , 1 Th. Excuse me , no seeing here . The gods in complement to Homer , Doe make all Poets poore above , And we all blind below . But you shall confesse Sir . Follow . — Ex. Enter Peridor , Orsabrin . Or. Hallight and fresh aire agen ? ( Peridor unbinds him and slips away . The place I know too . — The very same I fought the Duell in . The Devill was in the right ; This was a meere Aparition : But 't was a handsome one , it left impressions here , Such as the fairest substance I shall ere behold , Will scarse deface . Well I must resolve , but what , or where ? I , that 's the question . The Towne 's unsafe , there 's no returning thither , And then the Port. — ( Enter some to passe over . Ha! What means the busie haste of these . — Honest friend . — No — ( Passes hastily . Do'st heare , — ( To another . What 's the matter pray ? Clo. Gentlemen , gentlemen , That 's good satisfaction indeed . Ors . Prethee good fellow tell me . ( Enter another . What causes all this hurry ? — ( To another . Clo. One Samorat is led to prison Sir , And other Gentlemen about Lord Torcular . Ha! Samorat ! There is no meane nor end of fortunes malice : Oh ! 't is insufferable ; I 'm made a boy whipt on anothers backe : Cruell , I 'le not endure 't by heaven , He shall not dye for me : I will not hold a wretched life upon such wretched termes . ( Ex. Enter Tamoren Peridor , and others . Tam. Flie ; flie abroad , search every place , and Bring him back : Thou hast undone us all with thy neglect , Destroi'd the hopes we had to be our selves agen ; I shall run mad with Anger ; Fly , be gone . — Exeunt all but Tam. Enter Reginella . My Reginella , what brings you abroad ? Re. Deare Governour ? I have a sute to you . Ta. To me my pretty sweetnesse , what ? Re. You will deny me Sir I feare , Pray let me have the stranger that came last in keeping . Ta. Stranger ? Alas hee 's gone , made an escape . Re. I fear'd he would not stay they us'd him so unkindly . Indeed I would have us'd him better , ( weeps . And then he had been here still . Tam. Come ▪ doe not weep my girle : Forget him pretty pensivenesse , there will Come others every day as good as he . Re. Oh! never : I 'le close my ey's to all now hee 's gone . Tam. How catching are the sparkes of love ? Still this Mischance showes more and more unfortunate . I was too curious . — Come indeed , you must forget him , The gallant'st and the godli'st to the eye are not the best , Such handsome and fine shapes as those Are ever false and foule within . Re. Why Governour d' then put Your finest things still in your finest Cabinets ? Tam. Pretty Innocence : no , I doe not ; You see I place not you there , Come no more teares : Le ts in and have a Mate at Chesse , " Diversion cures a losse , or makes it selfe . — Extunt .

ACT V. Enter Tamaren , Peridor , and others . Pe. CRost all the High-wayes , searcht the Woods , Beat up and down with as much pain & diligence , As ever Huntsman did for a lost Deere . Ta. A race of Criples , are y' all Issue of Snayles , he could not else have scap't us . Now ? what newes bring you ? Th. Sir , we have found him out , The party is in prison . Ta. How ? in prison ? Th. For certaine Sir . It seemes young Samorat and he Were those that fought the duell t'other day , And left our Torcular so wounded there . For his supposed death was Samorat taken , Which when this youth had found , He did attempt to free him ( scaling the wall By night ) but finding it impossible , Next Morning did present himselfe Into the hands of Justice , imagining His death that did the fact , an equall sacrifice . Ta. Brave Orsabrin . Th. Not knowing that the greedy Law ask's more , And doth prescribe the accessarie As well as principall . Ta. Just so 'i th nicke ? 'i th very nicke of time ? Per. Hee 's troubled . Ta. It will be excellent . Be all in souldiers straight , Where 's Torcular ? Th. Forth comming Sir . Ta. How are his wounds ? Will they endure the Aire ? Under your gaberdines weare Pistols all . ] Per. What does he meane ? Ta. Give me my other habit and my sword ' i th' least suspected way hast after me . Th. All ? Tam. All but Peridor ; I will abroad , My broken hopes and suff'rings Shall have now some cure . Fortune spite of her selfe shall be my friend , And either shall redresse , or give them end . — Ex. P. I 've found it out , He doe's intend to fetch this stranger backe , And give him Reginella , Or else — No , no , it must be that His anger , and the search declare it ; The secret of the prison-house shall out I sweare . I 'le set all first on fire , For middle waies to such an end are dull . — Ex. Enter Prince , Phi. S. Since she was refus'd to speake with you Sir , Nor looke of any , Languishes so fast , Her servants feare she will not live To know what does become of him . Phi. Sir 't is high time you visit her . Pri. I cannot looke upon her , and deny her . Phi. Nor need you Sir , All shall appeare to her most gracious : Tell her the former part o' th' Law Must passe , but when it comes t' execute , Promise her that you intend to interpose . Pr. And shall then Samorat live ? Ph. Oh! — Nothing lesse ! The censure past , His death shall follow without noise : 'T is but not owning of the fact , Disgracing for a time a Secretarie , Or so — the thing 's not new — Put on forgiving looks Sir , We are there — Enter Sabrina's Chamber . A mourning silence Sister Sabrina — Sab. Hence , hence , Thou cruell hunter after life : Thou art a paine unto my eyes as great , As my deare Mother had when she did Bring thee forth — And sure that was Extreme , since she produc't a monster . Ph. Speake to her your selfe , Shee 's so incenst against me , She will not welcome happines , Because I bring it . Pr. Faire ornament of griefe , Why are you troubled — Can you beleeve there 's any thing within My power which you shall mourne for ? If you have any feares , impart them ; Any desires , give them a name , And I will give thee rest : You wrong the greatnes of my love , To doubt the goodnes of it . Sab. Alas , I doe not doubt your love my Lord , I feare it ; 't is that which does undoe me . For 't is not Samorat that 's prisoner now , It is the Princes Rivall ; Oh! for your owne sake Sir be mercifull : How poorely will this sound hereafter , The Prince did feare another's merit so , Found so much vertue in his rivall , that He was forc't to murder it , make it away . There can be no addition to you Sir by his death , By his life there will ; You get the point Of honour , fortune does offer here What time perchance cannot agen : A handsome opportunity to show The bravery of your minde — Pri. This pretty Rhetorique cannot perswade me ( faire . To let your Samorat live for my sake : It is enough he shall for yours . Sab. Though vertue still rewards it selfe , yet here May it not stay for that ; but may the gods Showre on you suddenly such happines , That you may say , my mercy brought me this — P. The gods no doubt will heare when you doe pray Right waies : But here you take their names in vaine , Since you can give your selfe that happines Which you doe aske of them . Sab. Most gracious Sir , doe not — Pr. Hold , I dare not heare thee speake , For feare thou now should'st tell me , What I doe tell my selfe ; That I would poorely bargaine for any favours ; Retire and banish all thy feares , I will be kind and just to thee Sabrina , What s'ere thou prov'st to me . Ph. Rarely acted Sir , — Ex Sabr . Pr. Ha! — Ph. Good faith to th' very life . Pr. Acted ? — No , — 't was not acted . Ph. How Sir ? Pr. I was in earnest . I meane to conquer her this way , The others low and poore . Ph. Ha ? — Pr. I told thee 't would be so before . Ph. Why Sir , you doe not meane to save him ? — Pr. Yes — I doe — Samorat shall be releas't immediately . — Ph. Sure you forget I had a brother Sir , And one that did deserve Justice at least . Pr. He did — And he shall have it : He that kil'd him shall dye — And 't is high satisfaction , that , Looke not — It must be so — Exeunt . Enter Stramador , and Peridor . P. No Devils Stramador , Beleeve your eyes — To which I Cannot be so lost ▪ but You may call to minde One Peridor . Str. Ha ? Peridor ? thou did'st Command that day In which the Tamorens fell . P. I did — Yet Tamoren lives . Str. Ha ? P. Not Tamoren the Prince , he fell indeed ; But Tamoren his brother , who that day Led our horse : Young Reginella too , Which is the subject of the suit , — You have ingag'd your selfe by oath , The King shall grant . Str. Oh! 't is impossible , Instruct me how I should beleeve thee . Pe. Why thus — Necessity upon that great defeat Forc't us to keep the Woods , and hide our selves In holes which since we much inlarg'd , And fortifi'd them in the entrance so , That 't was a safe retreate upon pursuite : Then swore we all allegeance to this Tamoren . These habits better to disguise our selves , we took at first ; But finding with what ease we rob'd , We did continue 'em , and tooke an Oath , Till some new troubles in the State should happen , Or faire occasion to make knowne our selves Offer it selfe , we would appeare no other : But come , let 's not loose What we shall ne're recover , This opportunitie — Enter Nashorat , and Pe. Pe. Nashorat , you have not thought of any Stratagem yet — N. Yes I have thought — Pe. What ? — N. That if you have any accompts with heaven , They may goe on — This villanous dying's , like a strange tune , Has run so in my head , No wholsome consideration would enter it . Nothing angers me neither , but that I passe by my Mistresses window to 't . Pe. Troth , that 's unkinde , I have something troubles me too . N. What 's that . Pe. The people will say as we goe along , Thou art the properer fellow . Then I breake an appointment With a Merchants Wife , But who can help it ? — ( Nashorat . N. Yea who can help it indeed , She 's to blame though 'faith , if she Does not beare with thee , Considering the occasion — P. Considering the occasion as you say , A man would thinke he might be borne with . There 's a Scrivener I should have paid Some money to , upon my word , But — Enter Orsabrin , Samorat , Princes servants . Or. By faire Sabrina's name , I conjure you not to refuse the mercy Of the Prince — Sam. It is resolv'd Sir , you know my answer . Or. Whether am I falne ? I thinke if I should live a little longer , I should be made the cause of all the mischiefe Which should arise to the world — Hither I came to save a friend , And by a slight of fortune I destroy him : My very wayes to good prove ills . Sure I can looke a man into misfortune : The Plague's so great within me 't is infectious . Oh! I am weary of my selfe : Sir I beseech you yet accept of it , For I shall be his way A sufferer , And an executioner too — Sam. ●I beg of thee no more , Thou do'st beget in me desire to live : For when I finde how much I am Behind in noble acts of friendship , I cannot chuse but wish for longer time , that I might Struggle with thee , for what thou hast too clearly now Got from me : The point of honour — Oh! it is wisedome and great thrift to dye ; For who with such a debt of friendship and Of Love , as you and my Sabrina must expect from me Could ere subsist . N. They are complementing ; 'Sfoot they make no more of it , Then if 't were who should goe in first at A doore — I thinke Pellegrine , as you and I Have cast it up , it comes to something More — Mess. Gentlemen , prepare , the Court is setting . Sam. Friends , this is no time for ceremonie ; But what a racke have I within me , To see you suffer . And yet I hope the Prince will let this anger dye In me , not to take the forfeiture of you . N. If he should , Pellegrin and I are resolv'd , And are ready , all but our speeches to the people , And those will not trouble us much , For we intend not to trouble them . ( Exeunt . Enter Prince , Peridor , and others . Pr. Not accept it ? Lose this way too ? — What shall I doe ? He makes advantages of mine , And like a skilfull Tennis-player , Returnes my very best with excellent designe . It must not be , Bring to the Closet here above , the chiefe o' th' Jury : I 'le try another way . — Ex. Enter Judges , Prisoners , Lawyers . N. Of all wayes of destroying mankinde , These Judges have the easiest , They sleep and doe it . Pe. To my thinking now , This is but a solemner kind of Puppet-play : How the Devill came we to be acters in 't ? So ; it beginnes . 1 Judg. The Princes Councell : Are they ready ? Lawy. Here — Judg. Begin then — Law . My Lords , that this so great and strange . Sa. Most reverend Judges , To save th' expence of breath and time , And dull Formalities of Law — I here pronounce my selfe guilty . Pri. from above . Agen he has prevented me — Sa. So guilty that no other can pretend A share — This noble youth , a stranger to every thing But Gallantry , ignorant in our Lawes and Customes , Has made perchance ( In strange severity ) a forfeit of himselfe ; But should you take it , The gods when he is gone will sure revenge it . If from the stalke you pull this bud of vertue , Before 't has spread and shewne it selfe abroad , You doe an injury to all mankinde ; And publique mischiefe cannot be private Justice . This man 's as much above a common man , As man's above a beast ; And if the Law Destroyes not man for killing of a beast , It should not here , for killing of a man . Oh what mistake 't would be ? For here you sit to weed the Cankers out That would doe hurt ' i th' State , to punish vice ; And under that y'oud root out vertue too — Or. If I doe blush , 't is not ( most gracious Judges ) For any thing which I have done , 't is for that This much mistaken youth hath here deliver'd . 'T is true ( and I confesse ) I ever had A little stocke of honour ( which I still preserv'd ) But that ( by leaving me behinde alive ) He now most cunningly doe's thinke to get from me : And I beseech your Lordships to assist me ; For 't is most fraudulent all he desires . Your Lawes I hope are reasonable , Else why should reasonable men Be subject to them ; and then Upon what grounds is he made guilty now ? How can he be thought accessarie To th' killing of a man , That did not know o' th' fighting with him ? Witnesse all those pow'rs which search mens hearts , That I my selfe , ( untill he beckned me ) Knew nothing of it , if such a thing As sacrifice must be — why ? Man for mans enough : Though elder times t' appease diviner Justice , Did offer up — ( Whither through gallantrie , or ignorance ) Vast multitudes of Beasts in sacrifice , Yet numbers of men is seldome heard of : One single Curtius purg'd a whole States sin : You will not say th' offence is now as great , Or that you ought to be more highly satisfied Then Heaven — P. Brave youths — N. Pellegrin , you and I will let our speeches alone . 1 Judg. If that the Law were of so fine a web , As wit and fancie spin it out to , here , Then these defences would be just , and save : But that is more substantiall , Of another make — And Gentlemen , if this be all , Sentence must passe — Enter Tamoren . Tam. Orsabrin ! Or. Ha! who names me there ? Ta. A friend : heare me : I am an Officer in that darke world From whence thou cam'st , sent Thus disguis'd by Reginella our faire Queene , And to redeeme thee . Or. Reginella ! I' th' midst of all these ills , How preciously that name doe's sound ? Ta. If thou woult sweare to follow me , At th' instant th' art releast ; I 'le save thee and thy friends , In spite of Law . — Or. Doubt not of that ; Bring me where Reginella is : And if I follow not , perpetuall misery follow me : It cannot be a Hell Where she appeares — Tam. Be confident . — ( Goes out and brings Torcular . Behold ( grave Lords ) the man Whose death question'd the life of these , Found and recovered by the Theeves ▪ ith Woods ; And rescued since by us , to rescue Innocence . Or. Rare Devill , With what dexteritie h 'as raised this Shape up ; to delude them — Pr. Ha ? Torcular alive ? Ph. Torcular ? I should as soone beleeve my brother Neere in being too . Tor You cannot wonder more to finde me here , Then I doe to finde my selfe . Na. Come unbinde , unbinde , this matter 's answered . Judg. 2. Hold : they are not free , the Law exacts The same for breach of prison that it did before . Or. There is no scaping out of fortunes hands . Doest heare ; hast never a trick for this ? — Ta. Doubt me not , I have without , at my command , Those which never fail'd me ; And it shall cost many a life yet Sir , ere yours be lost — Pr. Stramador you have been a stranger here of late . Str. Peruse this paper Sir , you 'l find there was good reason for 't . Enter Prince Philatell from above . Sramador , Peridor , Reginella meet them below . Pr. How ! old Tamorens brother , Captaine Of the Theeves , that has infested thus Our Countrey ? Reginella too , the heire of that fear'd Familie ! A happy and a strange discovery . Ta. Peridor , and Reginella , the villaine Has betrai'd me . Re. 'T is Orsabrin , they have kept their words . Or. Reginella ? she was a woman then . O let me goe . Jay . You doe forget sure what you are . Or. I doe indeed : oh , to unriddle now ! Stra. And to this man you owe it Sir , You find an ingagement to him there ; And I must hope you 'l make me just to him . Pr. He does deserve it , Seize on him — Tam. Nay then all truths must out . That I am lost and forfeit to the Law , I doe confesse , Yet since to save this Prince . P. Prince ! Or. ( Our Mephosto-philus is mad . ) Ta. Yet , Prince , this is the Orsabrin . Or. Ha! — Tam. So long agoe , Supposed lost , Your Brother Sir : Fetch in there Ardelan and Piramont . Enter Ardelan and Piramont . N. What mad Planet rules this day Ardelan , and Piramont . Or. The Divel 's wanton , And abuses all mankinde to day . Ta. These faces are well knowne to all Francelians , Now let them tell the rest — Pi. My noble Master living ! found in Francelia ? Ar. The gods have satisfied our tedious hopes . Ph. Some Imposture . Or. A new designe of fortune — I dare not trust it . Ta. Why speake you not ? Piram . I am so full of joy , it will not out . Know ye Francelians , When Sanborne fatall field was fought , So desperate were the hopes of Orsabrin , That 't was thought fit to send away this Prince , And give him safety in another clime ; That spite of an ill day , an Orsabrin might be Preserv'd alive . Thus you all know , To Garradans chiefe charge he was committed : Who when our Barke by Pyrats was surpris'd , ( For so it was ) was slaine 'i th first encounter ; Since that we have been forc't to wait On Fortunes pleasure . And Sir , that all this time we kept You from the knowledge of your selfe , Your pardon ; It was our zeale that err'd , Which did conclude it would be prejudiciall . Ar. My Lords you looke as if you doubted still : If Piramont and I be lost unto your memory , Your hands I hope are not — Here 's our Commission : There 's the Diamond Elephant , That which our Princes Sons are ever knowne by : Which we to keep him undiscovered , Tore from his riband in that fatall day When we were made prisoners : And here are those that tooke us , Which can witnesse all circumstance , Both how , and when , time and place ; With whom we ever since have liv'd by force : For on no Kingdome , friend unto Francelia , Did Fortune ever land us , since that houre ; Nor gave us meanes to let our Country know He liv'd — T. These very truths , when they could have no ends , ( For they beleev'd him lost ) I did receive from them before , Which gave me now the boldnes to appeare Here , where I 'm lost by Law . Shouts without , Long live Prince Osabrin . Long live Prince Orsabrin , Na. Pellegrin let 's second this : Right or wrong 't is best for us . Pe. Observe , observe . Pr. What shouts are those ? Str. Souldiers of Tamorens the first ; The second was the peoples , who Much presse to see their long lost Prince . Phi. Sir , 't is most evident , and all agrees , This was his colour'd haire , His Aire , though alter'd much with time : You weare too strange a face upon this newes ; Sir , you have found a brother I , Torcular , the Kingdomes happines ; For here the plague of Robberies will end . It is a glorious day — Pr. It is indeed , I am amaz'd , not sad ; Wonder doe's keep the passage so , Nothing will out . Brother ( for so my kinder Stars will have it ) I here receive you as the bounty of the gods ; A blessing I did not expect , And in returne to them , this day , Francelia ever shall keep holy . Or. Fortune by much abusing me , has So — dul'd my faith , I cannot Credit any thing . I know not how to owne such happines . P. Let not your doubts lessen your joyes : If you have had disasters heretofore , They were but given to heighten what 's to come . Na. Here 's as strange a turne as if 't were the Fift Act in a Play . — Peli . I 'm sure 't is a good turne for us . Or. Sir , why stands that Lady so neglected there , That does deserve to be the busines of mankinde . Oh ye gods : since you 'l be kind And bountifull , let it be here . As fearfully , as jealous husbands aske After some secrets which they dare not know ; Or as forbidden Lovers meet i' th night , Come I to thee ( and 't is no ill signe this , Since flames when they burne highest tremble most ) Oh , should she now deny me ! Re. I know not perfectly what all this meanes ; But I doe finde some happinesse is neare , And I am pleas'd , because I see you are — Or. She understands me not — Pr. He seemes t' have passion for her . Ta. Sir , in my darke commands these flames broke out Equally , violent at first sight ; And 't was the hope I had to reconcile my selfe . Or. It is a holy Magicke that will make ▪ Of you and I but one . — Re. Any thing that you wou'd aske me , sure I might grant . Or. Harke Gentlemen , she doe's consent , What wants there else ? Pe. My hopes grow cold , I have undone my selfe . Pr. Nothing , we all will joyne in this ; The long liv'd feu'd between the Families Here dyes , this day the Hyminaeall Torches shall burne bright ; So bright , that they shall dimme the light Of all that went before — See Sabrina too . — ( Enter Sabrina . Ta. Sir , I must have much of pardon , Not for my selfe alone , but for all mine — Pr. Rise , had'st thou not deserv'd what now thou su'st for , This day should know no clouds . Peridor kneeles to Tamoren . Tam. Taught by the Princes mercy ; I forgive too . Sab. Frighted hither Sir . They told me you woo'd not accept the Princes mercy . Sam. Art thou no further yet in thy intelligence ? See , thy brother lives — Sab. My brother ? — Tor. And 't is the least of wonders has falne out . Or. Yes , such a one as you are , faire , ( Reginella looks at Sabrina And you shall be acquainted . Sam. Oh could your hate my Lords , now , Or your love dye . Phy. Thy merit has prevail'd With me . Tor. And me . Pr. And has almost with me . Samorat thou do'st not doubt thy Mistresse Constancia . Sam. No Sir . Pr. Then I will beg of her , That till the Sun returnes to visit us , She will not give away her selfe for ever . Although my hopes are faint , Yet I would have 'em hopes , And in such jolly houres as now attend us . I would not be a desperate thing , One made up wholly of despaire . Sab. You that so freely gave me Samorats life , Which was in danger , Most justly , justly , may be suffer'd to attempt Upon my love , which is in none . Pr. What sayes my noble Rivall ? Sab. Sir , y' are kind in this , and wisely doe Provide I should not surfeit : For here is happines enough besides to last the Sun's returne . N. You and I are but savers with all this Pellegrin . But by the Lord 't is well we came off As we did , all was at stake — Pr. Come , no more whispers here , Let 's in , and there unriddle to each other — For I have much to aske . Or. A Life ! a Friend ! a Brother ! and a Mistres ! Oh! what a day was here : Gently my Joyes distill , Least you should breake the Vessell you should fill . FINIS .

EPILOGUE . ANd how , and how , in faith , — a pretty plot ; And smartly carried through too , was it not ? And the Devils , how , well ? and the fighting , Well too ; — a foole , and 't had bin just old writing . O what a monster wit must that man have , That could please all which now their twelve pence gave : High characters ( cries one ) and he would see Things that ne're were , nor are , nor ne're will be . Romances cries easie-soules , and then they sweare , The Playe's well writ , though scarce a good line 's there . The Women — Oh if Stephen should be kil'd , Or misse the Lady , how the plot is spil'd ? And into how many pieces a poore Play Is taken still before the second day ? Like a strange Beauty newly come to Court ; And to say truth , good faith 't is all the sport : One will like all the ill things in a Play , Another , some o' th' good , but the wrong way ; So from one poore Play there comes t' arise At severall Tables , severall Comedies . The ill is only here , that 't may fall out In Plaies as Faces ; and who goes about To take asunder oft destroyes ( we know ) What altogether made a pretty shew . FINIS .

BRENNORALT . A Tragedy . Presented at the Private House in Black-Fryers , by His Majesties servants .

WRITTEN By Sir JOHN SUCKLING .

LONDON , Printed for Humphrey Moseley , and are to be sold at his shop , at the Signe of the Princes Armes in St Pauls Churchyard . MDCXLVI .

The Scaene . Poland .

The Actors . SIgismond — King of Poland . Miefla . Melidor . A Lord . Councellors to the King . Brennoralt — a Discontent . Doran — His Friend . Villanor . Grainevert . Marinell . Cavaliers and Officers under Brennoralt . Stratheman . Fresolin , Brother to Francelia . Iphigene — young Pallatine of Florence . Pallatine of Mensecke , Governour , one of the chiefe Rebels . Pallatine of Tork a Rebell . Almerin , a gallant Rebell . Morat , his Lievtenant Coronell . Francelia , the Governours daughter . Orilla , a waiting woman to Francelia . Reguelin , A servant in the Governors house , but Spie to Brennoralt . Iaylor . Guard . Souldiers .

Brennoralt .

ACT I. SCENE I. Enter Brennoralt , Doran . Brennoralt , I Say , the Court is but a narrow circuit ; Though somthing elevate above the common ; A kind of Ants nest in the great wilde field , O're charg'd with multitudes of quick Inhabitants , Who still are miserably busied to get in , What the loose foot of prodigality , As fast do's throw abroad . Dor. Good : A most eternall place of low affronts , And then as low submissions . Bren. Right . High cowards in revenges 'mongst themselves , And only valiant when they mischiefe others . Dor. Stars , that would have no names , But for the ills they threaten in conjunction . Bren. A race of shallow , and unskilfull Pilots ; Which doe misguide the Ship even in the calme , And in great stormes serve but as weight to sinke it . More , prethee more . — ( Alarum within . 'T is musique to my melancholy . Enter Souldier . Sold. My Lord ; a cloud of dust and men The Sentinels from th' East gate discover ; And as they guesse , the storme bends this way . Bren. Let it be . Sold. My Lord ? — Bren. Let it be , I will not fight to day : Bid Stratheman draw to the trenches . On , prethee on . Dor. The King imployes a company of formall beards , Men , who have no other proofes of their Long life , but that they are old . Bren. Right , and if th' are wise , 'T is for themselves , not others . — ( Alarum . As old men ever are . Enter second Soldier . 2 Sold. Coronell , Coronell ; Th' enemies at hand , kils all the Centries : Young Almerin leads them on agen . Bren. Let him lead them off agen . 2 Sold. Coronell . — Bren. Be gone . If th' art afraid , goe hide thy selfe . 2 Sold. What a Divell ayles he ? — ( Exit . Bren. This Almerin's the ague of the Camp : He shakes it once a day . Dor. Hee 's the ill conscience rather : He never lets it rest ; would I were at home agen . 'Sfoot we lie here i' th' trenches , as if it were For a winde to carry us into th' other World : every houre we expect — I 'le no more on 't . Bre. Prethee — Dor. Not I , by heaven . Bre. What man ! the worst is but faire death . Dor. And what will that amount to ? A faire Epitaph ▪ A fine account . — I 'le home I sweare . Enter Stratheman . Stra. Arme , arme my Lord , And shew your selfe , all 's lost else . Dor. Why so ? Stra. The Rebels like an unruly floud , Rowle o're the trenches , and throw downe All before them . Bre. Ha ? Stra. We cannot make a stand . Bre. He would out-rivall me in honour too , As well as love ; but that he must not doe . Help me Strathman . — ( Puts on Armour . The danger now growes worthy of our swords ; And , oh Doran , I would to heaven there were No other stormes then the worst tempest here . ( Exeunt . Enter Marinell , throwing downe one he carries . Mari. There ; The Sun 's the nearest Surgeon I know , And the honestest ; if thou recoverest , why so : If not , the cure 's paid , they have mauld us . Enter Grainevert , with another upon his backe . Grain . A curse light on this powder ; It stayes valour , ere it 's halfe way on it's journey : What a disadvantage fight we upon in this age ? He that did well heretofore , Had the broad faire day to shew it in : Witnesses enough ; we must beleeve one another — 'T is night when we begin : Eternall smoake and sulpher . Smalke ; by this hand I can beare with thee No longer ; how now ? dead as I live ; Stolne away just as he us'd to wench . Well , goe thy wayes , for a quiet drinker , and dier , I shall never know thy fellow : searches his pockets . These trifles too about thee ? There was never an honester poore wretch Borne I thinke — look i' th' tother pocket too — hum , Marinell . Mar. Who 's that ? Grani. 'T is I ; how goes matters ? Mar. Scurvily enough ; Yet since our Colonell came , th' ave got no ground Of us ; A weake Sculler against Winde and Tide , Would have done as much , harke : This way the torrent beares . Exeunt . Enter Fresolin , Almerin , Rebels . Fres . The Villaines all have left us . Alm. Would they had left their feares Behind them . But come , since we must — Enter Brennoralt , Souldiers . Bren. Hoe ! Stratheman ; Skirt on the left hand with the horse , And get betwixt these and that Body ; They 'r new rallied up forrescue . Dor. Th' are ours . Brennoralt charges through . I doe not see my game yet . — Exeunt . A shout within . Enter Brennoralt , Doran , Stratheman , Marinell . Bren. What shout is that ? Stra. They have taken Almerin , my Lord . Bren. Almerin ? the Divell thanke ▪ 'em for 't : When I had hunted hard all day , And now at length unhearded the proud Deere , The Currs have snatch't him up , sound a Retreat : There 's nothing now behinde . Who saw Doran ? Str. Shall we bring Almerin in ? Bre. No ; gazing is low Triumph : Convey him fairely to the King , He fought it fairely — Dor. What youth was that , whom you bestrid my Lord , And sav'd from all our swords to day ? Was he not of the Enemy ? Bre. It may be so — Str. The Governors Son , Fresolin , his Mistris brother . ( In Dorans eare . Br. No matter who . 'T is pitty , the rough hand Of warre , should early courages destroy , Before they bud , and shew themselves i' th' heate Of Action — Mar. I threw ( my Lord ) a youth upon a banke ; Which seeking , after the retreate , I found Dead , and a woman , the pretty daughter Of the Forrester ; Lucillia . Bre. See , see Doran ; A sad experiment : Woman 's the cowardly'st and coldest thing The world brings forth : Yet Love , as fire works water , Makes it boyle o're , and doe things contrary To'ts proper nature — I should shed a teare , Could I tell how — Ah poore Lucilia ! Thou didst for me what did as ill become thee . Pray see her gently bury'd — Boy , send the Surgeon to the Tent ; I bleed : What lowsie Cottages th' ave given our soules ? Each petty storme shakes them into disorder ; And 't costs more paines to patch them up agen , Then they are worth by much . I 'm weary of The Tenement . — Exeunt . Enter Villanor , Grainevert , Marinell , and Stratheman . Gra. Villanor ! welcome , welcome , whence camest thou ? Vil. Looke , I weare the Kings high way still on my boots . Gra. A pretty riding phrase , and how ? and how ? Ladies cheap ? Vil. Faith , reasonable : Those toyes were never deare thou know'st ; A little time and industry they 'l cost ; But in good faith not much : some few there are That set themselves at mighty rates — Gra. Which we o' th' wise passe by , As things o're-valued in the market . Is 't not so ? Vil. Y' have said Sir , Harke you , your friend the Rivals married . Has obtain'd the long lov'd Lady , and is such an asse after 't . Gra. Hum. 'T is ever so . The motions of married people , are as of Other naturals ; violent Gentlemen to the place , And calme in it . Mar. We know this too ; and yet we must be fooling . Gra. Faith , women are the baggage of life : They are troublesome , and hinder us In the great march , and yet we cannot Be without 'em . Mar. You speake very well , And Souldier-like . Grain . What ? thou art a wit too I warrant , In our absence ? Vil. Hum — no , no , a poore pretender , A Candidate or so , 'gainst the next Sessions : Wit enough to laugh at you here . Gra. Like enough ; valour's a crime : The wise have still reproached unto the valiant , And the fooles too . Vil. Raillerie part , Grainvert ; What accommodations shall we finde here ? Gra. Cleane straw ( sweet-heart ) and meat When thou canst get it . Vil. Hum ? straw ? Gra. Yes . That 's all will be betwixt Incest : You , and your mother earth must lye together . V. Prethee let 's be serious ; will this last ? How goes affaires ? G. Well . V. But well ? G. Faith , 't is now upon the turning of the ballance : A most equall businesse , betwixt Rebellion And Loyaltie . V. What doest meane ? G. Why ; which shall be the vertue , and which the vice . V. How the Divell can that be ? G. Oh : successe is a rare paint ; hides all the uglines . V. Prethee , what 's the quarrell ? G. Nay , for that excuse us ; Aske the children of peace , They have the leisure to study it , We know nothing of it ; Liberty they say . V. 'Sfoot , let the King make an Act , That any man may be unmarried agen ; There 's liberty for them . A race Of half-witted fellowes quarrell about freedome ? And all that while allow the bonds of Matrimony ? G. You speake very well Sir . Enter King , Lords , Brennoralt . M. Soft ; the King and Councell — G. Looke , they follow after like tyred spannels : Quest sometimes for company ; that is , concurre : And that 's their busines . M. They are as weary of this sport As a young unthrift of 's land : Any bargaine to be rid on 't . V. Can you blame them ? — Who 's that ? M. Brennoralt , our brave Coronell : A discontent , but , what of that ? who is not ? V. His face speaks him one . G. Thou art i' th' right . He looks still as if he were saying to Fortune ; Huswife , goe about your busines . Come , let 's retire to Barathens Tent. Taste a bottle , and speake bold truths ; That 's our way now . Ex. Manet King and Lords . Mies . — Thinke not of pardon Sir , Rigor and mercy us'd in States uncertainly , And in ill times , looke not like th' effects Of vertue , but necessity : Nor will They thanke your goodnes , but your feares . — Melid. My Lords ; Revenge in Princes should be still imperfect : It is then handsom'st , when the King comes to Reduce , not Ruine — Bre. Who puts but on the face of punishing , And only gently cuts , but prunes rebellion : He makes that flourish which he would destroy . Who would not be a Rebell when the hopes Are vaste , the feares but small ? [ Mel. ] Why , I would not . Nor you my Lord , nor you , nor any here . Feare keeps low spirits only in , the brave Doe get above it , when they doe resolve . Such punishments in infancy of warre , Make men more desperate , not the more yeelding . The common people are a kind of flyes ; They 're caught with honey , not with wormewood , Sir . Severity exasp'rates the stirr'd humour ; And State distempers turnes into diseases . Bre. The gods forbid , great Polands State should be Such as it dares not take right Physick . Quarter To Rebels ? Sir ! when you give that to them , Give that to me , which they deserve . I would Not live to see it — 3 Lord. Turne o're your owne , and other Chronicles , And you shall finde ( great Sir ) " That nothing makes a Civill warre long liv'd , " But ransome and returning backe the brands Which unextinct , kindled still fiercer fires . Mies . Mercy bestow'd on those that doe dispute With swords , do's loose the Angels face it has , And is not mercy Sir , but policie ; With a weake vizard on — King . — Y' have met my thoughts My Lords ; nor will it need larger debate . To morrow , in the sight of the besiedg'd , The Rebell dyes : Miesla , 't is your care . The mercy of Heav'n may be offended so , That it cannot forgive : Mortals much more , Which is not infinite , my Lords . ( Exeunt . Enter Iphigene , Almerin ( as in prison . ) Iph. O Almarin ; would we had never knowne The ruffle of the world ! but were againe By Stolden banks , in happy solitude ; When thou and I , Shepheard and Shepheardesse ; So oft by turnes , as often still have wisht , That we as eas'ly could have chang'd our sex , As clothes ; but ( alas ! ) all those innocent joyes , Like glorious Mornings , are retir'd into Darke sullen clouds , before we knew to value What we had . [ Alme . ] Fame & victory are light ( to himself . Huswifes , that throw themselves into the armes , Not of the valiant , but the fortunate . To be tane , thus ! [ Iph. ] Almerin [ Alm. ] nipt ' i th' bud Of honour ! [ Iph. ] My Lord [ Alm. ] Foil'd ! & by the man That doe's pretend unto Francelia ! Iph. What is 't you doe , my Almerin ? sit still ? And quarrell with the Winds , because there is A shipwrack tow'rds , and never thinke of saving The barke ? [ Almer : ] The Barke ? What should we doe with that When the rich freight is lost : my name in armes ? Iph. — Who knowes What prizes are behind , if you attend And waite a second Voyage ? [ Almer : ] Never , never : There are no second Voyages in this , The wounds of honour doe admit no cure . Iph. Those slight ones which misfortune gives , must needs . Else , why should Mortals value it at all ? For who would toyle to treasure up a wealth ; Which weake inconstancy did keep , or might Dispose of ? — Enter Melidor . Oh my Lord , what newes ? Mel. As ill as your owne feares could give you ; The Councell has decreed him sudden death , And all the wayes to mercy are blockt up . ( She weeps and sighs . Almer . My Iphigene — This was a misbecomming peece of love : Women would manage a disaster better — ( Iphig : weeps & sighs agen . Againe ? thou art unkinde — Thy goodnes is so great , it makes thee faulty : For while thou think'st to take the trouble from me , Thou givest me more , by giving me thine too . Iph. Alas ! I am indeed a uselesse trifle ; A dull , dull thing : For could I now doe any thing But grieve and pitty , I might help : my thoughts Labour to finde a way ; but like to birds In cages , though they never rest they are But where they did set out at first — Enter Jaylor . Jay . My Lords , your pardon : The prisoner must retire ; I have receiv'd an order from the King , Denies accesse to any . Iph. — He cannot be So great a Tyrant . [ Almer . ] I thanke him ; nor can He use me ill enough : I onely grieve That I must dye in debt ; a Bankrupt : Such Thy love hath made me : My deare Iphigene Farewell : It is no time for Ceremony . Shew me the way I must — ( Exit . Iph. Griefe strove with such disorder to get out , It stopt the passage , and sent backe my words That were already on the place — [ Melid. ] stay , there Is yet a way . [ Iph. ] O speake it [ Mel. ] But there is Danger in 't Iphigene , to thee high danger . Iph. Fright children in the darke with that , and let Me know it : There is no such thing in nature If Almerin be lost . [ Melid. ] Thus then ; You must Be taken pris'ner too , and by exchange Save Almerin . Iph. How can that be ? Mel. Why — ( studies . Step in , and pray him set his hand , about ( To the Jaylor . This distance ; his seale too — Jay . My Lord , I know not what this is . Mel. Setling of money-busines , foole , betwixt us . Jay . If 't be no more — ( Exit . Mel. Tell him that Iphigene and I desire it : I 'le send by Strathocles his servant , A Letter to Morat thus sign'd and seal'd , That shall informe the sudden execution ; Command him as the only meanes To save his life , to sallie out this night Upon the quarters , and endeavour prisoners . Name you as most secure and slightest guarded , Best pledge of safety ; but charge him , That he kill not any , if it be avoydable ; Least 't should inrage the King yet more , And make his death more certaine . ( Enter Jaylor with the writing . Jay . He understands you not He sayes ; but he has sent it . Melid. So — Iph. But should Morat mistrust now ? Or this miscarry ? Melid. — Come ; Leave it to me ; I 'le take the Pilots part ; And reach the Port , or perish in the Art . ( Exeunt .

ACT II. SCENE I. Enter Almerin ( in prison . ) Almer . SLeep is as nice as woman ; The more I court it , the more it flies me ; Thy elder brother will be kinder yet , Unsent for death will come . — To morrow — Well — What can to morrow doe ? 'T will cure the sense of honour lost — I , and my discontents shall rest together , What hurt is there in this ? But death against the will , Is but a slovenly kinde of potion ; And though prescrib'd by Heaven , It goes against mens stomacks : So does it at fourescore too ; when the soule 's Mew'd up in narrow darknes ; Neither sees nor heares , — pish , 't is meer fondnes in our nature ; A certaine clownish cowardise , that still Would stay at home , and dares not venture Into forreigne Countries , though better then It 's owne , — ha , what Countries ? for we receive Descriptions of th' other world from our Divines , As blinde men take relation of this from us : My thoughts leade me into the darke , And there they 'l leave me , I 'le no more on 't , Within . ( Knocks ) — Enter . Some paper and a light , I 'le write to th' King : Defie him , and provoke a quicke dispatch . I would not hold this ling'ring doubtfull State So long againe , for all that hope can give . Enter 3 of the Guard ( with paper and Incke ) That sword does tempt me strangely — ( writing . Wer 't in my hands , 't were worth th' other two . But then the Guard , — it sleeps or drinks ; may be To contrive it so that if I should not passe , — Why if I fall in 't , 'T is better yet then Pageantry ; A scaffold and spectators ; more souldier-like — One of the Guard peeps over his shoulder . Uncivill villaine , read my letter ? — ( Seizes his sword . 1 Guar. Not I , not I my Lord . Alm. Deny it too ? Guar. Murder , murder . Guar. Arme , arme — ( The Guard runs out . Alm. I 'le follow , Give the alarum with them , 'T is least suspitious — ( Arme , arme , arme . All — the enemy , the enemy — ( Enter Soldiers running over the Stage , one throwing away his armes . Soul . Let them come . Let them come . Let them come — ( Enter Almerin . Alm. I heare fresh noise , The camp 's in great disorder : where am I now ? 'T is strangely darke — Goddesse without eyes Be thou my guide , for — blindnes and sight Are equall sense , of equall use , this night . Enter Grainevert , Stratheman , Villanor , Marinell . Gra. Trouble not thy selfe , childe of discontent : 'T will take no hurt I warrant thee ; The State is but a little drunke , And when 't as spued up that that made it so , 'T will be well agen , there 's my opinion in short . Mar. Th' art i' th' right . The State 's a pretty forehanded State , And will doe reason hereafter . Let 's drinke and talke no more on 't . All. — A good motion , a good motion , Let 's drinke . Villa . I , I let 's drinke agen . Stra. Come , to a Mistris . Gra. Agreed . Name , name . Villa . Any body . — Vermilia . Gra. Away with it . Shee 's pretty to walke with : And witty to talke with : And pleasant too to thinke on . But the best use of all , Is her health , is a stale And helps us to make us drinke on ▪ Stra. Excellent . Gentlemen , if you say the word , Wee 'l vant credit , and affect high pleasure . Shall we ? Villa . I , I , let 's do that . Stra. What thinke ye of the sacrifice now ? Mar. Come wee 'le ha 't , — for trickling teares are vaine ▪ Villa . The sacrifice ? what 's that ? Stra. Child of ignorance , 't is a campe health . An A — la — mode one . Grainevert begin it . Grain . Come give it me . Let me see — ( Pins up a Rose . Which of them this Rose will serve . Hum , hum , hum . Bright Star o' th' lower Orbe , twinckeling Inviter , Which draw'st ( as well as eyes ) but set'st men righter : For who at thee begins ▪ comes to the place , Sooner then he that sets out at the face : Eyes are seducing lights , that the goodwomen know , And hang out these a nearer way to show . Mar. Fine , and patheticall : Come Villanor . Vill ▪ What 's the matter ? Mar. Come , your liquor , and your stanza's . Lines , Lines . Villa . Of what ? Mar. Why , of any thing your Mistris has given you . Vil. Gentlemen , she never gave me any thing , but a boxe Oth'eare , for offering to kisse her once . Stra. Of that boxe then Mar. I , I , that boxe , of that boxe . Villa . Since it must be , Give me the poyson then . — ( Drinkes and spits . That boxe faire Mistris , which thou gavest to me , In humane guesse , is like to cost me three : Three cups of Wine , and verses sixe , The Wine will downe , but verse for rime still sticks . By which you all may easily Gentiles know , I am a better drinker then a Po. — Enter Doran . Mar. Doran . Doran . Gra. A hall , a hall To welcome our friend For some liquor call , A new or fresh face , Must not alter our pace , But make us still drinke the quicker : Wine , Wine , oh'tis divine Come fill it unto our brother : What 's at the tongues end , It forth does send , And will not a syllable smother Then , It unlocks the brest And throwes out the rest , And learnes us to know each other . Wine , — Wine . — Dor. Mad lads ▪ have you been here ever since ? Stra. Yes faith , thou seest the worst of us . We — debauch — in discipline : Foure and twenty houres is the time : Barruthen had the watch to night , To morrow 't will be at my Tent. Dor. Good , And d' you know what has falne out to night ? Stra. Yes : Grainevert , and my Lievtenant Coronell : But they are friends againe . Dor. Pish , pish — the young Palatine of Plocence , And his grave guardian surpris'd too night , Carri'd by the enemy out of his quarters . G. As a chicken by a Kite out of a back side , Was 't not so ? D. Is that all ? G. Yes . My Coronell did not love him : He eats sweet meats upon a march too . D. Well , harke ye ; Worse yet ; Almerin's gone : Forc'd the Court of Guard where he was prisoner , And has made an escape . G. So pale and spiritlesse a wretch , Drew Priams curtaine in the dead of night , And told him halfe his Troy was burnt — He was of my minde . I would have done so my selfe . D. Well . There 's high suspitions abroad : Ye shall see strange discoveries I' th' Councell of Warre . G. What Councell ? D. One call'd this morning . Y' are all sent to . G. I will put on cleane linnen , and speake wisely . V. 'Sfoot wee 'l have a Round first . G. By all meanes Sir . Sings : Come let the State stay , And drinke away , There is no businesse above it : It warmes the cold braine , Makes us speake in high straine , Hee 's a foole that doe's not approve it . The Macedon youth Left behind him this truth , That nothing is done with much thinking ; He drunke , and he fought , Till he had what he sought , The world was his owne by good drinking . ( Exeunt . Enter Generall of the Rebels , Palatine of Trocke , Palatine of Mensecke , Francelia , Almerin , Morat , Iphigene . G. As your friend , my Lord , he has the priviledge of ours , And may enjoy a liberty we would deny To enemies . A. I thanke your Excellence ; oh Iphigene , He does not know , That thou the nobler part of friendship hold'st , And doe'st oblige , whilst I can but acknowledge . Men. Opportunity to States-men , is as the just degree Of heate to Chymists — it perfects all the worke , And in this pris'ner 't is offer'd . We now are there , where men should still begin ; To treate upon advantage . The Palatine of Trocke , and Mensecke , With Almerin , shall to the King ; Petitions shall be drawne , Humble in forme , but such for matter , As the bold Macedonian youth would send To men he did despise for luxury . The first begets opinion of the world , Which looks not far , but on the outside dwels : Th' other inforces courage in our owne , For bold demands must boldly be maintain'd . Pal. Let all goe on still in the publique name , But keep an eare open to particular offers ; Liberty and publique good are like great Oleos Must have the uper end still of our tables , Though they are but for shew . Fra. Would I had ne're seen this shape , 't has poyson in 't , Yet where dwells good , if ill inhabits there ? Min. — Presse much religion , For though we dresse the scruples for the multitude , And for our selves reserve th' advantages , ( It being much pretext ) yet is it necessary ; For things of faith are so abstruse , and nice , They will admit dispute eternally : So how so e're other demands appeare , These never can be prov'd unreasonable ; The subject being of so fine a nature , It not submits it selfe to sense , but scapes ▪ The trials which conclude all common doubts . Fra. My Lord , you use me as ill Painters paint , Who while they labour to make faces faire , Neglect to make them like . Iphi. Madam , there is no ship wracke of your Vertues neare , that you should throw away Any of all your excellencies To save the dearest , modesty . Gener. If they proceed with us , we can retreat unto Our expositions , and the peoples votes . If they refuse us wholy , then we plead , The King 's besiedged , blockt up so straightly By some few , reliefe can find no way To enter to the King , or to get out to us , Exclaime against it loud , Till the Polonians thinke it high injustice , And wish us better yet . Then easily do we rise unto our ends . And will become their envy through their pitty . At worst you may confirme our party there : Increase it too : there is one Brennoralt , Men call him Gallant , but a discontent : My Cosen ▪ the King hath us'd him ill . Him a handsome whisper will draw . The afternoone shall perfect What we have loosely now resolv'd . — Iphi. If in discourse of beauty , ( So large an Empire ) I do wonder , It will become your goodnesse Madam , To set me right . And in a country where you your selfe is Queene , Not suffer strangers loose themselves . Gener. What , making revenges Palatine ? And taking prisoners faire Ladies hearts ? Iphi. Yes my Lord . And have no better fortune in this Warre , Then in the other ; for while I thinke to take , I am surprized my selfe . Fra. Dissembler , would thou wert . M. You are a Courtier my Lord ; The Palatine of Plocence , ( Almerin ) Will grace the Hymeneals ; And that they may be while his stay is here , I 'le court my Lord in absence ; Take off for you the little strangenesses Virgins weare at first , — ( Iphe sounds . Look to the Palatine . Mer. How is 't my dearest Iphegene ? Iph. Not well I would retire . G. A qualme . Lo. His colour stole away ; sanke downe , As water in a weather-glasse Prest by a warme hand . Mens . A cordiall of kind lookes , — ( Enter a Trumpet blinded . From the King . M. Let 's withdraw , And heare him . — Exit . Enter Brennoralt , Doran , Raguelin . Dor. Yes to be married ; What are you mute now ? Bren. Thou cam'st too hastily upon me , put'st So close the colours to mine eye , I could Not see . It is impossible . [ Dor. ] impossible ? If 't were impossible , it should be otherwise , What can you imagine there of Constancy ? Where 't is so much their nature to love change , That when they say but what they are , They excuse themselves for what they doe ? Bren. She hardly knowes him yet , in such an instant . Dor. Oh you know not how fire flies , When it does catch light matter , woman . B. No more of that ; She is Yet the most precious thing in all my thoughts . If it be so — ( Studies . ) I am a lost thing in the world Doran . D. How ? Bren. Thou wilt in vaine perswade me to be other Life which to others is a Good that they Enjoy , to me will be an evill , I Shall suffer in — Dor. Looke on another face , that 's present remedy . Bren. How ill thou doest conclude ? 'Cause there are pestilent ayres , which kill men suddenly In health , must there be soveraigne as suddenly , To cure in sicknes ? 't never was in nature . Exit , and Enters againe hastily . Bren. I was a foole to thinke , Death only kept The doores of ill-pay'd love , when or disdaine , Or spite could let me out as well — Dor. Right ; were I as you , It should no more trouble me To free my selfe of love , Then to spit out that which made me sicke . Bren. I 'le tell her so ; that she may laugh at me , As at a prisoner threatning his Guard , He will breake loose , and so is made the faster . She hath charmes . — ( Studies ) Doran can fetch in a rebellious heart , Even while it is conspiring liberty . — Oh she hath all The vertues of her sexe , and not the vices , Chaste and unsullied , as first op'ning Lillies , Or untouch'd buds — Dor. Chaste ? why ! do you honour me , Because I throw my selfe not off a precipice ? 'T is her ruine to be otherwise ; Though we blame those that kill themselves ( my Lord ) We praise not him that keeps himselfe alive , And deserves nothing . Bren. And 't is the least . She doe's triumph , when she doe's but appeare : I have as many Rivals as beholders . Dor. All that encreases but our jealousies ; If you have now such qualmes for that you havenot , What will you have for that you shall possesse ? Bren. — Dull haeritique ; Know I have these , because I have not her : When I have her , I shall have these no more . Her fancy now , her vertue then will governe : And as I use to watch with doubtfull eye , The wavering needle in the best Sun-dyall , Till it has setled , then the trouble 's o're , Because I know when it is Fixt , it 's True : So here my doubts are all afore me . Sure , Doran , crown'd Conquerours are but the types Of Lovers , which enjoy , and really Possesse , what th' other have in dreames . I 'le send A challenge to him . — Dor. Do , and be thought a mad-man . To what purpose ? If shee love him , shee will but hate you more . Lovers in favour ( Brenkoralt ) are Gamesters In good fortune ; the more you set them , The more they get . Bren. I 'le see her then this night , by Heaven I will . Dor. Where ? in the Cittadell ? Bren. Know what , and why . — Dor . He raves , Brennoralt ? Bren. Let me alone . — I conjure thee , by the discretion Left betwixt us , ( that 's thine , For mine 's devour'd by injuries of fortune , ) Leave me to my selfe . Dor. I have done . Bren. Is there such a passage , As thou hast told me of , into the Castle ? Rag. There is my Lord . Bren. And dar'st thou let me in ? Rag. If you my Lord will venture . Bren. There are no Centry's neare it . Rag. None . Bren. How to the chamber afterward ? Rag. Her woman . Bren. What 's shee ? Rag. A wicket to my Ladies secrets , One that stands up to marriage with me . Bren. There — upon thy life be secret . — ( flings a purse . Rag. Else , — All punishment to ingratitude . — Bren. Enough , I am a storme within till I am there , Oh Doran ! That that , which is so pleasant to behold , Should be such paine within ! Dor. Poore Brennoralt ! Thou art the Martyr of a thousand tyrants : Love , Honour , and Ambition raigne by turnes , And shew their power upon thee . Bren. Why , let them ; I 'm still Brennoralt : " Ev'n Kings " Themselves , are by their servants rul'd sometimes ; " Let their own slaves govern them at odde houres : " Yet not subject their Persons or their Powers . Exeunt .

ACT III. SCENE I. Enter Iphigene ( as in a Garden ) Iphi. WHat have I got by changing place ? But as a wretch which ventures to the Wars , Seeking the misery with paine abroad , He found , but wisely thought h 'had left at home . Fortune thou hast no tyranny beyond This usage . — ( Weepes Would I had never hop't Or had betimes dispair'd , let never in The gentle theife , or kept him but a guest , Not made him Lord of all . Tempests of wind thus ( as my stormes of griefe Carry my teares , which should relieve my heart ) Have hurried to the thankelesse Ocean clouds And showers , that needed not at all the curtesie ; When the poore plaines have languish't for the want , And almost burnt asunder . — I 'le have this Statues place , and undertake At my own charge to keepe the water full . — ( Lies down . Enter Francelia . Fran. These fond impressions grow too strong upon me , They were at first without designe or end ; Like the first Elements , that know not what And why they act , and yet produce strange things ; Poore innocent desires , journeying they know Not whether : but now they promise to themselves Strange things , grow insolent , threaten no rest Till they be satisfied . What difference was between these Lords ? The one made love , as if he by assault Would take my heart , so forc't it to defence ; While t'other blew it up with secret mines , And lest no place for it , here he is . — Teares steale too from his eyes , As if not daring to be knowne To passe that way : make it good , cunning griefe Thou knowst thou couldst not dresse thy selfe In any other lookes , to make thee lovely . ( spies Francelia ) Iphi. Francelia If through the ignorance of places , I have intruded on your privacies , Found out forbidden paths ; 't is fit you pardon , Madam : For 't is my melancholly , not I , offends . Fran. So great a melancholly would well become Mischances , such as time could not repaire : Those of the warre , are but the petty cures Of every comming hower . — Iphi. Why should I not tell her all ? since 't is in her To save my life ; who knowes but she may be Gallant so far , as to undo her selfe To make another happy ? — Madam , The accidents of war contribute least To my sad thoughts , ( if any such I have ) — Imprisonment can never be — Where the place holds what we must love , and yet — Fran. My Lord ? Iphi. In this imprisonment . — Fran. Proceed my Lord : Iphi. I dare not Madam . Fran. I see I do disturbe you , and enter upon secrets — Which when I know , I cannot serve you in them . Iphi. Oh most of any You are the cause of all . Fran. I my Lord ? Iphi. You Madam — you alone . Fran. Alas ! that 't is too soone to understand . Iphi. Must not you marry Almerin ? Fran. They tell me 't is design'd . Iphi. If he have you , I am for ever lost Fran. — Lost ? The Heavens forbid they should designe so ill ! Or when they shall , that I should be the cause . Iphi. Ha! her eyes are strangely kind , Shee prompts me excellently , Stars be propitious , and I am safe . — A way I not expected . Fran. His passion labours for vent . Iphi. Is there a hope you will not give your selfe To Almerin ? Fran. My Lord this ayre is common , The walkes within are pleasanter . — ( Exit . Iphi. — Invitation ! God of desires , be kind , and fill me now With language ; such thou lend'st thy Favourites , When thou wouldst give them easie victories : And I forgive thee , all thy cruelties . — ( Exit . after . Enter Pallatine of Trock , Menseck , Almerin , Brennoralt , Lords . Mens . — Consider too , that those Who are necessiated to use violence , Have first been violent by necessity . Pall. — But still you judge not right " Of the Prerogative ; " For oft it stands " With Pow'r and Law , as with our Faith and Reason : " It is not all against , that is above . ( my Lord. ) 2. Lord. You Lithuanians had of all least reason ; For would the King be unjust to you he cannot : Where there 's so little to be had . — Almer . Where there is least , there 's liberty ( my Lord. ) And 't is more injurie to pull haires From the bald , then from the bushy heads . ( They go off talking ; Trock puls Brennoralt . Pall. of Tro. Brennoralt — a word My Lord , the world hath cast its eye upon you , And mark'd you out one of the formost men : Y' have busied fame the eareliest of any , And send her still on errands . Much of the bravery of your nation , Has taken up it's lodging in you . And gallant men but coppy from you . Bren. 'T is goodly language this , what would it meane ? Pall. of Tro. The Lithuanians wish you well , and wonder So much desert should be so ill rewarded . Bren. Good . Pall. While all the guifts the Crown is Mistris of , Are plac'd upon the empty — Bren. Still I take yon not . P. Then to be plaine ; our Army would be proud of you : Pay the neglected scores of merit double . All that you hold here of command , and what Your fortune in this Sigismund has suffer'd , Repaire , and make it fairer then at first . Bren. How ? Then nothing , Lord ; trifle below ill language : How came it in thy heart to tempt my honour ? Pall. My Lord ? Bren. Do'st thinke 'cause I am angry With the King and State sometimes I am fallen out with vertue , and my selfe ? Draw , draw , or by goodnesse — P What meanes your Lordship ? Bren. Draw I say . — He that would thinke me a villaine , is one : And I do weare this toy , to purge the world Ent. K of Pal. Lords , Melid. Miesla . Of such . Th' have sav'd thee , wert thou good natur'd Thou wouldst love the King the better during life . K. If they be just , they call for gracious answers : Speedy , ( how e're ) we promise . ( They all kisle the Kings hand . All. Long live great Sigismond . Bren. — The Lithuanians Sir , Are of the wilder sort of creatures , must Be rid with Cavilons , and with harsh curbs . And since the war can only make them tride , What can be used but swords ? where men have fal'ne From not respecting Royalty , unto A liberty of offending it : what though Their numbers ( possibly ) equall yours Sir ? And now forc't by necessity , like Catts In narrow roomes , they fly up in your face ? Thinke you Rebellion and Loyalty Are empty names ? and that in Subjects hearts They don't both give and take away the courage ? Shall we beleeve there is no difference In good and bad ? that there 's no punishment , Or no protection ? forbid it Heaven ! If when great Polands honour , safety too , Hangs in dispute , we should not draw our Swords , Why were we ever taught to weare 'em Sir ? Mi. This late commotion in your Kingdom Sir , Is like a growing Wen upon the face , Which as we cannot looke one but with trouble , So take 't away we cannot but with danger . War there hath foulest face , and I most feare it Where the pretence is fair'st . Religion And Liberty , most specious names , they urge ; Which like the Bils of subtle Mountebankes , Fill'd with great promises of curing all , — Though by the wise , Pass'd by unread as common cosenage , Yet , By th' unknowing multitude they 're still Admir'd , and flock't unto . — K. Is there no way To disabuse them ? [ Melid ] All is now too late . ` The vulgar in Religion are like " Unknown Lands ; those that first possesse them , have them ▪ Then , Sir , consider , justnesse of Cause is nothing : When things are risen to the point they are ; 'T is either not examin'd or beleev'd Among the Warlike . — The better cause the Grecians had of Yore , Yet were the Gods themselves divided in 't ; And the foule ravisher found as good protection As the much injur'd husband . — Nor are you Sir assur'd of all behinde you : For though your Person in your Subjects hearts Stands highly honour'd , and belov'd , yet are There certaine Acts of State , which men call grievances Abroad ; and though they bare them in the times Of peace , yet will they now perchance , seeke to Be free , and throw them off . " For know Dread Sir , " The Common People are much like the Sea , " That suffers things to fall and sinke unto " The bottome in a Calme , which in a Storme " Stird and inraged , it lifts , and does keep up Then ; Time distempers cures more safely Sir , Then Physick does , or instant letting-bloud : Religion now is a young Mistris there , For which each man will fight , and dye at least ; Let it alone a while , and 't will become A kind of marry'd wife : people will be Content to live with it in quietnesse . ( If that at least may be ) my voyce is therefore Sir , For Peace . — Mies . Were Sir the question simply War or Peace , It were no more then shortly to be askt , Whether we would be well or ill : Since War the sicknesse of the Kingdome is , And Peace the health : But here I do conceive 'T will rather lye , whether we had not better , Endure sharpe sicknesse for a time , to enjoy A perfect strength , then have it languish on us : For Peace and War in an incestuous line , Have still begot each other . — Those men that highly now have broke all Lawes , ( The great one only 't is 'twixt man and man ) What safety can they promise , though you give it ? Will they not still suspect , ( and justly too ) That all those civill bonds ( new made ) should be Broken againe to them ? so being still In feares and jealousies themselves , they must Infect the People : " For in such a case " The private safety is the publike trouble . Nor will they ever want Praetext ; " Since he " That will maintaine it with his Sword hee 's iniur'd , " May say 't at any time — Then Sir , as terrible as war appeares , My vote is for 't ; nor shall I ever care How ugly my Physitians face shall be , So he can doe the cure . Lord. In entring phisique , I thinke , Sir , none so much considers The Doctors face , as his owne body . To keep on foot the warre with all your wants , Is to let bloud , and take strong potions , In dangerous sicknesse . K. I see , and wonder not to finde , my Lords , This difference in opinion ; the subject's large : Nor can we there too much dispute , where when We erre , 't is at a Kingdomes charges ; Peace And warre are in themselves indifferent , And time doth stamp them either good or bad : But here the place is much considerable ; " Warre in our owne is like to too much heate " Within , it makes the body sicke ; when in " Another Countrey , 't is but exercise ; " Conveighs that heat abroad , and gives it health . To that I bend my thoughts ; but leave it to Our greater Councell , which we now assemble : Meane time exchange of pris'ners only we Assent unto — Lord. Nothing of Truce , Sir ? [ K. ] No : wee 'l not take up Quiet at int'rest : Perfect Peace , or nothing . " Cessations for short times in warre , are like " Small fits of health , in desp'rate maladies : " Which while the instant paine seemes to abate , " Flatters into debauch and worse estate . — Exeunt . Enter Iphigene as leading to her chamber Francelia ; Servants with lights ; Morat , and another Souldier . Iph. I have not left my selfe a faire retreate , And must be now the blest object Of your love , or subject of your scorne . Fran. I feare some treacherie ; And that mine eyes have given intelligence . Unlesse you knew there would be weak defence , You durst not thinke of taking in a heart , As soone as you set downe before it . Iph. Condemne my Love not of such fond ambition , It aymes not at a conquest , But exchange , Francelia — ( whisper . Mor. They 're very great in this short time . Sol. 'T is ever so : Young and handsome Have made acquaintances in nature : So when they meet , they have the lesse to doe . It is for age or uglines to make approaches , And keep a distance . Iph. When I shall see other perfection , Which at the best will be but other vanity , Not more , I shall not love it — Fran. 'T is still one step not to despaire , my Lord . Exeunt Iphig . Fran. servants . Morat . Doest thinke he will fight ? Sold. Troth it may be not : Nature , in those fine peeces , does as Painters ; Hangs out a pleasant Excellence That takes the eye , which is indeed , But a course canvas in the naked truth , Or some slight stuffe . Morat . I have a great minde to taste him . Sold. Fy ! a Prisoner ? Morat . By this hand if I thought — Enter Iphig : waiting-woman comming after him . He courted my Coronels Mrs in earnest . Wom. My Lord , my Lord , My Lady thinks the Gessimine walks Will be the finer , the freshnes f th' morning takes of the strength O' th' heate she sayes . Iph. 'T is well . Mor. Mewe — doe it so ? I suspect vildly , Wee 'l follow him , and see if he be So farre quallified towards a souldier , As to drinke a crash in 's chamber — ( Raguelin puls the waiting woman backe . R. Where are those keyes ? Wom. Harke you , I dare not doe it . R. How ? Wom. My Lady will finde — R. Scruples ? Are my hopes become your feares ? There was no other way I should be any thing In this lewd world , — and now — 'Sfoot , I know she longs to see him too . Wom. Does she ? R. Doe you thinke he would desire it else ? Wom. I , but — R. Why , let me secure it all . I 'le say I found the Keyes , or stole them : Come — Wom. Well , if you ruine all now — Here , these enter the garden from the works , That the privy walks and that the backe staires . Then you know my chamber . R. Yes I know your chamber . — Exeunt Enter Brennoralt . Bren. He comes not . One wise thought more ▪ and I returne : I cannot in this act seperate the foolish From the bold so farre , but still it tasts a' th , rash . Why let it taste , it tasts of love too ; And to all actions 't gives a pretty rellish , that . Enter Raguelin . Rag. My Lord ? Bren. Oh — here . Rag. 'Sfoot y' are upon our Centries . Move on this hand . — Exeunt . Enter ( agen ) Bren. and Rague . Bren. Where are we now ? Ra. Entring part of the Fort , Your Lordship must be wet a little . — Exeunt . Enter ( againe . ) Bren. Why are there here no guards ? Ra. There needs none : You presently must passe a place , Where one's an Army in defence , It is so steep and strait . Bren. 'T is well . Ra. These are the steps of danger ; Looke to your way my Lord . Bren. I doe not find such difficulty . Francelia ( as in a bed . ) Bren. Waite me here abouts — ( he drawes the curtaines . So Misers looke upon their gold , Which while they joy to see , they feare to loose : The pleasure of the sight scarse equalling , The jealousie of being dispossest by others ; Her face is like the milky way i' th' skie , A meeting of gentle lights without name . Heavens ! shall this fresh ornament Of the world ; this precious lovelines Passe with other common things Amongst the wasts of time , what pity 't were . ( She wakes . Franc. Blesse me ! Is it a Vision , or Brennoralt ? Bren. Brennoralt , Lady . Franc. Brennoralt ? innocence guard me ; What is 't you have done my Lord ? Bren. Alas I were in too good estate , If I knew what I did . But why aske you Madam ? Fran. It much amazes me to thinke How you came hither . And what could bring you to indanger thus My honour , and your owne life ? Nothing but saving of my brother Could make me now preserve you . Bren. Reproach me not the follies , you your selfe ▪ Make me commit — I am reduc'd to such extremity , That love himselfe ( high tyrant as he is ) If he could see would pity me . Fran. I understand you not . Bren. Would heaven you did , for 't is a paine to tell you : I come t' accuse you of injustice ( Madam ) You first begot my passion , and was Content ( at least you seem'd so ) it should live ; Yet since would ne're contribute unto it , Not looke upon 't , as if you had desired , It s being for no other end ; but for The pleasure of its ruine — Fran. Why doe you labour thus to make me guilty of An injury to you , which when it is one , All mankinde is alike ingag'd , and must Have quarrell to me ? Bren. I have done ill ; you chide me justly ( Madam ) I 'le lay 't not on you , but on my wretched selfe . For I am taught that heavenly bodies Are not malicious in their influence , But by the disposition of the subject . They tell me you must marry Almerin : Sure such excellence ought to be The recompence of vertue ; Not the sacrifice of Parents wisedome , Should it not Madam ? Fran. 'T would injure me , were it thought otherwise . Br. And shall he have you then that knew you yesterday ? Is there in martyrdome no juster way ? But he that holds a finger in the fire A little time , should have the Crowne from them That have indur'd the flame with constancy ? Fran. If the discovery will ease your thoughts My Lord ; know Almerin is as the man I never saw . [ Bren. ] You doe not marry then ? Condemned men thus heare , and thus receive Repreeves . One question more , and I am gone . Is there to latitude of eternity A hope for Brennoralt ? Fran. My Lord ? Bren. Have I a place at all , When you doe thinke of men ? Fran. My Lord , a high one , I must be singular did I not value you : The world does set great rates upon you , And you have first deserv'd them . Bren. Is this all ? Fran. All. Bren. Oh be lesse kinde , or kinder : Give me more pity , or more cruelty , Francelia . I cannot live with this , nor die — Fran. I feare my Lord , You must not hope beyond it . Bren. Not hope ? This , sure , is not the body to ( views himselfe . This soule ; it was mistaken , shufled in Through haste : Why ( else ) should that have so much love , And this want lovelinesse , to make that love Receiv'd ? — I will raise honour to a point , It never was — do things ( studies . Of such a vertuous greatnesse she shall love me . She shall — I will deserve her , though I have her not : There 's something yet in that . Madam , wilt please you , pardon my offence ? — ( Oh Fates ! That I must call thus my affection ! ) Fran. I will doe any thing , so you will thinke Of me , and of your selfe ( my Lord ) and how Your stay indangers both — [ Bren. ] Alas ! Your pardon is more necessary to My life , then life to me : but I am gone . Blessings , such as my wishes for you , in Their extasies , could never reach , fall on you . May ev'ry thing contribute to preserve That exc'lence ( my destruction ) till 't meet joyes In love , great as the torments I have in 't . Exit .

ACT IV. SCENE I. Enter Brennoralt . Bren. WHy so , 't is well , Fortune I thanke thee still , I dare not call thee villaine neither . 'T was plotted from the first , That 's certaine , — it looks that way ? Hum — caught in a trap ? Here 's something yet to trust to — ( To his sword . This was the entry , these the staires : But whether afterwards ? He that is sure to perish on the land , May quit the nicetie of Card and Compasse : And safe , to his discretion ▪ put to Sea : He shall have my hand to 't . Exit . Enter Raguelin , Orilla , ( the waiting-woman . Ra. Looke : By this light 't is day . Oril. Not by this , by t' other 't is indeed . Ra. Thou art such another peece of temptation . My Lord raves by this time , A hundred to one the Centinells Will discover us too , Then I doe pay for night-watch . Oril. Fie upon thee , Thou art as fearfull as a young colt ; Boglest at every thing , foole . As if Lovers had considered houres : I 'le peep in — ( she peeps Ra. I am as weary of this wench , As if I were married to her : She hangs upon me like an Ape upon a horse — She 's as common too , as a Barbers glasse — Conscienc't too like a Dy-dapper . Orilla . — there 's no body within : My Lady sleeps this houre at least . Ra. Good , the Divel 's even with me — Not be an honest man neither — Enter Bren. & a guard . What course now ? S. Nay Sir , we shall order you now . Bren. Dogges . — Enter Fresolin . Fres . What tumult 's this — ha ! Brennoralt ! 't is he In spite of his disguise : what makes he here ? Hee 's lost for ever if he be discover'd ; How now companions , why doe you use my friend thus ? S. Your friend my Lord ? if he be your friend H 'as us'd us as ill : H' has plaid the Divell amongst us . Six of our men are Surgeons worke this moneth ; We found him climbing the walls . 2 S. He had no word neither , Nor any language but a blow . Fres . You will be doing these wilde things ( my Lord ) Good faith y' are too blame , if y' had desir'd To view the walls , or Trenches , 't was but Speaking ; we are not nice : I would my selfe have waited on you : Th' are the new out-workes you would see perchance . Boy , bring me blacke Tempest round about , And the gray Barbary ; a Trumpet come along too ; My Lord , wee 'l take the neerer way , And privater , here through the Sally-Port . Bre. What a Divell is this ? sure I dreame — Exeunt . S. Now , you are so officious . ( Manet Sold. 2 S. Death ! could I guesse he was a friend ? S. 'T was ever to be thought , How should he come there else ? 2 S. Friend or no friend , he might have left us Something to pay the Surgeon with : Grant me that , or I le beat you to 't . — Exeunt . Enter Fresolin , and Brennoralt . Fres . Brennoralt — start not : I pay thee backe a life I owe thee ; And blesse my Starres , they gave me power to do 't ; The debt lay heavy on me . A horse waits you there — a Trumpet too , ( Which you may keep , least he should prate ) No Ceremony , 't is dangerous . Bren. Thou hast astonish't me : Thy youth hath triumph'd in one single act , O're all the age can boast ; and I will stay To tell thee so , were they now firing all Their Cannons on me ; farewell gallant Fresolin : And may reward , great as thy vertue , crowne thee . Exeunt diverse wayes . Enter Iphigene , Francelia . Fran. A peace will come , And then you must be gone ; And whither when you once are got upon the wing , You will not stoop to what shall rise , Before ye flye to some lure With more temptation garnisht , is a sad question . Iph. Can you have doubts , and I not my feares ? By this — the readiest and the sweetest oath , I sweare I cannot so secure my selfe of you , But in my absence I shall be in paine . I have cast up what it will be to stand The Governors anger ; and which is more hard , The love of Almerin . I hold thee now but by thy owne free grant , A slight securitie , alas it may fall out , Giving thy selfe , not knowing thine owne worth , Or want of mine , thou mayst , like Kings deceiv'd , Resume the gift on better knowledge backe . Fran. If I so eas'ly change , I was not worth your love , And by the losse you ' l gaine . Iph. But when y' are irrecoverably gone , 'T will be slight comfort to perswade my selfe You had a fault , when all that fault must be But want of love to me ; and that agen Finde in my much defect , so much excuse , That it will have no worse name Then discretion , if inconcern'd doe Cast it up — I must have more assurance . Franc. You have too much already : And sure my Lord you wonder , while I blush , At such a growth in young affections . Iphi ▪ Why should I wonder ( Madam . ) Love that from two breasts sucks , Must of a child quickly become a Giant . Dunces in love stay at the Alphabet , Th' inspir'd know all before ; — Enter waiting woman . And doe begin still higher . Woman . Madam ; Almerin , returned , has sent to kisse Your hands . I told him you were busie . Franc. Must I my Lord be busy ? I may be civill though not kind . Tell him I wait him in the Gallery . Iphi. May I not kisse your hand this night ? ( Whisper ) Franc. The world is full of jealous eyes my Lord : And were they all lockt up ; you are a spye Once entred in my chamber at strange houres . Iphi. The vertue of Francelia is too safe , To need those little arts of preservation . Thus to divide our selves , is to distrust our selves . A Cherubin dispatches not on earth Th' affaires of heaven with greater innocence , Then I will visit ; 't is but to take a leave , I begg . Franc. When you are going my Lord — Exeunt . Enter Almerin , Morat . Almer . Pish . Thou liest , thou liest . I know he playes with woman kind , not loves it . Thou art impertinent — Mor. 'T is the campe talke my Lord though . Al. The camp 's an asse , let me hear no more on 't Exeunt ( Talking . ) Enter Granivert . Villanor . Marinel . Grani. And shall we have peace ? I am no sooner sober , but the State is so too : If 't be thy will , a truce for a month only . I long to refresh my eyes ; by this hand They have been so tyr'd with looking upon faces Of this country . Villa . And shall the Donazella To whom we wish so well-a Look Babies agen in our eyes-a ? Grani. Ah — a sprightly girle above fifteen That melts when a man but takes her by the hand ! Eyes full , and quick ; with breath Sweet as double violets , And wholesome as dying leaves of Strawberries . Thick silken eye-browes , high upon the fore-head ; And cheeks mingled with pale streaks of red , Such as the blushing morning never wore . — Villa . Oh my chops ; my chops ; Grani. With narrow mouth , small teeth , And lips swelling , as if she pouted — Villa . Hold , hold , hold ; Grani. Haire curling , and cover'd , like buds of Marioram , Part tyed in negligence Part loosely flowing — Marin . Tyrant ! tyrant ! tyrant ! Grani. In pinck colour taffata petticoate . Lac't smock-sleeves dangling ; This vision stolne from her own bed And rustling in ones chamber — Villa . Oh good Granivert , good Granivert . Grani. With a waxe candle in her hand , Looking as if she had lost her way ; At twelve at night . Marm. Oh any hower , any hower . Grani. Now I thinke on 't , by this hand I le marry , and be long liv'd . Villa , Long liv'd ? how ? Grain . Oh , he that has a Wife , eats with an appetite , ‛ Has a very good stomacke to 't first : This living at large is very destructive , Variety is like rare sawces ; provokes too far , And draws on surfets , more then th' other . Enter Doran . Dor. So ; is this a time to foole in ? G. What 's the matter ? Dor. Draw out your choise men , and away to Your Coronell immediately . There 's worke Towards my boyes , there 's worke . Grain , Art in earnest ? Dor. By this light . Grain . There 's something in that yet . This moiety Warre Twilight , Neither night nor day , Pox upon it : A storme is worth a thousand Of your calme ; There 's more variety in it . Exeunt . Enter Almerin , Francelia , as talking earnestly . Alm. Madam , that shewes the greatnes of my passion . Fran. The imperfection rather : Jealousie 's No better signe of love ( my Lord ) then feavers are Of Life ; they shew there is a Being , though Impair'd , and perishing : and that , affection But sicke and in disorder . I like 't not . Your servant . — Exit . Al. So short and sowre ? the change is visible . Enter Iphigene . Iph. Deare Almerin welcome , y' have been absent long . Alm. Not very long . Iph. To me it hath appeared so ; What sayes our Camp ? am I not blamed there ? Alm. They wonder — Iph. While we smile — How have you found the King inclining ? Alm. Well . The Treaty is not broken , nor holds it . Things are where they were ; 'T has a kind of face of peace , You my Lord may when you please returne . Iph. I Almerin ? Alm. Yes my Lord , I 'le give you an escape . Iph. 'T is least in my desires . Alm. Hum ! Iph. Such prisons are beyond all liberty . Alm. Is 't possible ? Iph. Seemes it strange to you ? Alm. No , not at all . What ? you finde the Ladies kinde ? Iph. Civill — ( smiles . A. You make love well too they say ( my Lord. ) Iph. Passe my time . Alm. Addresse unto Francelia ? Iph. Visit her . Al. D' you know she is my Mistres , Pallatine ? Iph. Ha ? Alm. D' you know she is my Mistresse ? Iph. I have been told so . Alm. And doe you court her then ? Iph. Why ? — ( smiles . If I saw the enemy first , Would you not charge ? Alm. He doe's allow it too ▪ by Heaven : Laughs at me too ; thou filcher of a heart , False as thy title to Francelia . Or as thy friendship : which with this I doe — ( drawes . Throw by — draw . Iph What doe you meane ? Alm. I see the cunning now of all thy love , And why thou camest so tamely kinde , Suffering surprise . Draw . Iph. I will not draw , kill me ; And I shall have no trouble in my death , Knowing 't is your pleasure : As I shall ha ve no pleasure in my life Knowing it is your trouble . Alm. Oh poor — I lookt for this . I knew th' wouldst find 't was easier to doe a wrong Then justifie it — but — Iphi. I will not fight — heare me : If I love you not more , then I love her ; If I doe love her more then for your sake ; Heaven strangely punish me . Alm. Take heed how thou dost play with heaven . Iphi. By all that 's just , and faire , and good , By all that you hold deare , and men hold great ; I never had lascivious thought , or ere Did action that might call in doubt my love To Almerin . Alm. That tongue can charme me into any thing ; I doe beleev 't , prethee be wiser then . Give me no further cause of jealousie , Hurt not mine honour more , and I am well . Iphi. But well — Of all Our passions , I wonder nature made The worst , foule jealousie , her favorite . And if it be not so , why took she care That every thing should give the monster Nourishment , And left us nothing to destroy it with ? Alm. Prethee no more , thou plead'st so cunningly I feare I shall be made the guilty And need thy pardon . Iphi. If you could read my heart you would . I will be gone to morrow if that will satisfie . Indeed I shall not rest untill my innocence Be made as plain as objects to the sence . Alm. — Come ; You shall not goe , I le think upon 't no more . " Distrusts ruine not friendship , " But build it fairer then it was before — Exeunt . Enter Brennoralt : Captaines , Stratheman : Doran . Bren. No more but ten from every company ; For many hands are theeves , and rob the glory , While they take their share ▪ how goes the night ? Stra. Halfe spent my Lord . We shall have straight , The Moones weaker light . Bren. 'T is time then , call in the officers . Friends , if you were men that must be talkt Into a courage , I had not chosen you ; Danger with its vizard , oft before this time Y' have look'd upon ▪ and out-fac'd it too ; We are to doe the trick agen , that 's all . Here — ( drawes his sword ) And yet we will not sweare : For he that shrinks in such an action Is damn'd without the help of perjury . Doran ; if from the virgin tow'r thou spiest A flame , such as the East sends forth about The time the day should break , goe tell the King I hold the Castle for him ; bid him come on With all his force , and he shall find a victory So cheap 't will loose the value . If I fall , The world has lost a thing it us'd not well ; And I , a thing I car'd not for ; that world . Stra. Lead us on Coronell ; If we doe not fight like — Bren. No like . Wee 'l be our selves similitude And time shall say , when it would tell That men did well , they fought like us .

ACT. V. SCEN. I. Enter Agen. Bren. WHat made the stop ? One in 's falling sicknesse had a fit Which choak'd the passage ; but all is well : Softly , we are neere the place . Exeunt . Alarum within , and fight , then enter Almerin ( in his night-gowne . Alm. What noise is here to night ? Something on fire — what hoe , Send to the Virgin-tower , there is disorder — Thereabouts . ( Ent. Sould. Sould. All 's lost , all 's lost : The enemie's upon the place of armes : And is by this time Master of that , And of the Tower . Alm. Thou liest . — ( strikes him . Enter Morat . Mor. Save your selfe my Lord , and hast unto the camp ; Ruine gets in on every side . Alm. There 's something in it when this fellow flies . Villaines my armes , I 'le see what Divell raignes . Enter Iphigene , Francelia . Iphi. Looke , the day breakes . Fran. You thinke I 'le be so kinde , as sweare It does not now . Indeed I will not — Iph. Will you not send me neither , Your picture when y' are gone ? That when my eye is famisht for a looke , It may have where to feed , And to the painted Feast invite my heart . Fran. Here , take this virgin-bracelet of my haire , And if like other men thou shalt hereafter Throw it with negligence , 'Mongst the Records of thy weake female conquests , Laugh at the kinde words , and mysticall contrivement . If such a time shall come , Know I am sighing then thy absence Iphigene , And weeping o're the false but pleasing Image . Enter Almerin . Alm. Francelia , Francelia , Rise , rise , and save thy selfe the enemy That does not know thy worth , may else destroy it . ( throwes open the dore . Ha! mine eyes grow sick . A plague has , through them , stolne into my heart ; And I grow dizzie : feet , lead me off agen , Without the knowledge of my body . I shall act I know not what else — Exit . Franc. How came he in ? Deare Iphigene we are betrayd ; Le ts raise the Castle lest he should return . Iph. That were to make all publique . Feare not , I le satisfie his anger : I can doe it . Franc. Yes , with some quarrell ; And bring my honour , and my love in danger — Enter Almerin Look he returns , and wrecks of fury , Like hurried clouds over the face of heaven , Before a tempest , in his looks appeares . Alm. If they would question what our Rage doth act And make it sin , they would not thus provoke men . — I am too tame . For if they live I shall be pointed at , Here I denounce a warre to all the world , And thus begin it — ( runs at Iphigene ) Iphi. What hast thou done — ( falls ) Franc. Ah me , help , help . — ( wounds Francelia ) Iphi. Hold. Alm. 'T is too late . Iphi. Rather then she shall suffer , My fond deceits involve the innocent ; I will discover all . Alm. Ha! — what will he discover ? Iphi. That which shall make thee curse The blindnesse of thy rage . — I am a woman . Alm. Ha , ha , ha , brave and bold ! Because thy perjury deceived me once , And saved thy life , thou thinkest to escape agen . Impostor , thus thou shalt . — ( runs at him . Iphi. Oh hold — I have enough . Had I hope of life , thou shouldst not have this secret . Franc. What will it be now ? Iphi. — My father having long desir'd A sonne to heire his great possessions . And in six births successively deceiv'd , Made a rash vow ; oh how rash vowes are punished ! That if the burthen then my mother went with Prov'd not a male , he ne're would know her more . Then was unhappy Iphigene brought forth , And by the womens kindnesse nam'd a boy ; And since so bred : ( a cruell pity as It hath faln out . ) If now thou findst that , which Thou thoughtst a friendship in me , Love ; forget it . It was my joy , — and — death . — ( faints . Alm. — For curiosity I le save thee , if I can , and know the end If 't be but losse of Blood , — Breasts ! By all that 's good a woman ! — Iphigene . Iphi. I thank thee , for I was falne asleep , before I had dispatcht . Sweetest of all thy sexe , Francelia , forgive me now ; my love Vnto this man , and feare to loose him , taught me , A fatall cunning , made me court you , — and My owne Destruction . [ Franc. ] I am amaz'd . Alm. And can it be ? Oh mockery of heaven ! To let me see what my soule often wisht And mak 't my punishment , a punishment , That were I old in sinnes , were yet too great . Iphi. Would you have lov'd me then ? Pray say you would : For I like testie sickmen at their death , Would know no newes but health from the Physitian . Alm. Canst thou doubt that ? That hast so often seen me extasi'd , When thou wert drest like woman Vnwilling ever to beleeve thee man ? Iph. I have enough . Alm. Heavens ! What thing shall I appeare unto the world ! Here might my ignorance find some excuse . — But , there , I was distracted . None but one enrag'd With anger to a savadgenesse , would ere Have drawne a sword upon such gentle sweetnesse . Be kind , and kill me ; kill me one of you : Kill me if 't be but to preserve my wits . Deare Iphigene , take thy revenge , it will Not misbecome thy sexe at all ; for 't is An act of pity not of cruelty : Thus to dispatch a miserable man . Franc. And thou wouldst be more miserable yet , While like a Bird made prisoner by it selfe , Thou bat'st and beat'st thy self 'gainst every thing , And dost passe by , that which should let thee out . Alm. — Is it my fault ? Or heav'ns ? Fortune , when she would play upon me , Like ill Musitians , wound me up so high , That I must crack sooner then move in tune . Franc. Still you rave , While we for want of present help may perish . Alm. Right . A Surgeon , I le goe find one instantly . The enemy too — I had forgot — Oh what fatality govern'd this night . Exit . Franc. How like an unthrifts case will mine be now ? For all the wealth he looses shifts but 's place ; And still the world enjoyes it : so will 't you , Sweet Iphigene , though I possesse you not . Iphi. What excellence of Nature's this ! have you So perfectly forgiv'n already , as to Consider me a losse ? I doubt which Sexe I shall be happier in . Climates of Friendship Are not lesse pleasant , 'cause they are lesse scortching , Then those of Love ; and under them wee 'l live : Such pretious links of that wee 'l tye our souls Together with , that the chaines of the other . Shall be grosse fetters to it . [ Franc. ] But I feare I cannot stay the making . Oh would you Had never un-deceiv'd me , for I 'had dy'd with Pleasure , beleeving I had been your Martyr . Now — Iphi. Shee looks pale . Francelia — Franc. — I cannot stay ; A hasty summons hurries me away : And — gives — no — ( dies ) Iphi. — Shee 's gone : Shee 's gone . Life like a Dials hand hath stolne A voyse within . Enter souldiers . Shee thinkes them Almer . From the faire figure e're it was perceiv'd . What will become of me ? — Too late , too late Y' are come : you may perswade wild birds , that wing The aire , into a Cage , as soon as call Her wandring spirits back . — ha ! Those are strange faces ; there 's a horrour in them : And if I stay , I shall be taken for The murtherer . O in what streights they move That wander 'twixt death , feares and hopes of love . Exit . Enter Brennoralt . Granivert . Souldiers . Bren. Forbeare , upon your lives , the place : There dwels divinity within it . All else The Castle holds , is lawfull prize ; Your valours wages . This I claime as mine , Guard you the door — Grani. Coronell shall you use all the women your selfe ? Bren. Away — 't is unseasonable — ( drawes the curtain ) Awake fair Saint and blesse thy poore Idolator Ha! — pale ? — and cold ? — dead . The sweetest guest fled , murdered by heaven ; The purple streams not drye yet . Some villaine has broke in before me , Rob'd all my hopes ; but I will find him out , And kick his soule to hell — I le doe 't — dragging out Iphigene . Speak . Iphi. What should I say ? Bren. Speak or by all — Iph. Alas , I doe confesse my selfe the unfortunate cause . Bren. Oh d' you so ? Hadst thou been cause of all the plagues That vexe mankinde , th' adst been an Innocent To what thou art ; thou shalt not think repentance . ( kils her . Iph. Oh , thou wert too suddaine . And — ( dies . Bren. Was I so ? The lustfull youth would sure have spoil'd her honour ; Which finding highly garded , rage , and feare To be reveal'd , counsell'd this villany . Is there no more of them ? Exit . Enter Almerin . Alm. Not enter ? Yes dogge , through thee — ha ! a course laid out In stead of Iphigene : Francelia dead too ? — ( Enter Bren. Where shall I begin to curse ? Bren. Here — If he were thy friend . Alm. Brennoralt ; A gallant sword could ne're have come In better time . Bren. I have a good one for thee , If that will serve the turne . Alm. I long to trie it , That sight doth make me desperate ; Sicke of my selfe and the world . Bren. Didst value him ? A greater villaine did I never kill . Alm. Kill ? Bren. Yes . Alm. Art sure of it ? Bren. May be I doe not wake . Alm. Th' ast taken then a guilt off from me , Would have waigh'd downe my sword , Weakned me to low resistance . I should have made no sports , hadst thou conceal'd it . Know Brennoralt thy sword is stain'd in excellence , Great as the world could boast . — Bren. Ha — ha — how thou art abus'd ? Looke there , there lies the excellence Thou speak'st of , murdred ; by him too ; He did confesse he was the cause . Alm. Oh Innocence , ill understood , and much worse us'd ! She was alas by accident , but I , I was the cause indeed Bre. I will beleeve thee too , and kill thee — Destroy all causes till I make a stop In nature ; for to what purpose should she Worke agen ? Alm. Bravely then , The title of a Kingdome is a trifle To our quarrell Sir ; know by sad mistake I kill'd thy Mistres Brennoralt , And thou kild'st mine . Bren. Thine ? Alm. Yes , that Iphigene Though showne as man unto the world , Was woman , excellent woman — Bren. I understand no riddles guard thee . — Fight and pause . Alm. O could they now looke downe , And see how wee two strive Which first should give revenge , They would forgive us something of the crime . Hold prethee give me leave To satisfie a curiosity — I never kissed my Iphigene as woman . Bren. Thou motion'st well , nor have I taken leave ( Rising . It keeps a sweetnesse yet — As stills from Roses , when the flowers are gone . Alm. Even so have two faint Pilgrims scorch't with heat Vnto some neighbour fountaine stept aside Kneel'd first , then laid their warm lips to the Nymph And from her coldnesse took fresh life againe As we doe now — Bren. Le ts on our journy if thou art refresht . Alm. Come and if there be a place reserved For heightned spirits better then other , May that which wearies first of ours have it . Fight agood while Alm. fals . Bren. If I grow weary , laugh at me , that 's all ▪ Alm. — Brave soules above which will Be ( sure ) inquisitive for newes from earth Shall get no other but that thou art Brave . Enter King : Stratheman : Lords : Minse . Stra. To preserve some Ladies as we guest . King . Still gallant , Brennoralt , thy sword not sheath'd yet ? Busie still ? — Bren. Revenging Sir The fowlest murder ever blasted eares Committed here by Almerin and Iphigene . Alm. False , false ; The first created purity Was not more innocent then Iphigene . Bren. Lives he agen ? Alm. Stay thou much wearied guest Till I have thrown a truth amongst them — We shall look back else to posterity . King . What sayes he ? Lord. Some thing concerning this he labours to Discover . Alm. Know it was I that kild Francelia ? I alone — Mins . O barbarous return of my civilities Was it thy hand ? Alm. Heare and forgive me Minse Entring this morning hastily With resolution to preserve The faire Francelia . I found a theefe Stealing the treasure ( as I thought ) Belongd to me . Wild in my mind As ruin'd in my honour , in much mistaken rage I wounded both : then ( oh ) too late I found My errour . Found Iphigene a woman Acting stolne love , to make her own love safe And all my jealousies impossible Whilst I ran out to bring them cure ; Francelia dies ; and Iphigene found here I can no more — ( dies ) King . Most strange and intricate . Iphigene a woman ? Mel. With this story I am guiltily acquainted The first concealments , since her love And all the wayes to it I have bin trusted with : But Sir my greife joyn'd with the instant busines Begges a deferrement . King . I am amaz'd till I doe heare it out . — But i th' mean time , Least in these mists merit should loose it selfe , — Those forfeitures Of Trock and Menseck and Brennoralt are thine . Bren. A Princely guilt ! But Sir it comes too late . Like Sun-beames on the blasted blossomes , doe Your favours fall : you should have giv'n me this When 't might have rais'd me in mens thoughts , and made Me equall to Francelia's love : I have No end , since shee is not — Back , to my private life I will returne . " Cattell , though weary , can trudge homewards , after . King . This melancholy , time must cure : Come take The bodies up , and lead the prisoners on , Triumph and funerals must walke together , Cipresse and Laurell twin'd make up one chaplet . — For we have got The day ; but bought it at so deare a rate , That victory it selfe's unfortunate . Exeunt . FINIS .

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