Three excellent tragœdies. Viz. The raging Turk, or, Bajazet the Second. The courageous Turk, or, Amurath the First. And The tragoedie of Orestes· / Written, by Tho. Goff, Master of Arts, and student of Christ-Church in Oxford; and acted by the students of the same house. Goffe, Thomas, 1591-1629. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A85334 of text xxx in the English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E1591_2). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 538 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 137 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A85334 Wing G1006 Thomason E1591_2 ESTC R202218 99862588 99862588 114751 2240892581

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A85334) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 114751) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 201:E1591[2]) Three excellent tragœdies. Viz. The raging Turk, or, Bajazet the Second. The courageous Turk, or, Amurath the First. And The tragoedie of Orestes· / Written, by Tho. Goff, Master of Arts, and student of Christ-Church in Oxford; and acted by the students of the same house. Goffe, Thomas, 1591-1629. Meighen, Richard, fl. 1656. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A85334 of text xxx in the English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E1591_2). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread [2], 263, [7] p. Printed for G. Bedell and T. Collins, at the middle Temple gate Fleet-street., London, : 1656. Editor's dedication signed: Rich. Meighen. In verse. "The raging Turk", "The courageous Turk", and "The tragedy of Orestes" each have separate dated title page; pagination and register are continuous. With three final advertisement leaves. Annotation on Thomason copy: "July 8". Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng English drama (Tragedy) -- 17th century. eebo no Three excellent tragœdies.: Viz. The raging Turk, or, Bajazet the Second. The courageous Turk, or, Amurath the First. And The tragoedie of Goffe, Thomas, 1591-1629. 1656 266 80558 32 0 0 0 0 5 190.51 F The rate of 190.51 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2010-03 Assigned for keying and markup 2010-04 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2010-05 Sampled and proofread 2010-05 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2011-06 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Boston Public Library, BRLL

Three Excellent Tragoedies . Viz.

THE RAGING TURK , OR , BAJAZET the Second .

THE COURAGEOUS TURK , OR , AMVRATH the First .

AND THE TRAGOEDIE OF ORESTES .

WRITTEN , By THO. GOFF , Master of ARTS , and Student of Christ-Church in Oxford ; and Acted by the Students of the same House .

The second Edition , carefully corrected by a friend of the Authors .

LONDON , Printed for G. BEDELL and T. COLLINS , at the middle Temple Gate Fleet-street . 1656.

THE RAGING TURK , OR , BAJAZET THE SECOND .

A Tragedie Written by THOMAS GOFF , Master of ARTS , and Student of Christ-Church in Oxford ; and Acted by the Students of the same House .

Monstra fato , scelera moribus imputes , Det ille veniam facilè cui venia est opus .

The second Edition .

LONDON , Printed for G. BEDELL and T. COLLINS , at the middle Temple Gate Fleet-street . 1656.

TO THE No less ingenious then zelous favouorer of ingenuity , Sir RICHARD TICHBORNE Knight , and Baronet . SIR :

THis Tragedy , a manuscript , with another of the same Authors , came lately to my hands ; He that gave them birth , because they were his Nugae , or rather recreations to his more serious and divine studies , out of a nice modesty ( as I have learnt ) allowed them scarce private fostering . But I , by the consent of his especiall friend , in that they shew him rather Omnium scenarum homo , to his glory then disparagment , have published them , and do tender this to your most safe protection , lest it wander a fatherlesse Orphan , which every one in that respect will be apt to injure with calumnious censure . Now if you vouchsafe to receive and shelter it , you will not onely preserve unblemish'd the ever-living fame of the dead Author , but assure me that you kindly accept this humble acknowledgement of

Your most obliged and ready reall Servant , RICH. MEIGHEN .
The Names of the Actors . Bajazet , Emperour . his Sonnes . Mahomates Achomates Corcutus Selymus Thrizham Mahomet Achments a Generall , Cherseogles Vizerory of Greece . Basses . Isaack Mesithes Mustapha Solyman Selymus son . Cajubus , Achmates son . Alexander Bishop of Rome . Zemes , Bajazets brother . Tartarian King . Armenia King . Asmehemedes Mahomets followers . Hamon Bajazets Physician , Jewish Monks . Herauld . Dwarfe . Nemesis . Captaines . Ambassadors . Janizaries . Souldiers . Nuncius .
THE RAGING TURKE , OR , the Tragedie of BAIAZET , the second of that name .
Actus 1.
Scena 1. Enter Bassaes , Isaack with a Crown in his hand , Mustapha with a Scepter , Mesithes with a Sword , they Crown Corcutus youngest son to Bajazet . Isaack . LEt the world feel thee , and those Demigods , Proud with the name of Kings , debase themselves To honour thee ; this Crowne commands as much He crowns him . Wherewith I do invest thy happy brow , Happy indeed , if that succeeding times Shall set up vertue , so to lessen crimes . Thus from the ashes of dead Solyman Is rais'd another Phoenix , great Corcutus ; Live equally adored : when Princes bend To better courses , all their subiects mend . Must . Crowns make not Kings , nor can that glittering shew Perfect thine honour , take another signe Of thy Imperiall dignity , t is thine . Gives him the Septer . That addes a God-like grace unto thy brow , This binds due honour , that prostrates every knee Before thy throne : then live , and may that arme Secure thy subjects from all forraigne harme . Mes. What seasoned knowledg , learnings prudent Queen Hath blest thee with , must now initiate thee In the pathes of warre . All studied Arts Are but degrees unto some wished end , And steps of hope whereby we do ascend Unto the top , and levell of our thoughts . But Kings then prove most happy when they are Watchfull in peace ; and provident in warre . Those are their utmost ends , which that they may O'retake , Art and the Sword make fairest way . The Muses nours'd thee up , and thou didst draw The pleasant juice of learning from their brests In thy first nonage ; here then we bestow The second help , to which good Princes owe Much of their welfare ; Swords are the first ground Of peace and war ; they both defend and wound . Thus are we vow'd to thee , let thy dread fame Thunder amazement through the spacious world That when thou lifts thine arme , thy foes may say Showts 3. Not Jove , but great Corcutus rules the day . Cor. Which that applause hath crowned , and with it Will ever , spight of traytors , joying sit As now we do ; nor shall my watchfull care Be wanting to you , whilst this subtil ayre Feedes mine industrious spirits ; I shall fill The good with joy , by cutting off the ill Corrupted rags of men ; Jove let me stand An object in thine eye , when thy swift hand Fails in the stroke of Justice : Vertue , returne From thy sad exile , I will purge the walls From spotted vice , and make this city free To entertaine so faire a Queene as shee . Then ( Bassaes ) I embrace what you have throwne Upon me , and these signes of honour thus Gives them back We re-bestow ; their power still stayes with us . Could this vast body of the Common wealth Stand fast without a soule , each man should see I am not greedy of this dignity , This burdenous weight which some must undergoe : The gods are busied with diviner things , And put Earths care into the hands of Kings .
Actus 1. Scena 2. After some clamors of applause . Enter Chersogles , and Achmetes at several doores . Ach. And is Bajazet arriv'd ? Che. So fame reports Yet how he doth digest Corcutus Raigne , That every Bird sings not ; but sure with paine . A Turkish Bajazet and suffer wrong , May for a time conceale his griefe , not long . Eagles soare high , and scorne that shorter Plumes Should reach the clouds , which their proud wings can touch Corcutus must not raign to keep the right Due to his father , nor will he if he might : Enter Isaack Hee 's learned , therefore just ; Arts not allow To weare a Crown due to anothers hrow . Isa. Dar'st thou oppose his greatnesse ? is not Greece Already wrackt enough ? have thy proud Towers reard up their loftie spires ? which steep'd in blood , threw a reflex of red backe to the clouds , and blush't at their owe ruins ? are thy crude wounds already stopt , and is that day forgot , in which the Turkish Mavors Ottoman , wielded a sword of death within thy Walles ? Charon grew weary with hurrying souls to hell , when threescore thousand Greeks in one day fell . Chers . We know their force , and sad experience says , Move not again . Greece welters stil in blood , and every crackling thunder of the heavens speaks the shrill eccho of the Turkish drums . Then are we drawn by you , so let it be , about these great affairs as you decree . Ach. This phrase becomes the Greeks , submissive states must bend , the Conqueror must rule the fates . Chers . And such are you , our vanquisht hearts must bend , but bad beginnings have a fatal end . Me thinks I see great Bajazet in armes , spreading his fearful Ensignes in the ayre , like some prodigious Comet : we may feare speedy revenge , unlesse some quick advice works a prevention of his future hate . T is he must sway the Scepter , or we shall heare a dreadful defiance ratled in our eare : hee 's strong in friends , and power ; we must descend to our just duty , or our latest end . Ach. Renowned Vice-roy , thy perswading thoughts Have predivin'd most truly these effects , and we applaud thy Counsel : let us three joyn our best strength , that these ensuing jarres may be compos'd without the stroke of warrs : Corcute is wise , and milde , and being so , he hates the rumour of a publick foe . Cher. Nobly resolv'd ( Greece sings ) if the event Prove but so happy , as honest the intent . Enter Bajazet . Baja. Am I not Emperor ? he that breaths a no , damnes in that negative syllable his soul , durst any god gain-say it , he should feel the strength of fiercest Gyants in mine armes , mine angers at the highest , and I could shake the firm foundation of the earthly Globe : Could I but grasp the Poles in these two hands , I l'd pluck the world assunder ; drop thou bright Sun , from thy transparent Spheare , thy course is done , great Bajazet is wrong'd , nor shall thine eye be witnesse to my hateful misery . Madnesse and anger makes my tongue betray the Chaos of my thoughts : under this brest an heape of indigested cares are prest . What is it that I doubt ! through every joynt dances a trembling ague , this dull blood , that courses through my veins , divines no good . shouts of joy within . Ha , shouts of joy , at dead mens obsequies ? I 'me in a maze of woes : what thou wilt throw on me , Jove , let it come . I le stand thy blow . Che. Live happy Bajazet . Baja. Happy in my fear ! that word sounds sweet in my distracted eare . He turns aside to them . Happy in what ? Ach. In thy friends , that grieve to see thy wrongs . Baja. My wrongs ! there sticks the string my thoughts did harp upon . But who hath wrong'd me in this high content ? the fates do sometime frown , yet blesse th' event and sequel of our woes ; it cannot be , I should de thwarted in my jollity . But if I can unfold it — for the more I know them not , the greater is my sore . Chers . In that read all thy woes , take there a brief Contract of all thine ills , sad lines of grief . He gives him a paper Contract of all thine ills , sad lines of griefe . Baja. How 's this ? my youngest son advanced to my seate ? Corcutus Imperator ! sure I dreame : These are but empty apparitions Fain'd by the god of sleepe to vex my soule : Were they not so — ere this black night Had throwne her fable mantle ore the heavens To hide me from my shame-but is it so ? I do but flatter up my selfe , they are true And reall griefes , my Passion sayes they are . Isaack , Achmetes , are they not ? Ach. Too true Great Bajazet : Baja. Corcutus Imperator ! reades again Would I had seene thy name writ in the booke Of darke damnation , rather then these lines . Crackt not mine eye-strings when I view'd this text ? See how each letter spreads abroad in pompe , As if they scorn'd my teares ! how I could dwell On these two words , Corcutus Imperator ! Hither repaire , the watchfull paper-wormes That scan old records over to a line : Here in two words imprinted shall you see , The modell of a dolefull history ; Vertue dishonoured , breach of filiall love , Right shoulder'd out by wrong ; nor can you faine , A crime , which these two words do not contain . But now I rayle , not grieve : O nimble ayre , Let my plaints vanish as they spoken are . Off with this womanish mildnesse , I will find A shorter tricke then this to ease my mind . Pluto beware , I come to raigne in hell , about to kill himselfe . Fates bid me rule , and birth-right to excell . Chers . Stay Bajazet , that arme can breake a path Unto thy earthly monarch , ere thou come To blesse the banks of sweet Elysium With thy wisht presence : Mahomet forefend That thou should'st seale a Kingdome to thy son ; By this untimely death Corcutus raignes . But at thy better pleasure , when he shall heare Thou art ariv'd , then hee 'le twixt joy and griefe Start from his throne , and nimbly run to meet Thy pompe , and throw his Scepter at thy feet : If he but slack that duty , here are by , Achmetes strong and bold , Isaack and I , Devoted to your service . Yet the world stands , On wavering doubts , ready to clap their hands . Baja. My desires are crown'd , And from the gate of Limbo , where I sate , I feele my spirits knock against the heavens . Achmetes ? In that name I hear an ease Of all my griefs pronounc'd ; he shall suffice To banish usurpation from my throne : Did furyes guard it round , hee 's able well To reach my Kingdomes from the gripes of hell . Ac. My sword & life , both which are vow'd to thee Are still at thy command : walk but along , Corcutus shall resigne , thou have no wrong . Exeunt Bajazet , Chersogles , and Achmetes : Manent Isaack , and Mustapha .
Actus 1. Scena 3. Is . Death , & the furies plunge the obsequious slaves , Would he have joyn'd with us ? we would have kept Corcutus high , and honoured , where he sits In spight of a whole boast of Bajazets . Must . Me thinks your power might have bin greater sarre Over Achmetes , one adict to you By no lesse bond of duty , then the son Is to the father : Isa. Mustapha , I le tell you , Had not my daughter been espoused to him , I had nam'd his death , and by some plot work't him a quick destruction long e'r this . Now let us temporize with Bajazet ; yet keep thy nature ever , and be true to thine own profit ; Fortune may advance some other Prince , worth both thy love and mine . Musta . Wee l stay her leasure . Isa. See more Harpies gathered to catch a Crown , O t is a charming bait ! Exit uterque Enter Mahomet , Achmetes , Selimus . Mah. Me thinks these City walls smile on our entrance , as if they knew great Bajazets three sons were come to grace their beautie . Sel. But We should frown on them which harbour such black treasons . Well , were I great Bajazet , I 'de ring a noyse of spightful horrour , that should make the ground tremble beneath their weight at such a sound ; A younger son enthron'd an Emperour ! Ach. Brother , contain your self , come le ts away , to see the end that waits on this sad day . Exeu. As they goe Trizham and Mahomet , two other Sons of Bajazet goe to meet them . Sel. What Mahomet ? Ach. And Trizham ? here 's a sight of one mans issue , Noble Bajazet : brothers we have jumpt together . Sel. All save one , and hee s a great deal better so alone . Tri. Corcutus 't is you mean , who though he raign above us now , yet must fall back again into our rank ; 't is Bajazet must rise , and he descend , such a report there flyes . Exeunt .
Actus 1. Scena . 4. Enter Corcutus , Cherseogles , Mesithes . Corcu. Did not he frown , and storm ? Chers . It mov'd him much , and wrought strange passions in him , when he read your name , and found your name so intituled . Corcu. Cling to my temples thou blest ornament , be ever unremov'd , though all the gods chide me in thunder for this insolence . Am I in heaven , in state , plac'd on the sphear of eminence , but barely to appear with faint and borrowed luster , then descend , rankt with the vulgar ? heads first let me feel the Titian vultur , or Ixions wheel , and the worst torture hell it selfe can bring , to scourge my soul : ô let me die a King . But stay , I must bethink me at what rate I purchase these fair trappings : ha ? the curse of him that got mee ! start my danted spirits , shall I usurp a throne and sit above my father , whilst the gaping pit of hell , with wide stretcht jawes , yawnes for my fall ; O I am struck with horror , and the slaves of Stix already sting my wounded soul . Cher. Will you fair Prince reject all future hopes of just succession , and afflict your Sire , by your unjust detainment of his Crown ? Corcu. I am distracted , and me thinks I burn under these robes of State , a boyling heat runs from them through my veins , Joves hardy son , when he bewrapt himselfe in Nessus shirt , felt not more bitter agonies , then I , cloath'd in the trappings of my majesty . I am resolv'd ; Bassaes , go meet our father , allure him home with this : I am begun to be no King , but a repentant son . Exeunt Mesithes and Cherseogles . Pallas , I aske thy pardon , I have straied A gracelesse trewant from thy happy schooles , Whither I le now returne ; there 's not a ranke , Place , or degree , can sort us out true blisse Without thy temple , there my dwelling is : Amongst the sacred monuments of wit , Which Classique authors carefully have writ For our instruction , I will wast my time ; So to wash out the spots of this sad crime . Court honours , and you shadows of true joy That shine like starres , till but a greater light Drowne your weake luster , I adjure your sight Even from my meditations , and my thoughts I banish your entising vanities , And closely kept within my studie walls , As from a cave of rest henceforth I le see , And smile , but never taste your misery . I but as yet am floating on the waves Of stormy danger , nor am sure to scape The violent blast of angry Bajazet . Blow faire my hopes , and when I touch the shore , I le venture forth on this rough surge no more . Enter Bajazet , Cherseogles , Achmetes , Isaack , Mesithes , Mustapha , Mahomet , Achomates , Selymus , Trizham , Mahomet , Zemes disguised . See where he comes , oh how my guilty blood Starts to my face , and proves my cause not good ! Our dutie to our father , kneeles . Baja. Ours to the Emperor . kneeles . Cor. Why kneels great Bajazet ? I am thy son Thy slave ; and if thy wrath but frowne , undone . Why kneeles great Bajazet ? heavens hide thy face From these proposterous doings . Ba. What , not asham'd To circle in thybrow with that bright crown , Yet blush to see me kneel ? though filiall rites , And morall precepts say , the son must bend Before the Father , yet your high degree and power bids you rise , commands my knee . Corc. These ornaments be thine . Here Bajazet , I Crowne thee Monarch of the spacious West , Asia , and Affrica : if ought be mine , greater then these , I here proclaim it thine . Omnes . Live Bajazet our mighty Prince , live , rule , and flourish . Baja. Is this your zeale ? is it ? Did every voice breath out a willing suffrage ? I am crowned , my joyes are fully perfect , and I feele my lightned spirits caper in my brest . Rise thou starre-bright mirrour of thine age , To Corcutus kneeling by thee our iron daies prove full as good , as when old Saturne thundred in the clouds . Be an example to succeeding times , how sons should use their Parents : and I vow ( when I shall faile ) this honour to thy brow . Attend us Bassaes , I le lead on to joy , never was Father blest with such a boy . Exeunt omnes , manet Corcutus . Corcu. Freed from a princely burthen , I possess A Kingly liberty , and am no lesse Princely ; observance waite on him , on me thoughts undisturb'd , I shall then happy be . Exit .
Actus 1. Scena 5. Enter Zemes the brother of Bajazet alone . Zemes. Scarce had I set my foot within these walls in expectation of a solemne hearse , due to the wandring Ghost of Mahomet ; but lowd alarmus of abundant joy ring in mine eares , and every servile groome Congratulates the coronation A showt within . of Bajazet : harke how they roare it out . A cold disturbance like a gelid frost settles my blood withinme , and I hate his cheerefull triumphs , more then mine owne fate . 'T is true , indeed , I prov'd not the first fruites , an elder off-spring of my Fathers breed , yet was it so that Bajazet and I both tumbled in one wombe ; perhaps the Queene of womens labours doted at our birth , and sent him first abroad , or else I slept , and he before me stole into the world ; must I then lose my glory , and be hurld A slave beneath his feet ? no , I must be An Emperor as full , as great as he . Exit .
Actus 1. Scena 6. Enter Isaack alone . Isa. Divorc'd my Daughter ? fond and insolent man I le crush thee into nothing : if I can endure the noise of my disgrace , I know how to return it ; I am a flame of fire , a chafing heat distempers all my blood . Achmetes , thou must cool it , when thy limbs are emptied of that moysture they sucke in , and thy stain'd blood inchanted from thy veins , then shall I be appeased , meane while I live thy mortall foe : But stay , let me contain mine anger undiscover'd . Friend , how is 't ? Enter Mesithes . Mesi . Know you not Isaack ? Isa. What ? Mes. The flight of Zemes hence to Armenia ? Isa. Of Zemes ? Mes.

Yes , he walkt about the City disguis'd , and unseen till his escape .

Isa. 'T is strange and full of fear . Mes. We meet him frequent in the vulgar mouth . Isa. Zemes is valiant , and Armenia strong , here 's Bajazet , he must beware the wrong . Enter Bajazet . Ba. What is 't thou murmurest ? Bajazet & wrongd ! something it is thou knowest concerning us : Take thee faire leave and speak it . Isa. Yes , I know matters of weight , such as concern thy life . Baja. Such as concern my life ! Speak out thy tale , we are so flesht in joy , bad news proves strange , and touch my sense too harshly . Isa. But you must hear . Your brother Zemes , when swift winged Fame told him your father Mahomet was dead , flew quickly hither , first to celebrate his funeral pomp ; then to assume his State , his Crown , and Scepter : which he rightly knew , unto your hand , and head both to be due . But when applausive joy , and peales of mirth sounded loud Musick in his troubled eares , of you enthron'd ; then he began too late to brawl at heaven , and wrangle with his Fate . So he went hence and cryed , revenge be mine : quake thou great City of proud Constantine at my fierce anger : when I next return with clouds of misty powder , I shall choak thy breath , and dul thy beauty with it's smoak . Thus posted he hence to Armenias King , there to implore his ayde , which he will bring to front thy power : nor doth he yet despair , to dispossess , and fright thee from thy chair . Baja. First from my body shall he fright my soul , and push me into dust . Isaack , make hast to muster up our forces , strike up our drums let them proclaim destruction through the world . Clear up your dusty armour , let it cast such an amazing lustre on the Foe , as if Belbona danc'd on every crest . The bright sun of my glory is eclipsed , till Zemes be extinct : he must not shine to dull my beams , since the whole heaven is mine . Call forth Achmetes , his unconquered arm shall keep us safe from this intended harm . Isaac . My Liege , you have forgot Achmetes oath , in which he vow'd never to draw his sword in your defence . Baja. I had forgot it , but now I remember , such was the vain heat of my youth : but I recall again what ever I protested , tell him so . Rash words must be dispens'd with . Isa. Then I le go . Exit . Baja. My Father once in ordering of a Camp , prefer'd me to be Captain of a wing , so when the battails joyned , and life and death where strugling who should win power of our breath , our Armies prov'd the stronger ; only my guide fail'd , and a base repulse fell on my side ; at which my Father storm'd , and in my place seated Achmetes , for which black disgrace , I vow'd a swift revenge , even by his shame that wore mine honour , to redeem my fame ; which when Achmetes heard , he deeply swore , never with wit and strength to guide me more . But now he must , see where he comes , and arm'd . Enter Achmetes . What strange device is plotting in his brain ? Honoured Achmetes . Achme. Royal Emperour . gives him a sword . Baja. Thine arm must then uphold my Royalty . Why lies thy valour prostrate at our feet , when like firce lightnings it should run and meet my harms , and like a rock unmov'd , oppose the course , and headlong torrent of my foes ? Achm. I am a man of peace ; mistake me not . I made a vow , nor can it be forgot , till you revoke your oath . Baja. Which here I do , great Mahomet be witnesse , that I mean sincerely what I speak , Achmetes now we 're friends , and thus , I nullifie my vow ; gives him his sword again . heavens on this concord lend a gracious smile . Achmetes I have plac'd thee in my bosom , gave thee an honour'd title in my love ; and of as lasting constancy , as is the sun , which looks so chearfully on us . Go fit the Janizaries to the warrs , kindle new fire of valour in their brests , Thou art their Genius , even the breath they draw ; Raise then thy plumes , and keep thy foes in awe . Achm. Sood there a Pluto at thy city walls , and with a band of furies had besieg'd thy people ; I would conjure them away , and send them back to hell : so thou shalt stand as fast as in the skyes , under mine hand . Baja. I am Crown'd in thee , nor can I fall , whilest such a valour breaths within our wall . Zemes depose me ! he must be more strong then Mars , that can do Bajazet that wrong . Exeunt .
Actus 1. Scena 7. Enter Zemes , and the King of Armenia . Arme. We hate thy brother , therefore lend thee aide , 't is not our duty to expostulate thy right unto the Crown : on to your warrs , thrive in your projects ; I shall joy to see , a quarrel fought twixt Bajazet and me . I le second thy encounters , and we two like the two Roman thunder-bolts of war , will with the flashes of our fiery swords keep their composed ranks , that they shall stand agast , to see two Scipioes in one band . Zemes. Thanks great Armenian King , and when I am wheel'd to that height , which now my brother holds , I shall requite these benefits , and vow that kindnesse , which I can but promise now . Arm. Come let 's away , our armies are well set , ready to march : now tremble Bajazet . Exeunt
Actus 1. Scena . 8. Enter Achmetes in his Generals coate , and Caigubus his Sonne . Ach. Caigubus , publick dangers call me forth , and I must leave thee now unto thy self . My son , thou seest unto what height of fame we are ascended , yet the sun shines clear , and not one dusky cloud of discontent dimms the unspotted brightnesse of our joyes : Not Bajazet is more belov'd than I. Such strict observance is there shew'd to me by all that know my worth , and hear me nam'd , as if I grasp't Joves thunder in mine hands . By all my hopes I fear some tragick scene will trouble our calm fortune . Son beware : The top of honour is a narrow plot of ground , whither we have already got : 'T is brittle and uncertain , if thou tread one carelesse step aside , thou fall'st down dead ; the shute from thence is deep , and underneath , ruine gapes wide , thy body to receive . Stand firm Caigubus : though thou start'st not away , yet blasts of envie often force aside the weariest footstep : these , where e'r they shall blow strong , will make them stagger if not fall . Caigu. I shall forget to sleep , to breath , to live , sooner than these thy precepts : they are fixt , and printed in my thoughts . Ach. Enough , no more That Isaack Bassa , trust him not too much : I have divorc'd his daughter from my bed , for her adulterate looseness , hence he hides a masse of fretting rancor in his brest , which he hath varnish't yet , & guilded o're with coloured shews of love ; but he is false , and subtil as a Serpent , that will wind into thy brest , stinging thee ere thou find or once suspect his hatred : I must away , Trumpets sound . Exit . Exit . hasty alarms call me hence , thus , farwel , envie grows greater , as our states excel . Caig. Father , adieu .
Actus 2.
Scena 1. A dumb shew : Enter Zemes , and the Armenian King , Trumpets and Ensignes , Souldiers pass over the stage , and in a solemn march . Exeunt .
Actus 2. Scena 2. Enter Bajazet , and Trizham and Mahomet his two sons Baja. Already marcht so near ! Zemes makes hast to death , as if he long'd our wrath to tast . Trizham & Mahomet , it concerns you now , to fly hence nimbly to your Provinces : Zemes is come too neere us to escape , he cannot flye the ground whereon he treads , but through your countries : hast then , if the wars crack not his thred of life , his flight will be when you may intercept it ; if we presume only one bold Achmetes , and our selves in beds of down supinely sleep at home ; Zemes may scape the tempest of our wrath . Then we hope best , when each event we see thwarted with their preventing policie . Trizh. Doubt not our hast and truth , he shall as soon break through the fiery fabrick of the skies , as through my Provinces . Exit . Maho. Through hell as soon as mine . Exit . Baja. Go , I have done my part ; Mars and my fate give faire successe to my designed plot ; and Zemes is intrapt , already dead , that hand secures me that strikes off his head .
Actus 2. Scena 3. Enter Achmetes , Cherseogles , Mustapha , Mesithes , Drums and Trumpets . Achm. The battel will prove great and dangerous : but were their number double more then ours , the justice of our cause bids us go on , and like a chearful drum , strikes painting fear from every brest . Father , lead you the vangard , the rearward be your charge , the right wing yours , my self will guide the left : this day shall crown your valour in full pride , Zemes must down . Enter Zemes , Armenia , two Captains . Zem. Time hath out-stript our hast , our foes do stand , waving their golden plumes , as if the gods were come to meet great Zemes in the field ; their armie 's planted , and a distilling cloud hovers about their heads , as if it wept at their approaching fate . Armenia's King lead you the vanguard ; under your command the reareward shall march on : the Phalance be your care , brave Captains : as we are inform'd , Achmetes rules the left wing of our foe , I le rule the right wing of ours : so when I meet him in his pride , I le prostrate at his feet . Arme. Our men are ordered , Zemes lead the way , the skies look duskie black on this sad day . Exeunt . Trumpets sound to the battell , dumb shews in skirmishes , one of Zemes Captains and Cherseogles meet , Zemes Captain prevailes ; his second and Mesithes meet , Mesithes retires ; the King of Armenia and Mustapha meet , Armenia prevailes , and pursues the battaile . Enter Achmetes with his sword . Ach. Great Queen of chance ; but do I call on this unconstant Stepdame ? be thou propitious Mars , rough god of warr : steel up this weary arm , and put a ten fold vigor in my bones ; what shall Achmetes fall , and in his losse , great Bajazet be wrong'd ! it cannot be . Death comes to wound thee Zemes , I am he ! As he goes out , the King of Armenia meets him , they fight , Achmetes makes him retire from the stage , and pursues him in his fury , enters again at the one door , Zemes at the other : they meet , drums and trumpets sounding . Ach. Zemes ! Zem. Achmetes ! Opportunely met , here staggers all the fortune of the field ; this hour must blesse me , and a single fight purchase thee honour , and to me my right : honour to thee , to die by Zemes hand , my right to me , an Empire to command . Ach. Brave Prince , I more lament thy case then can thy self that runnest with such madnesse on the edg of desperate ruin : thou art but young & weak , manhoods soft blossoms are not fully spread upon thy downy chin ; but riper years have setled the compacture of my joynts , and they are strongly knit : 't will vex my soul in the clear morn of thy up-rising hopes , to wrap thee in a fatal could of death . Submit thee to thy brother , thou shalt find me thy true friend , him merciful and kind . Zem. Submit ! had I a right to Joves high Throne , and stood in opposition of his power ; should all the gods advise me to submit , I would reject their counsel : much more thine . Guard thee , Achmetes , I thy stroke abide , I cannot gore thy Prince but through thy side . They fight and breath : fight again . Achmetes takes away Zemes sword . Zem. The day be thine , and Zemes stand thy Fate ; strike home , I 've lost the day : and life I hate . Achm. Have at thee then . Offers to run at him with both swords . not stirre ! Now by my sword thou shalt have fayrer play before thy death : take back thy sword , in that I recommit my forfeit to thy charge , thy life with it . They fight again , and Achmetes wounds him on the head . Zemes falls . Zem. Oh! hold thy conquering hand , and give my soul a quiet passage to her rest ; my blood begins to wast , and a benumming cold freezes my vital spirits : Achmetes goe , tell Bajazet that thou hast slain his foe . Ach. Farwel brave son of Mars , thy fame shall stay with us , although thy soul flit hence away . Zemes. I have not ly'd , Achmetes thou hast slain my hopes , and therefore me ; my wounds are shallow , but my state desperate : Ha! what shall I do ? Armenia's King is fled back to his home , cold entertainment will attend me there ; the field is empty , every man retir'd , only a few dead carcasses , and I ; then whither shall I bend my steps ? to Rome ! To Rome then let it be : Bishop , I come ; th' art a religious thing , and I will trust my life to one so innocently just . Exit .
Actus 2. Scena 4. Enter Mahomates , Achomates , Selymus three of Bajazets sonnes . Sely. Indeed we may be thought upon in time : when there be countries more then there be men we may get some preferment ; sit at home and prove good boyes and please our father well . Bajazet , aside My thoughts are too unbridled , I neither can nor will endure thy curbe ; my comprest valor like the strangled fire breaks out in violent flames and I must rule . Trizham and Mahomet are slipt in hast each to their severall province , we must stay , that are their Elders , for another day : this Court will prove our scaffold , where we stand plac't in the eye of angry Bajazet ; who thwarts him in his fury is but dead , and in that passions heat off goes his head . I must not live thus . Maho. I could be content . He fears not death whose thoughts are innocent . Sely. I thank you brother ; then belike some crimes lie heavy on my conscience , and I fear , unlesse I shift my station , 't will be known . You think well of me kind Mahomates . Maho. As well as of a brother I can think : if by a rash applying to your selfe , my words have been distastful , blam not me . Sely. Can I apply them then unto my selfe ? am I so loose in manners ? By heaven and earth thou shalt repent this deeply . Acho. Stop that oath , brothers agree , or walk hence but along into my garden , where each springing hearb smiles on my fair content , there you shall see , how flowers of one stock , so twisted are , one in the others twinings , that they shew , one stands by th' others help , both joyntly grow ; these shall suffice your quarrels to remove , and dumbe examples teach a lively love . Maho. Come let us go . Exeunt Mahomates , and Achomates . Sely. Straight I will follow you . Away fond wretches , ô that every brest were of so dull a temper as you two . But who comes here ? Enter Corcutus Brother Corcutus , whither are you bent ? what from the court so soon ? Corcu. My father bids , I go to undertake the charge his love hath thrown upon me . That 's rich Ionia . Sely. You go to rule there ? Cor. Yes : Sel. Heavens speed you well . Cor. Dear Selymus adieu . Sel. Brother farewell . Exit Corcutus . Revenge and you , three furious twinnes of night , ascend up to our theater of ill , plunge my black soul twice in your Stygian flood , that by it's vertue it may be congeal'd , and hardned against remorse : Pluto enrich my brest , with a diviner policie then every trifling braine can reach unto ; I le fill the world with treasons , and my wit shall put new tracts to death : Charon shall see , his waftage still in use , by company sent thither by my care : ô 't will do well , to blast the earth with want , and furnish hell . Exit
Actus 2. Scena 5. Enter Isaack , Bajazet . Isaack . Tush , vertue makes men fooles , Isaack be wise , shake off the tender fetters of remorse : and hug that chance , that opens thee the way to ruinate Achmetes . Did he stand on terms of conscience , neighbor-hood or love , when he cashier'd my daughter from my house , and to the worlds broad eye , open'd her crime ? No he was swift and bitter in his hate , and so will I : he is but now return'd in triumph from the field , as full of pride as I of envy : hence I le ground my hate . When fierce Bellona smil'd on Bajazet , amidst the fiery tumults of the warre , she offered Zemes to Achmetes hand , they fought , Achmetes conquered , at his foot fell the proud rebell , wounded but not slain ; there might Achmetes with a blow of death cut off our fears , continued in his breath : this shall incense the angry Emperor : and crush Achmates in his fairest hopes . True polititians work by others hands , so I will by the Prince : my plot stands firme ; see where he comes , now sly Mercurius , whet my tongue , to kindle hate in Bajazet . Enter Bajazet . Baja. Isaack , how thriv'd Achmetes in his wars ? Fame is of late grown dumbe of his renown : surely unwelcome news clogs her swift wings , else had she now bin frequent in our Court ; and we had fully known the chance of all . Isa. We had : yet could not the event , lie so conceal'd , but Isaack found it out ; which when I first discovered , straight it wrought tempests of passions in me , joy and grief reign'd at one instant in the selfe same brest . Bajazet . As how ? Isa. As thus . I joy'd that Zemes fell , was sorry he escap'd . Baja. Fell , and yet escap'd ! Isa. Beneath Achmetes feet the traytor fell . Baja. And yet escap'd ! good Iove how may this be ! Isa. Thus it might be , and was so : when sad death was glutted with the ruine of each side , when slaughtring Mars had stain'd the field with blood and cast a purple colour o'r the earth at length some milder providence desir'd ; an end of those hot tumults that were seen , to last in Zemes breath ; so that their fire would be extinct , when Zemes should expire : then from the middle skirmish forth were brought he and Achmetes ; being met they fought ; Zemes was vanquish't by a violent blow which struck him trembling lower then his knees : now whether flattering , or present gifts redeem'd him from his fate , I cannot show ; something they plotted , what , none yet can know . Baj. Canst thou advise me ( Isaack ) how to sound the depth of all his mischief ? Isa. Thus you may , He being come from Zemes overthrow , and yet luke-warme in blood and full of joy , you may in way of honour and free mind call him this night to banquet : Then being set when the hot spirits of caroused healths have spoyl'd his wit of smooth and painted tales , and wine unlockt the passage for the truth , bid him relate the manner of his war , the chances and events ; then when he comes to Zemes , if he err about his flight , his ends are bad , his bosome black as night . Baja. Thou art my good Angel , Isack , I applaud thy faithfull plot . Achmetes , were thy soule as dark as hell and thy enclosed thoughts as subtill as a winding Labyrinth , by such a guide as can remove each doubt , and by a clue of thred I 'd track them out . But Isack ; if we trap him in his wiles how shall we kill the traytor ? we have a trick , already strange to catch him in the nick . Isa. Easily , thus . Our laws allow a custome : not us'd of late , yet firme still in effect and thus it is : When there doth breath a man direfully hated of the Emperour , and he in strickt severity of right cannot proceed against him , then he may orewhelme him in a robe of mourning black , which we have call'd deaths mantle : that thing done , the man thus us'd , is forfeited to fate , and a devoted sacrifice to him whom he had er'st offended , neither can strength or intreaty , wrest him from his death , both which are treason and inexpiable . Thus then you may proceed , when banquets done . and all their comick merriment run on to the last scene , and every man expects a solemne gift , due to Achmetes worth , call for a robe therewith to deck your friend and perfect all his glory , let that be this robe of fate , in which ready at hand , you may intombe the traytor and bewrap his pampred body in a vaile of death ; so let him die , dream not on the event , vice is rewarded in it's punishment . Baj. I will be fierce and sudden , Isaack invite Achmetes to a feast ; he dies this night . Exit Baj. Isa. I shall . Would not a private warning serve , but open penance must correct my child , and a severe divorcement quite degrade her of her honour'd matrimoniall rights ? Were he as strong , as steel-like joynted Mars , as much applauded through our popular streets , as erst Dictator Fabius was in Rome , or geat Augustus : yet the slave should feel the wrath of an inflamed father light heavy upon his soul : & that e'r the next sun appear , Achmetes all thy glorie 's done . Exit .
Actus 2. Scena 6. Enter Achmetes , and Caigubus his son . Caigu. I fear'd your safety and devoutly prayed the sword of justice , which your hand did sway might be of conquering force . Ach. Thy prayers were heard and I am here as safe as I went forth , untouch'd by the rough hands of desperate war . Nor did I once spie danger in the field ; but when I fronted Zemes , then there met two streams of valor , sith on us was set the chance of the whole combat , others stood expecting which of us should lose his blood : but heaven was just , and to compose the strife , this sword at one sad blow took thence his life . Cai. The heavens were just indeed , but who coms here , Isaac , Mesithes , and Bajazets three sons . Enter Isaak , Mesithes , Mahometes , Achomates , Selymus . Ach. They come to gratulate my late success , I see their errand foulded in their smiles , how chearfully they look upon my joyes ! Omnes All happinesse attend Achmetes . Ach. Thanks Noble friends . How fares the Emperor ? Isaack . Well by your guard ; and he hath sent us now , all to invite your presence to a feast , we must be frolick , and this following night , shall Crown your joy with revels and delight ; or else deprive thy soul of that good light . aside . Ach. We must be frolick Captains , think not then on my loud drums , and staring trumpeters , such whose strong lungs roar out a bellowing voice would make a man daunce Antick in the fire : wee l have a choicer musick , and my feet shall tread a neater march , then such harsh strains can teach them : with more pleasure and lesse pains , since it hath pleas'd the Emperor to grace our slender merits thus : we shall be there , to tast his bounty . Mes. Wee le lead on before . Ach. I le follow you . Isa. Ne'r to return more . aside . Exeunt omnes , Manent Achmetes and Caigubus . Ach. I am happy above envy , and my state , not to be thwarted with injurious fate , I could disburden all my jealous thoughts , and shake that currish vice suspicion , off from my sincere affection : I have worng'd sure I have wrong'd thee Isack , thy chast love cloaks not intended mischief ; black deceit cannot lie hid under so pure a white , but it would cast a coloured shadow out through such a slender vail ; thy generous thoughts nourish no base detraction ; thy free love thy profest actions say , t' were no just fate that good mens deeds should die by ill mens hate . Cai. Pray heaven they do not . Ach. Fear not , I am guest to Bajazet , expected at the feast . Exeunt .
Actus 2. Scena 7. Enter Bajazet , and Cherseogles . Baja. The day 's far spent , is not Achmetes come ? Chers . Not yet , great Emperor . Baja. Vice-roy of Greece , say now there were a man whom my mind honored ; and I should command to cloath his bodie in a suite of gold , studded with gems , worth all the Indian shore , durst any tongue gainsay it ? Chers . Surely no. Baja. What if I hated him , and should command to wrap him in a sable coloured black : and sentence him to death ? Chers . Then he must die . Baja. My thoughts are troubled . Chers . What should these questions mean , abrupt demands , one to confound the other ? My liege your guests are come . Enter Achmetes , Isaack , Mahomates , Achomates Selymus , Mesithes , Caigubus . Baja. Blest be the hour in which I see Achmetes safe return'd , Bring in our banquet , souldiers : boyes kneel round . Enter a banquet , all kneel . A ring of braver lads nere blest the ground : supply us here with Nectar , give it me , takes the cup. Achmetes , noble warriour , here 's to thee , a health to thy blest fortunes , it shall run a compleat circle ere the course be done . Ach , My duty bids me pledge it . I return good health to Isaack , and in this wee 'l drown'd all conceal'd enmities drinks Isa. Iove split me with his thunder , if my brest harbour one bad thought when this draught is past . and so I greet thy son : Health to Caigubus . drinks Caig. Mahomates the turn lights next on you . drinks Mah I le pledge it freely , Viceroy her 's to you . drinks Chers . Achomates , to you I must commen the welfare of Achmetes in this cup. drinks Ach. To you Mesithes thus I prove my love . drinks . Mes. Young Prince , I do commit this health to you . drinks . Sely. I am the last be prodigall in wine , fill up my bowle with Nectar let it rise above the goblets side , and may it like a swelling Ocean flow above the banks , I will exhaust it greedily , 't is my due . drinkes . Omnes Wee 'l drink with Bacchus and his roaring crew . Baj. Already done , so quickly run about , one health to me : faith , sith you are set to 't , here 's a carouse to all . Omnes , wee 'l pledg it round . As they drink round , Bajazet riseth and speaks aside . Bajaz. 'T is the last draught to some , or I shall fail in mine intendments . Let a foe escape when he was trampled down beneath his feet ! There must be treason in it : How my blood boils in my brest with anger ! not the wine could work such strong effect : my soul is vext . A chafing heat distempers all my blood ; Achmetes , thou must cool it : when thy limbs are emptied of that moisture they suck in , and thy stain'd bloud unchannel'd from thy veins ; then shall I be secure ; a quiet rest shall rock my soul asleep ; 't is thy last hour must set a period to my restless fears . What , are you merry friends ? drink on your course , then all arise : and now to consummate our happy meeting , And shut up our joyes , discourse Achmetes of your finisht warrs ; After an age of woes , it proves at last A sweet content to tell of dangers past . Let 's know your whole events . Achm. Great Emperor , Scarce had the rosie day-star from the East display'd her silver colours through the heaven , but all the watchful Souldiers ready arm'd dim'd her pale cheeks with their transparent steel , and added lustre to the dull-sight morne ; so stood we in full pride till the bright Sun climing the glassie pavement of the skies ; rouz'd the slow spirits of the backward foe , and urg'd them to the field ; at length stept forth Zemes , in all the trappings of his state ; And like a well-taught Hector rang'd his troups into their several orders ; all prepar'd , Tiran being fearful , stept behind a cloud , lest when he saw our limbs bath'd all in bloud , and purple streams gush't from our wounded brests like water from their springs , he in fear should be eclips'd , or startle from his sphear . The air was thick and dim ; our armies joyn'd , the skirmishes grew hot ; and angry Mars inthron'd upon the battlements of heaven , left either side to tug with their own strength till their oppressing multitude bore down the justice of our cause ; and our whole side not daring to withstand , scorning to fly , stood trembling on the utmost brink of hope ; then the propitious Gods singled me out Zemes , the life and spirit of our foes . We met and fought : Such was my happy fate , that at the first encounter Zemes fell , and I disarm'd him ; when in proud contempt he spit defiance in the face of death , open'd his brest , and dar'd me to the stroak , whereby I might have sent him hence to hell : But I , in admiration of his worth , arm'd his right hand once more and bad him fight . Chance did direct my sword upon his head : he fell before me , and cry'd , Achmetes hold , I 'me wounded to the death ; and Captain , go tell Bajazet that thou hast slain his foe . I left the dying Prince ; our warrs were done and ceas'd with him by whom they were begun . Isaak . The plot has took . aside . Bajaz. Treason , by Mahomet : I left the dying Prince ! Isaak Pursue the project . Bajaz. Worthy Achmetes , well we may give , but not reward by gifts ; and thank , but not requite thee . I would hate that liberality which would abate the worth of the receiver : thy true fame out-strips the length of titles ; and a name of weighty honour is a slender price to grace thy merits with : as for a voice to crown thee after death , thou art the choice of everliving glory : on thy crest is her abode ; and when the latest rest of nature hath betrai'd thee to thy grave , then shall she print in characters of gold how brave a man thou wast , how great , how bold : though we be dumb , yet shall the world uplift thy name , and thou shalt live without our gift : Yet thy blest fates have not created thee so clearly God-like , but some other chance may cross thy greatness , and thy high renown the envy of some God may shoulder down : then thus wee 'l make thee happy ; future events ne're shall oppress thy worth ; nor envious chance blot thy ensuing fame . Achmetes know , death , an immortal gift , we thus bestow . He casts a gown of black velvet upon him , called the mantle of death . Caigub. Treason , treason , O my Father , treason : Help Janizaries . Excurrit . Bajaz. Stop the furious youth . Exeunt Bassaes . Bring in an Heads-man . Traytor , Zemes dead ! He lives to see this hand untwine thy thread . Enter seven or eight Janizaries with swords drawn . What means this outrage ? Janiz.

1. Cruel homicide . 2. Ungrateful wretch . 3. Tyrant . 4. Meet hilts in 's guts . 5. First let his own hands take that Mantle off . Circle him .

Baj.

Help ! Treason , I am slain !

6. Help ? why ? From whom ? Is not thy Guard about thee ? Bajaz. Hemn'd in with death ! my friends beset me round , not to preserve my life , but murder me ! Blush you pale heavens at this abhorred fact , that they may see their crimes , and be asham'd of this unheard offence : Valiant Janizaries , sheat up these weapons of rebellion ; print not that ugly sin upon your brow ; let my free pardon woe you to submit . Keep your allegeance firm . Omnes

Ha , ha , ha , ha !

1

One word more damns thee .

2

How prettily he began to talk

3 Of sin and pardon ! Bajazet , behold here stands a man milde , honour'd , gracious , valiant and faithful , gentle in command , at home belov'd , and fear'd amongst our foes ; yet hath thy hand of cruelty assai'd the hated murder of so dear a friend : Blush , you pale heavens , at this abhorred fact , that he may see his crimes , and be asham'd of this new bloudinesse . Wicked Bajazet , these admonitions fit the teacher well . Bajaz.

But hear me speak .

4

First set Achmetes free , then speak thy fill .

Bajaz.

What , shall I be compell'd ?

5

And quickly too .

6

We cannot brook to see him stand thus cloath'd .

Takes of the Mantle . Baj. Your anger will have way : Achmetes go : there take him : They have sav'd thee from this woe . Exeunt showting and leaping . Pernicious villains , they have crost my plot ; 't was intercepted ev'n in the last deed . What should Achmetes meane thus to ingrosse The best affections of my Janizaries ? Will he defraud me of my Crowne and life ? My life I weigh not : but to lose my Crowne , were to be sentenc'd to a hell of woes . I am full stuft with choler . Slavish Peasants , held I a sword of power in mine hand , I would disjoynt them peece-meale ; can I not ? Am I not Emperour ? men call me so : A reverend title , empty attributes , and a long page of words follow my name , but no substantiall true prerogative . Enter Isaack . Isaack .

Good health to Bajazet .

Bajaz.

Indeed that 's nothing , since your councell fail'd .

Isaak . Use your best patience , it may be regain'd . Affection in your stubborne multitude is a proud torrent not to be withstood . Were you as sacred as their houshold gods , Yet when you thwart the current of their will , they 'le breake the bands of duty , and prophane that holinesse to which they bound their thoughts . Mine eyes are witnesse with what lively joy They bore him through the streetes upon their necks , Offering the use of their best strength . Baja. No more . I am already gone . Why did not then his proud ambitious tongue bid them goe fetch My Crowne , and with quick speede disrobe a wretch ? 't was in his power : we are distracted Isaak , lend us thy wholsome counsell to prevent my ruine , and their dangerous intent . Isaack . Mine is a blunt advice , and deepe in bloud , to cut off those base Peasants that withstood the force of your decree . Bajaz. To cut them off ? Me thinkes I see my selfe yet circled in with their revengeful swords . Ha ? cut them off Could I but curse the Traytors from the earth , or were my doom pronounc'd but of effect , I 'de rattle such new torments in their ears should stagger their high courage ; but my fears strangle my furies ; and my envious fate forceth my tongue to flatter where I hate . Isaak Here lies the safest course to rid these griefs ; Give out you 'l go to war , so to enlarge your territories : and to this end fetch home those warlike Souldiers plac'd in Garison ; let them remain without the walls : at last , when things shall fit your purpose , lead them all by night into the City , and in one stroke strike off so many thousand perjur'd heads as shall amaze posterity to hear how many lives redeem'd thee from thy fear . Baj. The weight of all mine honour leans on thee : that or some nearer course shall quell the pride of strong Achmetes , and confound his side .
Actus 2. Scena 8. Enter Zemes and Alexander Bishop of Rome Bishop If your intents be vertuous , and desire of eminent place quite banisht from your thoughts , my house shall be your Castle : that I deny my men and Arms to aid you in your broils , think it kind usage : Should my Holinesse feed your ambition , and make strong your hand against your brother ? 't were too light a brand of flaming hot dissention , and to set the world in a combustion : all would then quarrel by my example . No , sweet Prince , Romes holy Bishop must not so transgress . If you will dwell within my sacred roof , settle irregular passions , and begin a quiet life : repentance wipes out sin . Zemes My waxen wings are melted : I will soare against the Sun through such thick clouds no more ; the middle Region shall contain my flight ; your counsell swayes my wishes ; my late deeds were full of sin : now let my brother know Zemes repents ; ( and that 's the greatest woe . ) Exit . Bish. To mans aspiring thoughts , how sweet is hope which makes them ( like Camelions ) live on air , and hug their slender plots ; till cool despair doth so benum his thoughts , that he falls dead from his sublime height ; and his lofty head which level'd at the skies , doth drop below his humble feet ! this hath experience taught in that mans head-long ruine , whose proud thoughts aim'd at the Turkish Diadem : but now cross fates have forc'd his stubborn heart to bow . Enter a Messenger . What speaks your entrance ? Messen. Health to Romes Bishop , and peace from Bajazet , who commends his love with this his Letter , and expects from you a gracious answer . Gives him a letter . He reads the letter . Bish. " Let Zemes die by an untimely death , " else for our love you shal provoke our hate : " Hee 's not our brother , but our hated foe ; " and in his death you shall prevent our wo. Return our service back : tell Bajazet what he hath given in charge , shall by my hand be carefully dispatcht . Messen.

Good peace attend you .

Exit . Bish Bish. Imperious Turk , Am I not Gods Vice-gerent here on earth ? and dar'st thou send thy letters of command ? or speake to me in threatning menaces ? It grates my patience to obey this monster , yet must I murder Zemes , what doe I know whether my fathers soule did trans-migrate into his breast or no ? be dumbe remorse , the Turke is great and powerfull , if I winne his love by this , t' will prove a happy sinne . Exit .
Actus 3.
Scena 1. Enter Solymus alone . Solem. Am I so poore in worth ? still kept so low ? Was I begot only to live and dye , to fill a place , move idlely to and fro like other naturalls ? unmanly life , the world shall take more notice of my fame , els will I with the venom'd sting of warre deface the beauty , of the universo . Posteritie shall know , once there did breath a Selymus , a mortall diety , a man at whose blest birth the planets smil'd ; and spent their influence to create a boy as brave as Greece e'r hatcht , or Rome , or Troy . Enter Isaack Here 's Isaack Bassa , hee 's already mine , he courts my father , but intends for mee , and furthers all my counsells ; Noble friend , how stand our hopes ? Isaack . Great Sir , most happily : the Bassaes murmure at Achmetes wrong : seize on their wavering love , their breasts are ope to him that first will enter ther 's free scope ; drop dowre thy franke affection in their hands , to bribe is lawfull : and 't is strongly prov'd by good examples : Otho ne'r was lov'd , till he had bought the souldiers , that once done , Galba grew out of fashion ; so must wee addict them to us by a gaine-full fee : Give freely , and speak fairely . I 'le be gone , stay here , the Bassaes will be here anon . Exit . Enter Mesithes . Sely. I shall observe thy precepts . Mesithes ! welcome , How fare you in these dayes of discontent ? my dutie bids me aske , and wish you well ; I have beene long a barren debtor to you , At length I may prove thankfull : weare my love , 't is yours without refusal , a sleight gift , gives him a ring aside Yet your lookes tel me 't will helpe out my drift . Mesi . This courtesie exceeds my weake deserts , sweet Prince ; but when occasion calls me forth to helpe you , I 'me devoted to your worth . Sely. Your kind acceptance of that recompence , Binds me more strictly to you . Mesith .

Sir , farewell , Exit . and enter Mustapha

Sely. So one hath tooke ; see where another comes : all health to Mustapha . Musta . Thankes gracious Prince , your gentle pardon for my boldnesse , Sir . Sely. Command my pardon , and commend my love to thy bright daughter : tell her ; I admire her vertuous perfection ; let that chaine gives him a chaine make me remembred often in her mind . Must . When my weak strength , or wealth shall stretch so far , as to continue — Sely.

No Cynicke complement , good Mustapha .

Musta .

Then I returne you thankes Exit .

Sely. Health follow you , and Honour me . Here is a third at hand . Enter Asmehemides . Selym.

Continuance to your health Sir .

Asme . Thanks gentle Prince . Please you to use my service ? Sely. Yes , thus farre . Spend me that purse of gold . gives him a purse . Asme .

What means your Highness ?

Selym. But to deserve your kindness , and avoid the hated censure of ingratitude . Asme . This is your liberal vertue , not my deeds ; but you shall find me thankfull . Exit . Selym. So I hope ; three steps are trod already to a Throne , and I am rich in friends ; these proffer'd gifts conjure observance from their servile brests . Oh powerfull gold , whose influence doth win men , with desire for to engender sin ! Isaak Bassa ? Isaak Even the man you wisht : What , did the golden lure work good effect , and make the Bassaes stoop unto your mind ? Sely. Words are but empty shadows , but if deeds answer their words , we cannot doubt their faith : they stoop beneath my feet ; I seem to be as true as Jove , but slye as Mercurie . Enter Mesithes . Here comes Mesithes muttering back again ; but step aside , and we shall know his mind . Mesith . But he is cruel , bloody , and his pride unsufferable great . — Selymus

Ha!

Mesithes Proud Bajazet , Thou hast usurp'd a title thy descent could never reach unto ; thou wrongst the world since thou detain'st the Crown , which heavens decree due to a better brow : thou art defam'd with Tyranny and wrong ; but Selymus is void of blemishes , as truth of lyes : bad stocks must be cut down , the good must rise . Sely. He daunted me at first , but now I find the golds bright lustre made his judgment blind . Mustapha comes . Enter Mustapha . Musta. Fortune hath wheel'd me up above the stars , under a Monarch ; I 'le not sell my hopes . Bold Selymus , I 'le second thy designs ; and thou shalt Queen my daughter ; that being done , with mine own splendor I 'le eclipse the Sunne . Sely. Is' t so ? a while I 'le feed thy airy hopes , then dash thee into nothing . Here 's a third . Enter Asmehemides . Asm . A purse of gold ! I can untie the knot : the close aenigma sayes , I would be King . Brave Selymus , I like thy mounting thoughts ; work out thy projects ; thou canst never need or ask my help , but thou art sure to speed . Exit . Sely. What we resolv'd , stands firm , but the event be scan'd when leisure serves : wee 'l now prevent my brothers hopes , and by a sudden fate unto their lives and dayes give equal date to compass a blest end : now we begin ( Jove hath offended , if it be a sin ) to throw a father down . Saturn did dwell once in the heavens , Jove threw him down to hell . Enter Bajazet and Achmetes , hand in hand , Cherseogles , Mesithes , Mustapha , Mahometes , Achomates , Trizham , Mahomet , Asmehemides . Sely

But stay : Achmetes , and our fathers friends ?

Bajaz. Achmetes , I have injur'd thy deserts , subborn'd accusers , wrong'd my credulous ears , and my rash censure undervalued much thy noble spirits , when it first condemn'd them of intended treason , rense thy soul in the dull river of oblivion . we halt beneath the burthen of thy hate , thinke my mov'd anger made me hot and wild , I cannot sleepe till we be reconcil'd . Achm. The gods neglect my welfare here on earth , and when I shall put off this mortall load , let me be out-law'd from the Court of heaven , if in this bosome there lye hid one thought that doth not honour Bajazet . Baia. Wee know — thy vertues make us happy : valiant Sir , thy feete once more must tread a warlike march under our fearefull banner , thou shalt pace even to the walles of Rome , there dwels our foe ; where our halfe Moone , rear'd in the middle camp , like a distempred Meteor in the ayre , shall strike amazement in the cloistred monkes , and shake the Prelates Miter from his head , till he yeeld Zemes up alive or dead . When we have mov'd thee from thy Janizaries , thou shalt not travell farre . aside Isaack A subtile tricke , and well pretended , I admire thy wit . aside Achm. Let me march hence , and Bajazet shall know , how little I befriend my Princes foe . I le cast a ring of souldiers round about The walles of Rome , if Zemes scape thence out , cut of my breath : he that 's deepe in blame , Must hazard boldly to regaine his fame . Triz. What meanes our father , noble Bajazet , to worke untimely horrors through the world : desolate ruine , publike discontent have printed deepe impressions in our path , danger and feare scarce emptied from our towne , the shaken members of our common wealth yet stagger with their wounds ; when discord shall make but a second breach , they faint and fall , Mah. Short peace hath charm'd your subjects all asleepe , and throwne a quiet slumber ore their eyes , whilest with a sweete restorative she heales their Martyr'd joynts , and wipeth out their scarres writ on their bosomes by the hand of warres . Zemes is safely cloystred up at Rome , the Prelate dares not ayde him , all the gods smile on the entrance of triumphant peace , war lies fast bound , nor can she worke our paines , unlesse we loose the fury from her chaines . Baja. Our sonnes instruct us ! must your pregnant wits crosse my command ! Bassaes prepare for warre ; and since your grave discourse argues a will to stay at home , you shall ; wee le lay you up , where no loud ecchoing drums shall breake your sleepe , even in the bowels of your mother earth I will entombe you : Put them both to death . Omnes .

What meanes great Bajazet ?

Baja.

To murder you , unlesse you strangle them .

Ambo .

But heare us speake .

Baja. Stop up the damned passage of their throat , Or you are all but ghosts . What! stare you friends ? Isaack and Selymus , a garter ; twist me that fatall string about his necke , and either pull an end , strangle Trizham . Mesithes come , joyne force with me , by heaven y' were best make hast , Or thou art shorter liv'd then is that bratt . Tugge strongly at it . strangle Mahomet . So ; let the bastard droppe , we have out-liv'd our tutors : dunghill slaves , durst they breath out their Stoicke sentences in opposition of our strickt command ? Selym. So : things run well along , and now I find Jove heares my prayers , and the gods grow kind . Baja. Did not I send these to their Provinces to hinder Zemes flight ? and did not they dejected bastards , give him open way ? Mine anger hath been just . Cherseo . None doth deny 't ; you may proceed in your edict for warrs , and make Achmetes General of the camp . Baj. It is enough : Achmetes go to hell , stabs him . the divels have rung out thy passing bell , and look for thine arrival . Shend me slaves . Exeunt omnes . They fly before my breath like mists of air , and are of less resistance ; I 'le pursue . Exit . Achm. Oh I am slain ! Tyrant , thy violent hand hath done me pleasure , though against thy will : had I as many lives as drops of bloud , I 'de not outlive this hour : fly hence vain soul , climb yonder sacred mount , strive upwards there , there where a guard of stars shall hem thee round , build thee a safe tribunal — I am gone . — Oh tragick cruelty ! — behold — the end of two right Noble sons — one faithful friend . moritur Re-enter Bajazet in fury . Baj. Have all forsaken me ? and am I left a prey unto my self ? did all their breath pass through his organs ? and in his sad death have I abruptly crackt the vital thred of all my Bassaes ? Achmetes groans . Ha! where am I now ? In some Gebenna , or some hollow vault , where dead mens ghosts sigh out their heavy groans ? Resolve me , Mahomet , and rid me hence , or I will spoil the fabrick of thy tomb , and beat away the title of a God . Dost thou not move ? a trunk ? a stock ? to die is to put on your nature , so will I. Offering to stab himself , Cherseogles , Mesithes , Mustapha , Mahomates , Achomates , Selymus , Asmehemides interrupt him . Omnes

Hold , hold , and live .

Baj.

How come these bodies dead ?

Filii .

Father , it was your self .

Bajaz. Let me revoke my wandring sense : Oh what a stream of blood hath purg'd me of my black suspition ! two sons , one valiant Captain hence are wrought by mine own hand , to cure one jealous thought . As 't is , they are the happier ; I out-live them whom I wisht to fall : only to grave bear forth their bodies . Bassaes carry them out . We were curst in this , and shall intomb with them much of our bliss : indeed we had resolv'd to spend this day in things of more solemnity , less wo. Now our most wished councel shall begin , and bitter deeds weigh up the scales of sin . Amasia is a province rich and strong , Mahomates ▪ it is thine , keep it as long as I have power to give it ; go , provide for thy conveyance at the next fair tide . Mahom.

Farewell dear father .

Bajaz. Worthy son , adieu ; the love my dead sons wanted falls to you as an hereditary good . Selymus Then we aside . may vail our heads in black , no mourners be . Baja. Achomates , thy worth deserves some trophies of our love , which to let slip unmention'd , were to adde to this black day a fourth offence as bad . Governe Manesia , now the people stand dishfurnisht of an head ; let thy command be great amongst them , so ; make speedy hast . Honour stayes for thee . Selym.

Now the stormes are past .

Achom.

Father adieu ; Exit .

Baja.

Achomates , farewell .

Selym.

Now to my lot , I thought 't would ne'r a fell .

aside Baja. Now Selymus , wee know thy hopes are great , and thine ambition gapes with open jawes to swallow a whole Dukedome ; but young Sir , we dare not trust the raines of government into the hands of Phaeton . Desire , rashly fullfild , may set the world on fire ; Greene youth , and raw experience are not fit to shoulder up a Kingdomes heavie weight ; mixe wit with stay'd discretion , and spend wild yeares in study , then we doe intend to settle more preferment on thy head then thou can'st hope for . Selymus Wilt thou envious dotard Strangle my greatnesse in a miching hole ? the world 's my study , Bajazet , my name Shall fill each angle of this round-built frame . Exit Bajaz. I know he grumbled at it ; 't is good To calme the rebell heat of youthfull blood with sharpe rebukes . Enter a Messengers Messen.

Health to the Emperour .

Bajaz.

What will your message ?

Messen. Duty first from Rome , commended by the Bishop to your service , with a firme promise to dispatch your will what ever it imply'd , and would but stay till Times swift circle should bring forth a day secure for the performance . Exit . Bajaz. 'T is enough . Thanks for your care . This was to murder Zemes. War with the Bishop ! 't had been pretty sport , I knew my powerful word was strong enough to make him do my pleasure : simple Priest ! only I vs'd it as a trick to send Achmetes from the City and his friends ; but Fate so smil'd upon me , that I found a shorter means , his life and hopes to wound with my sententious sons , that when my foe fled through their Province , finely let him goe ; which being wholy finish'd , strait to please my friends , I play'd a raging Hercules ; then to shut up the Scene , neatly put on a passionate humour , and the worst was done . But who comes here ? A dumb show . Enter Mahomates with store of Turks , he as taking his leave , they as ceremoniously with great humbleness , taking their leavs , depart at several doors I like not this , Mahomates belov'd so dearly of the Comminalty : ha ! Hee 's wise , fair-spoken , gently qualified , powerful of tongue ; why hee 's the better son , not to supplant his Father . I mislike the prodigal affection thrown on him by all my subjects . I bely'd my hopes when I presum'd this day had freely rid me of my worst vexation : I was born to be a jade to Fate , and fortunes scoff , my cares grow double-great my cutting off . Exit .
Actus 3. Scena 3. Enter Caigubus Achmetes Son . Caig. If ever man lov'd sorrow , wisht to grieve , Father I do for thee . Could I deprive my senses of each object , but thy death , then should I joy to sigh away my breath : be Godhead to my griefe : then shall these eyes with tributary tears bedeck thy shrine : and thus I do invoke the : nimble Ghost what ever or be of Heaven , what ever coast affords thee present mansion , quickly thence flit hither , and present unto my sense thy selfe a feeling substance : let me see , acknowledge and admire thy majesty . Put off that ayry thinnesse which denies me to behold thee with these duller eyes , then shall they , sending down a powerfull flood , rence thy cold members from each drop of blood ; and so return thee back , that thou mai'st soare up to the skies , much purer then before . Had the just course of nature wrought thee hence , I would have made the gods know their offence , and back restore thy soul ; but thou art dead , and 't was a fiercer hand that clipt thy thread , fiercer and boulder , which did ever thrive by mischiefe , and once coffind thee alive up in deaths mantle , but then would not use such open violence , nor durst abuse one of such sacred worth , till furie struck his reason dead , and made his treacherous hand creepingly stab thee , both unseen and foul , as if he would have stoln away thy soul . But oh ! Enter Isaack . Jsaack ,

But oh indeed .

Caigub ,

Why , what ?

Jsaack . As bad a stroke attends thee as thy Father had : Princes suspicion is a flame of fire , exhal'd first from our manners , and by desire of rule is nourish'd , fed , and rores about till the whole matter dye , and then goes out ? Cai. Unfold a scene of murders : Fates work on wee 'l make a path to Heaven : and being gon , Down from the lofty towers of the skies throw thunder at the Tyrant ; will he presse the earth with weight of slaught'red carcasses ? Let him grow up in mischief , still shall her wombe , gaping , reserve for him an empty tombe . We do but tread his path ; and Bassa , since it stands upon thee now to cure thy prince of his distemper'd lunacy , go fetch the instrument of death , whilst I a wretch expect thy sad return . Isaack . I go ; and could it stand with mine alleageance , sure I should imply my service to a better end , then to disrobe the Court of such a friend . Exit Cai. He that is judg'd down from a steepy hill to drop unto his death , and trembling still expects one thence to push him , such a slave doth not deserve to live , nor 's worth a grave Then Lachesis , thou that divid'st the threed of breath , since this dayes Sun must see me dead ; thus I le prevent thy paine , thus I le out-run my fate ; and in this stroke thy work is done . Stabs himselfe . Eternall mover , thou that whirlst about the skies in circular motion , heare me out what I command , see that without controule thou make Heaven clear , to entertain my soule , and let the nimble spirits of the ayre Print me a passage hence up to thy chaire , there will I sit , and from the Azure sky , laugh at obsequious base mortality . Vanish my soule , enjoy , embrace thy fate thus , thus thou mount'st above a Tyrates hate . Stabs himself . dyes . Enter Isaack with Executioners . Isa. We are prevented ; see the fates command false deeds must dye , though by the Actors hand . Return to Bajazet , and bear that corps . Exeunt So now I am alone , nor need I fear to breath my thoughts out to the silent ayre ; my conscience will not hear me , that being deaf I may joy freely . First thy hated breath Achmetes vanisht , next Caigubus fell , thus we clime Throans , whilst they drop down to hell . The glorious eye of the all-seeing sun , shall not behold ( when all our plots are done ) a greater Prince then Selymus ; 't is he must share with Jove an equal Majesty . But for my self his Engineer , I 'le stand above mortality , and with a hand of power dash all beneath me into dust , if they but crosse the currant of my lust . What I but speak , 't is Oracle and Law , thus I will rule and keep the world in awe . Sely.

Noble assistant . Enter Selymus Mesithes . Mustapha , Asmehemedes .

Isa.

Happy Selymus .

Sely. 'T is thou must make me so , for should I stay waiting my Fathers pleasure , I might stand gazing with envy at my Brothers pride , my self lying prostrate even beneath their feet . Towns , Cities , Countries , and what else soever can give high thoughts content , are freely theirs , ● , only like a spend-thrift of my yeares , Idle my time away , as if some god had raz'd my name out of the role of Kings , which if he have , then Isaack be thy hand ●s great as his , to print it in again , though Bajazet say nay . Isaack . No more : I will ; an Empire be our hopes ; that to obtaine wee 'l watch , plot , fight , sweat , and be cold again . Exeunt
Actus 3. Scena 4. Enter Zemes and Alexander Bispop of Rome . Bish. Cannot my words add solace to your thoughts ? oh ! you are gulft too deep in a desire of soveraigne pompe , and your high thoughts aspire . All the unshadowed plainenesse of my life doth but contract thick wrinckles of mislike in your Majestick brow , and you distast morall receipts , which I have ministred To cool Ambitions Feaver . Zemes. Pardon Sir , your holinesse mistakes my malady , another sicknesse grates my tender brest , and I am ill at heart : alas I stand an abject now as well in Natures eye , as erst I did in Fortunes : is my health fled with mine honour ? and the common rest of man grown stranger to me in my grief ? some unknown cause hath bred through all my blood a colder operation , then the juice of Hemlock can produce : O wretched man ! look down propitious Godheads on my woes . Phoebus infuse into me the sweet breath of cheerefull health , or else infectious death . If there an Angel be whom I have crost in my tormented boldnesse , and these griefes are expiatory punishments of sin ? now , now repentance strike quite through my heart enough of paines , enough of bitter smart have ty'd me to 't . I have already bin bolted from joy , content can enter in , not at the open passage of my heart , I neither hear , nor see , nor feel , nor touch with pleasure ; my vexation is so much , my grave can only quit me of annoy ; that prevents mischief , which can bring no joy . Exit . Bish. Now I could curse what mine own hand hath don , and wish that he would vomit out the draught of direful poyson , which infects his blood . Ambitious fire ! why 't is as clean extinct , as if his heart were set beneath his feet , grief hath boil'd out the humours of vain pride , and he was meer contrition . Enter a messenger .

What 's the news ?

Messen. Zemes , as now he left you pale and wan , dragging his weake leggs after him , did fall dead on the stony pavement of the Hall , not by unhappy chance , but as he walkt , folding his arms up in a pensive knot , and railing at his Fate , as if he stag'd the wounded Priam , or some falling King , so he , oft lifting up his closing eye , sunk faintly down , groan'd out , I dye , I dye . Bish. It grieves my soul : let Bajazet know this ; could our own shortned life , but lengthen his , by often sighs I would transfuse my breath into his brest , and call him back from death . Exit .
Actus 3. Scena 5. Enter Selymus , Mesithes , Mustapha . Sely. Let not my absence steal away my love , or local distance weaken the respect which you have ever born me ; I must fly to shake the yoake of bondage from my neck : my Fathers eyes shall not scan out my life in every action ; then when I am gone , our love like precious mettle shall not crack in the protraction , but be gently fram'd into a subtler thinnesse , which shall reach from either part , not craz'd by any breach . Mesi . Return with ruine painted in thy brow , pale death triumphant in thy horrid crest , danger limn'd out upon thy threatning sword , the Turkish thraldom portrai'd on thy shield , wee l meet thee in thy horror , and unfold our arms as wide as heaven to take thee in . Sely. We trust you : if there lie unspoken love hid in your bosoms , we must bury it in silent farwells . Musta . Noble Prince adieu , since thy frank deeds have printed in our hearts so true a pattern of thee , we will feed our contemplation with thy memory . When thou art really departed thus , a better part of thee shall stay with us . Exeunt . Sely. So the swift wings of flight shall mount me up above these walls into the open ayr , and I will towre above thee Bajazet . Farwel soft Court ; I have been kept too long within thy narrow walls , and am new born to golden liberty ; now stretch out you heavens , spread forth the dewy mantle of the clouds thou powerful Sun of Saturn , and remove the terminating Poles of the fixt earth , to entertain me in my second birth . Enter Isaack Bassa . Isa : Not yet rid from our wals ! Fair Prince take heed , treason 's a Race that must be run with speed . Aeolus beckons , and the flattering winds . joyne all to help our project : quickly hence : all 's full of danger . Did your Father know Hee 'd stop your flight and breath at one deaths blow . Exit . Sely Friend I am gone : thou hoary God of Seas , smooth the rough bosome of thy wrinckled tide , that my wing'd Boat may gently on it glide .
Actus 4.
Scena 1. Enter Bajazet solus . Baja. How the obsequious duty of the world hangs shivering on the skirts of Majesty , and smells out all her footsteps ! I could yet never steal leisure to reform my thoughts , since my pale brow was first hoop'd in with gold , till this blest hour : and now great Bajazet empty thy brest of her imprison'd joyes , which , like the smothring winds , could with a blast rip up a passage . I am crown'd in blisse , plac'd on the rocks of strong security , without the reach of Fate ▪ Envy shall gnash and pine at my full pleasures ; the soft feet of labouring ambition shall quite tire , ere touch the starry-height on which I stand . Achmetes and his son with my two boyes are faln , to clear the sun-shine of my joyes , Achomates I fear not , Selymus lives cag'd within the compasse of mine eye , all that I doubt is of Mahomates , that blasing star once darkned , I will throw the luster of my pomp from me , as clear as if three Suns were orb'd all in one Spheare . What news brings Isaack ? Enter Isaack Bassa . Isa.

Unwelcome news .

Baja.

Be quick in the delivery .

Isa Then thus . Young Selymus is fled . Baja.

Fled !

Isa.

Fled this night to the Tartarian King .

Baja. Would he had sunk to the Tartarian deep . Isaack , th' art false , and every hair dependant from thy head is a twin'd serpent . Isaack , I say th' art false , I read it in thy brow . Isa.

By heaven I am not .

Baja. Come ; answer my demands , first , at what time left he the Court ? Isa.

I know not .

Baja. Know he is fled , and know not when he fled ! how can this be ! Isa. After our strict enquiry , 't was our chance to lite on one that saw him take a ship , at the next haven . Baja. On one ; bring forth that one , Exit Isaack . i 'le sound the depth of these villanies . Enter Isaack with a dwarf . What 's here ? a barrel rear'd on end upon two feet ? Sirrah , you guts and garbage — did you see Selymus leave the Court ? Dwarf

So please it your —

Baja.

Please it ! thou monster , are you now so pleasing .

Isa. My Liege hold in your fury : spend not one drop of your fierce anger , on so base a worm , keep it entire and whole , within your brest , that with it's vigor it may crush the bulk of him whose treasons move it . Baja. So it shall , Neptune reine back thy swelling Ocean , invert the current of thy guilty streames which further treacherous plots , mild Aeolus , ( that when a peevish goddnesse did intreat , scattredst a Trojan Navy through the seas : ) now Bajazet a Turkish Emperor , bids thee send forth thy jarring prisoners into the seas deep bowels : let them raise tempests shall dash against the firmament of the vast heavens , and in their stormy rage , either confound , or force the vessel back , in which the traitor sayles ; now , now begin or I shall think thee conscious of this sin . What would this Monk ? Enter a Monk . Monk

Only your blessed almes .

Bajazet I 'me in a liberal vain — Monk shootes of a dagge at Bajazet ; Mesithes , and Isaack , kill the Monk . Traitor I 'me slain ! I feel the bullet run quite through my sides . Isa. Great Mahomet hath kept you safe from harm : it never toucht you . Baja. Oh — I am slain ! open the gates of sweet Elysium , take in my wounded soul : Bring forth that Monk i le make him my souls harbinger , he shall fore-run my coming and provide a place amongst the gloomy banks of Acheron , then shall he dwel with me in those black shades , and it shall be my bliss to torture him . Isa.

Hee 's gone already , I have sent him hence .

Baja. Fly then my soul , and nimbly follow him , he must not scape my vengeance : Charon stay , one waftage will serve both , I come away . Isa.

Let not conceit thus steal away your life .

Baja. Me thinks I feel no blood ebbe from my heart , my spirits faint but slowly . Isa. Heare me Sir , You are not wounded . Baja.

Ha! not wounded !

Isaack . Untoucht as yet : His quaking hand deceiv'd him of his aim , and he quite mist your body : here behold the bullet yet unstain'd with blood . Baja. Now I believe thee : oh the baleful fate of Princes , and each eminent estate ! How every precious jewel in a Crown , charms mad ambition , and makes envy dote on the bewitching beauty of it's shine ! Indeed proud Majesty is usher'd in by superstitious awful reverence ; but cursed mischiefs follow ; and those are treasons in peace , black stratagems in war . But wher 's the dwarf ? Isaack , go send him in ; bid bold Mesithes , and sage Mustapha quickly attend us . Go. Exit Isaack . Isa.

I shall .

Baja. This hour , hath hatcht a richer project in my brain , whose wish't event shall strangle envies breath , and strike ambition dead in every brest . Enter dwarf . Sirrha , draw hence the body to the ditch , whither the filth of the whole City runs , there overwhelm't in blood ; go , quickly doo 't : What dost thou grin , thou visage of an ape ? he striks him . Dwarf .

I le rather hang my self then endure this .

Baja. Nay , come ; be patient and I le use thee well : why — 't was a Scepter strook thee , and t will work diviner operation in thy blood then thou canst dream of . Dwarf . I 'de rather be struck cross the teeth with a pudding then cross the back with a Scepter . Ba. A man would guess so , that over-views the dimensions . But to thy business . he caries out the course . Enter Bassaes . Bassaes stand ye round , Stay : who comes here ? sure I should know that stature , observe him nearely . Enter Mahomates disguised . Bassaes .

T is no Courtier .

Mahom. Mahomates 't is time to look about , Selymus fled ! Achomates ador'd ! My name scarce heard of through the popular streets ! had that unhappy arm of that damn'd Monk , not staggerd from the mark at which he aim'd , who ever sent him hither , I had leapt . into the empty throne , and cropt the fruit budding from treasons root ; but I le return back to my Province , this unknown disguise , shall search my Fathers closest policies . Exit Isa.

Mahomates disguis'd !

Baja. By heaven 't was he . He pryes into my counsels : let it be . Wee 'l forward in our businesse , which being done , wee l cool the hot ambition of each son , as mine already is , quick moving time hath cast a snowy whitenesse on my haires , and frosty age hath quel'd the heat of youth ; mine intellectual eyes , which ever yet gaz'd on the worlds rich guilded vanities , are now turn'd inward , and behold within , dismal confusion of unpardoned sin . E'r since I first was setled on this Throne , my cares have clog'd the swiftnesse of the hours , and wrought a tedious irksomenesse of life , murders have mask'd the forehead of the Sun with purple-coloured clouds , and he hath blusht at the blood-sucking cruelty of state . There 's not one little angle of this Court , whose guilty wals have not conceal'd a knot of traitors , squaring out some hideous plot against my safety ; now at last I spie the dangers of perplexed Majesty . And were it not for a religious fear of after-harms , which wretchedly might tear , and spoyl the body of this Monarchy , here at this instant would I strike the sayl , and proud top-gallant of mine eminence , hurle up my scepter , dis-inthrone my self , and let the green heads scramble for the Crown . Age hath taught me a stayder providence then my rash youth could reach to ; I intend to place this glittering bable , on the head of some successor , e'r I yet am dead , So give it out ; thereby I le try the love and favour of the people : whom they seem most to affect I 'le raise to that esteem . How do you like the counsel ? Chers . As we could like a voice of health sent from the careful gods . This news will lay the fury of your sons , and breed low duty in them all , in hope of the reward propos'd . Exeunt Bajazet Cherseogles . Manent Mustapha , Isaack , Mesithes , Ashmehemides . Isa. Awake preventions eyes , we must not sleep if we would see proud Bajazet displac't , and Selymus elated to his height . Name him the people favours ! — he affects Achomates : and knows , the multitude wrapt with his heavenly wisdom , cry for him , we must be quick and wary , here are keyes left , and lay'd up by Selymus , that store shall visit empty , purses and inchaunt the needy sort of men , that the ones wealth , shall weigh up t'others wisdom in the scale of their light judgment ; lend your best endeavours , wee 'le cross thee Bajazet , and thy hopes shall dye by thine own ill-contrived policy . Exeunt
Actus 4. Scena 2. Enter Bajazet , takes Asmehemedes by the hand , a Courtier belonging to Mahomates . Baja. Leave us ; we would be private with our friend , 't is thou must doo 't sweet Asmehemedes : Mahomates and thou art two neare friends ; he will suspect in others close deceit ; thee , for thy generous vertues he will stand with obvious embracements to receive into his bosom ; whither when thou art wound in , be sure to strike him through the heart . I am offended , 't is just piety to sacrifice his body at the shrine of my displeasure : do it , I am thine . Asme . Were he as deare to me , as the half part of mine own body , as the breath I draw ; I 'de do this charge : we mortals must obey when gods command , and Emperors are they . Exit . Baja. So willing to be damn'd ! had I adjoyn'd some vertuous office , surely he would then have said , that good deeds are not deeds of men . But let them go ; Mahomates must dye , and for my other boy fierce Selymus , the boystrous hand of war must snatch him hence , my other Son Corcutus lives immur'd within Minerua's cloister , thus I clear , a path through which Achomates shall run up to my throne when all their hopes are done . Exit .
Actus 4. Scena 3. Enter Achomates . Acho. The promise was direct and absolute , to bless my Temples with a sacred Crown , with protestations of a quick dispatch , ere his own right were cancelled by fate ; so to cut off all rivals in my joyes . What intercedent chance hath made his care so slack in the performance ? by heaven , I fear , delayes will prove delusions of my hopes , and that home-bred Mercurian Selymus will split the expectation of my blisse : forefend it Mahomet , or I shall be a sad revenger of indignitie . How now ! What speaks this bold intrusion ? Enter a Messenger . Messen.

Health to Achomates from Bajazet .

Acho. From Bajazet ! unfold thy welcome newes : How fares our Noble Father ? Messen. In full health : and wills you thus by me , to muster up your surest forces : and with moderate hast , repair unto the Court , where you shall find employments worthy of a valorous mind . Acho.

To muster arms ! can'st thou surmise the cause ?

Messen. With confidence I dare not ; but t is said , against that haughty Noble Selymus , who of the Tartar King implored ayd , to an uncertain end : himself gives out to fight with Hungary , and stretch the bounds of the old Turkish regiment : But fame with panting voice bids Bajazet beware , and whispers in his eare , he is the foe , Proud Selymus intends to overthrow . Acho. Enough , regreet our Father with our love ; tell him we shall not sleep to his command ; Exit . Fly nimbly back . Dares the audacious boy trouble the world with his tempestuous arms ? I le chastise him with iron whips of war , if either strength or stratagems will serve to spoyl the gaudy plumes of his high crest , I l'e use the strongest violence of both ; I am swoln big with hate , and I could break untimely passage with a wholesom stab to vent the monster strangled in my womb . Father I come , he that detaines a Crown bequeath'd to me , must thunder-strike me down . Enter Corcutus . Corcu. Buzzing reports have pierc't my study walls , and clog'd my meditations airy wings , by which I mount above the moving spheares and search the hidden closets of the heaven , I cannot live retir'd , but I must hear mine own wrongs sounded in my troubled eare : What! will my father falsifye that oath ; In which he vow'd successions right to me ? When I resign'd my honours up to him , he deeply swore , when the usurping Sun of his bright-shining royalty had run It 's compleat course through the whole heaven of state , and fainting dropt into the Western lapse ; my brightness next should throw it's golden beames , upon the worlds wide face , and over-peer the dusky clouds of hidden privacy : and shall Achomates succeed ! Shall he shine in the spangled robes of Majesty ? then Bajazet is false , let it be so I am secur'd from a huge masse of woe . Yet I le toth ' Court , that when Achomates shall spie mee , and remember but my due , 't will staine his lustre with a blushing hue . Enter Bajazet , Cherseogles . Baja. My cares are grown too great to be compriz'd within the narrow compasse of my brest , Vice-roy of Greece , I le powre into thy heart part of my secrets ; which being entred in , locke them as close up , as thou wouldst a sinne committed , yet not knowne : I must impart things worth thy faithfull silence . Chers . Worthy Sir , by the inclosure of my soule I sweare — Baja. I le not heare out thine oath , in briefe , 't is thus , the Bassaes are all false , and love not us ; Nor doth my brain-sicke fury prompt me thus , I read it in their gestures , conventicles , actions , and counsells , my suspitious eye hath found a great breach in their loyalty . Chers .

Surely this cannot bee .

Bajazet . By — 't is true , each man that guards mine honour is my foe , I le shake these splendent robes of Majesty from my ore-burden'd shoulders , and to ease my selfe , bequeath them to Achomates . Cherse .

Achomates ?

Baja. Even he , unlesse the voyce Of the whole Citie interdict my choice . Enter Isaacke , Mesithes , Mustapha . Cherse . Here comes the Bassaes , sure I see bad newes pourtrayed on the Index of their fronts . Baja. Bad newes ? We have out-liv'd good dayes too long , we can expect no other : come , unclaspe volumes of misciefes , and make deafe my eares with an infused multitude of cares . Bassaes . Young Selymus hath crost Danubius floud and seiz'd upon the Provinces of Thrace , and with a Navie plow'd the Euxine Sea , Baja. Peace bellowing night-ravens ; with how cheerefull noise their puffing lungs croke out the balefull note ? Are these the warres 'gainst Hungary ? You powers of heaven , brush off your cloddy patience ; If you but winke at these notorious crimes , I 'le say you dare not check our stubborne times . Well , as yet I 'le make use of his pretence . Vize-roy of Greece , beare you this Embassie to that suspected Traytor Selymus ; Tell him , the warres 'gainst the Hungarian foe are full of dangers , and approved harmes ; never attempted by our Ancestors , without repulse or damage ; bid him dismisse his rough Tartarian youths : then if he stand Unmov'd and stiffe , feigne vengeance is at hand : make thy best speed . Cherse . I shall . T will be well done to reconcile a Father and a Sonne , Exit . Baja. Thought he tumultuous uprores could deserve the favours of his Prince ? h 'as troad awry , and mist the path that leades to Majestie . These bright Imperious ornaments shall grace no rebell-monster , nor base runne-away ; my resolution 's firme , it shall not be . Bassaes , this day an Herauld shall proclaime in the worlds eare , my great successours name , are you content ? Bassaes .

We are .

Bajaz.

Call forth an Herauld .

Isaak . As our alleageance bindes us wee 'le obey . Exit Mustapha , calls in an Herauld . But what we grant , the Souldiers will gaine-say . Aside : Thou shalt not thrive in this , I dare be bold , my golden hookes hove ta'ne a faster hold . Baja. Herauld , be my loud Eccho , ratifie my deede , and say Achomates shall next succeede . Herauld .

Bajazet the second by the appointment of our great Prophet Mahomet , the onely Monarch of the World , a mighty God on earth , an invincible Caesar , King of all Kings , from the East unto the West , Governour of Greece , Sultan of Babylon , Soveraigne of Persia and Armenia , triumphant Tutor of Jerusalem , Lord possessour of the Sepulcher of the Crucified God , subverter and sworne enemie of the Christians , and of all that call upon Christ , proclaimeth Achomates his second son next and immediate successour . An alarm of Trumpets

Within .

None but Bajazet , none but Bajazet .

Bajaz. By heaven , they are corrupted : none but I ? 'T is no love borne to me that moves this cry . Mesith . Great Bajazet , the cause why they deny this just proposall , riseth from an use and customary licence long observ'd ; to wit , when their crown'd Emperour is dead , the interpos'd vacation is a time of lawlesse freedome : then they dare to spoile the Jewish Merchants of their traffick wares , and prey upon all strangers : so that should your Honour be conferr'd upon your sonne Whilst you your self yet breath , then should they lose their long expected gaines ; therefore refuse what you propos'd . Bajaz. If that be all the cause , wee 'le give them such a Kingly donative as doubly shall buy out those ill-got spoiles : five hundred thousand Duckats , if they please with my free choise to crowne Achomates , Proclaim'd to be their due . A flourish of Trumpets . Herauld .

Bajazet the second , by the appointment of our great Prophet Mahomet , &c. proclaimeth , that hee 'le attribute five hundred thousand Duckats , if you yeeld alleageance to Achomates his successor .

Trumpets sound againe . Within .

None but Bajazet , none but Bajazet .

Baja. Achomates I sent for , how hee 'le digest these grosse illusions , I may justly feare : by this I had discourag'd Selymus , and kill'd his hopes ; by this I had cut off the growth of hate , and choked discords seed . Exit . Enter Mustapha with a Messenger to the other Bassaes . Mustaph .

Beare this to Selymus with thy best care .

Mesith .

And this . Give him Letters .

Isaack . And this : fly , let thy winged speed return a sudden answer , else we bleed .
Actus 4. Scena 5. Enter Selymus , Tartarian King , Attendants . Tartar . Goe on brave Prince ; Lead on thy marshal'd troups , degrade the Turkish Monarch , let him faint at the deepe wounds which thy revengefull hand shall print upon the bosome of his land . Goe on ; Me thinks I see Victoria sit triumphant on thy steely Burganet . Exit Tartarian King . Selym. Farewell : now I will meete thee Bajazet , with a careere as free as if Heavens Jove had bid me goe : Bespeake the stoutest gods to take thy part ; tell them that thou must meete a Selymus , who when the warres are done , will scale the Forts and Castles of the Sunne , breake up the brazen gates of Acheron , and bury Nature with the world together . Captaines leade on ; Now shall the sword and fire by publique ruines crowne my just desire . Sleepe Hungary , I 'le not breake off thy rest with the unwelcome Musick of my Drummes ; I 'le turne the edge of my revengefull sword upon the bosome of my native soyle ; There dwels the motive of my Tragick wars , whose ruthlesse sad Catastrophe shall wound posterity in us : Infants shall mourne over their Fathers tombs as yet unborne . But who comes here ? I 'le meete him . Noble Vize-roy . Enter Cherseogles . Cherseo .

Peace and health to Selymus .

Selym. Health , but not peace , whilst yonder light can see mortalls , whom Turkish force could ne're subdue . Cherseo . Yet what if Bajazet , our honour'd Lord , bid you roule up those flaxen signes of warre , and sheath the sword drawne forth against his foe ? when duty sayes obey , what shall say no ? Selym. My courage , and a proud contempt of all corrivall Nations , could send back a no , able to fright a Parlament of gods ; It could so : but if Bajazet gaine-say , my plumy valour flags , my thoughts give way . Chers . Then thus ; he wills you to discard your force , and send the black Tartarians to their home ; withall averring , the Hungarian foe ( against whose power you have summon'd Armes ) is full of strength and power , ne're oppos'd without the bitter downefall of our side . Nor would the worlds great Monarch Bajazet , empaire his fame so much , as to be sayd , he tam'd a Foe by Tartars borrowed ayd . Sel. Ha! I am vilely non-plust . Courteous Vize-roy , returne our duty back to Bajazet , even in the humblest termes wit can invent ; tell him , he hath a sonne of that high spirit , as doth detest a cowardly retreat . Were all the dead Heroes of our foes , All that are now , and all that are to come met in one age , I 'de face them drum to drum . Bid our deare Father be secure of me and my proceedings : then true valour shines most bright , when busied in the great'st designes . Is not this answeer faire ? Chers . Most true : and yet 't will prove distastfull . Selym. No , it cannot be : If there be too much valour in this brest , blame him that plac't it there , even Bajazet . My vertues and my bloud are both deriv'd from his first influence , and I must either hate disgracefull calumn's , or degenerate . Chers . All this I 'le tell your Father ; yet hee 'le rest as much unsatisfied as at the first , he will expect the head-strong pride of youth should strike low sayle to his grave providence . Selym. And so it shall : say Vize-roy , I obey , and reverence his counsell more , then feare an host of armed foes : tell him I 'le come to his Court gates with neither man nor drum . Cherseo . I 'le tell it him with joy , which when he heares , hee 'le be disburden'd of a thousand feares . Exit . Selym. Remember my just duty : 't is no matter , I will retaine that till I come my selfe . I am not out-reach'd yet by all these trickes ; my hopes are farther strong , I 'le to the Court with a close march , in no submissive sort , and steale upon them : Instantly I goe to meete my Father , but a subtill foe . As he goes out , a Messenger meetes him , gives him the Letters . Messen.

Good health to Selymus .

Selym.

Good health ! From whom ?

Messen.

Isaack , Mesithes , Mustapha salute you .

Selym.

Those good Trium-virj , what is 't they speake ?

Opens the Letters ; Reads the first . 1. [ To feede on hopes is but a slender dyet . ] 'T is short , but full of weight : To feede on hope is but a slender diet ! Let it be . descants I 'le mend my table , though no feast with me . Reades the second . 2. [ Faire opportunity is bald behind . ] 'T is true indeed , Mesithes . Never feare , I 'le twist my fingers in her golden haire . What speakes the third ? ' This writes more at large , and comments on the prefixt principalls . Reades the third . 3. [ Your Father did proclaim who should succeed ; Publique denialls nullified his deede ; Your hast will be convenient ; things concurre to blesse your hopes . Fate bids you not demur . ] Yours Isaack Bassa Isaack , I am thine , and come to finish up our great designe . Exit .
Actus 4. Scena 6. Enter Achomates solus . Achom. Unquiet anguishments and jealous feare fly from my thoughts , like night before the Sunne : I 'me lifted to the highest Spheare of joy , My top invelopt in the azure cloud , and starry rich habiliments : my feete set rampant on the face of Natures pride ; The rarest worke weav'd by her handmayd Art clothes my soft pleasures ; I 'm as great as Jove , Onely I rule below , he raignes above . Oh! the unspoken beauty of a Crowne , whose empty speculation mounts my soule up to an heavenly Paradise of toughts ! Father , I come , that thou may'st crowne my head , whilst apprehensive reason stands amaz'd , amidst the blisfull shades of sweet conceit . Then I 'le call back my wandring intellect from dreames , and those imaginary joyes ; I 'le teach my soule to twine about a Crowne , to sweat in raptures , to fill up a Throne with the bigge-swelling lookes of Majestie ; I 'le amble through a pleasures Labyrinth , and wander in the path of happinesse , as the true object of that faculty . Great Bajazet , I come . Thou must descend from Honours high Throne , and put off thy right to build me up an heaven of choice delight . Exit .
Actus 4. Scena 7. Enter Mesithes , Mustapha , Isaack . Mesith . The Emperour begins to smell deceit ; I know by his ill lookes and sparkling eye that he affects us not . Musta . I doubt as much . Young Selymus ha's wrong'd our loyalty in his so slack proceedings ; we were rash and indiscreetly-forward in consent , when we joyn'd on to raise his government . Isaack . Peace , 't is too late to chide at what is done , we have so deepely waded in the streames of those procellous plots , nor can revoke repentant footsteps , or securely creepe back to the Throne of safety : 't is now good to venture on , and swim quite through the flood . Here comes the Emperour . Enter Bajazet and Asmehemedes Baja. Attend us Bassaes . Ar't sure hee 's dead ? Asm . Mahometes is dead . There 's nothing moving of him but his soule , and that robd of his body by this hand . Baja. Enough . That soule revives to see him dead that wrong'd the body ; Oh! my bloudy heart , Must in his frenzy act an horrid part . Follow thy Prince to hell . Stabs him . Asmeh . To death ! Oh divellish ingratitude : I 'm slaine . I dye . Moritur . Baja. And justly : would each foe and Traytor to my state were thwarted so . Bassaes , convay this hated body hence , the sight of that damn'd villaine moves offence : They carry him out . Now pause a while my soule , and reckon up what obstacles are yet to be remov'd . Achomates must stay the peoples leasure . Corcutus dally with Minervaes Nimphes . The last and worst , proud Selymus shall dye . Thus I le compose a firme security . Enter Bassaes with Cherseogles . Baja. Arriv'd already , noble Cherseogles ? You 'r carefull in our cause : but speake the news from our pert Souldier . What meanes Selymus ! Cherseo . To track the path backward from whence he came , to strip himselfe of martiall ornaments , and to fill up the duty of a Sonne , come visite you in low submission . Baja. These are too fairely promis'd , to be meant , ambition hath already chain'd his soule too surely in the captive bonds of pride , then that he now should cloath his stately hopes in the plaine sordid weedes of penitence ; He doth but varnish o're some treacherous plot in this smooth answer : come , wee 'le leade along to our Imperiall seat of Constantine , that 's strongly fortified , we need not feare the weake attempts an home-bred foe can dare . Exeunt Bajazet and Cherseogles . Mesith . Ha! we are sweetly plung'd , if cold despaire benumme his youthfull courage , and he faint . Mustaph .

Would I were fairely rid of all these cares .

Isaack . Dejected Cowards : are you not asham'd thus to give up the goale of dignity to heartlesse feare ? Here comes the Messenger . What newes from Selymus ? Messen. Even nothing certaine : ambiguously he promis'd to be here as soone as I. Mesith .

I' st even so ?

Musta .

We are quite dash't — undone .

Isa.

Lift up your downe-cast spirits . Who comes here ?

Enter Selymus . Mesith .

Who ? Selymus ?

Musta . Where ? sweete Isaack , doe not tell him , that we were sending forth faith's latest breath . Isaac .

Enough , I will not . Happy Selymus .

Bassaes

Long live great Selymus .

Sely. We thanke you friends : Your care hath fostered up our infant hopes beyond the pitch of expectation . We heare that Bajazet is going now from hence to Constantinople ; my men lie closely ambusht in the middle way , close by a ruinous city , there expect a sudden on-set ; but till then farewell , When we meete next , our ensignes wav'd on high , shall shine like Meteors blazing in the skie . Exit Isaac .

Fortunes best care goe with thee .

Mesith .

Brave boy , y'faith .

Musta .

I shall adore him whilest I breath for this .

Isaac . Againe in heart ? Let 's follow Bajazet , come lads , away , the sunne of all his glory sets this day . Exeunt Enter Selymus with souldiers . Selym. Come on , the honored youth of Tartary , my brothers , and joynt sharers of my woe , draw forth the weapons of inflam'd revenge against this horrid monsters Tyranny ; I seeme like Romes great Caesar , when , opprest with Pompeys grating malice , he led forth his noble French-men through the snowy Alpes . I have my Curio Isaack in the Court , and Cherseogles , like grim Catoes ghost , soothes the rough humour of fierce Bajazet . These mens examples , were we faint and loath , would set sharpe spurs unto our slow pac'd wrath , and whet our dull-edg'd anger : but I see in your smooth brow perfect alacrity . We stand to thwart the passage of a fiend , through whose wide yawning throat hath coasted downe the blood of Princes , in continuall streames ; ha's fed and pamper'd up his appetite with the abhorr'd destruction of his owne , and glutted on the blood of innocents . Stood wee like marble statues in his way , and had no use of policy and wit , our Irefull Prophet Mahomet would send sense , life , and valour through our stony joynts , that we might ruinate this gastly bore , made by some hellish fury to confound the order of this wondred Universe . I le grapple with the monster , hee 's at hand ; If you stand firme , the Common Wealth may bee a slave to Bajazet ; but I le live free . Enter Bajazet , Cherseogles , Isaack , Mesithes , Mustapha . Baja. No Drumme nor Trumpet hath disturb'd the ayre , within the reach of mine attention . Isaac . And I admire it ; 't were a miracle if that ambitious boy intend no harme . Omnes .

What noyse is that ?

A confused noyse of exclamation within , arme , arme , arme . Soldiers . Helpe Bajazet , the vauntgard 's almost slaine ; the Tartars lay in ambush . Baja. What ? so neere ? Set up our standard , I le give battell here ; hang out defiance , scorne , and proud contempt write in the blood-red colours of your plumes : summon our Army Enter a drum from these skirmishes , speake out the traitors doome in thine alarmes . Thought he to daunt our courage ? Drum sounds . Enter souldiers severally , dropping in sweating , as from fight . Valiant souldiers , when I behold the manner of this warre , when treason copes with awfull Majesty , a gracelesse sonne , with his owne aged Sire , me thinks to bid you fight , were full as vaine as to bid heavy clouds fall downe in raine : but when I view the Chaos of the field , and wild confusion striking valour dead , I cald you , not ( as Captaines doe to boyes ) to read a lecture of encouragement ; but that your ancient vertue may be showne in this my last defence : I wish to dye reveng'd , that death sorts best with Majesty . Drums sounding ; A confused noyse , with clashing of armour . Excurrunt Bajazet , and Selymus . Baja.

Selymus ?

Selym.

Bajazet ?

Baja. Jove lend me but a minutes patience . Unnaturall sonne ! Selymus .

Uncharitable Father !

Baja. Father ? My sword shall hew that title off ; and cut in twaine kindreds continued line , by which thou canst derive thy blood from mine . Abortive monster — thou first breath of sin , we had but slender shadows of offence , till thou creptst forth to the offended light , the very masse , and stocke of villanie . Crimes in all others , are but thy influence . Nature ha's planted viprous crueltie In thy darke brest , the scandall of her workes , her error , and extract perfection of vices ; the first well-head of bad things from whence the world of ills draw their weake springs . Sel. Then heare me speake too : you have bin to me no Father , but a sowre Pedanticke wretch ; one that with frosty precepts striv'd to kill the flaming heate of my ambitious youth , as vainely as to strangle fire with straw : you sit so dayly hovering on your Throne , as if youl 'd hatch new Monarchies to feed the hungry gulfe of your unbridled pride ; Y 'ave surfeited on titles , y 'ave ingrost honor , you are the moth of eminence , and liberall fortunes answered your desires ; You had deflow'rd th' infinitie of Crownes With your adulterate ambition ; Y' are Soveraignties horse-leach , and have spild the blood of State , to have your owne veines fild . Baja. Hold , hold thy venom'd tongue , if there be hid more of this kind un-uttred ; I le rip up thy full fraught bosome ; and to save mine eare , mine eyes shall overview what I 'le not heare . Darst thou fight , Traitor ? Selym. Dare I be call'd a King ? Dare I unsheath my sword , or gather might ? If I dare ought of these , I dare to fight . Baja. Guard thee , I 'de not omit the sweete desire and pleasure of revenge , were heaven my hyre . They fight , Selymus is beaten off , Bajazet pursues , reenters at another doore . The slave has scap't the power of my wrath ; midst the dissever'd troups of scattered foes I lost him in a smoky cloud of dust , so thicke as if the tender Queene of Love , had wrapt her brat Aeneas from my sight . Enter Isaack , Mesithes , Mustapha . Isaak .

Joy to my Liege , of his last victory .

Mesith . The bold Tartarians flew like fearefull Harts before the hunters rage . Baja. So let them fly ; heaven raine downe vengeance on their cursed heads ; it is our honour that the frighted slaves owe their lives deerest safeties to their heeles . Enter a Dwarfe How now , whence come you ? Dwar.

From yonder hay-ricke , Sir .

Baja.

Didst thou see Selymus when he fled the field ?

Dwar.

No indeed , I was two farre crept in .

Baja. O you are brave attendants . Let 's forward in our journey ; these affaires Achomates must know ; his golden wish the people have delayd ; perhaps hee le frowne , and trample filiall duty under feete as this hath done : but let them storme their fill Vertue 's not shipwrackt in a sea of ill .
Actus 5.
Scena 1. Enter Achomates alone , with a bloody sword in his hand . Achom. An honour'd Legate , an Ambassadour ! as if that title , like Medaeas charme , could stay the untam'd spirit of my wrath ! Had he bin sent a messenger from heaven , and spoke in thunder to the slavish world ; If he had roar'd one voice , one syllable crosse to my humour , I 'de a searcht the depth of his unhallowed bosome , and turnd out his heart , the prophane seate of sawcy pride . Slaine an Ambassador ! no lesse ! 't is done , and 't was a noble slaughter , I conceive a joy ineffable to see my sword bath'd in a blood so rare , so precious as an Ambassadours : must we be told of times delayes , and opportunities ? that the base souldier hath gaine-sayd our blisse ? Thought Bajazet his son so cold , so dull , so innocently blockish , as to heare an Embassie most harsh and grossely bad ? the people to deny me ! We contemne with strange defiance Bajazet , and them .
Actus 5. Scena 2. Enter Isaacke , Mesithes , Mustupha . Mesith . Mischiefe on mischiefe , all our hopes are dead , slaine in the haplesse fall of Selymus . Must . I thinke the divells fought for Bajazet , and all the infernall haggs ; how could he else with a confused army , and halfe slaine , breake the well-ordered ranks of a strong foe ? Mesith . And unexpected too ? — Now Isaacke ! what ! Sadly repenting for thy last misdeeds ! Plots and conspiracies against thy Prince ! Faith we must hang together — Isaack . Good Mesithes , 't is nothing so : they say , Achomates , disdaining to be mockt out of his hopes , and most desired possession of the Crowne , ha's in contempt of Bajazet and all , slaine the Ambassador , and vowes revenge on every guilty agent in his wrong . Mustaph . I lookt for that , and therefore first shranke back , when Bajazet made choyce of one to send on such a thanklesse errand as that was . Mes.

Grant the report be true : what 's that to us ?

Isa. Fame in mine eare nere blab'd a sweeter tale ; this shall redeeme our low dejected hopes to their full height . No more ; be it my charge , to chose out the event — What 's this comes here ? Musta . Upon my life , the body of the slain Ambassador . Enter the Ambassadors followers with the dead body . Mesi .

'T is so .

Isa. We greet you friends , and your sad spectacle . Followers . T is sad enough to banish peace and patience from each brest that owes true loyalty to Bajazet . Isa. And so it shall ; lay down the injur'd corps . Achomates ha's wrong'd his Fathers love too grosly , in the murder even of him that bore his sacred person , and should stand inviolably honor'd by the law of men and nations . But here comes Bajazet . Enter Bajazet and Cherseogles Baja.

A tragick spectacle ! Whose trunk is this ?

Follow .

The body of your slain Ambassador .

Baja. Slain ! by what cursed violence ? what sword durst touch the man that represented me ? Follow .

Achomates .

Baja.

Achomates !

Follow . The same : Highly displeas'd with the unexpected newes of a denyal from the peoples mouth , his reason slipt in fury and contempt , hath thus abus'd your gracious Majesty . Withall , he threatned to maintain this sin with force of armes , and so resolv'd to win your Crown , without such tarriance — Baja. Oh! no more , I am unfortunate in all my blood . Hath he thus guerdon'd my fair promises , my daily sweat and care to further him , and fix him in the Paradise of joy ? Nations cry out for vengeance of this fact , I 'le scourge this black impiety to hell . Muster our forces to the utmost man ; once more I 'le bury this my aged corps in steely armour , and my coloured crest like a bright star shall sparkle out revenge before the rebels faint amazed eyes . Lose not a minute ; Bassaes hence , be gone , muster our men , stay not ; that from the tide of our fierce wrath , no drop may ebb away by causelesse lingering . Must .

Whom speak you , General ?

Baja. Whom but my self ? whom doth the cause concern more nearly then my self ? Isa. My honoured Liege , bear your best care about you ; 't is a time of double danger ; but remove the one , the other straight call'd forward : Selymus , great in the favour of Tartaria's King , is man'd afresh with souldiers ; his assault threatnes as much as fierce Achomates , and must be born off with your ablest forces ; then if you leave the City to subdue one of these two , expect e're you return , tother possest and seated on your throne . Baja.

Distraction rends my soul : what shall I do ?

Isa. Force out one nayl with tother of these two , chuse him you most affect , and best dare trust , allure him farely home , wink at his crimes , and then create him your high General , to lead against his brother : since your self cannot at once oppresse two foes so stout , trie if one heate can drive another out . Baja. Isaack , we like thy counsel : but of these , which can we pardon ? either so deboist , so guilty of rebellion , so divorc'd from pious loyalty , that my soul even both with bitter hatred equally may loath . Isa. First weigh their faults , the one a brain-sick youth , endeavour'd to supplant your Majesty ; the other in defiance and contempt of God and man , prophan'd the holy rites of an Ambassador . Mesi . For which dire fact , should it slip up unpunished , the name , the feareful name of Bajazet would prove the subject of each libel , and the scoffe of petty Princes . Baja. Enough ; we have decreed Achomates shall quake beneath the stroke of our fierce anger . Isaack , speed away to Selymus , he shall confront the slave , the best of two so bad ; go , — stay , — yet go , 't is hard when we beg succour of a foe : Begg ! stay again — first will I drop before the sword of proud Achomates ; — goe — tell him , upon his low submission we will daigne to make him Champion to his Soveraigne . Exit Isaack . Enter Corcutus to his Father . My deare Corcutus welcome . Corcu.

Royall Father . Kneeles .

Baja. Arise thou onely solace of mine age : it was a night of harmlesse innocence , of peace and rest , in which kinde nature laid thee in thy mothers womb : Right vertuous boy , how hast thou liv'd untainted with the breath of that infectious vice , Rebellion ! Corcut. Right noble Father , 't is a faithful rule in moral rites , that who desires a good , and most suspects his right to it , is bold and turbulent , and eager in pursuit ; whereas the man to whom this good is due , rests happily contented , till time fit Crown him in the possession of his wish . Baja. Well moraliz'd : I understand thee , Boy , my grant shall melt thy prayers in ful joy . Exeunt .
Actus 5. Scena . 3. Enter Selymus and Souldiers . Sely. Once more ( in hope to gain , and fear to lose a Crown and Kingdom ) we have march'd thus neare the seat of a dread Emperor , to try the chance of war , or resolutely die . Feare no crosse blow , for with this hand I move the wheele of Fate : and each successe shall run even with our pleasures , till our hopes are spun up to their ful perfection : this dayes light that looks so chearfully , shall see as bright as it , my crown and glory . Makes a stand . As they march on , enter Isaack Bassa . What stranger 's this ? my blessed Genius haunts me . Isaack ! I take thee in with open love . What speaks thy Presence ? Isa.

Good newes to Selymus .

Sely.

From whom ?

Isa.

From Bajazet .

Sely.

'T is strange , if good .

Isa. And full as good as strange . March quickly hence , I 'le tell you as we walk ; if constant Chance smile on our project . e're this Sun go down , we may salute you with a glorious Crown . Sely. I follow even to death . Grand Mars to thee I 'le build an Altar , if thou prosper me . Exeunt .
Actus 5. Scena 4. Enter Achomates and Souldiers . Acho. Revenge my black impiety ; each brow seemes with a scornful laughter to deride those empty Menaces of Bajazet . And Bajazet is not our Father now , sith he hath wrong'd the duty of a Son ; but a scorn'd Enemy , whose prostrate soul shall make a step by which I will ascend up to the radiant throne of heavenly State , if you but lend your help and free consent . Souldiers . Lead us along the mysty banks of hell , through Seas of danger , and the house of death , we are resolv'd to follow , one by one to second each step of Achomates . Acho. This resolution is as great as just , continue it brave spirits : he 's a slave , that having sinn'd , dares not defend his sin . The world shall know I dare : For though our cause be wrong , yet wee 'l make good the breach of laws . Exeunt .
Actus 5. Scena 5. Enter Bajazet and Corcutus . Cor. Would I had slept with Trizham , and that hand that strangled Mahomet had stopt my breath , rather then live to see my selfe thus wrong'd . Baja. Despaire not sweet Corcutus , what I promis'd , I 'le keep most true , and here again I vow when I am dead , this honour to thy brow . I have call'd home that rebel Selymus , only to tame a Traytor : And that done , we have no other heire , no other son beside Corcutus , to whose free command we do bequeath the duty of this land . Enter Mesithes and Mustapha . Is Isaack not return'd ? Mesi .

My Liege , he is .

Musta .

And Selymus with him .

Baja.

Let them approach .

Enter Selymus and Isaack , as they enter speak . Isa. Let your high spirit shrink below it self in a dissembled shew of penitence . Sely. Tush , I can bow , as if my joynts were oyld , and tumble at his feet . Isa.

Practise your skill .

Selymus fals at Bajazets feet . Baja. Lesse shew , and more good meaning , Selymus , Arise : these crouching feates , give slender proofes of inward loyalty . Sely. Right noble Father , mine expedition to avenge your cause upon the head of proud Achomates , be my just trial . Baja. Hast then : May thy arm by breathless treason raise up a full joy , and turn that monster back unto the earth from whence it leapt . A most prodigious birth ! Sely. We flie to the performance ; who both dare and will correct his boldnesse : now we tread the path to honour , and methinks I heare the peoples Vivat Eccho in mine eare . Exit Selymus with the Bassaes . Baja. New insolence : The Bassaes slipt away ! How the obsequious villaines honour him , as if he were their Godhead ! Cherseogles . I suspect some plotted mischief , else they durst not leave your person thus unguarded . Baja. Plot and hang. We weigh not all their treasons at a straw , one must not rule too long , 't is subjects law . Exeunt . Passe over the stage Bassaes and Souldiers carrying Selymus aloft , and crying out , Long live Selymus , Vivat Selymus , Magnificent Emperor of the Turks . Exeunt . Enter Bajazet and Cherseogles . Baja. Hell and the furies vex their damned souls . What people ? Ha! what Nation is 't we live in ? Is' t our State and Monarchy ? Good gods , two Emperors at once ! Live Selymus ? Can slavish vassals thus supplant their Prince ? What 's this enshrines my head ? a type for fooles to flear at , a divided ornament ! Faile not my sense and courage , let me live to finde my self again . Vize-roy of Greece , didst thou not see a Bajazet withdraw and vanish hence ? tell thou most faithful man , what is become of that forgetful name ? or who hath stole it from me ? Selymus ! Oh that damn'd viliaine with his treacherous plot , hath rob'd me of that glory , Death of sense : I have a soul of Adamant or Steel , else had that hated noise reft it in twain . Enter Mesithes . What art thou ? or whence com'st thou ? Mesi .

From a Prince .

Ba.

Yet I believe thee .

Mesi .

From thine enemy .

Ba.

Yet I believe thee .

Mesith .

From the Emperour .

Baja. And I beleeve thee still ; yet slave , thou liest , these parts must know no Emperour but me , unlesse base usurpation hath stept up unto my chaire of honour . Right , 't is so : 't is so indeed . Wel then , what wil your Emperour ? Mesi .

That by my hand you yeeld him up his crown .

Baja Traytor , his crown ? so : now I am resolv'd . I have forgone my selfe , else had this hand tore out thy spottedheart , and that one word of yeelding , had been cause enough to spoyle thee and thy generation . Heartlesse slave , why sneak'st thou from our presence ? stay , behold , here ▪ commend this gorgeous ornament , these trappings to thy Emperour , as full bestead with curses as my heart with woes , that it my clogge his eares , and vex his head with daily terrours . Hence thy prince is sped . Exit Mesithes . Vize-roy of Greece , to thee our last farewell , thou worthiest , truest , best deserving man that ever made us happy : if thy faith respect me , not my fortune , do this charge , fly to Achomates , and rather aide him then this faithlesse Bastard Selymus , the scandall of our race , the mark for heaven to shoot revenge . But all in vaine , I strive to word away my inward paine . Cherseo . Nor this , nor that I 'le favour ; may I speed , Bajazet shall live to see both bleed . Exit . Baja. Maske up thy brighthesse Phoebus ; lovely night , hurle thy thick mantle over all the heavens , let this black day for ever be forgot in the eternall registers of time : which of you sacred powers are not asham'd to see a Prince so sinfully abus'd by his owne issue , and unreveng'd ? Enter Selymus and Bassaes . But stand we , who comes here ? a face of brasse , else would it blush : now , thou Saturnine Jove , thou God of great men , thunder , that the world drench'd all in sin , may shake and feare that noise , that horrid scourge of villanies . Sely.

Father !

Baja. Slave , avaunt : I feele a strong Antipathy t'wixt thee and me ; thy sight makes my dead heart distill fresh drops of blood , and work new smart . Exit . Sely. What , furious Bajazet , and raging hot ? I hugge the amorous pleasure that I feel creep through my joynts . Observe our Father , Exeunt Bassaes . else by some wilfull murder hee 'le prevent my purpos'd project ; I 'de not lose the guilt of his destruction for a crown : heaven knows I love him better then to let him digge himself a grave , whilst I may take the paines . Now mount my soul , and let my soaring plumes brush the smooth surface of the Azure skie . Crown in his hand . With this I charme obeysance from the world : thou golden counterfeit of all the heavens ; see how the shining starres in carelesse ranks grace the composure ; and the beauteous Moone holds her irregular motion at the height of the four poles ; this is a compleat heaven , and thus I weare it . But , methinks , 't is fixt but weakly on my brow , whilst there yet breath any whose envie once reflect on it ; and those are three : the angry Bajazet , puling Corcutus , proud Achomates : One of these three is car'd for , that 's Corcutus , who , ere the blushing morn salutes the Sun , shall be dispatcht by two most hideous slaves , whom I have bred a purpose to the fact . The other rival , wise Achomates , I 'le bear a side by force of men and armes , which ready Mustred , but attend the stroke : Then attend our Fathers . Enter Hamon . Here 's one deales for him , shall send him quick to hell . It is decreed , he that makes lesser greatness soon shall bleed . Hamon draw near , most welcome , my dear Hamon , what guesse you of your patient Bajazet ? Is he all healthful ? Ham. No , my gracious prince : Neither his body nor his mind is free from miserable anguish . Sely. A sad case . Hamon I love him , & would rid him from 't , were I so skill'd in naturals as you . Ham. All that my art can work to cure his grief shall be applied . Sely. Unapprehending fool : I must speak broader . Hamon , is he ill in minde and body both ? Ham.

Exceeding ill .

Sely. Then should I think him happier in his death , then in so hateful life and so weak breath . Ham.

And that 's the readier way to cure his ill .

Sely. ( H 'as found me now . ) But Hamon , can thy Art reach to the cure ? Ham.

With easie diligence .

Sely.

Then let it .

Ham.

I 'me yours . Exit Hamon .

Sely. Walk , and thy paines shall be rewarded highly , with the like as thou bestowest on Bajazet : the Court makes it a fashion now , first to bring the event about , and then hang up the instrument .
Actus 5. Scena 6. Enter Cherseogles above disguised like a common Souldier . Chers . Thus Cherseogles hast thou wound thy self out of thy self , to act some fearful plot , by which the Authors of this publick woe shall skip into their graves . It is confirm'd a deed of lawful valour , to defeat those of their lives , that rob'd the world of peace . On this side the false hearted Selymus with his confederate Bassaes lie incampt , just opposite the proud Achomates ; The Sun now sunk into the Western lap , bids either part unlace their warlike helmes until to morrow light , where both intend the hazard of a battel : but you powers , that with propitious cares tender the world , and us frail mortals , help me to prevent a general ruine by the fall of some ; assist my spirits in a deed of blood , cruel , yet honest and austerely good . Who ? Selymus ? as I expected . Enter Selymus . Sely. What ? A souldier thus licentious in his walks ? a stranger ? Ha! What art thou ? Che.

A sworn friend , a servant to thy greatness .

Sely. Then return back into thy ranks and orders , no edict from me hath ratified this liberty , to scout at randome from the standing camp . Cher. 'T is true , my honour'd Lord , nor have I dared for some poor trivial prey thus to remove my self , but for a cause of greater weight , the ruine of our enemies . Sely. How 's that ? The ruine of our enemies ! Cher. No lesse ; The quick fall of great Achomates can work it . Sely. Souldier , as thou hop'st to live , mock not my thoughts with false and painted tales of a supposed stratagem . Cher.

I sweare —

Sely.

What wilt thou sweare ?

Cher. By all the heavenly powers I speak the truth , and if I fail in ought , grind mine accursed body into dust . Sely. Enough , unfold the meaning and the way by which this happy project must be wrought . Cher. 'T is thus ; at the 12th hour of this black night , Achomates I have induc'd to walk forth to this valley weapon'd , but unmand , in expectation of your presence there ; where being met , hee 'l urge a single fight 'twixt you and him : after a stroake or two , I have ingag'd my self closely to start from ambush , and against you take his part . Sely.

Then thou art a traytor .

Cher. Worse then a divel , should my heart have made that promise with my tongue ; but heaven bear witness , that my inward thoughts labour his welfare only , whom you powers have prov'd most worthy , therefore only yours . Meet but this foe , whom I have flattered thus , to his destruction ; and great Selymus shall see my strength imployed to offend Achomates , and stand thy faithful friend . Sely.

Oh wert thou faithful —

Cher. If I shrink in ought that I profess , death shall strike me to the grave : so thrive all falshood , and each perjur'd slave . Sely. Th' ast won our credit , bear a noble mind about thee , then to find me forward trust ; this night when sleep triumphant hath subdu'd her wakeful subjects , and the mid-night clock sounded full twelve , in this appointed place , expect my presence , and till then adieu , our next shall be a tragick enterview . Chers . The first is car'd for — here a second comes . Enter Achomates . Assist me thou quick issue of Joves brain , and this one night shall make their labors vain . Acho. It shall be so , my fears are too to great , to joyn all in one on-set : a strong band shall with a circle hem the traytor round , and intercept the passage of their flight ; How now ? from whence com'st thou ? what art thou ? Cher.

A Liege-man to Achomates .

Acho.

To me ?

Cher. Yes noble Prince , and one whose life is vowd to further your desert , and therefore yours . Acho.

We thank you , and pray you leave us .

Cher. I can unfold an easie stratagem , would crown the hopes of great Achomates . Acho.

What means the fellow ?

Cher. to secure your state by Selymus his fall . Acho. What i' st thou breath'st ? speak it again , for many careful thoughts possesse my Soul , that every blessed voice steales in the passage twixt my eare and haste . By Selymus his fall , to secure my state ? Cherse . I can . Achom. Delude me not , and I will rain such an unmeasured plenty in thy lap , heap such continuall honors on thy head that thou shalt shrink , and stagger with the waight . Cher. Judge of the means : This night I have induc'd young Selymus to walk forth in this grove , at the twelfth hour , in hope to meet you here ; where having urg'd a combat and both met in eager conflict , I have pawn'd my vow to rush from yonder thicket , and with him joyne against you . Acho.

Villaine !

Cher. And Divel , had my heart made promise with my tongue ; but heaven bears witness that my soul affects none but Achomates . Try but my faith , and meet this foe , whom I have bayted thus with golden hopes , and you will finde my deed ( in your defence ) all promise shall exceed . Acho. I 'm resolv'd , souldier ; when day is past and the full fancies of mortality busie in dreames and playing visions , at the sad melancholy hour of twelve , I le meet thee in this plaine . Cher. And you shall find me here before you . Achom. Be so ; who denies to strike in time , can seldome hope to rise . Exit . Cher These two will meet , and I must take doth parts , Now for a trick to send them both to hell in the full growth of expectation ; Heavens know they have deserv'd it ; then 't would be an happy murder : and behold the men Enter Bassaes . whom I have decreed should do it . Once againe I must betake me to my former note ; Health to the friends of our great Emperor , the three strong pillars that uphold true worth . Isa.

Sir , your intrusion is unseasonable .

Must .

And your salute , impardonably bold .

Che. Perhaps the news I bring , may frame excuse for both these faults . Mesi .

Speake out thy mind in brief .

Cher. Then thus : to night here present on this plain , you may encounter two fierce enemies , Achomates , and Cherseogles both at the full stroak of twelve . Isa.

How ( Mesithes ) we 're blest !

Must .

This night at twelve of the clock ?

Cher.

Upon my life —

Omnes

What shall we do ?

Cher. But meet me on this plain at the appointed hour , and I will place you three aside , from whence you shall oppress your foes at unawares . Mesi .

Is it a match ?

Isa.

'T is done , at twelve a clock .

Must .

See thou prove faithful .

Cher. If I shrink in ought that I profess , death strike me to the grave : So thrive all falshood & each perjur'd slave . Exeunt Bassaes . How easily base minds are drawn to strike their foes at least advantage ! — Beauteous moon , pale witnesse to a thousand deeds of sin , vail up thy light , that darknesse may help on these black stratagems , and unhallowed hands strike in mistaken bodies , even the soul themselves adore , and cheerfully defend . But time grows fast upon me , hit all right , two Princes , and three Bassaes dye this night .
Actus 5. Scena 7. Enter Corcutus with his Lute . Cor. Heaven , whither run these projects ? is the thought of man so senslesse , void of wit , yet fraught with threatning ambition ? to what end doth this distempered madnesse headlong bend ? Blesse me , my Genius , from these hated toyles of murdering warfare , and these sweating broyles of watchfull policy ; Phoebus , let it be that I may know no other god but thee . Learned experience saies , ambiguous fates vex eminent fortunes , and he onely stands without the beames of envy , whom the hands of some propitious power hath rankt below those short delights that troubled thoughts do know : A Crown 's a golden marke , which being hit , falls not alone , but oft the head with it : honors are smoaky nothings ; then let the Queen of learning , great Minerva , and the nine chast sisters , that adorne the Grecian hill devote me to themselves ; but let me still within Apollos sacred Temple sit , and spend my body to encrease my wit ; Raigne Selymus , for I shall ne're thee hate , thy supreame power , nor envy thy state : Corcutus stands divorced from a life engag'd to vaine ambition , factious strife , and empty power of Kings . Hee 's great in fame , not who seekes after , but neglects the same . Since thou hast griev'd me Phoebus , free my wit , that I may ease my griefe by speaking it ; if thou deny'st , fond god , 't will be in vaine , sorrow can sing , though thou not tune the straine . Sings to his Lute . Then thou sweet Muse , from whence there flows words able to expresse our ill , Teach me to warble out my woes , and with a sigh each accent fill : Infuse my brest with doleful straines , Whose heavy note may speak my paines . O let me sigh , and sighing weep , Till night deprives my woes with sleep . The pleasing murmurs of the ayre , that gently fan each moving thing , I having heard , straight do repayre , and bear a burden , whilst I sing An heavy burden , doleful song , The fathers grief , the subjects wrong . O let me sigh , and sighing weep , Till night beguiles my woes with sleep . The grieved Flora hangs the head of every youthful plant and tree , And flowry pleasures are starke dead at my lamenting melody ; Then all you Muses help my straine , To reach the depth of bitter paine . Oh let me sigh , and sighing weep , Till night beguiles my woes with sleep . Me thinks I heare the singing spheares tune their melodious straines to mine , The dewie clouds dissolve in teares , as if they griev'd to see me pine ; Thus each thing joynes to see my mone , Thus seldome come true sighs alone . Then let me sigh , and sighing weep , Till night beguile my woes with sleep . He sleeps : Then enter two murtherers who slaying him , bear him away . Exeunt .
Actus 5. Scena 8. Enter Cherseogles . Cher. A dark and heavy night , as if the gods winckt at our projects , and had clad the heavens in a propitious black , to blesse my plot ! Revenge , to thee I dedicate this work ; and I will pamper thy wild appetite with blood and murther , thy dull , slow-pac't feet shall caper to behold our fearful scenes drencht in a scarlet Ocean . T is full twelve — I hear a quiet foot-pace , and it beates directly towards . 'T is Selymus , joy of expectation . Enter Selymus . Sely. Thou Queen of shades , bright Cynthia , and you starry lampes of heaven , what spheare hath told you ? oh y' are envious all , and therefore hate to grace the time , in which I ruinate my latest foe : this is the sand on which I am to wrestle for a Crowne , and I am entred full of greedy lust , to meet my adverse champion ; here 's my god whom I adore with greater confidence then all those beauties , Sun , or Moon , or Starrs , that with malicious absence have disrob'd this gracious houre of i'ts due respect . Oh thou the silent darknesse of the night , arme me with desperate courage and contempt of gods-lov'd men : now I applaud the guile of our brave roarers , which select this time to drink and swagger , and spurn at all the powers of either world . Blest mortals , had that mother strangled her other infant , white fac't day , and brought forth only night ! my limbs are stiff , and I must bath them in my brothers blood ; I le steep this grasse in a red purple goare , scatter the carcasse peecemeale , and that done , I le reare a lasting monument , I le signe a trophie , which inscrib'd , shall speak my deeds to after ages , that 's my chief intent : Hee 's coldly prays'd that 's written innocent . Whose there ? my souldier ? Che.

Souldier and slave , great Prince at your command .

Sely. I will enoble thee , place thee my second self in all my power for thy rare faith . Where 's our Achomates ? Cher. I heard one softly track full hitherwards , and think t is he ; 't is needful that I meet him , and give some proof that I continue his , else jealous of my faith , he will return , and we be both deluded ; when y' are met , parley before you fight , till I prepare my self to run upon him unaware . Mean while I le go to meet him . Exit . Sely. Goe make hast . But if this base raskal should deceive my trust ! a trifle — my nerves are plumped up , and fil'd with vigor , strong enough to fright a million of such big backt , drowsie slaves ; I hear them both approach . Enter Cherseogles and Achomates . Cher. See where he stands , I shall not be slow to second your encounter ; being met , parley before you fight , till I prepare my self to run upon him unaware , meane while I 'le withdraw — now for my Bassaes . Exit Acho. A time of dismal blacknesse , and my soul is dull and heavy , as if envious night striv'd to subdue my fatal watchfulnesse . But I have rush'd upon my foe : whose there ? Sely.

Answer thy Prince first ; I say , what art thou ?

Acho.

He that usurp's , hath title of a villaine .

Sely.

But he that weares it is a Saint , and such am I.

Acho.

Th' art a treacherous slave .

Sely. Achomates thou lyest , this night shall prove I shrinke not to unmaske what I have done . Acho.

Oh heavens , so impudently bad !

Sely. Good brother , we know your vertues , one that gains country , gods , and men ; slew an Ambassadour , which here we must revenge . Acho. Hearke in thine eare , I le whisper forth thy mischiefs , lest the heavens should teare and snatch them hence from my revenge , in greedinesse of wrath — They whisper . Enter Cherseogles , Isaack ▪ Mesithes , Mustapha . Cher.

See where they stand .

Isaack .

Achomates and Cherseogles ?

Cher. Both : They are two ; we soure le ts run upon them ; 'T is very dark , be certain in your aime , and all strike home . Omnes .

A match .

Mesi .

Isaack and I will take the nearest .

Musta .

And we the other .

Cher.

Strike home , and sure , and here 's at them .

Stab him . Sely.

I have the Crown , and I will , — Oh , oh , oh !

stab him . Acho.

Oh , ô ô , O villaine , I am slain . uterque morit .

Cher.

It is not Cherseogles we have slain .

Isa.

Not Cherseogles , villaine ! whom then ? speak .

They confer . Cher.

Achomates and Selymus .

Isa.

Ha!

Cher.

None other .

Isa.

Hast thou betray'd us so ?

Cher. Be silent , heare me . There lie the Captaines of both Armies dead , breathlesse : and you so stupid to neglect the use of opportunities ! Isa.

What use ?

Cher. Are you not rich , wealthie in powerful gold ? go whilst the Souldiers lye thus destitute of any Leader , frankly bribe both parts , buy their unsetled love at any rate , and creep into their bosome ; then in this dead want and dearth of Princes , they will cleave to Isaack , and at length salute — Isa.

Me Emperor ?

Cher.

You apprehend it right .

Isa.

What blessed angel art thou ?

Cher.

'T is no time for idle complements .

Isa. Thy counsel 's good . I would not let slip this sweet occasion , for all the pretious plenty of the world . come let 's away . Cher.

First make some quick dispatch with these now rivalls .

Isa. True , they 'le not endure my Soveraignty . Hast no suddain wits how to remove them both ? Cher. No wile but strength ; are not we two ? They are no more ; we must encounter them , 't is man to man : the match no whit unequal . Isa. I am thine : I hate to have co-partners in my state : There shall not breath a man whose envious eye dares look a squint on my dread Majesty . Mesi .

They that bring news first , are still most welcome .

Musta .

Experience speaks it true .

Mes.

Let us hast . Now Selymus , we come to gratulate .

Isaack .

Stay —

Cherseo .

Stand.

Mes.

How ?

Mustaph .

What meanes this ?

Isaack .

Fate to your lives .

They fight , Isaack is slaine . Musta .

Sweet doings !

Isaack . 'T is no lesse Sir , witnesse this , traytor I 'me slaine . Moritur . Cherseog . Crosse fortune , wicked chance : but I must make the best of it . Is he dead ? Mes. Villaine he is , and thy bad turne is next : what devil did incite thee , to incite Isaack 'gainst friends ? Injurious slave . Must . Urge him to no confession till the rack force from his closest thought unwilling truth , He shall be doom'd for this notorious fact unto continuall paines , hunger , oppression , want and slavery . Mes. That struck me full . — Have at thee : hold thou art victor I have met the price of treason , death ; and as I hop'd to rise by blood , I fall , so have I mist my scope , delusion is the end of lawlesse hope . Moritur Cherse . Mesithes stay one moment , art thou gone ? I am not far behinde I feele the blood by slow degrees ebb from my fainting brest , I am heart struck , and wounded even to death , a Scene of slaughter this ! — O just heavens ! still I plighted faith to each of these , I wisht that if I fail'd in one , I vow'd death should thus strike me . I have gain'd my wish , Then you imperiall Fates that intercept the brittle courses of fraile mortality , continue this firme justice , and enact a constant law that all false meaning hearts that think of oathes as of a puffe of wind , may as I do , thus sink into the grave , my dying wish , so thrive each perjur'd knave . Moritur . Enter Souldiers . Soul . 1 The night overblown , and five a clock ! I wonder at their absence ; what are these ? our Generalls murdered , our deere Selymus , with his three Bassaes , and Achomates ! Whose bloody hand is guilty of this fact ? Soul . 2. A trembling shakes me , 't was some power that frown'd at our proceedings . Soul . 3.

Bajazet is new borne to his Soveraignty .

Soul . 4. Let 's take their bodies , bear them hence in unto their greatnesse , and advise the foe of their slaine Generall , sterne Achomates : sound peacefull rumours ; we must resubmit . to Bajazet , so heaven hath thought it fit . Exeunt .
Actus 5. Scen 9. Enter Bajazet and Haman with a book and candle . Baja. Set down the book and candle , go and provide the Potion to prevent my Feaver-fit , till when I meane to study : go make hast . Exit Haman Fortune , I thank thee , thou' rt a gracious Whore , thy happy anger hath immur'd a prince within the walls of base security . Farewell thou swelling sea of Government , on whose bright christall bosom floates along the gravell'd vessell of proud Majesty . Ambition empty all thy bagge of breath , send forth thy blast among the quiet waves , and work huge tempests to confound the Art of the Pilat Pilat Selymus . Treason and envy like two bickering windes , shake the unsetled fabrick of his State , that from my study windowes I may laugh , to see his broken fortune swallowed up in the quick-sands of danger , and the sayle puft with the calm breath of a flattering chance , by furious whirl-winds rended into rags , and peece-meal scattered through the Ocean : But peace my chiding spirit ; come thou man Takes the book . of rare instinct , blest Author of a book worthy the studies of a reading God : thou do'st present before my wearied eyes , Tiberius sweating in his policies , dull Claudius gaged by dull flattery , Nero unbowelling Nobility , Galba undone by servants hardly good , Otho o're-whelmd in love , and drencht in blood , Vitellius sleeping in the chaire of State , Vespatian call'd to government by Fate : still as my Muse doth travel o're their age , a Princes care is writ in every Page . Thus I unfold the volume of thy writ , the chiefest solace of my moving wit , Caedes eo fuit nobilior , quia filius He reads Patrem interfecit . Tacit. Hist. lib. 20. Avaunt thou damn'd wizard , did thy god Apollo teach thee to divine my fall ? What hath thy cursed Genius tract my steps through the Meanders of dark privacie ? and will he dwell with me in these close shades to vex my banisht soul , banisht from joy , remov'd from the worlds eye ? I am accurs'd , and hated by the Synod of the gods , a knot of envious deceits : the day will be when they shall smart for this indignity . Enter solemn Musick , the Ghost of Mahomates , Zemes , Trizham , Mahomet , Achmetes , Caigubus , Asmehemides , with each a sword and burning Tapers , led in by Nemesis with a sword , they encompasse Bajazet in his bed . Nem. Triumph my Plantiffes , Nemesis your Queen is pierc'd quite through with your continual groanes . See , see , the prostrate body of a King , clad in the weedes of pining discontent , lieth open to your wrath , and doleful hate : But I conjure you not to touch his skin , nor hurt his sacred person , those three Fates ( those frightful sisters ) told me they decree for Bajazet another destinie : But vex his soul with your deluding blows , and let him dream of direful anguishments , each in the proper order of his Fate , vent the comprest confusion of his hate One after another strike at Bajazet with their swords , Nemesis puts by their blows . Exeunt in a solem dance . Neme. Awake , awake thou tortured Emperor , look with the eye of fury on the heavens , threaten a downfall to this mortal stage , and let it crack with thee ; thy life is run to the last Scene , thy Tragick part is done . Exit . Bajazet awakes in fury ; ariseth . You meager divels , and infernal haggs , where are you ? Ha! what , vanisht ? am I found ? Did I not feele them teare and rack my flesh , and scramble it amongst them ? Heaven and earth , I am deluded ; what thin ayrie shapes durst fright my soul ? I 'le hunt about the world , search the remotest angles of the earth , till I 've found out the clymate holds these fiends , or build a bridg by Geometrick skill , whom lineal extension shall reach forth to the declining borders of the skie , on which I 'le lead mortality along , and break a passage through the brazen walls , from whence Jove triumphs o're this lower world : then having got beyond the utmost sphere , besiege the concave of this universe , and hunger-starve the gods till they confess what furies did my sleeping soul oppresse . Ha! did it lighten ? or what nimble flame ha's crept into my blood ? me thinks it steals through my distemper'd joynts , as if it fear'd to urge me to impatience . Hamon , accursed Hamon ; stand my soul above the power of these invenom'd drugs : Am I in hell alive ? the Stygian flames could not produce an heat so violent as burns within my body : Oh I feel my heart drop into cinders , I am dust ; Jove , for thine own sake Jove , confine my soul within these walls of earth : for in the skie when I am there , none shall be Jove but I. Still , still I boyle , and the continued flames are aggravated : He is done , subdu'd ( by the base Art of a damn'd Emperick ) whose empty name sent terrour through the world : Is not the heaven bespangl'd all with starrs , and blazing Meteors , whose bright glimmering flames , like ceremonial Tapers should adorne my solemne Hearse ? what , doth the golden Sun ride with it's wonted motion ? are the waves bridled within their narrow Continent ? No deluge ? not an earthquake ? shall a Prince , an Emperor , a Bajazet decease and make no breach in nature ? fright the world with no prodigious birth ? Are you asleep , you thundring Beggards that so awe the world ? I 'le hasten to revenge this strong neglect of my deceasing spirits : mount my soul , brush off this cloddy heavy element : So Jove I come , excorporate , divine , immortal as thy self , I must contest with thee , proud god , with thee to arme my mind , only my soul ascends , earth stayes behind . Moritur . Enter the Ghosts as before , and bear him out .
Actus 5. Scena 10. Enter Solymon as newly Crowned . Souldiers , Attendants , warlike Musick . Soly.

Is Selymus deceased ?

Sould.

He is my Lord .

Soly. Who Selymus ? what Fate durst be so bold : Oh , I could act an holy frenzy now . Selymus deceas'd ? What did not Atlus tremble at such a burden ? Can he support the Orb that holds up Selymus ? is not yet the Pole crackt with his weight ? do not the heavens prepare his funeral Exequies ? Jove , I invoke thee now , command the heavens that the prone Chandler shops command that idle Phoebus , that he exhale matter from earth to make thy Funeral Tapers : Or I 'le make Torches of the universe in stead of Comets ; flaming Countries , Cities shall be thy ceremonial Tapers : Or if not this ; I 'le ransack Christendome , Kings Daughters I 'le embowel for a Sacrifice , their fat with vestal fire will I refine , and offer virgins wax unto thy shrine . Start back bright Phoebus , let thy fiery Steeds keep Holyday for Selymus . Tell thy host , proud Neptune now expects another deluge , that all the earth may weep for Selymus . What do you smile , you heavens ? are ye conscious , and guilty of this execrable treason ? What , dare the fields to laugh to when I do mourn ? I 'le dye your motly colour'd weedes in scarlet , and cloath the world in black destruction . Nemesis , I 'le nayl thee to my greedy sword , destruction shall serve under me a Prentiship . Courage brave Selymus , with thy Princely boat through Styx even all mortality shall float ; I 'le leavy Souldiers through the Universe , with which thou shalt begirt Elizeum ; Thus barren Nature shall repent thy fall , grieving that she did not the event fore-stall . Death , I will hate thee : the world shall wear thy sable livery embroydred with fear : Thy Trophies every where the world shall gaze on : Thy Armes in sable and in gules I 'l blazon . Soul . My Lord , this Crown intreats , you leave off these ground-creeping meditations , and to think of Majesty ; wherefore we invest your brow with this rich robe of glory , and do vow to it our due alleageance : thus you shall mount up aloft above your Fathers fall . Soly. Thus our deare Father , those bright robes of state for which so lately thou hast sweat in blood , thou wear'st upon my shoulders in thy stead : thus are we crown'd , and thus our labours be made gainful unto thine , though not to thee . Sould. Live then , and raign , most mighty Emperor , whilst that our care and watchful providence shall fence thy safety , and keep Sentinel over thy sacred person ; were black treasons hatcht in the Center of the darkest earth , the massie element should be prospective for all our piercing eyes ; should Pluto send his black Apparator to summon thee to appear before him , by that Mahomet , we would confront him boldly , and excuse thy absence unto Pluto , by our presence ; death , we 'le disarm thee , if thou dar'st arrest thy fury on our Solymon ; or we 'le bale his person with our imprisonment . By our death thou shalt live ; our City walls may with warlike ruine be battered , but our alleageance , that European Bull shall ne'r push from us with his golden hornes ; nor shall his guilded showers quench our loves : no golden Engineer shall undermine the Castles of our faith , nor blow them up with blasts of hop'd preferment : were thy walls but paper , were they made of brittle glasse , our faiths should make them marble , and as firm as Adamant : Not walls , but subjects love , do to a Prince the strongest Castle prove . Behold great Prince , alleageance mixt with love lock'd in our brests : thou art the living key to shut , and to unlock them at thy pleasure : no golden pick-lock shall e're scrue it self into these faithful locks , whose only springs can be no other then our own heart strings . Our greedy swords , which erst imbru'd in blood , did seem to blush at their own Masters acts , and us upbraid with our most bloody facts , though peace hath now condemn'd to pleasing rust , yet at thy beck we 'le sheath them in the brest of daring Christians : thus in war we 'le fight for thee , whil'st thou dost strive for victory . Here to describe such Princely vertues , which should more adorn thy Crown then Orient pearles , were but to shew a glasse , and to commend thy self unto thy self . Be gracious , magnificent , couragious , or mild , or more compendiously , be more thy self , raigne then , and Mahomet grant that thou may'st passe Nestor in years , as much as now thou dost in wisdom and in valour ; Herauld proclaim to the world his title , and let swift-winged Fame second thy trumpet . Her . Long live Solymon , &c. Solym. We thank you friendly Actors of our blisse , our patience hath at length tired out the gods ; our Empire hath been rackt enough with treasons , and black seditions , as if no Christians were left to conquer ; we weeld our Turkish blades against our selves , embowelling the State with bloody discord , by our strength we fall a scorn to Christians , with our hands we shed that blood which might have conquered Christendome ; thus while we hate our selves , we love our enemies , and heal them with our sores , whil'st we lye weltring in bloody peace : the dy of the publick safety hath been already cast by th' hand of war , treasons have made a blot , which may provoke the enemy to enter , and bear our men to dark Avernus . Envy might have blusht , though alwayes pale , at all our projects : now this bloody deluge is quite past , return sweet peace with th' Olive branch , enough of wars , 't is thou must poure oyl into our scarrs . Fly hence Hereditary hate , discords dead , let not succeeding enmities and hatred live , let none presume to cover private sores with publick ruines , nor let black discord make an Anatomy of our too leane Empire , let it wax fat again ; when peace hath knit herknots , then shal the wanton sounds of bells give place to thundering Bombardes , and blood wash out the smoothing oil of peace ; every Souldier I 'le ordaine a Priest to ring a fatal knell to Christians , and every minute unto earths wide womb shall sacrifice a Christians Hecatomb : Then shall we make a league with Aeolus , the winds shall strive to further our proceedings , then will we load the seas , and fetter Neptune with chaines that hold our Anchors ; he shall quake , lest he to Pan resigne his watry Empire , and three fork'd-mace unto my awful Scepter ; The Whales and Dolphins shall amazed stand , that they shall yeild their place to Bears and Lions , Sylla shall howl for fear , when she shall see the Sea become a Forrest , and her self mountainy ; then let Syrens quake for fear of Satyres , then let the Christians think , not that our Navy , but the Country it self is come to move them from the growing earth ; Comets , fiery swords shall be my Heraulds , threatning to th' world sudden combustion : Let our armes be steely bowes , our arrowes thunderbolts , and in stead of warlike Drumms , thunder shall proclaim black destruction ; Vulcan I 'le tax thee , exercise thy Forge , prepare to me for all the world a scourge , the Fates to me their powers shall resigne , which with this hand will rend twine strongest twine of humane breath . First for the Isle of Rhodes , destruction there shall keep his mournful Stage : Th' inhabitants shall act a bloody Tragedy , and personate themselves ; Then for Nayos I le , death there shall keep her Court : then I will make Vienna all a Shambles : yea gaping Famine ever devouring , alwayes wanting food , shall gnaw their bowels , and shall leave them nothing , besides themselves to feed on ; their dead corps shall be entombed in their neighbours bellies . There , every one shall be a living Sepulcher , an unhallowed Church-yard ; famine shall feed it self . Then shall they envy beasts , and wish to be our Jades , our Mules ; Matrons shall strive to bring into the hateful light abortive Brats ; the Infants shall return , and the lean womb shall be unto the babes a suddain tomb . Then shall they hoard up carcasses , and strive only to be rich in Funerals ; I 'de rejoyce to see them stand like Screech-Owles , gaping when their Parents should expire , and bequeath to hell their wretched souls , to them their death . All.

Long live great Solymon our noble Emperour .

Soly. All this , and more then this I 'le doe , when peace hath glutted our new greedy appetites , when it hath fill'd the veines of the Empire full with vigour ; then , lest too much blood should cause Armies of vices , not of men to kill us , and strength breed weaknesse in our too great Empire , then , then , and only then we shall think good , with war to let the body politick blood . Meane time we 'le think on our Fathers Funeral : Oh , I could be an holy Epicure , in teares , and pleasing sighs , Oh I could now refresh my self with sorrow , I could embalm thy corps with holy groanes from putrefaction : Oh , I could powder up thy thirsty corps with brinish teares , and wipe them off with kisses : and that I might more freely speak my grief , these eyes should be still silent Orators , till blindnesse shuts them up , were I a woman : But I am Solymon , Emperor , the Turk , blood shall be my teares , I 'le think thee slain amongst the Christians , and translate my grief to fury ; every member of my body shall execute the office of a weeping sonne . Thus in my teares an Argus will I bee , my head , heart , hands , and all shall weepe for thee . Oh that the cruell Fates were halfe so milde as to drive streames of teares from forth the springs , great sorrowes have no leasure to complaine ; Least ills vent forth ; great griefes within remaine : See Selymus , sometimes a four-string'd instrument feeding his Souldiers with sweet Harmony , doth now tune nought to us but Lacrymae . Could n' Aeschulapiùs be found to tune his disagreeing elements ? treasons crackt the string ; which else an head-ach would untune . Every disease is a ragged fort to weare these strings asunder ; treason did lend death , which both age , and sicknesse did intend ; What then remaines , but that his Funeral rites with our Grand fathers , Uncles be solemnized , that so black discord may be with them buried ? But noble Selymus , what Tombe shall I prepare for thy memoriall ? shall a heavy stone presse thy innocent ashes ? Shall I confine thy wandring ghost in some high marble prison ? Or shall I hither fetch the flying Tombe of proud Mausolus the rich Carian King ? No ; Religion shall cloake no such injurie ; no hired Rhethorick shall adorne thy coarse , no pratling stone shall trumpet forth thy praise ; the world 's thy tombe , thy Epitaph I 'le carve in Funerals ; destruction is the booke in which we 'le write thy annalls , blood 's the Inke , our sword the Pen. A Tragedy I intend , Which with a Plangity , no Plaudity shall end ▪
FINIS .

THE COURAGEOUS TURK , OR , AMURATH THE FIRST .

A Tragedie , Written by THOMAS GOFF Master of Arts , and student of Christ-Church in OXFORD , and Acted by the Studens of the same house .

The second Edition

LONDON , Printed for G. BEDELL and T. COLLINS , at the middle Temple Gate Fleet-street . 1656.

TO THE No lesse honored , then deserving , Sir WALTER TICHBORNE , Knight . SIR ,

THis with another Tragedy , intituled , The raging Turk , the issue of one mans braine ; are now come forth together from the Presse , neerer allyed , even as Twins in this their second birth ; They are full of Glory , Strength , and indeed full of what not , that beautifies ? The more apt to be soyled , opposed , and disgraced ; the rather , because the Auther ha's made his Exit hence . The intent , and use of Dedication ( as I have observed ) is to no other end , then that ignorance and spite , ( sworne Enemies to ingenuity ) should know upon their dull or envious dislikes , whether to repayre and recieve reformation . The Fatherlesse fellow-Orphan to this work resteth safe under the protection of your most noble Brother , my much honoured Friend , Sir Richard Tichborne , Knight and Baronet ; Now for these reasons , and that I might not make them strangers by remote fosterings , but especially standing to you ( most worthy SIR ) equally engaged , I this to you Present and Dedicate : Together tendring the Love and unfained acknowledgements , of

Your most embounden Servant , RICHARD MEIGHEN .
TO THE AUTHOR , In that , Transcribing his Book , without his knowledge , I was bound by promise to stand to his pleasure to keepe it or burne it . I Will not praise this Worke , 't were lost , Rich Pearles best praise themselves ; nor will I boast To be possest of more than India's wealth , That were the way to lose 't , since I my selfe Distrust my selfe in keeping it , and stand In feare of robbing by some envious hand : Rob'd of it , said I ? Alas , that fate were just , Since I am found first thiefe to you , who durst Unbidden thus , ransacke your pretious store ; This magazine of wit , so choyce ; nay more , Steale from the chariot of the glorious Sunne , This heavenly fire . What shall I say , 't is done ; I doe confesse the enditement , pity then Must be my surest Advocate 'mongst men . None can abate the rigor of the Law , But the Law-giver ; but me thoughts I saw , ( Or hop'd I saw ) some watry beames of Mercy Breake , glimpsing forth of your imperious eye . O let me beg reprive , your pardon may By due observance come another day . Here loe , I tender 't backe to bide the doom , By promise bound to him , to him with whom I would not breake for all rich Tagus sands ; Now he the Prisoner at your mercy stands . — Ergo ibit in ignes Hoc opus aeternum ruet , & tot bella , tot Enses In Cineres dabit hora nocens . —
THE PROLOGUE . WEre not our present subject mixt with feare , 'T would much affright us to see all you here . One would suffice us , or no Auditor . Each to himselfe an ample Theater , Let rude Plebeians thinke so , but we know All judgements here from the same Spring doe flow ; All here have but one censure , all one brest , All sonnes of the same Mother ; but the rest We preoccupate their Censure , and fore-tell , What after may be said not to be well . As in most decent Garments you may see . Some gracious Ornaments inweaved bee ; Which serve for little use ; but on some day Destin'd to please himselfe , the wearer may Without a blush put on , when his best friends Intend to visit him . So our hope intends The sacred Muses Progeny to greet , Which under our Roofe , now the third time meet . We will not ope the booke to you , and show A story word by word , as it doth goe ; But give invention leave to undertake , Of it's owne straines , some benefit to make : For though a Tragicke Pen may be confin'd W thin a studies private Walles , the mind Must be unbounded , and with inventions steele , Strike fire from the alient Flints — So free we are from setting any price On these our studied Vanities , that advice Almost disdain'd the whispers of those tongues Which , private first , though vented , publike wrongs To the Patient , Patient oft . We 'il here begin To be a litle peremptory . Oh that sinne Of willfull indiscretion ; 't is no bayes To make us Garlands of our owne mouthes praise . Which who affect , may they so Lawrell lacke , That slanders Thunders may behind their backe Blast them with Calumny ; for we vow , they deare Pay for their paines , that give attention here . And since it 's suffered with kind indulgence , We hope that Kingly Parent 's our defence ; Who would not have his dandling love be knowne , But unto those had off-spring of their owne . And ( for we are assured that here be No braines so curst with blacke sterilitie , But of some nature they can frely call Births more mature , and Caelestiall ; Their studies issue ) they , like kindest Mothers , With tender hands will swath the limbes of others .
THE ARGUMENT . A Suppo'd Victory by AMURETH Obtain'd in Greece , where many captives tane , One among the rest , IRENE , conquers him , For , taken with her love , he sounds retreat Eternally from Warre : but after , mov'd With murmur of his Nobles , in her bed , Before his Councils face , strikes off her head . Then ruminating former bloudy broyles , He straight o'recomes all Christian Provinces , Invades the Confines of his Sonne in Law , Fires Caramania , and makes Aladin With 's Wife and Children suppliant for their lives : At length appointed his great'st Field to fight Upon Cassanae's Plaines ; where having got A wondrous Conquest 'gainst the Christians , Comes the next morne to overview the dead ; 'Mongst whom a Christian Captaine , Cobelitz , Lying wounded there , at sight of Amurath , Rising and staggering towards him , desperately With a short dagger wounds him to the heart , And then immediately the Christian dyes . The Turke expiring , Bajazet his Heyre Strangles his younger brother : Thus still springs The Tragick sport which Fortune makes with Kings .
THE ACTORS . Amurath . Lala Schahin . — Tutor to Amurath . two Turkish Captaines . Eurenoses , Chase Illibegge . Cobelitz a Christian Captaine . Lazarus the Despot or Governour of Servia . Sasmenos Governour of Bulgaria . Aladin Sonne in Law to Amurath : and King of Caramania . Two Lords with Aladin . Two Embassadors . Bajazet , Eldest Sonne to Amurath . Jacyl , Youngest Sonne to Amurath . Carradin Bassa A Governour under the Turke . For the Maske . Jupiter Juno Mars Venus Hector Achil Apollo Pallas Alexander Philoxenus Neptune Cupid Women Actors . Eumorphe , Concubine to Amurath . Menthe , An attendant on Eumorphe . Hatun , Daughter to the Lord of Phrygia , married to Bajazet . Aldines Wife , Two little Boyes with her . Mutes . Men Christians taken , given to Amurath for Janizaries . Sixe Christian Maidens presented to Hatun supposed to be Kings Daughters .
THE COURAGEOUS TURK , OR , AMURATH THE FIRST .
Actus 1.
Scena 1. Enter as from Warre , Lala-Schahin at one doore , with warlike Musicke , Souldiers , a March . Enter to him at the other doore , Amurath in State , with Eumorphe his Concubine , attendants , Lords and Ladies . AMURATH . BE dumb those now harsh notes , our softer cares shall never be acquainted with such sounds . Peace ( our grand Captain ) see here Amurath , that would have once confronted Mars himselfe , ( Acknowledg'd for a better Deity ) Puts off ambitious burdens ; and doth hate through bloudy Rivers to make passages , whereby his Soule might flote to Acheron . Wrinckle your browes no more ( sterne fates ) for we scorne to be made the servile Ministers to cut those threads , at which your selves have trembled , esteeming us the fiercer Destiny . Yet must great Amurath thanke those sacred powers , they have enricht our soules with such a price , as had those Heroes , whose revengefull Armes serv'd Mars a ten yeares Prentiship at Troy , ere dream'd succeeding times should be possest with such an unparallell'd , unprized beauty as my Saint , they would not have prevented so their blisse , but beene most humble Sutors to the Gods to have protracted their then fond spent life but to behold this object ; which out-shines their Helena , as much as doth the eye of all the World dazle the lesser fires . Jove , I le outbrave thee ; melt thy selfe in Lust , embrace at once all starre-made Concubines , I le not envie thee , know I have to spare beauty enough , to make another Venus ; And for fond Gods , that have no reward in store to make me happier , here I le place my Heaven . And for thy sake , this shall my Motto be , I conquered Greece , one Grecian conquered me . Eum. But ( gracious Lord ) those streames ( we see ) soon ebb , which with outragious swelling flow too fast ; forbid ( Lucina ) this soone kindled fire , should ere burne out it self . T is a true Theame , That nere lasts long , that seemeth most extreame . Amur. Can this rich price of nature , precious jem , give entertainment to suspecting guests ? Come , come , these armes are curious chaines of love , with which thou link'st my heart aeternally , thy cheeks the royall Paper interlined , with Natures Rhetorique , and loves perswasion stands there attracting still my gazing eye : This then I le read , and here I now will faine , that those all antique fables of the Gods are writ in flowing numbers ; first thy lip , was faire Europaes , which they say , made Jove turne a wild Heyfer : next , this sparkling eye was the Aemonian Io's : then , this hand Laedaes , faire Mother to those Star-made Twins ; Thus , thus I le Comment on this golden Booke : Nature nor Art , have taught me how to faine ; Fairest , 't was you first brought me to this vaine : In loving Combats , now I valiant prove , let othets warre , great Amurath shall love . Scha. Brave resolution ! O the fond thoughts of man ! awake Euno ! I le find stratagems : There shall be Physick , to purge this disease : light sores are gently us'd ; but such a part must be cut off , left it infect the heart . Amar. Schahin , Our Tutor , we command this night be solemniz'd with all delightfull sports thy learn'd invention best can thinke upon . Prepare a Maske , which lively represents , how once the Gods did love : that shall not teach us by examples ; but we 'll smile to thinke , how poore and weake their idle faining was to our affection . Schahin , be free in wit , and suddaine : now come my Kingdomes Bride : Hymen would wed himselfe to such a Bride . Exeunt all but Schahin .
Actus 1. Scena 2. Schah. Nature , and all those universall powers , which shew'd such admirable Godlike skill , in framing this true modell of our selves , this Man , this thing cal'd man , why doe you thus , make him a spectacle of such laughter for you , when in each man we see a Monarchy ? For , as in states , all fortunes still attend : So with a Kingdome , with a compleat state will govern'd , and well manag'd in him selfe : both each man beares , when that best part of man , ( Reason ) doth sway and rule each Passion . Affections are good Servants : but if Will makes them once Master , they 'l prove Tyrants still . No more King now , poore Subject AMURATH ; whom I have seen , breake through a Troope of Men , like lightning from a Cloud : and done those Acts , which ' ene the Furies would have trembled at : Treading downe Armies , as if by them he meant of dead mens backes to build up staires to Heaven : And now ly'th lurking in a womans armes , drencht in the Lethe of Ignoble lust , appoints me for the wanton Engineer to keepe his so loose thoughts in smoothing tune . Woman , enticing woman , golden hooke to catch our thoughts , and when we once are caught to drag 's into the publike view of shame ; And there we lye bath'd in incestuous pleasure for all good men to laugh and scorne at once . Bane to my senses ! I could eyther wish our birth were like those Creatures , which we say Are bred from putrid and corrupted matter ; Then that we should acknowledge our deare being with grasse and flowers : for what else is our state up to the top ? But then the waight shall fall upon their head that caus'd it . Worke ( my braine ) tush , bloud , not water must wash off this staine . Exit .
Scena 3. Actus 1. Enter Amurath in state with Nobles : Eumorphe with attendant Ladies : while Amurath ascends his Throne , and placeth Eumorphe by him . Am. Shine here ( my beauty ) and expell the night more than a thousand starres that grace the Heavens : Me thinkes , I see the Gods inventing shapes in which they meane to court thee . Jove he frownes , and is more jealous , more suspitious of thee , then all the painted Truls , whose eyes bedeck the all ennamel'd Firmament . Eum. Beauty ( my Lord ) 't is the worst part of woman , a weake poore thing , assaulted every hour by creeping minutes of defacing time ; A superficies which each breath of care blasts off : and every humerous streame of griefe , which flowes from forth these Fountaines of our eyes , washeth away , as raine doth Winters snow . But those blest guiders of all Nuptiall rites , have wrought a better cement to make fast , the hearts of Lovers ; the true name of Wife guilds o're our thrones , with a more constant shape than can be subject or to time , or care : And in our selves ; yea in our owne true brests we have obedience , duty , carefull Love ; And last and best of all , we may have Children , Children are Hymens pledges , these shall be perpetuall chaines , to linke my Lord and me . Amur. Art thou a Woman ? Goddesse , we adore , and Idolize what we but loved before . What Divels have men beene , whose furious braines have oft abus'd that Deity cald Woman : dipping their Ravens quil in Stygian Inke , to blast such heavenly paper as your faces ! Were all the enticing lusts , damn'd policies , prodigious fascinations , unsearcht thoughts , dissembled teares , broke vowes , loath'd appetites , luxurious and unsatiate desires ; Were all these of women equally weighed , that vertue in thy brest 't will out-balance all , and recompence the ruine of all thy Sexe . Enter a Servant and speakes . Serv. So please your Majesty , L. Schahin 's ready for entrance with his Masque . Am. Tell him , we 're wholly bent for expectation . Exit Serv. Sit , sit ( my Queene ) Musicke exceed your Spheares , thinke I am Jove , and Godlike please our eares .
Scena 4. Actus 1. A Masque . Enter from aloft two Torch-bearers , then Jupiter and Juno , and two Torch-bearers more , then Mars and Venus , and two Torch-bearers more , then Apollo and Pallas ▪ and two more Torch-bearers , then Neptune and Diana . Whilst they are descending , Cupid hanging in the Ayre , sings to soft Musicke this Song following . Cupid sings . Gaze you mortals , gaze you still , On the Gods now looke your fill . Jove and Juno are descending , Yet her Jealousie 's not ending , Mars , sterne Mars , he will not fight , But with Venus when 't is Night . Daphne crownes Apollos head , Whom she would embrace in Bed ; Neptune swels his frothy cheeke , Cause Diana is not meeke . Gaze you mortals , &c. Jup. Come now my ( Sister and Wife ) wee 'l begin to court afresh ! Nay , loure not ( Heavens Queene ) here on this greene we 'll a Lavalto dance ; What if our haires grow silver , yet our strength Is young , and vigorous . Say ( fellow Gods ) ( Since we are full of Nectar , and our cares Lye drencht in our Nepenthe ) take your Queenes , and be All joviall ; Mars for our Daughter Venus , Apollo joyne with Pallas , Brother of Flouds embrace Diana ; Gods sometimes merry be ; but in the night , when mortals may not see . Each God as appointed by Jove , takes his Goddesse , they dance a Masque dance , and in the dance Juno observes Joves glances to Eumorphe , and at the end of the dance , speaketh thus . Jup. How now ( wanton ? ) Can I no where goe , for recreation , but you follow me ? Jun. Is this your recreation ? Fye ! My Lord , will you be wanton still ! For here you came Points at Eumorphe . For some new Harlot , some new Queene for you . Jup. Juno , Wife . Juno . Your Sister , ( thunderer , ) and not your Wife ! Banisht from Heaven I am ; and your Bed : resigne them both to Strumpets , Concubines . Points at Eumorphe . And now you come to see a fresh new lasse , in which Pole now , or in what part of heaven shall she be stellified ? Jupit. Shall still sinister thoughts wrong our intent ? wel ( Juno ) wel , you 'le ever be a woman , a very , very woman ! But since she scolds , Let 's hence ( yee Gods ) lest her infectious breath blast the succeeding day ; and mortals curse her hel-bred jealousie : Calumnious woman , Come , scold in heaven ; For if Gods liv'd on Earth , suspicious tongues would blame most innocent mirth . Here all the Gods and Goddesses ascend ; at the top of the ascent , Juno stops and speakes . Jun. Wel , Jove lookt pale , I toucht him to the quick ; 't is some new Minion he came downe to see : Harke ( jealousie ) know Juno is a woman ! Am I not mad yet ? Mistris Bride , adieu , Jove shall not steale a kisse ; My curse is past , when thou sleep'st first a Bride , mayst sleepe thy last . Exit . Cupid . Faire Bride , I sang thy Epithalamy , and left Elysium for thy Nuptials : Juno here thundered ' against the Thunderer ; knowing how thy beauty dazles hers , she durst not let heavens King once glance a looke , but threatned with her helbred incantations , to metamorphise thine unparall'ell'd and most caelestial shape into worse formes ; And more prodigious than ever poysoned charmes wrought on the fabled Concubines of Jove : but know great Queene , my Mother Venus vowes her everlasting guard to save such beauty ; Lest if thou perish , Nature her selfe lose her onely parterne of serenity . But I must hast , Love , which the Gods protect , can never be indangered by neglect . Ascend 't . Amur. Schahin , thine Art is excellent but say , doe Gods fall out for love amongst themselves ? Scah. My Lord , these are but fables : yet to make the shew more pertinent , and to grace your Queene , conceipt tooke leave to put the frowne on Iuno . Eum. My Lords and friends , we shall be ever thankfull and rest a Debtor to your curtesie . Schah. Not so , faire Queen , but durst I now entreat the Kings detaining from the sweets of Bed , there yet remaines one thought upon conceipt , which you would doubly grace me to behold . Amur. Our worthy Tutor shall obtaine a night , a night of us , in any case we can ! Scah. But then let me informe your Majesty , that 't is a warriors shew , which once you loved , but now are free from . Amur. 't is best of all , with greedinesse we 'l see it , O how the soule doth gratulate it selfe when safely it beholds the dangerous state of others , and it selfe security free ! Glad are we still to stand upon the shore , and see afarre off others tost i' th' Sea : or in a Gallery at a Fencers stage , we laugh when mutually each one takes wounds ; Sit still ( Eumorphe : ) Schahin , thy shew in hast ; 'T is best delight , to thinke on troubles past .
Scena 5. Actus 1. Enter in Masque the Ghost of Hector and Achilles , to them Alexander the great stands gazing on t em , whilst Fame speakes from aloft . Fame . Stay you most worthy shades ▪ brave Hector , stay ; And proud Achilles , know your massie Tombes , which have so long orewhelm'd your valiant bones , yawnes wide to let the imprisoned coarses forth . I must afresh imbalme your sacred Trunkes , and sweet your memory with most happy oyle of just report ; the Gods awakt me Fame from out the oblivious Sepulcher of sleepe , to drop that Inke into old Homers pen , wherewith he curiously hath lin'd your names , enfolding them in Everlasting Cedar , and make them live to all posterity . Vertue to valour hath his guift assign'd , great men may dye , yet deeds still rest in mind . Exeunt umbrae Hectoris & Achilis , Manet Alexander looking after them , reading in Homer . Alexand. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 most fortunate young man , whose worth is crown'd with everlasting Trophies of renowne , how hath he set thee on the wings of fame which soare i' th middle region of high glory , propos'd to all , a never dying story ! Enter to Alexander , Philoxenus a Captaine . Phil. May it please thee ( Sonne of Jupiter ) to accept a Present , which our fight enricht us with ? Alex. Is it a Band of stubborn Souldiers , Captaine ? Philox. O no ( my Liege ) of exquisite form'd Ladies , Darius his wife , the wonder of her Sexe ; Besides a Troope of such shap't Ganimedes , that Love not equals . Alex. Philoxenus , We thanke thee . Yet harke , there is a secret we would know of thee , and you must tell Us : on your faith you must . Phil. My Leige — Alex. Nay , no Court oyle ( by your leave ) no flattery , we are but man , this very trunke of ours , Is but a Vessell fild with humane blood , and we trust not that Parasite like pen , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . All the destroying vices of fraile man , I may be subject to ; but what base loosenesse , or supple Luxury , didst thou ere observe so to benumne our sense , that thou shouldst thinke we could be pleas'd with such effeminate Presents ? Know sir , our eyes shall have that abstinence that will not looke on them , on boyes , or women . Hence then , and present some coward with them . Exit Philoxenus Give me a spectacle would please the Gods , and make them bend their Ivorie browes to the Earth ; a man , a Souldier , strong with his wounds ; 'mongst fate and ruine , upright and unshap't , his minde being all his guard , his wall , and armour ▪ and if he fall , still noble wrath remaines in his amased Trunke : not all the darts stucke in his sides , making him all one wound , affright his courage ; but wrath lending weapons , himselfe doth seeme a new and horrid Warre . Nor are those Milke-sops which beguile the time , with stealing minutes from their Ladies lips , such as the Gods doe love ; for as the Winde loseth it's force , if it be not oppos'd with woods of strong and stubborne planted trees ; So Virtue , if it walke in troden paths . That breakes up honours gap , and makes the way through pathes of death : that flame burnes strong which is resisted : valor shines in wrong : Of Alexanders Souldiers be this said , warre was as peace , when he the army led . Exit . Fame . Brave Macedon , how truly hast thou weighed the reason of mans birth ! who is equall borne , for all the world , as well as for himselfe . the world 's a field too narrow for thy worth , and allthough Nature hath her enacted bounds for Sea and earth , nay for the heavens themselves , nor Sea nor earth shall coope thy valour up : Valour of Nature ever this attaines , that it breakes forth , farre , and beyond her chaines , and this I le trumpet out ; The whole worlds Ball , in which thou art so great , to thee is small . When men want worlds to shew their vertue in , that is the crime o' th Gods , and not their sinne : 'T is a decree of a true Souldiers mind , to thinke nought done , when ought is lest behind . On ( valiant youth ) for , know I will appoint a Grecian Prince , who so shall steepe his quill to paint thy name in Wels of eloquence , that this thy scorne of Lust shall be propos'd for Kings example to posterity . Know mortals , that the men the Gods most love , in hard and dangerous Arts they alwayes prove When men live brave at first , then fall to crimes , their bad is Chronicle to future times : For , who begins good Arts , and not proceeds he but goeth backward in all noble deeds . Death consecrates those men whose awfull end , though most men feare , yet all men must commend . ascends . Amurath seemes troubled , yet collecting himselfe , dissembles his Passion , speakes . Am. Scahin , the Macedon's heholding to thee , and history shall pay you thankes for this , which we rest Debtors for . Scah. Great Prince , such kindnesse of acceptance payes For things which are but for a Kings delight : in seeing them , he amply doth requite . Am. Eumorphe , Love , Queene , Wife , le' ts hast to Bed , and may we wish this night eternall time . Scahin , good night : good night , kind gentelmen . Thus when we are dead shall we revive o' th' stage : one houre can present a kings whole age . Exeunt omnes .
Actus 2.
Scena 1. Enter Schahin , Eurenoses . Schah. Observ'd you not the Kings looks ? Grew they not pale ? Euren. O yes ( Lord Schahin ) you must be his Parent , and snatch him out o' th' Gulph he 's falling in . That fayned speech of Alexanders wrought like to most purging Physicke ; nights then blacke , when 't is compar'd with day : Boldnesse is cleare , when 't is presented before bastard feare . Schah. I le tell thee , Eurenoses , thou art a Souldier , and I am both a Souldier , and a Scholar ; And for these two Professions am both most glorious , and most meritorious ; Pallas is for both : O what Tysiphon , what snaked scourge can make a Scholar , that should never sleepe , but 'twixt the Pillowes of Pernaessus Hils , and dip his lips in springs of Helicon , make him by snoaring on a wanton brest , and suck the adulterate and spiced breath of a lewd famed woman ? Euren. And for a Souldier ( Schahin , ) let me speake : We that doe know , the use of swords and fire , we that doe know , halters can throatle us , shall we ere venture on a Womans cruelty ? We that endure no Lords , shall we endure a woman to overcome us ? Most true Demophoon , I reverence thy memory : no pewling phrase could so enchaine thee to thy Thracian Dame , but thou wouldst rather perish than she save thee . I le not declaime long on that common theame , but they have lust lye in their fingers ends , and whilst their sweet-hearts breath stickes in their sheets , they will admit another Lucrece in the day , to be a Thais , if the night will not gain-say . Scah. Why ( Eurenoses ) why should we endure a new Queen now ? this Kingdom wants not heires : we know ( should we have more ) 't were dangerous . But harke ! The Queens for Bed-inticing sleepe soft Musicke . with charmes of Musicke : wel , even such a Night may yet prove dismall ere the following Light ! Eurenos . Scahin , let 's in : the first degree to purge such ils as these , is to instruct the patient his disease : that you have done . Scah. Yea , and wil yet once more adventure a new stratagem . Just when the King h 'as rid his Chamber , and with covetous hast thinks for to clip Elisium , and drinke deepe of his long wish'd delight , I having skil and uncontroul'd accesse , will in disguise seem his deceased Fathers apparition : and by all tyes of children to their Parents , bid him forsake that vile bewitching woman . Euren. An easie Medicine doth and sure wil work , to rub shrewd wounds , make them but fester more , Foule Med'cines we worse brook , than a foule sore .
Scena 2. Actus 2. Enter Eumorphe as to Bed in her Night-robes , attended with Tapers and Ladies . Menth. Madam make hast , The King will be impatient if he be from you long . O Happinesse ! Emorph. Why Menthe ! then thou deem'st us happy thus to command a world of services , to have a King my subject ; and attended with these harmonious sounds t' affect our eares ? Menthe. Yes ( truely Madam ) 't is a happinesse . Eumorph. 'T is , were 't Eternal : but I feare a power , a womans power , doth but make sport with us . Why , were we not once ( Menthe ) a Captive Wretch ? Menthe Yes Lady ! now your happinesse 's the more : Riches please best , when there went want before . Eum. That power which rais'd us from so base , so high , can throw us downe againe as suddenly : Me thinks my life is but a Players Scaene in the last Act : my part was then to play a captive creature , and a Queene to day . Menthe. Your Morals ( Madam ) are too serious ; Me thinks these Ornaments should elevate your dumpish spirits . Thinke this Bed a place , in which no Icie slipping chance hath power ; A Kings safe Bed is like a guarded Tower . Eum. No ( Menthe ) no , 't is not the Bed of state , nor the free smile of a well pleased King : 't is not the embracing Armes of Emperors , nor all the Gemmes that so inwreath the browes can so allure Fortune unto their gaze , as she should still be constant ; O she 's blind , nor doth she know her selfe where she is kind ; Those , those are Kings , and Queenes , whose brest 's secure , like brazen walles , Lust's entrance not endure ; Where impotent ambition not intrudes , nor the unstable talke of multitudes ; Fortune serves such , they happiness command more than all Lybia's gold , all Tagus sand ; as heaven hath given us no more conspicuous things , than forme or beaury : so like a forward spring , Nothing more short . Menthe. Madam , divine not of a change ; Beliefe is too too prone , in entertaining griefe ! Eum. Our Lord attends , to enter in , and surely sleepe envyeth his delight , for he sits heavy on my drowsie lids , draw all our Curtaines ; sleepe be guiles our eares . Men. Madam , good night , time helpes suspicious fears ! Exit Menthe. This Song is to be sung in the Musick roome to soft Musicke , now when she lookes , she 's dreaming sent to Elisium . Drop golden showers , gentle sleepe , And all the Angels of the Night , Which doe us in protection keepe , Make this Queene dreame of delight Morpheus be kind a little , and be Deaths now true Image , for 't will prove To this poore Queene , that then thou art hee ; Her grave is made i' th Bed of love . Thus with sweet sweets can Heaven mix gall , And marriage turne to Funerall .
Scaena 3. Actus . 2. Enter Amurath in his Night robes , a Taper in his hand , seemes much disturbed , speakes . Amur. Turke , Amurath , slave , nay something baser , King ! For all airy titles which the Gods have blasted man withall , to make them swell with puft up honour , and ambitious wind , this name of King holds greatest antipathy with manly government : for if we waigh , 'T is subjects , and not Kings beare all the sway . Each whispered murmur from their idle breath condemnes a King to infamy , to death ; Were there a Metempseucosis of soules , and nature should a free Election grant what things they afterwards would reinforme , the vaine and haughtiest minds the Sun ere saw , Would chuse it's Cottage in some Shepherds flesh , nay , be confin'd within some Dog or Cat , than ( Antique-like ) pranck in a Kings gay-clothes ▪ Were I no King , and had no Majesty , I had more then all Kings , blest liberty ; And without rumor might enjoy my choyce , not fearing Censure of each popular voyce . Poore men may love , and none their wils correct : but all turne Satyres of a Kings affect . O my base greatnesse ! What disasterous starre profest it selfe a Midwife at my birth , to shape me into such prodigious States ? But hence regard of tongues ! Were we a Saint , some envious tongue would dare our names to taint : and he from slander is at securest rest , not that hath none , but that regards it least . Open you envious Curtaines ; here 's a sight , Drawes the Curtain . that might commend the act of Love so Chast . Were now the chariot-guider of the Sunne weary o's taske , and would intreat a day of Heaven to rest in , here 's a radiant Looke , that might be fixt i th' midst o th' Axletree ; and in despight of darke conspiring Clouds , she would out-shine Sunne , Moone and all the Stars . O , I could court thee now ( my sweet ) a fresh , mixing a kisse with every period ; Telling the Lillies how they are but wanne , earth in the vernant spring is dull , and darke , compar'd with this aspect ! the Aeasterne ayre , fann'd with the wings of Mercury and Jove , infectious , but compar'd with this perfume . Hence then th' ambition of that furious * youth , Alexis who knew not what a crime his rashnesse was ! I might orecome more Kingdomes , have more dominion , enthrone my selfe an Emperor o th' world ; I might , I might ; Amurath thou mightst . The Christians now will scoffe at Mahomet ; Perchance they sent this wretch thus to inchant me ! O my perplexed thoughts ! Tush , I le to bed , should the commanding Thunder of the Gods prohibite me , or strike me in the act . Talke on ( vaine rumor ) fame I dare thy worst ! Call me a Lusty , Lazy , wanton , coward ! should I win all the world , my breath once fled , my bad would still survive all good be dead . Eumorphe , sweet , I come ! you sacred powers who have bestowed some happenssse on man , to helpe to passe away this sinful life , Grant me a youthfull vigor yet a while , full veines , free strength , compleat and manly sense , to know , and take a beauty most immense !
Scena 4. Actus 2. Amurath makes haste to the Bed , on a suddaine enter Schahin disguised like the Ghost of Orchanes , father to Amurath . Scabin . Amurath , Amurath . Amurath . Divel , Divel ; what ? Dar'st thou appeare before an Angell ( Fiend ? ) Scah. O Amurath , why doth intemperate Lust , raging within thy furious youthfull veines , burst through thy fathers Tombe ? Disturbe his soule ? Know , all the torments that the fabulous age dream't , did afflict deceased impious Ghosts , heartbiting-hunger , and soule-searching thirst , the ne're consumed , yet ever eaten prey that the devouring Vulture feeds upon , are not such tortures as our off-springs crimes : They , they sit heavy on us , and no date Makes our compassionate affection cease . O thou hereditary Ulcer , hearke , by the name of Father , and by all those cares which brought me to my grave , to make thee great : Thou that hast nothing of me but my crowne : My enterprize surpast the boundlesse Sea , cutting the churlish Waves of Hellespont , when the flood stood which wind for to obey ! Euxinum groan'd beneath my burdenous ships : I was the first of all the Turkish Kings that Europe knew , and the fond Christians plague . What coward blood ran flowing in my veines , when thou wert first begot , who marrest all thy Fathers acts by thy untam'd desires ? Wherefore with Stygian curses I will lade thee : First , may she prove a Strumpet to thy Bed , be her lips poyson , and let her loose embraces ▪ be venemous as Scorpions : If she conceive a Generation from thee , let it be ; as ominous as thou hast beene to me ; Rebellious to thy Praecepts , printing cares upon thy aged browes . O may they prove , as Faries for to lash thee in thy rest ! But Amurath , if thou canst quench this flame , if thou wilt cut this Gordian thred , and rend hence that putrid Wenne which cleaves unto they flesh , be all thine actions prosperous . Mahomet shall be auspitious unto each designe ; Fortune to shew thee favour shall be proud , Farewel . If what men doe speake last before they die take root , then dead mens should take more . Exit Schahin . Amur. What , art thou vanisht ? Know ( thou carefull spright ) thou shalt no sooner pierce the wandring clouds with unperceived flight , than my resolve shall expiate my former Vanity . Looke on thy sonne , thou airy intellect , and see him sacrifice to thy command ! Now Titan turne thy breathing coursers backe , start hence bright day , a sable Cloud invade this universall Globe , breake every prop and every hindge that doth sustaine the Heavens : For straight must die a woman , I have nam'd a crime , that may accuse all Nature guilty . The Sexe wisely considered , deserves a death ; For thinke this , Amurath , this woman may prostrate her delicate and Ivory limbes to some base Page , or Scul , or shrunk up Dwarf , Or let some Groome lye feeding on her lips , she may devise some mishapen trick to satiate her goatish Amurath ; and from her bended knees at Meditation , be taken by some slave toth ' deepe of Hell ! Th' art a brave Creature , wert thou not a woman . Tutor ! Come ! thou shalt see my well-kept vow , and know my hate , which saw me dote but now : Schahin ! Eurenoses ! Captaines , ho !
Scaenae . 5. Actus . 2. Enter Schahin , Eurenoses , Chase-Illibegge . Our Tutor , Eurenoses , Captaines , welcome . Gallants , I call you to a spectacle : My brest 's too narrow to hoard up my joy ▪ Nay , gaze here Gentlemen ! give Nature thanks , for framing such an excellent sence as Sight , whereby such obiects are injoyn'd as this ▪ Which of you now imprison not your thoughts in envious and silent policy . Scah. My Lord to whatsoever you shall propose , my sentence shall be free . Euren And mine . Chase-il . And mine . Am. Which of you then dare challinge to himselfe such a pathetical Praerogative , so stoically severed from affection ? That , had he such a Creature as lieth here , one , at whom Nature her self stood amazed , one , whom those lofty extasies of poets , should they decay , here 't must nor barely dump their dull inventions with similitudes , taken from Sun , Moon , Violets , Roses ; and , when their ruptures at a period stand , a silent admiration must supply . Onely name her , and she is all discrib'd . Hyperbole of women , Coulour it selfe is not more pure , and incontaminate ! sleep doates on her and graspes her eye-lids close ? the skie it selfe hath onely so much blew as the azure in her veines lends by refluxe . Here 's breath that would those vapors purifie , which from Avernus choakes the flying Birds : here 's heat would tempt the numb'd Athenian , though all his blood with age were conjeal'd yee ! Now , which of you all is so temperate , that did he find this Jewel in his bed ( unlesse an Eunuch ) could refraine to grapple , and dally with her ? come ! speak freely all . Sch. Truly ( my Lord ) I came of mortal parents and must confesse me subject to desires ; freely injoy your Love ! that were she mine , I surely would do no lesse . Amur. What sayth Eurenoses ? Euren. My Lord , I say , that they may raile at light , that nere saw day ; but had I such a Creature by my side , were the world twice enlarged , and all that world orecome by me , all volumes writ , made clean and fild up by Rhetorique straines of my great deeds , Historians should spend their Inke and Paper in my sole Chronicle ; A thousand such alluring idle charmes could not conjure me from betwixt her armes . Amur. Your sentence Chas-Illebeg ? Chas . What need your grace depend upon our breath ? I vow ( my Lord , ) if all those scrupulous things which burden us with precepts so precise , those parents , which when they are married once and past their strength of years , think their sons straight should be as old in every thing as they ; I say my Lord , did my head weare a crowne , that Queen should be the chiefest jem t' adorne it , spite of all hate . That 's an unhappy state , when Kings must feare to love least subjects hate . Amu. Wel spoke , three Milksops , Schahin . your sword , Scahin gives him a Sword . Now , now be valour in this manly arme to cut off troupes of thoughts that would invade me ! Think you my minde is waxie to be wrought int'any fashion ? Orchanes , thy strength ! Here do I wish , as did that Emperour , that all the heads of that inticing Sexe were upon hers , thus then should one full stroake mow them all off . Amurath cuts off Eumorphes head , shewes it to the nobles . there kisse now ( Captaines ) do , and clap her cheekes : this is the face that did so captive me : these were the lookes that so bewicht mine eyes : here be the lips , that I but for to touch , gave over fortune , victory , fame and all ; these were two lying mirrors where I lookt and thought I saw a world of happinesse . Now tutor , shall our swords be excercised in ripping up the brests of Christians ? Say Generals , Whither i' st first ? A. For Thracia . Amurath . On then for Thracia , for he surely shall , that conquers first himselfe , soon conquer all . Exeunt omnes .
Actus 3.
Scena 1. Enter Cobelitz solus . Cobelitz . Thou sacred guider of the arched Heavens , who canst collect the scattering starres , and fixe the Erratique planets in the constant pole ! O why shouldst thou take such solicitous care to keep the ayre , and Elements in course ? That Winter should uncloth our Mother Earth , and wrap her in a winding sheet of snow ; that then the spring duly revives her still , unbinds her sinews , fils her cling'd up veynes with living dew , and makes her young again . Next that , the Nemean terror breathes her flames , to parch her flaxie haires with furious heat ; which to allay too , thou op'st the Chataracts , and water'st the worlds gardens with blest drops ; canst thou , which canst sustain the ponderous world , and keep it in true poize , securely sleepe , letting a Tyrant ( which with a fillip , thus ; thou mightest sink to earth ) to baffle thee ? A warrior in thy fields , I long have been To see if in thy sacred providence , Thou meanst to arm me with thy thunder-bolt , Yet , yet , it strikes not ; now he Giant-wise , Dares thee again ; pardon our earnest zeal What ere 's decreed for man , by thy behest , He must perform , and in obedience rest . Thou , like Spectators when they do behold an hardy youth encountring with a Bear , or somthing terrible ▪ then they give a shout ; so dost thou even applaud they self to see Religion striving with Calamity . Which while it often bears , and still rests true , it 's fence 'gainst all that after shall ensue . Turk , i le oppose thee still ; Heaven has decreed , That this weak hand , shall make that tyrant bleed ▪ a man religious , firm , and strongly good cannot oth● suddain be , nor understood . Exit .
Actus 3. Scena 2. Enter Amurath in Arms , Schahin , Captains , Souldiers . Amurath . Rise ( Soul ! ) injoy the prize of thy brave worth : Schahin , the Present that thou so profest , should from the City of Orestias , make proud our eyes ! then tell me , Hast thou slain a thousand superstitious Christian souls ? made them stoop to us : O , I would bath my hands in their warm blood to make them supple ( Schahin ) that they may weild more Spears : our hands are dull , our furie 's patient ! Now will I be a Turk . and to our Prophet's Altars do I vow , that to his yoke I will all necks subdue , or in their throats my bloody Sword imbrew . Schahin calls in his Souldiers , and each of them presents to Amurath the head of a dead Christian . Scha. Then King , to adde fresh oyl unto thy hate , and make it raise it self a greater flame , see here these Christians heads ; thus still shall fall before thy fatal hand , these impious slaves : so long as numbers 's wanting to the sand , so long as day shall come with Sun , and night be spangled with the twilight dawning stars , whilst floods shall fall into the Ocean , shall Christians tremble at Turks thundring stroaks . Amurat. So am I Amurath , the great King of Turks , O how it glads me thus to pash their brains , to rend their locks , to tear these Infidels ! Who thundered when these heads were smitten off ? Stars I could reach you with my lofty hand , 't is well , enough , enough , ( great Amurath ) for now I sit in Orchanes great Throne , and sacrifice due Rites to Mahomet ; yet why enough ? I le on , and dung the Earth , with Christians rotted trunks , that from that soyl , may spring more Cadmean Monsters to orecome them . Captains , what Countries next shall we make flow , with Channels of their blood ? Euren. To Servia ( my Lord ) there are troups of arms , gathered to resist Mahometan . Chase . At Bulgaria , there they set on fire , the Countries as they pass , 't were good we haste . Amur. Why they do well ! we like of their desire to make the flame in which themselves must fry ! Ruine , destruction , famine , and the sword , shall all invade them : Sun stay thou thy flight , and see the sneaks in their own River drencht , whilst with their blood our furious thirst is quencht !
Scena . 3. Actus 3. Enter in armes , Lazarus Despot of Servia , Sesmenos Governor of Bulgaria . La. Whither ( Bulgaria ) whither must we flye ? the Butcherous Turk's at hand . Blest Sanctity ! if thou didst ere guard goodnesse , wall our towers , bring strength into our Nerves . For in thy cause our Brests upon their Rapiers we will run ; we 'll with just hope confront the tyrants rage , meet him i' the face , fury will find us armes , there is a power can guard us from all harmes . Ses . Let us be suddain : for we 'l not find scope , to see our haps . Who most doth fear , may hope . Enter to them Cobelitz . Cob. Governor , Captains , hast unto your arms : the dangers imminent , and the Turk 's at hand . Laz. - ( Cobelitz ) must we still wade thus deep in blood and terror ? Cob. Yes ( Servia ) we must , we should , we ought , Ease and lucresse keeps baseness company . Shall we not blush to see the register of those great Romans , and Heroick Greeks , which did those acts , at which our hearts are struck beneath all credence , only to win fame ? and shall not we for that Eternal name ? To live without all credence , even to win fame , is not to know life's chief , and better parts : To us of future hopes : calamity must help to purchase immortality . Ses . Well spoke ( trueChristian ) they who stil live high , and snoare in prais'd applause nere know to bear , a contumely , or check , or fate . Wisely to steare a Ship , or guide an Army , undaunted hardinesse is requisite ; O then lets to our weapons ! make him yeild ; they which deny all right , oft give 't ith'Field . Enter Christian Souldiers falling out among them-fighting confusedly . Cob. Why ( Gentlemen ) we want no foes to fight , nor need we turn our weapons on our selves . One Souldier speaks as drunk . 1. You lazy rogue , what come in my Cabinet ? answer the other . 2. Conspiring slave , you murmur'd gan'st th' allowance , and wouldst perswade upon a larger pay , to betray all Garrisons , and turn Turk . Thou half Can-carousing rascal , I le teare thee , and those treacherous veines of thine . Will you see , They all fall by the eares . Blew-Jackets , will you see your Corporal wrong'd ? well , since I fight for victuals , for company . Use now your swords and Bucklers . La. Treason , the next man that speaks or strikes a blow . Sold. Then shall our Laundresses fight for us ? 2. Why , Amazons ! Baudicans , come help to scratch . Enter some Truls on both sides , they fight and scratch . Sesm . O Cobelitz , what way shall we appease them ? Truls scold confusedly : Thus 1. Trul. Out , thy Corporal ( huswife ) hath the itch , you now will have foul washing . Drab , I le tear your mouth : 2. An inch or two yet wider . Cob. What , souldiers ! think you each distasteful word , given 'mongst your selves so strong an obloquie , that revenge spurs you to each others death ? The General parts them with his sword . And will not seek to wash those blasphemies , in Seas of their foul blood , which are belcht out by our approaching foes , against the Essence of the Eternal ! Laz. Leave , leave , these factions ; cease these mutinies A Drum from the Turk's Camp . Hark , their Drums take advantage of these stirs : let us oppose our strength against our foe ; and in our Camp let not one Souldier be , who will not finde , and strike his Enemie . Cob. Now ( blest guider and great strength of arms ) if in thy secret and hidden decree , thou hast not yet appointed the full time wherein thou meanest to tame this Tyger , who dare murmur against thine hidden will ? Be we slain now , there 's victory in store , which when thou pleasest thou 't give , and not before . Give us still strength of patience , not to wish , a funeral honour unto all the world , when we are perishing , we 'l still believe , those dangers worth our death we undergo , whilst he , who 's ours , is alike thy foe . Should Fortune lose this day , when we are slain , thou canst give hands , and strength , and men again ; on thee we trust then , and on thee bear , scorning for Heaven's sake to shed a tear . Exeunt .
Actus 3. Scena 4. A March within , excursions , alarums . Enter as Conquerors , Cairadin Bassa , Schahin , leading young men Christians , Prisoners . Schah. Bassa , we thank thy valour and discretion , in finding fit occasion to invade the mutinous Christians ! these Captives here shall be good Presents to our worthy Master . Bassa . General , now trust me these young slaves , be full of Valor , they have metal in them . Schuh. Yes : and to his Highness shall perform a Service which I long have thought upon , and when his Turkish Majesty requires ; they 'l fit to be a near attendant Guard , on all occasions to the Emperour ; therefore they shall be called Janizaries , by me first instituted , for our Princes safeties sake . Bass . Their vigor & strong hearts becomes such service , for to orecome them made our Souldiers sweat much Turkish blood : the Servians kept the Fight with stubborn hard resistance , The Bulgarians left the right wing ; there set I forward first , and like a torrent roll'd destruction on , raising huge storms of blood , as doth the Whale puffe up the waves against a mighty Ship ; me thinks , I see the Rivers of their gore : their Leaders trampled on by Turkish Horse , the Body of their Army quite disperst , themselves all floating in Vermillian pools , with their own weapons hasting to their death , and such a slaughter did we make of them , as Nature scarce can ere repair again . One hastning t'others death , pulling to ground him that held up , so they each other drown'd . Schah. Still are they confident upon a power , they know not what , who ( as they think ) can snatch their precise souls from out the jaws of death . Bass . Yes , such a superstition doth possess them ; for when they lookt for nothing but their fate , and danger stood in sweat upon their brows : they yet scorn'd Mahomet , and prophan'd his Rites , and nought but horror made them to believe so many men were fighting on his side , as might have chang'd my seat , and part i th' world , ( though Nature stood against ) to a new place : or carry Sestos whereby Abydos stands , or pull down Atlas with so many hands .
Actus 3. Scena 5. Enter Amurath with Embassadors from German Ogly , concerning Bajazet , Amurath's Eldest son , and the Mahometans Daughter . Cairadin Bassa presents Amurath with his Captives for Ianizaries . &c. Amurath . How like our Captaines the last Victory ? ( if any can prophesie of future things ) me thought I did dream of this blessed hap . How fortune did involve them in their ruin ! and flight from danger , brought them in their ruine . each one astonied with a suddaine feare , knew not the danger that was then most neare . Bassa & Schahin presents Amurath with Captives for Ianizaries Bassa . To adde more tryumph , I present my Liege , with these young Rebels , which you may bring up in all the praecepts of our Mahomet . Scah. And , ( for great Emperor , your person wants a thing which much ore-Clouds your light of state , attendant Ianizaries to a Prince : ) these may be so trained up , as to supply the duty fit for such a Majesty . Am. Bassa , we thank thy strength , Schahin your counsaile and to that end , let them have safe protection . But we must treat now of a marriage ( Lords ) the German Ogly , he whose Scepter swaies the Phrygian confines in strong Asia , by Embassie intreats that he may joyne his Daughter Hatum to our Bajazet . Embassador , here to our Counsell speak your Masters Message . Emb. Please then your Maj. and these reverend heads to be inform'd my masters will by me ? In wedlock if your prince may be combin'd to the faire princesse his sole daughter , he freely gives the Phrygian territories , and Bythinia to you for your dowry ; Cutas , Simon , Egregios , Sansale , Abbettingon , the Ottomans estate ; which Ottomans , because he not endures , the Noble Zelzucciom family protests , to joyn with you in quelling their ambition Sca. May 't please your majesty to like mine advice , it 's good to have alliance with such friends ; Kings that combine themselvs are like to shafts , the ancient Sage propos'd unto his sonnes ; which whilst together they were close compact , armes , knees , and his whole strength , could never break ; take one by one , they with a touch were crack'd : so Kings may be orecome that stand alone ; but two such princes , knit thus hand in hand , should Nations totter they would firmely stand . Am. Yes Schahin , we 'll approve what thou saiest , then from us carry the great Asiaes Monarch this our kindest greeting : tell him , the gates of Prusa shall stand ope , and the glad ayre shall Eccho notes of joy ▪ to entertaine her who shall blesse our Land with hopefull issue ; greedy thoughts expect her soon arrivall ; and so ( Embassador ) enforme thy princesse , when she shall appear , A lasting Starr shall shine within our spheare .
Scen 6. Actus 3. Enter Sasmenos , Lazarus , Cobelitz . Sas . O Servia , our Cities are turn'd flames ; each strives to hast his own and others death : And as though heaven conspir'd destruction too , that rains down scalding Sulphure on our heads , here one that lyes thick gasping for his breath is choakt with blood that runs from 's fellows wounds ; whilst others for the dead are making graves , themselves are made the corps that do fill them . Nobles , and base , together perish all , and a drawn sword sticks fast in every rib ; our stones are dy'd Vermillion with our blood : old creatures that are creeping to the grave , are thrust on faster . Infants , but in the threshold of their lives , are thus kickt off : Oh most disastrous times , to love our deaths , and make our life our crimes ! Laz. See , see , the ruins of our goodly Walls , our Cities smoak hinder the sight of heaven : The conqueror yet amaz'd measures out our Towns , with eyes of terror , and doth scarce believe he hath overcome us , yet among these fires , our dead men are denyed their funeral flames : And those infectious carkasses do perform , a second murder on the rest that live ; and all the hope of safety that we have , is now to fix our flattering lips at 's feet : mercy ( perhaps ) may wearied slaughter meet . Sas . Will you do so ? speak , for I am determin'd — Cob. No ( worthy General ) heaven avert and arm you with the proof of better thoughts ! What though a Tyrant strives to terrifie all Christendome , and would not be beloved ; let not your feares give impious rage such scope , as for to bring Religion to prophanenesse : fortune and heaven will scorn to try a man , that hurles his weapons hence and runs away : How is he worthy of heavens victory , that , when it frownes , dares not look up and see ? Me thinks we three are now inviron'd round , with hosts of Angels , and our powerful Mars is putting bows of steel into our hands : he doth suggest our wrath , and bids us on . O what an army 't is to have a cause holy and just ; there , there 's our strength indeed ! — Tu mente Labantes , Direge nos , dubios , et certo Robore firma . If we must dye , the narrow way to blisse shall be made wide for us : the gate 's wide ope , and the spread Palace entertaines with joy . Mean time , let 's look like men upon our grief , our frown fate Despot , Bulgaria , come . Turk , once more at thee ( Tyrant ) mortals must command heavens favour in a case so just . Exeunt .
Actus 4.
Scena 1. Enter Aladin King of Caramania , son in Law to Amurath , with Nobles , Embassadors from Amurath . Alad. Sends our proud father-in-law this greeting to us ? was our sword sheath'd so soon to heare this answer ? Emb. My Lord , he bad me tell you that 't was you have made him leave off this great Prophets wars , when he was hewing down the Christians ; therefore submission should not now appease him , no , though your wife , his daughter , should her self , upon her penitent knees be supplyant . No sooner shall the Tycian splendid Sol open heavens Casements , and inlarge the day , but his horse hoofs shall beat your treacherous earth ; and that you may be warn'd of his approach , murder and flames shall be his Prodromo's ! Alad. Confederate Princes , and my kind allyes , shall his proud nostrils breath those threats on us ? Emb. Moreover , my Lord will , or win , or raze , Iconium and Larenda . Alad. Iconium and Larenda ? I ? No more ? had best look first , how safe his Prusa stands . Lords , I am mov'd , and will forget my Queen was ere the issue of his hated blood : My splene is tost within , mine entrailes pant , as , when the Sea is rais'd with Southern gusts , the wind allay'd , yet still the waves will tremble , Princes , now binde your selves with such strong chaines , your faith and breaths can make ; swear to me all , to be as firm to me 'gainst Amurath , as is the skin and flesh unto the Nerves ; They all kneel , and swear upon his sword . Nobles . We all sweare we will . Alad. Then all here kisse my sword , which shall be steept within the head-mans throat : We 'l make him know those will not flie in war , which may in policie intreat a peace ! Hast thy course ( time ) and soon reduce the year ! Lucan : — Infestique obvia Signis Signa , pares aquilas , & pila minantia pilis . Ensignes may Ensignes meet , Carmania's King , great Aladin , scorns to avoyd a Turk . Princes , and Neighbours , muster up your strength , that we may meet him on his full Cariere ; and let it be Carmanian's pride to say , to o'recome him we ask no second day .
Scena 2. Actus 4. Enter Amurath at one door with Nobles , Bajazet ; Enter at th' other , Hatum , richly attended , they meet , salute in dumb shews ; Amurath joynes the hands of the Prince and Princesse ; whilst this is solemnizing , is sung to soft Musick , this Song following .
SONG . Thine O Hymen , thine is she , Whose Beauties verse Calliope , Sing to Marriage ties an Io ; Io to Hymen . Chorus . To thee Apollo is my sute , Lend me a while thy silver Lute , O what a woe it is to bring , A Bride to Bed and never sing , Io to Hymen . Ambo . When she 's old , still seemes she yong , When she 's weake , to her be strong ! Be Cyprus , both , and Paphos here , Love , sing with merry cheere , Io to Hymen .
Amur. You Gods of Marriage , sacred Protectoress of lawful propagations , and blest Love , be most propitious to these grafted stemmes ; drop dewing showers of generation on them . Think ( Son ) this day so prodigal of blessing , as , that had Juno taskt thee ( like Alcides ) to grapple with Stymphallides , or cleanse Augean stables : or like the Trojan Boy , sit like a Shepheard on Dardanias hills , such a reward as this fair Queen repayes . O thou hop'd future off-spring , spare thy Parent ! Hurt not this tender womb , these Ivory worlds , in which a pritty people yet shall live when you are born ; O be within your limbs the Gransire , Amurath , and fathers strength ; line their faces ( Nature ) with their mothers dye : And let the destinies make the ensuing night in their Eternal Books , with notes most white . All. Grant it great Mahomet . Hat . Most awful father , and my honored Prince , although it be enacted by the heavens , that in these bonds of marriage , such curse attends on Princes above private men , that no affection , nor home-nourisht Love but state and policy must elect their wives , which must be fetcht from Countries far remot ; yet the protecting Powers have such a care , both of their off-springs and their Kingdoms state . That to what they ordain , they work in us a suddain willingnesse to make 's obey ; for in this brest , I do already feel that there 's a kindling a Diviner heat , which disobedience never shall extinguish . And if there be any felicity from these united Loves to be derived from the weak sex unto the husbands soul , then may my Lord make his affection sure , to be repaid with an untainted Love . With soft and yeilding courtesie in all he shall command , my willing arms shall still be ope t' enfold within a wives embrace , if any comfort else there be in store , ( which modesty keeps silent to it self cause only husbands and the night must know 't ) my Loyalty shall ever all perform : and though my Lord should frown , I le be the same , green wood will burn with a continued flame : Baja. Princesse , our ardour is already fired , yet with no violent temerity ; such as might feare it's short and soon decaying : thy vertue seems so to exceed thy Sex , and wisdome so far to out-pace thy yeares , that , surely ( Princess ) soon maturity , argues in them hidden Divinity . Expected Hymen here hath bound our hands and hearts , with everlasting ligaments : Fortunate both we are , and have one blisse , the want of which for ever doth infect with anxious cares the sweets of marriage beds : our parents benediction and consent , they are the truest Hymens , and should be to children the best marriage Deity . Thus then attended with such sacred charmes our last day of content shall never come ; till we must part by th' unresisted doome , with a pleas'd error we will age beguile , all stars on us , an equal yoke , must smile , Amu. Now ( Lords ) who 'le dance a Turkish measure ? Ladies our nerves are shrunk ; and you now fix the sign of age on me , you , who have blood still flowing in your veines , be nimble as an Hart : Caper t' the Sphaeres : O you are light , that want the weight of years ! Musick Here Amurath ascends his Throne , the rest set down to dance , Bajazet with Hatum , &c. the end of the dance , all kneel , Amur. begins an health , a flourish with Cornets . Amu. And health to our Bride and her father : O ( Nobles ) would this wine were Christians blood , but that it would Phrenetique humours breed , and so infect our braines with Superstition ! Enter Eurenoses with six Christian Maidens , richly attyred , their Haire hanging loose , in their hands Cups of Gold with Jewels , &c. Eure. Auspicious fortunes to great Amurath : to ope more springs to this full-tide of joy , know ( potent Emperor ) I from Europe bring six daughters of six several Kings , whose Cities we have equall'd to the ground ; and of their Palaces did torches make , to light their souls through the black cave of death . Am. Describe ( good Captain ) how the dogs were wearied . Eure. So weary were they to indure our swords , that by impetuous mutiny themselves turn'd on each other , slew their Masters ; Childrens own hands tore out their fathers throats , and each one strove who should be slaughtered first ; Here did a brother pash out a brothers braines , some in stinking Quagmires , and deep Lakes ( which they had made t' avoide their excrements ) ran quick , and in the lake lay buryed . Am. Good Executioner of our most just wrath ! Eur. Nor did it leave till death it self was wearie , murder grew faint , and each succeeding day shew'd us the slaughter of the day before . 'Mongst carcasses and funerals we stood , denying those that liv'd such Ceremonies as in their Temples to the Indian gods , with prayers and vowes they daily offred : Nor destiny , nor cruelty ere left , till they had nothing for to work upon ; for , of so many souls that breath'd of late , these six are all remain : which as a Pledge of my best service to your Majesty , I here am bold to yeild an offer . Amu. Nor shall this present be unrecompenced ; for thy true service , on thee I le bestow all the rich gifts , which all these Asian Lords brought to adorn these happy Nuptials ; on you faire Bride , great Princesse , and our Daughter do we bestow these Virgins ( daughters to Kings ) for your attendance . Hat . We are two much bound unto our Princely Father Amu. No ( Daughter ) no , we hope thou art the spring from whence shall flow to all the world a King . Captaines and Lords , to morrow we must meet , to think of our rebellious son in Law . Be this time all for comfort and delight , short wedding dayes make it seem long to night . Exeunt omnes .
Scena 3. Actus 4. Enter Lazartis and Cobelitz , bringing the dead body of Sasmenos . Laz. Here set we down our miserable load , O Cobelitz , with whom is 't that we fight ? With Lybian Lyons ? Or Hyrcanian Beares , which grinde us daily in their ravenous teeth ? The Tyrant ( as it were destructions Engineer ) helps Nature to destroy the worlds frame quickly . Cob. Alas , my Lord , that needs not , every day is a sufficient helper to decay : Great workman , who art sparing in thy strength to bring things to perfection : and to oreturn all thy best works , thou usest suddaine force . when man 's an Embrio and first conceived , how long 't is ere he sees his native light ? Then born , with expectation for his growth , tenderly nourisht , carefully brought up : grown to perfection , what a little thing serves to call on his suddain ruining ? Laz. Come Cobelitz , 'mongst those demolisht stones we 'll sit as Hecuba , at those Trojan walls : our teares shall be false glasses to our eyes , through these we 'l look , and think we yet may see our stately Pinacles , and strong founded holds : that which one hour can delapidate , one age can scarce repaire . Col. No sir , for nothing's hard to Nature , when she meanes for to consume : A thousand Oakes ( which time hath fixt i' th earth , as Monuments of lasting memory ) are in a moment turn'd to ashes ; all things that rise slowly , take a suddain fall . Laz. What course now , Cobelitz ? must we stil be yoakt to misery , and murder ? We scarce have room upon our bodyes to receive more wounds , and must we still oppose our selves to more ? Cob. Yes ! We are ready still ; a solid mind must not be shak't with every blast of wind . Pollux , nor Hercules , had none other art , to get them Mansions in the Spangl'd heavens then a true firm resolve ; th' Adriatike Sea , shall from his currents with tempestuous blasts be sooner mov'd , than vertue from its aime . Let us but think ( when we so many see enjoying greater quiet than our themselves ) how many have endur'd more misery ; Ilion , Ilion , what a fate hadst thou ? How fruitful wert thou in matter for thy foe ? Thus we 'll delude our grief , make our self glad , to think of miseries that others had . Laz. Ay , ( Captain ) ay ; they that furnish thee with sentences of comfort , never saw , their Cities burnt , their Countries desolate . 'T is easie for Physicians for to tell advice to others , when themselves are well . Cob. Tush , tush ( my Lord ) there 's on our side we know , one that both can , and will our weake hands guide , one that will strike and thunder ; Gyant then , look for a dart ! we must not appoint when ; mean while help to convey this burden hence . Turk , though thy tyranny deny us graves , corruption will give them spite of thee : Nor do our corps , such Tombs and Cavernes need : for our own flesh , still our own graves do breed : And , whom the earth receives not when they die , heavens vault overwhelms them , so their tomb 's ith'skie . Exeunt with a dead Trunk .
Actus 4. Scena 4. Enter Aladin as flying , an arrow through his arm , wounded in his forehead , his shield stuck with darts : With him two Nobles . Alad. Besieged on every side ? Iconium taken ? Entrencht within my foes my self must lie wrapt in my Cities ruine . Turks come on . 1. Nob. Nay but my Lord , mean you to meet your death ? let 's hast our flight , and trust more to our feet then words , or hands — Alad. Why so much of our blood is already spilt , as should the glittering Sun exhale it upward , 't would obnubulate It 's luster , else to fiery Metors turn . some counsel ( Lords ) he that 's amidst the Sea , when every curled wave doth threat his death , yet trusts upon the oares of his own armes , and sometime the salt fome doth pity him . A Wolf , or Lion , that hath fild his gorge with bloody prey , at last will lie to sleep , and the unnaturalst creatures not forget their love to those whom they do know their own : My wife 's his daughter ; since we cannot stand his fury longer , she shall swage his wrath . The boysterous Ocean when no winds oppose , grows calm : revenge is lost , when 't hath no foes . 2. Nob. Why then ( my Lord ) array your self in weeds of a Petitioner : take the Queen along , and your two children ; they may move his eyes ; for , desperate sores aske desperate remedies . Ala. Go ( Lords ) go : fetch some straight . O heavens ! O fortune , they that leane on thy crackt wheel , and trust a Kingdomes power , and domineer in a wall'd Palace , let them look on me , and thee ( Carmania ; ) greater instances the world affords not to demonstrate the frail estate of proudest Potentates , of sturdiest Monarchies : high Pinacles are still invaded with the prouder winds ; they must endure the threats of every blast ; the tops of Caucasus and Pindus shake with evey crack of thunder ; humble Vaults are nere toucht with a bolt : ambiguous wings hath all the state , that hovers over Kings . Enter the 2. Nobles with a winding sheet , Aladin puts it on . I , I , this vesture sits my misery ! this badge of poverty must now prevaile , where all my Kingdomes power and strength doth fail . Why should not a prophetick soul attend on great mens persons , and forewarn their ills ? Raging Bootes doth doth not so turmoile the Lybian ford , as Fortune doth great hearts . Bellona and Erynnis scourge us on ; should wars and treasons cease , why our own weight would send us to the earth , as spreading armes make the huge trees in tempest for to split . For as the slaughter-man to pasture goes , and drags that Oxe home first , whose Bulk is greatest , the leane he still le ts feed : disease takes hold on bodies that are pampered with best fare ; so doth all ruine chuse the fairest markes , at which it bends , and strikes it full of shafts ; ambition made me now that eminent Butt : And I that fell by mine own strength , must rise by profest weaknesse ; Buckets full sink down , whilst th' empty dance i' th' ayre and cannot drown . Come ( Lords ) he out of 's way can never range , who is at furthest ; worst nere finds ill change .
Actus 5.
Scena 1. Enter at one door Amurath , with attendants ; at the other door Aladin , his Wife , two Children , all in white sheets , kneel down to Amurath . Am. Our hate must not part thus ; I 'le tell thee ( Prince ) thou ' ast kindled violent Aetna in our brest , and such a flame is quencht with nought but blood : His blood whose hasty and rebellious blast ▪ gave life unto the fire ; should heaven threat us ; know , we dare menace it ; are we not Amurath ? ( whose awful name is even trembled at ) so often dar'd by Pigmy Christians ; which we will crush to ayre ? what haughty thought buzz'd thy presumtuous eares with such vain blasts , to puffe thee into such impetuous acts ? or what , durst prompt thee with a thought so frail , as made thee covetous of so brave a death , as this known hand should cause it ? know , that throat shall feel it strangled with some slave brought up to nought but for an Hangman : thy last breath , torn from thee by a hand that 's worse than death . Alad. Why then , I le ( like the Roman Pompey ) hide my dying sight , scorning imperious looks should grace so base a stroke with sad aspect ; thus will I muffle up and choke my grones , lest a griev'd teare should quite put out the name of lasting courage in Carmanias fame . Am. What ? still stiffe necked ? Is this the truce you beg ? Sprinkled before thy face those Rebel Brats , shall have their braines , and their dissected limbes , hurld for a prey to Kites ; for ( Lords ) 't is fit no spark of such a mountain threatning fire , be left as unextinct , least it devoure , and prove more hot unto the Turkish Empier , then the Promethean blaze did trouble Jove ! first sacrifice those Brats . — All. Wife . ( Deare father ) let thy fury rush on me ; within these entrailes sheath thine unsatiate sword , and let this ominous , and too fruitful womb be torn insunder , for from thence those Babes , took all their crimes ; error made them guilty , 't was Natures fault , not theirs : O if affection can work , then now shew a true fathers love ; if not , appease those murdering thoughts with me : For as Jocasta pleaded with her sons for their deare Father , so to a Father I for my dear babes and husband ; husband , father , Which shall I first embrace ? Victoriors father , be blunt those now sharp thoughts , lay down those threats , unclasp that impious Helmet ; fix to earth that monumental Speare , look on thy child with pardoning looks , not with a warriers eye : Else shall my brest cover my husbands brest , and serve as buckler to receive thy wounds . Why dost thou doubt ? Fearest thou thy daughters faith ? Amu. I feare , for after Daughters perjury , all Lawes of Nature shall distasteful be ; nor will I trust thy children or thy self . Wife . No Father , 't is I : fear you him , he you , I both , but for you both , for both you war ; so that 't is best with him that 's overcome . O let me kisse ( kind father ) first the earth on which you tread , then kisse mine husbands cheek . Great King embrace these babes , you are the stock on which these Grafts were planted — Amu. True , and when sprouts do rob the tree of sap , they must be prun'd . Wife . Dear Father , leave such harsh similitudes : By my deceased Mother , ( to whose womb I was a ten moneths burden : ) By your self , ( to whom I was a pleasing Infant once ) pitty my husband , and these tender Infants . Amu. Yes , to have them collect a manly strength , and their first lesson that their Dad shall teach them shall be to read my misery . All. Stern Conqueror : but that thy daughter shews , there once dwelt good in that obdurate brest , I would not spend a teare to soften thee . Thou seest my Countries turn'd into a grave : my Cities scare the Sun with fiercer flames , which turn them into ashes , and my self so flickt and carved , that my amazed blood knows not through which wound first to take it's way ; if not on me , have mercy on my babes , — which , with thy mercy thou mayst turn to Love . Amu. No sir , we must root out malicious seed : nothing sprouts faster , than an envious weed ! We see a little Bullock , 'mongst an Herd ( whose horns are yet scarce crept from out his front ) grows on a suddain tall , and in the Field , frolicks so much , he makes his Father yield . A little Twig left budding on an Elm , ungratefully bars his Mother sight from Heaven ! I love not future Aladins . Alad. Threat all a Conquerour can , canst threat but death , and I can die : but if thou wouldst have mercy ! — Wife . Let 's see your feet , we 're proud with this hands kiss ! The higher those great powers have rais'd you , press that which lyes below with gentler weight : to pardon miseries is Fortunes height : alas , these infants , these weak sinewed hands can be no terror to these Hectors arms ! Beg ( Infants ) beg , and teach these tender joynts to ask for mercy ; learn your lisping tongues to give due accent to each syllable : nothing that Fortune urgeth to , is base ; put from your thoughts all memory of descent : forget the Princely Titles of your Fathers : if your own misery you cannot feel , learn thus of me to weep , of me to kneel . Al. Do ( boys ) and imitate your Parents tears , which I ( like Priam ) shed , when he beheld , Hector thrice dragg'd about the Trojan Walls . He that burst ope the Gates of Erebus , and rouz'd the yelling Monster from his Den , was conquer'd with a tear . Great Monarch learn , To know how dear a King doth weeping earn . 1. Ch. Good Grandsire see , see how my Father cries ! 2. Ch. Good Mother take my napkin for your eyes ! Wife . ( Good father ) hear , hear how thy daughter prays ! Thou that know'st how to use stern Warriers arms , learn how to use mild Warriers pity too . Alas ? Can ere these ungrown strengths repair their Fathers battered Cities ? Or can these , these orethrown Turrets ? ( Iconium ) what small hopes hast thou to lean upon ? If these be all ? Not half so mild hath our misfortune been that any can ere fear us : Be pleased — Am. Rise ( my dear Child ) as Marble against rain , so I at these obedient showers , melt ; thus I do raise thy Husband : thus thy Babes : freely admitting you to former State . But Aladin , wake not our wrath again ; " Patience grows fury that is often stirred ; when Conquerours wax calm , and cease to hate , the conquer'd should not dare to reiterate . Be thou our Son and Friend . Alad. By all the Rites of Mahomet , I vow it . Am. Then , for to seal unto you this our love , your self shall lead a wing in Servia , in our immediate Wars ; we are to meet the Christians in Cassanoe's Plains with speed : Great Amurath nere had time to breath himself , so much as to have warring with new Foes ; no day securely to his Scepter shone , but one Wars end , still brought another on . Exeunt .
Actus 5. Scena 2. Enter Lazarus , Cobelitz , Souldiers , all armed . Cob. Let now victorious wreathes ingirt our brows , let Angels 'stead of Souldiers wield our arms 'gainst him , who that our Cities might be his , strives to depopulate , and make them none ! But look , look in the air ( me thinks ) I see an Host of Souldiers brandishing their Swords ; each corner of the Heaven shoots thunderbolts , to nail these impious forces to the Earth . Laz. Souldiers stand to 't , though fortune bandy at 's , let 's stand her shocks , like sturdy Rocks i th' Sea , on which the angry foaming Billows beat , with frivolous rush , and break themselves , not them ; stand like the undaunted countenance o th' sky , or , like the Sun , which when the foolish King , thought to obscure with a cloud of darts , out lookt them all , our lives are all inchanted , and more invulnerate than Thetis Son . We shall have hands and weapons : if the stone of Fortune glide from under our weak feet , and we must fall , yet , let all Christians say , 'T is She , and not the Cause , that wins the day . We must believe Heaven hath a greater care of them , whom Fortune doth so oft out dare ! Cob. Gentlemen , Brothers , Friends , Souldiers , Christians , we have no reason to command of Heaven a thing denied to all mortality . Nor should we be so impudently proud , as in this weak condition to repute our selves above the stroak of Lady Chance , a caution must divine it , ever fixt , that whilst her checks equally fall out , community should ease their bitterness . I could afresh now shed those Princely tears , to think such suddain ruine should attend Heroick spirits glittering in bright arms ! But if the Graecian ( when he heard the dreams disputed subtilly by Philosophers , to prove innumerable extant worlds ) was struck with pensiveness , and wept to think he had not yet obtain'd one for himself ; what terror can affright a Christians thoughts who knows there is a world , at liberty to breath in , when this glass of life is broke ? our Foes with circling fury are intrencht ; Pelions of Earth and darkness shall orelade them , whilst we shall mount , and these our spirits light , shall be yet ponderous to depress them lower . Nay , my Enthusiastick soul divines , That some weak hand shall from the blazing Zone snatch Lightning , which shall strike the snarling Cur with horror and amazement to the Earth , which Hell cannot oppose ! Turk , Tyrannize , stand , yet at length to fall my sacrifice . Super Olympick vigor will ( no doubt ) . squeez all thy supercilious rancor out ! Exeunt in a March .
Scena 3. Actus 5. The Heavens seem on fire , Comets and blazing Stars appear , Amurath speaks . Am. Who set the world on fire ? How now ( ye Heavens ) grow you so proud , that you must needs put on curl'd locks , and cloth your selves in Periwigs of fire ? Mahomet ( say not but I invoke thee now ! ) command the puny-Christians demi-God put out those flashing sparks , those Ignes fatui , or i 'le unseat him , or with my Looks so shake the staggring props of his weak seated Throne , that he shall finde he shall have more to do to quell one Amurath , than the whole Gyant brood of those same Sons of Earth , than ten Lycaons . Do the poor snaks so love their misery that they would see it by these threatning lights ? Dare ye blaze still ? I 'le toss up Buckets full of Christians blood to quench you : by those hairs drag you beneath the Center : there put out all your presaging flames in Phlegeton . Can you outbrave me with your pidling Lights ? Yawn earth with Casements as wide as hell it self . Vault opens . Burn heaven as ardent as the Lemnian flames , wake pale Tisiphon , spend all thy snakes ; Be Eacus , and Minos , as severe as if the Goale delivery of us all were the next Sessions . I le pull Radamant by his flaming furres from out his Iron Chaire . Whilst he is in his fury , arise four Fiends , framed like Turkish Kings , but black , his supposed Predecessors daunce about him ; to a kind of hideous noyse , sing this Song following .
1. Fiend . Horror , dismal cryes , and yells Of these thy Grandsires thee fore-tels , Furies sent of thee to learn Crimes , which they could nere discern . All. Furies sent , &c. 2. Fiend . O Amurath thy Father 's come , To warn thee of a suddain doome , Which in Cassanoe's fields attends To bring thee to thy hellish friends . All. Which in Cassanoes , &c. 3. Fiend . Megaera and Ennio both do stand Trembling lest when thou art damn'd , Chief of Furies thou shouldst be , And they their snakes resigne to thee . All. Chief of Furies , &c. 4. Fiend . Terror , we a while will leave thee , Till Cocytus Lake receive thee . Cerberus will quake for feare Where he a new Turks fate shall heare . All. Cerberus will , &c.
Amu. Now who the divel sent my Grandsires hither ? Had Pluto no task else to set them too ? He should have bound them to Ixions wheel , or bid them roule the stone of Sysiphus : Beshrew me , but their singing did not please me ! Have they not been so drunk with Lethe yet , as to forget me ? They can portend no ill ; for , should the fates be twining my last thread , yet none durst come from hell to tell me so . Shall I be scar'd with a Night-walking Ghost ; or what my working fancy shall present ? Why , I can look more terrible then night , and command darknesse in the unwilling day : Make Hecate start , and draw back her head to wrap it in a swarthy vaile of clouds . Drop sheets of Sulphure , you prodigious skyes , Cyclops , run all thy Bullets into Aetna , then vomit them at once ; should Christians couch to the bottomlesse abysse of Styx , or hide themselves under Avernaes shade , this arm should fetch them out . Day must perform what I intend , wrath raines a bloody storm : And now , 'gins rise the Sun , which yet not knows the misery it shall see on Amuraths Foes ! Lords , Leaders , Captaines — Enter Schahin and others . Scha. Your Highnesse up so soon ? Amu. He small rest takes , that dreames on nought but bloody broyles and death . Schah. Your Grace seems much distempered : Beds of sweat bedew your brows with never-wonted paleness Am. Why ; see you not ? The heavens are turn'd Court Ladies , and put on other Hair besides their own : canst guess ( learn'd Schahin ) what these flames portend ? Schah. My Lord , such things as these , we men must see , and wonder at , and yet not search the reason ; perchance unwholsom fogs exhailed by th' Sun are set a blazing by his too neer heat : but 't is not lawful that a mortal eye should dare to penetrate Heavens secrecy . Am. Doth it not bode a Conquest ? Schah. Yes , 'gainst the Christians : for , unto them it bends sinister looks , and frowns upon their Army more than ours . Amur. So , so : come on , ere Phosphorus appear let 's too 't , and so prevent that sluggard Sol. If we want Light , we 'll from our Whinyards strike fire enough to scorch the Universe ; Mine Armour there ! Some go for his Armour . Now ( Mahomet ) I implore thy promist Aid for this auspicious day : toss me aloft , and make me ride on Clouds : If my Horse fail me , those fire breathing jades , ( which the boy Phaëthon knew not how to guide ) will I pluck out from out the flaming Team , and hurle my self against those condense Spheares , on which I 'le sit , and stay their turning Orbs ; the whole vertigious Circle shall stand still , but to behold me : Mine Armour , ho ! They bring his Armour . So , help on here ; now like Alcides do I girt my self with well knit sinewes , able to stagger Earth , and threaten Nature with a second Chaos : If one impetuous broyl remain to come in future ages , set on foote this houre . How well this weight of steele bents my strength ! Me thinks the Gods stand quivering , and doe feare ( when I am arm'd ) another Phlege●'s neare . Chiron shall see his Piadus at my feet ; And i le climbe up to heaven , and pull it downe and kick the weighty burden of the world , from off the Babies shoulders that supports it . for I am safer Buckled 'gainst my foe , then sturdy Jason , who by th' inchanted charmes Medea gave , encountred Unicornes , Queld Lyons , struggl'd with fire-belching Buls , obtain'd a glorious prize , a Fleece . A Fleece dipt deepe in tincture of the Christ'ans bloud shall be my spoyle ; nay should they hide their heads in their Gods bosome , here 's a sword shall reach them . Come they shall know no place is free from wrath , when boyling bloud is stirr'd in Amurath . Exeunt . An alarme , excursions : fight within . Enter at one doore a Christian , at another a Turke ; fight , both kild , so a new charge , the Turkes kill most . Enter Lazarus , Schahin kils him . Enter Eurenoses , Cobelitz , they fight , Cobelitz faints , falls for dead . A showt within , a token of Victory on the Turkes side , a Retrait sounded .
Scena 4. Actus 5. Enter above Amurath , Bajazet , Nobles , to see the spoyle . Schah. Here , mighty Prince , take view of Victory , and see the field too narrow for thy spoyles . Erynnus hides her head as if afraid , to see a slaughter she durst never hope for . Earth hath the Carkasses : and denies them Graves , and lets them ly and rot , and fat her wombe , scorning to be unto the slaves a Tombe . Am. Where are become those ominous Comets now ? What ? are those pissing Candles quite extinct ? leave their disacterous snuffes no stench behind them ? 't is something yet , that their God seeth their slaughter , lending sulphurious Meteors to behold the blest destruction of these Parasites . I knew the Elements would first untye the Nerves of th' Universe , then let me dye . Here Cobelitz riseth as awakt , amazed , leaning on his Sword , stumbling ore the dead bodies , lookes towards Amurath . Euren. See ( King ) heres 's one worme yet that dare confesse he breaths and lives , which once this hand crusht downe . Amur. Ha , ha , by Mahomet , and we are weary now : Some Mercy shall lay Victory asleepe . It will a Lawreat prove to this great strife , 'mongst all these murdred to give one his life , so we 'll descend . He goeth from aloft . Cob. From what a dismall grave am I awak'd , entomb'd within a Golgatha of men ! Have all these Soules prevented me in blesse , and left me in a dreame of happinesse ? But soft ! me thoughts he sayd he would descend ! Then , Heavens , one minutes breath , that 's all I aske , and then I shall performe my lifes true taske . Amurath descends on the Stage , Cobelitz staggers towards him . Amur. Poore slave , wouldst live ? Here Cobelitz is come to him , seeming to kneele , stabs him with a pocket Dagger . Cob. Yes Turke to see thee dye . Howle , howle , grim Tartar , yel ( thou grisly Wolfe ) force forth the bloud from out thy gaping Wound ! Dii tibi non mortem , quae cunctis poena paratur , Sed sensum post fata , tuae dent ( impie ) morti . Amur. My spirit makes me not to feele thy weapon ! Hold , you crackt Organs , of my shattered life , I 'm not toucht yet ; can I not mocke my death , and thinke 't is but a dreame tells me I 'm hurt ? Dar'st thou then leave me ( bloud ? ) Canst be so bold as to forsake these veynes to flow on Earth ? And must I , like th' unhappy Roman , dye by a slaves hand ? Cob. Tyrant , 't is knowne He 's Lord of others lives that scornes his owne . Am. I that could scarce ere sleepe , can I ere die ? And will none feare my life when I am dead ; Tortures and torments for the murderer . Cob. Ha , ha , ha ! Leaning on his sword . I thanke thee ( great omnipotent ) that I shall here laugh out the lag end of my life ! Am. Villaine , thy laugh wounds worse then did thy Dagger . Are you Lethargick ( Lords ) in cruelty ? Cob. Nay , heare me ( Turke ) now will I prompt their rage : Locke me up in the Bull of Phalaris , cut off these eye-lids , bid me then out-gaze the parching Sunbeames ; flea this tender skin , set nests of Hornets on my rawest flesh , let the Siconian Clouds drop brimstone on me , powre boyling Lemnos on my greenest wounds , put on my shoulder Nessus poyson'd shirt , bind all these bloudy faces to my face , Racke me , Procrastes like — The Lord that holds up Amurath offers to touch his wounds . Amur. Hell , oh ! I cannot brooke your smallest touch . Cob. Ha , Ha! each groane is Balsome to my wounds : I am perfect well . Bajazet offers to kill Gobelitz ; a Nobleman holds his hand . Schah. Rascall , dar'st deride us ? Cob. Yea ? and while your witty furies shall invent for me some never heard of punishment ; I see a guard of Saints ready to take me hence . Take then free flight my new rewarded soule , and seate thee on the winged Seraphims , hast to the Empyreum , where thy welcome shall be an Haleluia , anthem'd forth By the Chorus of the Angell-Hierarchy . Pierce with swift plumes , the concave paths o th' Moone Where the black aire enlightened is with starres . Stay not to wonder there at wandring Signes , at bi-horn'd Gemini , or Amphions Harpe , at Arctos , or Bootes , or the Beare , ( Which are to please wizard Astrologers : ) Soare higher with thy pitch , and then looke downe to laugh at the hard trifles of the world ; Perchance some oft have knowne a better life , Never did one ere leav' it more willingly . Am. Feare your death ( Gods ! ) for I have lost my life , and what , I most complaine , my tyranny . Cob. Soule , to detaine thee from thy wished rest ! were but an envious part ! arise , farewell : To stay thee to accuse or fate or man , would shew I were unwilling yet to leave thee . But deare companion hence : cut through the ayre let not the grosenesse of my Earth ore-lime thy speedy wings , fly without weight of crime . He dyes . Am. O , now have I and Fortune try'd it out . With all her best of favours was I crown'd and suffred her worst threats , when most she frown'd . Stay ( Soule ! a King , a Turke , commands thee stay . Sure I am but an actor , and must strive to personate the Tragicke ends of Kings . And so ( to winne applause unto the Scene ) with fained passion thus must graspe at death . O but I see pale Nemesis at hand : Art thou dull , fate , and dost not overspread Cimmerian wings of death throughout the world ; What ? Not one Earthquake ? One blazing Comet T' accompany my soule t' his Funerall ? Is not this hour the generall period to nere returning time ! Last breath command a new Deacalions deluge , that with me the world may swim to his Eternall Grave . Cracke hindge that holds this globe , and welcome death . Wilt thou not stay Soule ? Friend , not stay with Kings ? Sinke then , and sink beneath the Thracian Mount . Sinke beneath Athos , be the Brackish Waves Of Acheron thy Tombe ; I le want a Grave ; So all parts feare , which first my Corps shall have ; For in my Grave , I le be the Christians foe , here like a massie pyramide i le fall , I le strive to sinke all the whole fabricke with me : quake pluto , for 't is I that come a turke , tyrant , and a conquerour . and with this groane , like thunder will I cleave , the timerous earth , whilst thus my last I breath . He dyes . Bajaz. O easie powers , to give us all at first , but in their losse , they make us most accurst . Here all the Nobles kneele to Bajazet . Schah. The Taper of your Fathers life is spent ; We must have light still and adore a Sunne . that next is rising ; therefore mighty Prince , upon your shoulders must the pondrous load of Empire rest . Bajaz. Why ( Lords ) we have a Brother , who , as in the same bloud he tooke a share , so let him beare his part in Government . Sch. My Lord , within the selfe-same Hemispheare It 's most prodigious when two Sunnes appeare . One body by one soule must be inform'd . Kingdomes like ( marriage beds ) must not indure any corrivall . Rome was nere secure whilst she contain'd a Pompey ; and a Caesar . Like as one Prophet we acknowledge now , so of one King in state we must allow . You know the Turkish Lawes , Prince be not nice to purchase Kingdomes , whatsoe'er the price . He must be lopt , send for him he must dye . Bajazet . O happy Bajazet , that he was borne to be a King when thou wast Counseller . Call in our Brother Jacup . Some goe for him . Here sixe men take up Amuraths Trunke on their shoulders . Baj. Why ( Lords ! ) is Amurath so light a weight ? Is this the Trunk o th' Turkish Emperor ? Oh what a heape of thoughts are come to naught ? What a light weight is he unto sixe men , who durst stand under Ossa , and sustaine 't ? Euren. My Lord , these Meditations fit not you : You are to take the honour he hath left , and thinke you of his rising , not his fall ! Enter Jacup . Let your decree be suddaine , here 's your Brother . Baj. Brother , I could have wished we might have met at times of better greeting ! Our father hath bequeath'd to the Grave these ashes , to us his State . Nor have we leysure ( yet ) to mourne for him . Brother , you know our state hath made a Law , that , he that sits in a Majestick Chayre , must not endure the next succeeding heyre . Jac. Yes , we doe : And , Brother , doe you thinke 't is crime enough to dye , because I am sonne to an Emperour ? Scah. My Lord , we know there breathes in him that ayre of true affestion , that he doth much desire you should be equall in his Kingdome with him : But still when two great evils are propos'd ; the lesse is to be chosen . Euren. My Lord , your life 's but one : Kings are the threads whereto there are inweaved millions of lives , and he that must rule all must still be one that is select from all . Although we speake , yet thinke them not our words , But what the Land speakes in us ! Kings are free ; And must be impatient of equality . Jac. And is 't eene so ? How have these Dogs fawn'd on me , lickt my feet when Amurath yet lived ! Felt all my thoughts , and soothed them to the sight of Empyrie ! And now the first would set their politique hands to strangle up that breath , a blast of which their nostrils have suckt up like perfum'd ayre . Well brother well , by all men this is spoke , that heart that cannot bow , may yet be broke . Bajazet . Brother , you must not now stand to upbraid ; They which doe feare the vulgars murmuring tongue , Must also feare th' authority of a King ; For rulers must esteeme it happinesse , that with their gov'rnment they can hate suppresse : they with too faint a hand the Scepters sway , Who regard love , or what the people say : To Kindred we must quite put off respect , when 't is so neare it may our Crowne affect . Jac. Then name of Brother doe I thus shake off , for 't is in vaine their mercy to implore , when impious Statists have decreed before . Yet King , although thou take my life away see how I le dye in better state then thou ! Who like ( my Father ) after his greatest glory May fall by some base hand : The Minister . 'To take my breath , shall be thy selfe a King . Here Jacup takes a Scarfe from his Arme , and putting it about his neck gives one end to Bajazet . Yet give me leave a while to Prophesie . You that so Puppet-like delude your hopes , and Wyer-draw the ancestry from Kings , thinking , that fates dare not aproach your bloud till they doe seize you , then you leave this Earth , Not as you went , but by compulsion dragg'd ; Still begging for a morrow from your Grave , and with such shifts you doe deceive your selves , as if you could deceive mortality , No ( Brother King ) not all the Glow-worme state , which makes thee be a Horse-leach to thy bloud , Not all the Parasitest ' Minions thou maintainst , nor the restorative Dishes that are found out . Not all thy shifts and trickes can cheat mortality , or keepe thee from a death that 's worse then mine . Should all this faile , age would professe it selfe a slow , but a sure Executioner . O 't is a hard thing well to temperate decaying happinesse in great estate . But this example by me may you gaine , that at my death ! not of Heaven complaine . Pull then , and with my fall pull on thy selfe Mountaines of burdenous honor , which shall curse thee . Death leades the willing by the hand But spurs them headlong on , that dare command . Here himselfe pulls one end , Bajazet the other , Jacup . dyes . Bajazet . Take up this Trunke ; and let us first appoint our Fathers , and our Brothers Funerals . the sense lesse body of that Caitiffe slave , hurle to a Ditch . Posterity shall heare Our lesse ill Chronicled , but time shall heare these minutes rather , then repeate their woe . Now Primacy , on thee I le mediate , Which who enjoy thee , are in blest estate . Whose age in secure silence fleets away , Without disturbance to his funeral day ; Nor ponderous nor unquiet honours can Vexe him , but dyes a primare ancient man . What greater powers threaten inferiour men , a greater power threatens him agen : And like to wasted Tapers Kings must spend their lives to light up others : So all end . Exeunt bearing out solemnely the bodies of Amurath and Jacup .
FINIS .

THE TRAGEDY OF ORESTES , Written by THOMAS GOFF Master of Arts , and student of Christ-Church in OXFORD , AND Acted by the STUDENTS of the same house .

The second Edition

LONDON , Printed for G. BEDELL and T. COLLINS , at the middle Temple Gate Fleet-street . 1656.

The Prologue . THe hush'd contentment of two silent howres , Breath pleasing ayres on these attentive eares ; And since wee see in this well furnish'd roome , All our best neighbours are so kindely met , Wee would devise some pleasing talke , to spend The lazie houres of the tedious night : But for our owne invention , 't was too weake , Whereon our young Muse durst not wholly leane . We here present for the revive a tale , Which once in Athens great Eurypedes In better phrase , at such a meeting told The learn'd Athenians with much applause : The same we will retell unto your eares ; Whose Atticke judgement is no lesse then theirs , We here as builders which doe oft take stones , From out old buildings , then must hew and cut , To make them square , and fitting for a new ; So from an old foundation we have ta'n , Stones ready squar'd for our aedifice , Which if in pleasing our weake skill offends In making corners disproportionate , Some roome too narrow or some loft to a high ; Yet we well hope , if the whole structure fall . Your hands , like props , will serve to beare up all . Spoken by the Authour himselfe :
The Names of the Actors . Agamemnon , King of Greece . Clytemnestra , The Queene . Tyndarus Clytemnestra's father . Strophius ; Father to Pylades . Two deare friends . Orestes , soon to Agam. Pylades , soon to Stroph. Electra Daughter to Agamemnon . Aegystheus , Adulterer with Clytemnestra . Mysander , A Favorite ; and Parasite . Ajoung Childe of Aegystheus . Nurse . Two Lords . Chamberlaine . A Boy . Attendants .
THE TRAGEDIE . OF ORESTES .
Actus 1.
Scena 1. Enter as from warre , Agamemnon , Clytemnestra , Orestes , Pylades , Aegysteus , cum caeteris . Agam. NOw a faire blessing blesse my dearest earth , and like a Bride adorne thy royall brow , with fruits rich Garland ; a new married Bride Unto thy King and Husband , who too long Hath left thee widdowed : O , me thinks I see Turnes to the spectators : how all my Grecians with unsatiate lookes and greedy eyes doe bid mee welcome home : Each eare that heares the clamour seemes to grieve , it cannot speake , and give a ( welcome King : Come Clytemnestra , let not anger make , his wrinkled seat upon my loves faire brow ; I have too long beene absent from thy bed , Chide me for that anon , when arme in arme I shall relate those projects in love termes , which when they first were acted , made Mars feare to see each man turn'd to a God of warre . Clyt. O my deare Lord , absence of things wee love , thus intermixt , makes them the sweeter prove : That your departure pierc'd my tender soule , witnesse those Christall floods which in my eyes did make a sea , when you should goe to sea , those streames , which then flow'd from the veines of greife . at your returne doe overflow the banks . But 't is with joy . Agam. Now these eares indeed have chang'd their place : they which were wont to heare no musique but the summoning of warre blowne thorow discords brazen instrument , are blessed now with accents that doe fill my age-dry'd veynes with youthfull blood againe . These eyes which had no other object once , but Hector twixt the armes of Greece and Troy , hewing downe men , and making every field Flow with a sea of blood , now see 's blood flow . In my Orestes cheekes : heaven blesse this plant Orestes kneeles . sprung from the sap of this juicelesse oake ; Now be thy branches greene , under whose shade I may be shadowed from the heat of warre . Rise young Orestes , Oh how it glads my soule , to see my Queene and Sonne , my Sonne and Queene . Clyt. But come my Lord , true love still hates delayes , let no eares first be blessed with your breath , till on my brest resting your wearied head , You tell your warre , where that the field 's your bed . Aga. My Queen shal have her wil , see how times change . I that last night thought all the world a sea , As if our common mother earth , had now shot her selfe wholly into Neptunes armes , and the strong hindges of the world had crackt , letting the moone fall into th' swelling waves , such watry mountaines oft did seeme to rise , and quite o'rwhelme us , all the winds at warre , banded the sea on to the others coasts , Jove thinking Neptune gan to strive for heaven , sent a new sea from thence , and with his thunder , bad silence to the waves ; they uncontrold , kept on their noyse , and let their fury swell , turning heaven , earth , sea , clouds , and all to hell . Each Trojan that was saved then 'gan cry , happy were they that did with Priam die . It glads mee now to thinke , that that night was no starre , no , not Orion there appear'd ; But this night 's turnd to day , and here doth shine , for a good Omen , my embraced Queene . With whom her Agamemnon still will stay , till age and death shall beare him quite away . Exeunt Agamemnon , Clytemnestra , cum caeteris .
Scena 2. Manet Egysteus . Aegyst . And that shal be ere long . Tush , shall be'sslow , my vengefull thoughts tell mee thou now art dead . Fie faint Apollo , weakling infant-God , why wouldst thou let lame Vulcan's hammers beat downe those brave Turrets which thou help'dst to build ? Venus , I see thou art a woman now , which here are like to take a double foyle ; for we , that whilome revel'd in thy campe in the sweet pleasures of incestuous sheets , must leave our lov'd unsatiate desires : But now begin , thou blacke Eumenides , You hand-mayds of great Dis , let such a flame of anger burne mee , as doth Etnas forge , on fury , on , our hate shall not die thus : I 'll draw my poysonous arrow to the length , that it may hit the mark and fly with strength . Exit
SCEN. 3. Enter Orestes : Pylades . Orest . Come now my dearest friend , my other self , my empty soul is now fild to the top , brimful with gladnesse , and it must run o'r into my deare friends heart : those silver haires , which time hath crown'd my Fathers brow withal , do shine within mine eyes , and like the Sun , extract all drossie vapors from my soul . Like as the earth , whom frost hast long benumb'd , and brought an Icie drinesse on her face , her veines so open , at a sudden thaw , that all plants , fruits , flowers , and tender grafts , kept as close prisoners in their mothers womb , start out their heads , and on a sudden doth the sad earth count'nance with a summer look . So in this brest , here in this brest deare friend , whiles Annus ten times circled in the world ten clumzie winters , and ten lagging springs hath ( with my fathers absence ) frozen beene all thoughts of joy , which now shall make a spring in my refreshed soul . " Things that we daily see th' affections cloy , " hopes long desired bring the greatest joy . Pyl. Nay , but dear Cousin , give not the reines too much to new received joyes , lest that they run with so much speed , that they out-breath themselves : your Father is come home ; but being come , should now some woful afterclap of fate ( which Omen Jove forbid should come to passe ) but take him hence again , and crosse your joy ; each spark of gladness which you now conceive , would turn a flame for grief : still one extreame , altering his course , turns to the diverse theame . Orest . Tush Pylades , talk not of what may be , we may , indeed i' th' clearest afternoone expect a storm . Pyl. Yes , and such stormes oft come , and wet shrewd too , before we get at home . Orest . O , but I 'll be above all fatal power : I that have such a Father new come home , I that have such a friend , such too rare gifts ; who gave me these gifts , thought , no scowling frown of angry fortune e'r should throw me down . Pyl. Call them not gifts Orestes , th' are but lent , meere lendings friend , and lendings we must pay , when e'r the owner shall appoint his day . Orest . True , Pylades , but owners use to warn their debtors when they must bring in their summs : but heavens tell me with favouring aspects , I still must keep their lendings , and possess , with frolick joy , all their lent happiness . Pyl. Trust not the heavens too much , although they smile , good looks do mortal hearts too oft beguile : the heavens are usurers ; and as oft 't is seen a full poucht churle give a most faire good e'en to his poor Creditor : who , trusting that , hath slackt this payment : on the morrow next he hath been rooted out by th' tuskey boare , which gave the faire good e'en the day before : The heavens can do thus too — Orest . Tush : mortals must lean on the sacred heaven with greater trust ; but it grows far in night , come let us in to morrow shall our joyes afresh begin . Exeunt .
Scen. 4. Enter Aegystheus , Clytemnestra ; with naked daggers : Agamemnon lying in his bed . Egyst . O Night , now only spread thy sable wings over this climate , gather all thy fogs that they may meet , and make thy face more black : let horrid murder take thee by the hand and come along : I have a prodigie equall to all the murders , all the blood that hath been shed in all Troyes ten yeeres siege . He draws the curtain . So , snore returned King ; good Morpheus hang thy leaden weight upon his drowsie eyes , let him not wake till he shall see himself drencht in a sea of his vermilion goare : Thou do'st no Trojan , now , no Hector feare , but yet I 'll shew thee a new Hector here . Clyt. See , I 'll turn man too now , and to the hate which women beare , I 'll add a manly strength : my minde does tremble , what I meane to do . Breath forth your vapor's , O ye Stygian powers ! and listen to a hateful womans prayers . Pluto stand by me for to aide my hand , I may strike home now , and perform an act may make Medea blush she thought not of : Could the old dry bon'd dotard ever dreame , now he had drawn forth all his strength abroad , he could be welcome to lie bed-rid here , and supple his numb'd joynts in my fresh armes ? Egyst . Spoke like a queene , spoke like Aegystheus love ! Now great Thyestes Genius , which didst prompt me to this act ; Come , be spectator now ! and see revenge for Athens bloody feast . And thou wrong'd Clytemnestra call to mind , how his unsatiate , lustful loath'd desire , doted on every female face he saw , rap't the Priests daughter , and so brought a plague on all the Grecian hoast : Clytem. Yes , yes , Egyst . yes . And rap't young Briseis from Achilles bed . Crowd all revengful thoughts into this houre , now let thy sword let out that lustful blood . Egistheus stabs him . Wound him Egystheus , kill him not at once , wee 'll be true Tyrants , let him feel he dies . Aga. Help Clytemnestra , help me , my deare Queen . Clyt. Yes dotard , I will help thee , thus , yes thus : She stabs him . Remember the Priests daughter : this for her , and this for Briseis : Agam. See , my Grecians , see , your King which you so gladly entertain'd . Sol , hide thy self in everlasting night , or when thou risest , let thy blushing face make these to blush . Clytem. Ay , so , curse on , curse on : Agam. O Clytemnestra , O my once deare wife , is this the entertainment that thou giv'st thy new come husband ? gratulates thou thus my ten yeares absence ? See these frosty haires would even move Hecuba to pity me ; Look on these aged armes which in this bed , thought to have been bless'd with thy kind imbrace . Clytem. Yes , mine or Cassandra's , old adulterer . Agam. Kinsman Aegystheus ; O my dearest wife whom shall I call ? me thinks you both are mine . What Titius , what Megaera hath put on Aegystheus and my Clytemnestra's shapes ? Aegyst . Calst thou us friends ? Stabs him againe . Agam. O be not so , and I 'll not call you so : Let not your coward weapons wound this head , that earst did scorne to shrink at Priams blow . O hew me not down thus for my sons sake , deare Clytemnestra , for Orestes sake . Is this the Trojan tale ! how I should tell , that here great Hector slew Antiochus , and here that Meontiades was slaine , and poor Prothesilaus deare to Lacdamie : I thought to tell how these men lost their blood ; and see my blood is thus let forth at home . Aegy. Is your hot blood yet cold ! Clyt. breath dotard , do . you shall have gaps enough to let your soul finde a free passage to his deserved flames . Agam. No pitty yet ? O then , no pitty light on you , nor yours ; but let dire revenge come learn how she may after handle you : O , I am drown'd in blood , and now must yeild to murderers weapons ; treason win's the field . Alas this coming home hath had small joy ; Argos hath worser foes then ever Troy . Moritur , Clyt. Now I am Clytemnestra right , now I deserve to add one more to the three Furies , now do I count this more then my nuptial night ; 'T is mine , t is thine , Egystheus , and none else shall share a minute of this right , but we . Egyst . Me thinks I now go equal with the starrs , and my proud head toucheth the highest pole ; Hark , hell applauds me , and me thinks I heare A noise Thyestes tell me , I have done enough : And now I kisse my hands , whilst yet they beare this tincture on them , and embrace my Queen , now made my love ; le ts in , this night the Fates have amply fed us with revengeful cates . Exeunt
Scen. 5. Enter Orestes , as from his Bed , unbutton'd in slippers , a Torch in his hand . What horrid dreams affright me ? I see nought that I should fear , and yet me thinks I fear . Mine eyes scarce clos'd , my busie Fancy saw a sight that dasht all comforts of the day : me thought my Father lying in his Tent , hateful Achylles , for his wronged love comes in with Briseis , and they two let forth streams of fresh blood from out his aged side , with that his Eccho'd schrich did make me wake ; but I remembred then he was come home , and yet I 'll see him , still me thinks I quake . Do I still dream ? Are not mine eyes unclos'd ? He draws the Curtain . Is this a Torch ? yea , 't is , it burns , I see I am awake , do not delude me Night ! Now stand on tip-toes Atlas , lift heaven higher , I may have air enough to breath my woes in , O let me yet recal thy posting Soul ! if Charon have not hurried thee too fast , if yet thou hast not drunk on Lethes Pool , come back , and tell me who it is this night , hath done this deed far blacker than the night ? Ah! Art thou fled past call ? Why , thou wert old , me thinks thou shouldst not haste so fast away ! Was it for this thou swe'tst so oft in Arms ! Was it for this that the froth swelling foam , when thy Ships top toucht heaven , and deep plac'd hell ; that thou must yet escape curl'd Neptune's waves , to be a Palinurus in thy shoar , there drown thy aged locks in Crimson gore ? O , if one spark yet of thy Princely Soul remaine within this trunk , now let it shine and light mine ignorant eyes to reade the names of these night vultures , whose devouring bills have made a Titius of thy royall corps : who did not feare great Agamemnons sleep ? Arm , arm your selves all you all-potent Gods , you which we term just Ministers of heaven ! shoot forked lightning from the marble poale , let the all-seeing eye of heaven shoot flames which may parch up the marrow from their bones , should they lie coucht i' th brest o' th' Thunderer , or be entrencht with guards of furies fierce , heaven , earth nor hell , should keep them from my sword . Dost thou sleep Jove ! O , couldst thou snore so fast , and let thy great vicegerent thus be torn ? Some of th' immortal powers have had fathers , and know what 't is to have them murdered thus . But I turn woman now : O , I rave out my passions ; do , grief , pour out thy self , that thou mayst make room in my empty heart , to fill it with revenge .
Scena 6. Enter Clytemnestra , Aegystheus , in night-robes . Clyt. How now ? what ayles our son , how now Orestes ! Orest . O some are come now to help me to grieve : See , mother , see , your husband and my father , the King of Greece , great Shephard of his Land , see , see him here : She faines her selfe to swoun , Egy. catcheth her falling . Clyt. O help me now good heaven to keep my sex , let me dissemble . Aegyst . Help ( my Lords ) the Queen . Clyt. Why hinder'd you my soul , that whilst he liv'd , was linkt to his , and would too now have fled with wing'd desire to have been with him ! What doe I live for ! Agamemon slain ! My Lord , my King , husband , wake my Lord , what bloody Trojan followed thee from thence to kill thee here ? could he not one night have let me rested in thy sweet embraces ? Must he for surenesse make so many holes , for thy sweet soul to fly to be a God ? O let my teares be balm to these thy wounds , let my lips kisse , and warm thy gellid lips ; let my haire wipe these clots of blood away from thy age-honor'd side : O dry your teares , joyn knees and prayers with me , awake ye Gods , They both kneele . and send our vows , since we can send no wounds : Come son , we women still know how to curse . Let him that did it be an Adulterer . Aegyst . Faith she begins well , sure she knows the man . aside . Clyt. Let him be conscious , he hath don a deed deserves revenge , whether it fall or no : Let him for ever beare in mind this night , and who 't was helpt him in this bloody act . Aegist . Yes , hee 'll remember how you curse him now . aside . Orst . If ever he have children , let them be murdered before his face , that they may know how nature binds a father and a son . Aegyst . Now hands I thank you , now my soul grows glad , had not he griev'd thus , I had lost revenge . Clyt. But come my son , now let us talk of graves , of Epitaphs , and tombs , and 's soul being fled , Draw the curtaine and carry him away . let 's lap his Trunk up in a sheet of lead . Exeunt Clytemnestra , and Aegystheus . Manent Orest . Orest . Methinks I see a Tragedy at hand , to which this night hath as a Prologue bin ; I 'll make a prayer now worthy Atreus grandchild , let the foul Adder sting me as I walk , the poysonous toad belch her black venom forth in my despised face , let it be thought I never had a father , but some monster bred by a slimy exhalation , If my revenge fly not with ample wing : till then rest soul , hate told , may lose his sting .
Actus 2.
Scena 1. Enter Cassandra sola as a mad Prophetesse . Cass . O ye dead Trojans leape within your graves ! O mother that thou hadst lived this night ! Now thou 'ldst be glad t' have lost so many sons : the Grecians are reveng'd upon themselves , I thank thee soul , that thou keeptst here till now to let me see Greece overcome it self ; I live , I live , I 'm here , I live to see 't : I do not dream on 't , no , I saw the blood run from his side , whole Cataracts , all Greece . Apollo , how am I bound now for this that I do only see this happinesse ? Hecuba , Priam , young Astianax . Look Hecuba , Greece now doth act your woes , laugh Hecuba , for now Electra weeps : and Tyndarus he knows not what to do : Come little Cuz , come my Astianax , Orestes is in a worse case then thou . Still I had others for to weep with me , but none are left to laugh now , but my self : What should he feare at home ? A conqueror feare ! T is done , 't is done , leave fighting Hector , leave , the Grecians meane to fight against themselves , from Tyndarus the first brand took fire which burnt down Troy : and now an other here kindles from him , to set a fire Greece , Graia juvenca venit , quae se , patremque virumque Perdidit , Io laetor , Graja juvenca venit . Hellen , thy sister Hellen , nay shee 's thine : who could have thought that Hector being slaine , old Priam made a sacrifice to death , Troy turn'd to cinders , poor Andromacha dragg'd by her hair to death ; Astianax sent out o' th world before he well came in , Ha , ha , who could have thought after all this Cassandra should have ever laught againe ? One hour of laughter following many yeares of discontent , doth help to sweeten teares Exit .
Actus 2. Scena 2. Enter Aegystheus , Clytemnestra . Aegy. Fair morning to my Queen , nay more , my love , how likes my sweet her change of bed-fellow ? Clyt. Look as an hallow leafelesse failing oake , to whom , for that h' hath bin her weight too long , the earth denies to lend him moysture , so his sap failes , and he stands on a green 'mongst sprouting Elms , that they may seeme more fresh whilst hee 's but held a monument of years . Such one seem'd Agamemnon ; a dry tree : thou like a sprouting Elme , whom I embrace like twining Ivy , with these now blest armes , blest whilst this treasure in them they hold lockt : Aegyst . O who 'd not do a murder for a woman ! Heaven had but two things for the Gods reserv'd , fire , and women : when with Giant strength Promotheus had tane one , Jove in his rage threw him the to'ther , bad him keep 'em both . O th' are rare creatures , they have such Meanders , Their teares will come and go with such brave art ! Come now my Queen , one sweet Ambrosian kisse ; O Nectar ! prethee hadst thou taught thy teares how they should flow before ? Clyt. No , trust me love , I knew my teares would soon be at command , and faith the boy had almost made me weep really once . Were not my curses rare ? Aegyst . Yes , all was woman-like : but yet that boy he took it deeply ; would he were with his father , so gon , it skills not how ; were he away , we would act freely all our lustful play . Clyt. O but my love ! hee 's mine : Nor can the raven dig her sharp beake into her own birds brest : He will forget his father : woe will breake ; 't is not the greatest griefe that most doth speake . Aegyst . O , but hee 'll beare still a suspicious eye ; and who in bloody Scenes doth act a part , thinks every eye doth penetrate his heart . Nor can we ere be free , or I enjoy true pleasures ; we must be but theeves at most , close in delights , and have a Pander still to be a Factor 'twixt thy bed and mine : this we could have before , what now we do , the world should see done , and applaud us too . Clyt. Why my deare Love , I that would set my hand to stain my marriage sheets with husbands blood , would let these hands , instructed now in ill , not leave one arm of that uprooted tree ; Could but Aegistheus give me any hope , that from this top there should one spreading branch grow up and flourish . Aegyst . Now thou art thy self ; yes , yes my love , there shall one spring from us shall be a lofty Pine , let this be cropt ; murder must murder guard , guilt add to guilt , after one drop , whole streams of blood be spilt . walks away .
Scen. 3. Enter Pylades , Orestes , Electra , Strophius . Pyl. Dear friend , what mean you , to o'rwhelm your self in such a sea of grief ? Orest . Father ! deare Agamemnon ! Pyl. Nay cease this tempest , thou hast lost a father , why , 't is but change , my father shall be thine , I 'll be thy brother , nay , I 'll be thy selfe , weep when thou weep'st , and where thou go'st I 'll goe , and bring thee on thy pilgrimage of woe . Elect. Brother , look up ; have not I lost a father ? yes , yes , and would a river of fresh teares turne Lethes stream , and bring him from the wharf , with a North gale of windy blowing sighs , I would expire my soul , become all teares . Stro. Come , you have lost a father , I a brother , the Queen a Husband , all the Land a King ; yet all this but a man ; therefore must dye : Our woes may all be in one balance poys'd . His book of life the Fates had over-read , and turn'd the leafe where his last period stood . Now an immortal wreath circles his brow , and makes him King in heaven , who was before at most a God on earth : Hence difference springs , Kings are earths Gods , and Gods are heavenly Kings . Orest . Let us joyne words then now , and Swan-like sing the doleful dirge to a departed King : Thou friend didst of this misery divine , therefore the burthen of the song is mine : words Orators for woe , which plead the cause , when griefe 's the judge , and sighs are all the laws , each one a sob for Diapason beares , our tunes shall drown the musick of the spheares : O what Hirudo with unsatiate thirst , could draw the blood from out those Princely veines , from whence flow'd comfort to so many souls ! Spies his mother , goes to her . Mother , when wept you last ? here take a scarf dry your eyes : now by — you need none , what shine of comfort hath dry'd up your teares ? Clyt. Our son 's too sawcie with his mother Queen : Why , Sir , shall you tell us a time to weep ? Orest . Us ? good : Who is 't makes the plurality ? 'T was wont to be my father : does he live ? Clyt. Sir , curb this lavish speech , or I 'll forget you are my son , and make you but a subject . Aegyst . Good Cousin add not disobedience unto your mothers griefs . Orest . My mother , no , she is not here , no , she hath hid her self in some odd nooke , or angle unperceiv'd , she might not see this impious stygian world . Cly. Aegystus , canst thou still suffer thy dull sword i' th sheath ? Take the rank head from this o'r-growing weed . Stro. Remember Clytemnestra , he 's your son . Clyt. He is so , and I 'll learn him to be so : Had I a brazen bull , it should be heat hotter then for the Tyrant : Disobedient ! More harsh then Adders hisses is thy voyce , Sir , you shall dye , but with a living death , he still shall live , but live to know he dies ; who strait threats death , knows not to Tyranize . Exeunt Aegystheus , Clytemnestra . Stro. What temper 's grown on the distracted Queen ? Hath grief , conceiv'd for her late husbands death , brought her so far , she hath forgot her self ? Orest . No Uncle , no , by — I do suspect . O , my prophetick soul divines much ill ! Well , I will flie . But hear this stratagem , it shall be rumor'd i' th eare of the Court I was found dead , I 'll put a new shape on , and live alone , to heare how things go here . Pyl. Nay , not alone Orestes , whilst I live , shouldst make thy bed upon the rigid Alps , or frozen Caucasus , wrapt in sheets of snow , I 'd freeze unto thy side ; we will tell tales of Trojan warriers , and deposed Kings . Tell of strange shipwrack , of old Priams fall , how mad Andromacha did teare her hayre , when the wild horses tore brave Hectors limbs : Wee 'l think they all do come , and weep with us ; grief loves companions , and it helpeth woe , when it heares every one groane forth his , Oh! it easeth much , and our plaints fall more sweet , when a whole consort in one tune do meet . The half-dead ship-man , which hath shipwrack borne , seeing many drown'd , it makes him lesse to mourn : It made Deucalion care the lesse to die , when he had all the world in company . Thus we will sit , and our teares turnes shall keep , thou for thy father , I for thee will weep : If actors on the Stage having no cause , but for to win an hearers hands applause , can let fall teares , wee 'l think we Actors be , and only do but play griefs Tragedie . Orest . O , but deare friend , should we but act a part , the play being ended , passion left the heart , and we should share of joy : but my whole age must never move from off this woful Stage : But we must take our leave ; Uncle , farwel , remember what I spake ; and Sister , you must tarry here , my thoughts shall busied be , to finde the man that let my father blood . Can I but finde Aegystheus did consent , to spill one drop , O , I would pierce his heart with venom'd daggers , and so butcher him , that all Apollos skill in physicke hearbs , nor Aesculapius th' Epidaurian God , should keepe his soule out of Enio's hand ; Come my deare friend ; to all the rest farewell ; If heaven relate it not , I 'll know 't from hell . Exeunt Pylades , Orestes .
Scena 4. Enter Aegysteus , Clytemnestra , Mysander , Strophius , Electra another way . Aegyst . What , is Orestes fled ? sure there 's some plot , if you deare Queen , but search Electra well , you 'll finde she knowes whither her brothers gone . Clyt. If in her heart there be but lodg'd a thought unknown to mee , this hand shall rip her brest , and search her inparts , but I 'll finde it out . Mysander , call Electra . Aegist . O , were that moat tane from our comforts beams , no cloud e'r then could overshade our joyes , his life must be cut off without delay , mischiefe , by mischiefe findes the safest way : But here 's Electra . Cly. Why ! how now Minion ! what a blubbering still ! Huswife , pray where 's your brother , wher 's my sonne ? Elect. Mother , pray where 's my father , wher 's your husband ? Enter Stropheus , and speaks . Haile to my my gracious Queene , here 's one at doore . brings you a message , hee will not relate to any , but your selfe , he saies t is sad . Clyt. Why , the more dismal , the more welcome 't is . But as for you — Elect. Good mother do your worst , no plague can ever make me more accurst , nothing is worse then death , that I 'll not flie . Clyt. Yes , life is worse to those that faine would die . But where 's the messenger ?
Scena 5. Enter Nuncius . What whirlwinde rising from the womb of earth doth raise huge Pelion unto Ossa's top , that both being heapt , I stand upon them both and with an hundred Stentor-drowning voice , relate unto the world the saddest tale that ever burdned the weak jaws of man ? Aegyst . Why , what portentous newes ? Amaze us not , tell us what e'r it be . Nun. Were my mind settled , would the gellid feare , that freeseth up my sense , set free my speech , I would unfold a tale which makes my heart throb in my intrals , when I seem to see 't . Clyt Relate it quickly , hold 's not in suspence . Nun. Upon the mount of yonder rising cliffe , which th' earth hath made a bulwark for the sea , whose pearelesse head is from the streams so high , that whosoe'r looks down , his brain will swim with a vertigo : The space remov d so far the object from the eye , that a tall ship seem'd a swift flying bird : upon this top saw I two men making complaints to heaven , one's voyce distinctly still cry'd , Father , King , great Agamemnon , whose diviner soul fled from thy corps , exil'd by butchers hands : his friend still sought to keepe his dying life with words of comfort , that it should not rush too violently upon the hands of Fate . He deafe as sea , to which he made his plaints , still cryed out , Agamemnon , I will come , and find thy blessed soul where e'r it walk ; in what faire Temple of Elysium so e'r it be , my soul shall find it out . With that his friend knit him within his arms , striving to hold him , but when t was no boot , they hand in hand , thus plung'd into the maine ; strait they arose , and striv'd ( me thought ) for life , but swelling Neptune not regarding friends , wrapt their embraced limbs in following waves : Until at last their deare departing souls hastned to Styx , and I no more could see . Stro. O 't was Orestes , 't was my Pylades , which arm in arm did follow him to death . Elect. O my Orestes , O my dearest brother ! 'T is he , 't is he , that thus hath drown'd himself . Aegyst . Why , then if Agamemnon and his son have brought their lease of life to the full end : I am Thyestes son , and the next heire , to sit in Argos Throne of Majesty . Thanks to our Alpheus sea , who as 't 'ad striv'd to gratifie Aegystheus , rais'd his force , and gathered all his waters to one place , they might be deep enough to drown Orestes : But come my Queen , let us command a feast . To get a kingdome , who 'ld not think it good , to swim unto it through a sea of blood ?
Actus 3.
Scena 1. Enter Tyndarus , Misander . Tynd. Our daughter sends for us ? how fares she ? well ? she mournes I 'm sure for her husbands death . Mis. My Lord , she took it sadly at the first : But time hath lessen'd it . Tind . I , grief soon ends that flows in teares ; they still are womens friends : But how is 't rumord now in Argos , though , that Agamemnon died ? Mis. Why , he was old , and death thought best to seize on him at home . Tynd. 'T was a long home , he got by coming home : Well , well , Misander , I like not the course , the peoples murmure makes my cheeks to blush . Mis. My gracious Lord , who trusts their idle murmur , must never let the blush go from his cheek ; They are like flags growing on muddy banks , whose weak thin heads blown with one blast of winde , they all will shake , and bend themselves one way : Great minds must not esteem what small tongues say . All things in state must ever have this end , the vulgar should both suffer , and commend , if not for love , for feare ; great Majesty should do those things which vulgars dare not fee. Tynd. O , Sir , but those that do commend for feare , do in their hearts a secret hatred beare . Ever learn this ; the truest praise indeed , must from the heart , and not from words proceed . I feare some soul play : doth Aegystheus meane , then totally for to invest himself in Agamemnons seate ? Where 's young Orestes ? Mis. Why my Lord , he for the great grief conceiv'd being young , not knowing well to rule himselfe with sway of reason , ranne upon his death and threw himselfe with my lord Strophius sonne , into the midst of Alpheus , so was drown'd , Ty. How took my daughter that ? Mys . Why , wisely too , and like her selfe ; not being in despaire : her royal wombe will bring forth many more , shall be as deare as e'r Orestes was . Tynd. I feare heaven cannot look with equall eyes upon so many deaths , but meanes to send plague after plague ; for in a wretched state , one ill begets another dismal Fate : But go and tell my daughter I will come , and help to solemnize her nuptial night : Her hasty wedding , and the old Kings neglect , makes my conjectural soul some ill suspect . Exeunt .
Scen. 2. Enter Orestes , and Pylades . Orest . If ever God lent any thing to earth , whereby it seem'd to sympathize with heaven , it is this sacred friendship : Gordian knot which Kings , nor Gods , nor Fortune can undoe . O what Horoscopus , what constellation , held in our birth so great an influence , which one affection in two minds unites ? How hath my woe been thine , my fatal ill hath still been parted , and one share been thine ! Pyl. Why , dearest friend , suppose my case were thine , and I had lost a father , wouldst not thou in the like sort participate my grief ? Ores . Yes , witnesse heaven I would . Pyl. So , now thou hast lost a father . Orest . True , Pylades , thou putst me well in mind , I have lost a father , a dear , dear father , a King , a brave old King , a noble souldier , and yet he was murdered ! O my forgetful soul ! Why should not I now draw my vengeful sword , and strait-way sheath it in the murderers heart ? Minos should never have vacation , whilst any of our progeny remain'd . Well , I will go , and so massacre him , I 'll teach him how to murder an old man , a King , my father , and so dastardly to kill him in his bed . Pyl. Alas , Orestes ! Grief doth distract thee : who is 't thou wilt kill ? Orest . Why , he , or she , or they that kill'd my father . Pyl. I , who are they ? Orest . Nay , I know not yet , but I will know . Pyl. Stay thy vengeful thoughts , and since thus long we have estrang'd our selves from friends and parents , let 's think why it is , and why we had it noised in the Court , we both were dead ; the cause was thy revenge , that if by any secret private meanes , we might but learn who 't was that drench'd their swords in thy deare fathers blood , we then would rouze black Nemesis in flames from out her cave , and she should be the umpire in this cause . Mans soul is like a boistrous working sea , swelling in billows for disdain of wrongs , and tumbling up and down from day to day , grows greater still in indignation , turns male-content , in pleaselesse melancholy , spending her humours in dull passion , still locking her senses in unclosed gins , till by revenge she 's set at liberty . Orest . O , now my thirsty soul expects full draughts of Ate's boyling cup : O , how twoul'd ease my heart to see a channel of his blood streaming from hence to hell , that kill'd my father . Pyl. I , but deare friend , thou must not let rage loose , and like a furious Lion , from whose den the forrester hath stole away his young , he missing it , straight runs with open jaws on all he meets , and never hurting him that did the wrong : Wise men must mix revenge with reason , which by providence will prompt , and tell us where 's the mark , whereat we aym . Till then , in Cinders wee 'l rake up our grief : fire thus kept , still lives , but opened dies ; from smallest sparks great flames may one day rise . Orest . True , friend , but , O , who ever will reveale this hideous act ! what power shall we invoke ? Pyl. Yes , harken friend , I have bethought a meanes ; not distant far from this place where we live , there stands a cave hard by a hollow oake , in a low valley , where no Sun appeares , no musick ever was there heard to sound ; but the harsh voyce of croking ominous ravens , and sad Nyctimine the bird of night : There 's now a shed , under whose ancient roofe there sometimes stood an Altar for the Gods , but now slow creeping time , with windy blasts hath beaten down that stately Temples walls , defac't his rich built windows , and until'd his battlemented roofe , and made it now a habitation , not for God , nor men : Yet an old woman , who doth seem to strive with the vast building for antiquity , in whose rough face time now hath made such holes , as in those uncouth stones she there hath made her self a cell , wherein to spend her age . Her name 's Canidia ; great in Magick spells , at whose dire voice , the gods themselves would quake to heare her charm the second time pronounc't . One that can know the secrets of the heavens , and in the ayre hath flying ministers , to bring her news from earth , from sea , from hell : which , when thick night hath compass'd in the world , then doth she go to dead mens graves and tombs , and sucks the poysonous marrow from their bones , then makes her charm , which she nere spent in vaine : Nor doth she come as supplyant to the gods , but making Erebus , and heaven to quake , she sends a spell drowning infernal thunder , by which all secrets that were ever done , in faire white parchment writ in lines of blood , lockt in the inmost room of hell it self is brought unto her : and by her we may have leave to look in Pluto's register , and reade the names of those most loathed furies , which rent thy Fathers soul from out his trunk : But she must see thy fathers dead bones first , them we must bring her , for by them she works : This if thou dar'st assay , I 'll go along . Orest . If I dare assay ! yes , yes , deare friend , were it to burst my fathers sepulcher , and wake his Manes , shew them Radamanth ; their iterated sight will burn my soul with such a sparkling flame of dire revenge , as Nessus shirt did burn great Hercules : If that the scrowle which did conteine their names , were in a lake of flaming brimstone drencht , I 'de take it out , or fech't from Pluto's arms : But come ; if earth hath such a creature as can tell , t will save a journey ( for this once ) from hell .
Scena . 3. Enter Aegystheus , Clytemnestra , Tyndarus , Mysander , Strophius , Electra , cum caet . with a crown . Aegystheus ascends the throne , Mysander crowns him : Clytemnestra great with child . Mys . All years of happy dayes , all hours of joy so circle in thy state , as doth this crown wreath and combine thy princely temples in , All speak , Jove still protect Aegystheus . Aegyst . Thanks to my fathers subjects : Now Argos swell up to the brim with joy , and streams of gladnesse flow on Tyndarus , Now made our father ; see old King , see here 's my Queen doth mean to make thee a grandfather , see how thy royal blood shall propagate , whose Kingly drops like heaven distilling dew , shall add fresh life unto thy withered root . Tynd. Yes , but Aegystheus , there were armes before grew on this tree ; but the Fates envious axe hath cut them off before th 'ad time to sprout . Clyt. O Sir , the Fates needs must have leave to make wayes for themselves to manage what they do : Had Agamemnon and Orestes liv'd , they could not then have blest me with these gifts : Still when the heavens and Fates do work their will , they intend good , though sometimes there come ill . Tynd. O but pray Jove the Fates now were not forc't , but deeds like words no man can e'r recal , be 't good or ill ; once done , we must bear all . Aegyst . Come father sit we down , and make a feast , They set to the feast . to glad our hearts ; Heaven still doth for the best . Stro. O let my latter age not live to see Aegystheus wear great Argos diadem . Elect. Feare not good uncle , there will be a time , to pull him down , although he yet doth climbe . Tynd. Who ever trusted much on fortunes gifts , on wife , on state , on health , on friends , on lands , may look on Agamemnons coming home : Fortune me thinks ne're shew'd her power more ; how quickly could she turne her Fatall sword upon his brest , that thought himselfe past harme ? she that had us'd death like an angry dogge , holding him up , when that he should have bit , when all the game was past , and 's fury laid , the king being past all danger , safe at home , then he slip's coller , never untill then , and fortune she stood hissing of him on , till he had torne the good kings soule away . Clytemnestra seemes to weep . Aegyst . Nay but good father let passe elegies , you draw fresh teares now from your daughters eyes , who shed enough before at 's funeral : let 's talk who are to live , not who are dead ; and think what progeny shall spring from us may beare your Image stampt upon the face , this we must talk of now , not what griefs past but of the joy to come . My Queen not well ! Clytemnestra riseth from the table . Now good Electra look unto your mother , Lucina be propitious to the birth ; why , will not now a young Aegystheus be , as grateful as an old Orestes was ? Thou times good lengthener , age , posterity , spread thy self still upon Aegystheus line , help me to treasure up antiquity , and from Thyestes loynes let spring an heire , shall ever sit in great Thyestes chaire . Exeunt .
SCEN. 4. Enter Pylades and Orestes , with his arms full of a dead mans bones , and a scull . Pyl. Neare to this shady grove , where never light appeares , but when 't is forced with some charm , Canidia dwells , in such a dusky place , that the night goblins feare to come too neare it . Here let us knock . Orest . Nay , Pylades , see here , O give me leave to discant on these bones : This was my Fathers scull ; but who can know whether it were some subjects scull , or no ? Where be these Princely eyes , commanding face , the brave majestick look , the Kingly grace ? Where 's the imperious frown , the God-like smile , the graceful tongue , that spoke a souldiers stile ? Ha , ha , worms eate them ! could no Princely looke , no line of eloquence writ in this booke , command , nor yet perswade the worms away ? Rebellious worms ! could a King beare no sway ? Injurious worms ! what could no flesh serve but Kings for you ? By — you all should sterve , had I but known 't : What must my father make a feast for you ? O ye devouring creatures ! Pyl. Now some Archilocus to help him make vengeful Iambicks , that would make these worms to burst themselves : Passion must please it self by words , grief told , it self doth ease . Ore . You cowardly bones , would you be thus uncloth'd by little crawling worms ! by — I never thought my fathers bones could e'r have been such cowards : O you ungrateful worms ! how have you us'd him ? See their ingratitude ! O ambitious creatures , how they still domineere o're a Kings carcasse ! Py. How could they think when thou cam'st to' the crown that thou shouldst bear , that these should eat thy father ? Orest . True , Pylades , should I not rend their maws , devise new tortures ? O most horrible treason , that worms should come unto a great Kings face , and eate his eyes ! why , I would undertake but at one stamp to kill a thousand of 'em : and I will kill these : Stamps upon them . Goe you King-eating creatures : I will mar all your digestion . Pyl. Alas , where be his wits ? He stands declaming against senselesse worms , and turns more senselesse then the worms themselves : where 's now the oracle you should consult ? The great Magician ? now the Centaurs thought shall be example to all future years ; and now transcend Proserpina's invention . Ha , hast thou found them out ? ha , were they worms ? Orest . O prethee laugh not at me , call her , call her ; Pylades knock whilst I stand gathering up my fathers bones , his deare dissected bones ; O , I remember , here ran the strong sinews , 'twixt his knitting joynts , here to this bone was joyn'd his princely arme , here stood the hand that bare his warlike shield , and on this little joynt was plac't the head , that Atlas-like bare up the weight of Greece : here , here betwixt these hollow yawning jaws stood once a tongue , which with one little word could have commanded thousand souls to death : Good hands indure this your weighty task , and good eyes strive not to make moist his bones with weeping teares : What Scinis or Procustes ever could have hackt a King into such things as these ? Alas here 's every part now so deform'd , I know not which was his , yet all was his . Sound infernal Musick .
Scena 5. Enter Canidia , like an Enchauntresse . Orest . Protect us O ye Ministers of heaven , stand neare me my good Genius , my soul hath lost his humane function , at this hellish sight . Can. Who is 't disturbs our cave ? what messenger hath Pluto sent , that would know ought from us ? what are you ? speak , Canidia cannot stay . Pyl. Prompt us some Ghost . Great feare of earth , and governesse of nature , in whose deep closet of that sacred heart are writ the characters of future Fate ; and what is done , and what must be thou knowst : Whose words make burning Acheron grow cold , and Jove leave thundring , when he hears thy name : to thee we come : O turn thy secret book , and look whose names thou there shalt see inscrib'd for murderers , reade o'r all the catalogue , untill thou findest there engraven those which kill'd the King of Greece , great Agamemnon . Orest . Yes , he that did owe these bones which worms have eate ; it is not now one of the meaner sort that craves this boone , but 't is the heire of Greece , heire only now but to my fathers grave ; I not command , but my astonisht soul entreats to know . If in thy book it be not yet put down , command the gods t' unlock the gates of heaven , and fetch forth death , command him to relate who 't was put Agamemnon in his hands , this is our businesse , this , great prophetesse , made us approach to thy most hallowed cell . Can. Ho , ho , ho , I tell thee fond young prince , a lesser power thou mightst have implor'd , which might have urg'd th' unwilling fiends to this ; our dire enchantments carry such a force , that when the stars , and influence of heaven , have suckt the lively blood from out mens veines , I at my pleasure bring it back again ; I knew each hour in the Trojan fight , what Grecian , or what Phrygian should die , and fierce Achilles had no sooner pierc't great Hectors side , but Fate did send me word : Earth , Sea , deep Chaos , all the stony hills , will ope themselves to shew me prodigies ; Night will unmask her brow , to let me see what black conceptions reem within her womb . Orest . O then relate , great Mistresse of thy Art , the things we crave : Can. What time of night is 't ? Pyl. Upon the stroke of twelve . Can. Strait when a cloudy even clappeth the Ayre , and all light 's drench't in misty Acheron , when the black palpheries of the full cheekt moon , have got behind this part o' th' Hemispheare , and dark Aldebor , and is mounted high into the sable Cassiopeias chaire , and night full mounted in her seate of jet , sits wrapt within a cabinet of clouds , when serpents leave to hisse , no dragons yell , no birds do sing , no harsh tun'd toads do croake , the Armenian Tyger , and the ravenous woolf , shall yeild up all their tyranny to sleep , and then none walk but hells disturbed spirits , children of night , such as belong to me , I 'll shew thee thy desire ; give me these bones . Orest . Here , take them Mother , use them gently , they were a Kings bones once . O not so hard . Can. Why senselesse boy , dost think that I respect a Kings dead bones , more then another mans ? O they smell rankly ; I , this sent doth please , Smells to them . but I must now to work : why Sagana . Pyl. Looke here thou King of Greece , fond Menelaus , thou which didst bring so many goodly shapes into such things as these , and all for Helen : Takes up the scull . Which when the worms bred of her dainty flesh , shall have knaw'd off her tender rubie lips , and left her gumlesse , looke upon her then ; and thou wouldst even disgorge thy self to see , such putrid vermine to lie kissing her . Orest . This head had once a royall diadem , now knock it , beat it , and 't will ne'r cry treason . Can. Why Sagana . Orest There was a player once upon a stage , who striving to present a drecry passion , brought out the urn of his late buried son , it might the more affect him , and draw tears : But I , as if I had no passion left , not acting of a part , but really in a true cause having my fathers bones , his hollow scull , yet crawling full of worms , I cannot weep , no not a teare will come . Can. Why Sagana , Veia , Erictho , know you not your time ?
Scen. 6. Enter Sagana , Veia , Erictho , three witches . Sag. What would you , Beldam ? Can. Hath not triform'd Hecate put on her Styx-dyed mantle , is 't not now fit time to work our charms in ? Veia . We here are ready 'gainst thy sacred charm . Can. You two , sit by , and beare in minde this charge ; Who e'r you see , who ever I present , let your tongues be perculiss'd in your jaws ; stir not , nor speak not , till the charm be done . Pyl. Fear not , it shall be chain'd with silence . Can. Night , and Diana sacred Queen , Which ever hath spectator been Unto our baleful hideous rights , Ne're acted but in darkest nights , Now in this fatal hears-bred hour , Shew to my rites the greatest power . Erictho when my torch shall twinkle , A vernal water thou shalt sprinkle About the room , now let us kneele , Our heavy burthen hell shall feele : Let s all coyn words , now we may see Who 't was did work this prodigie . Omnes . Pluto , great Pluto , we command , Thou send unto us out of hand , The shapes of them that kill'd the King , Great Agamemnon . Infernal Musick . Enter in a dumb shew , Aegistheus and Clytemnestra , with their bloody daggers , look upon the bed , go to it , and stab , and then make a shew of gladnes and depart . Or. O'tis above my bearing ! were I linkt here with chains , I would like Cerberus draw Alcides back : Stay , stay , by — revenge shall take you here ; nay , I will follow you , should they take their cave , where Etna vomits fire , I would in : my mother ! Clytemnestra ! Aegystheus ! was it they ? Nay , I will o'rtake them . Can. O son , remember what I told you , son , many a rockie hill and stoney mount , many a sea , and vast Charybdis gulf , stands betwixt them and thee , though they seem near . Orest . O piety ! O most prodigious nature ! What creatures hast thou made to live on earth ? How hast thou cloath'd black darknesse with a scarf of unstain'd purity , and put a godly face upon portentous devils ? Oh , how my mother wept ! How Clytemnestra ! how that Hyena wept ! No more my mother , I abjure the name , she did not bring me forth , I know she did not : But I 'll o'rtake 'em ; shew me ( Canidia ) where , which way they went , where have they hid themselves . Should they mount up to the chariot of the Sun , and in his Car fly to the Antipodes , or in the farthest nook of yonder sphear , get up and place themselves 'twixt Taurus horns , the fire-breathing bull , or Lerna's Hydra , were there no entrance but ten Lions jaws , I 'd run through all , and make my way my self : I 'd fix them to the Axel-tree of heaven , where their infectious carcasses should hang a bait for flying spirits in the Ayre . Canidia , I thank thee for thy pains , still may thy sacred Art reveale such deeds , still keep the gates of Orcus yawning ope , make the dark powers ready at command . Pyl. But let us hast deare friend , this vast worlds roome allows us none , but thy dead fathers Tombe : here 's nought but ayres of death , no bed but stones , 〈◊〉 pillow 's a dead scull , companions bones , Mars's all our comfort , if we needs must die , 〈◊〉 have a Grave prepar'd wherein to lie . Orest . Now pale Tisiphone , O for thy Snakes ! 〈◊〉 that renowned spirit , that more than man , whom all the Trojan host could not o'rwhelm , murdred ! But what brave warrier wore a crown , by guilding a dire sword in his dear blood ? Hector , nor Priam , no , nor Mars himself , onely his Wife was his Bellona now . O miserable valour , to scape foes , and come for to be murdred of his friends ! O shameful conquest ! O most coward Fate ! that a weak Woman was competitor in Agamemnons death : had it been any , yet it should have been a Goddess at the least ; and yet she 's but a Queen , a mortal Woman . Were she a Goddess , I would make her mortal . Dull coward that I am , and worse than all , after so many wrongs , yet unreveng'd : their Palace now should fire o'r their heads , and the huge beams dash out their guilty brains : The roof , should fall on me , so 't fell on them . Begin revenge , and now perform an act , may give a theam to all posterity . ever to talk of , fraught so full of horrour : Aegystheus and my Mother , may wish their's , yet none was ever greater : yes , my deed . Revenge is lost , unless we do exceed . Pyl. But a bad mother , friend , thou shouldst not hurt , the Law of Nature doth forbid such thoughts . Orest : Nor Gods , nor Nature , shall keep me in awe : why towards my mother , by heavens Parliament , who is most guilty , is most innocent . Can. Shall I thus by some Magick Art , my son , take both their pictures in pure virgin wax ? And wound the place where that the hurt should stand , and so wound them ? Orest . Tush , this is too little . Can. Shall I breed them hate ? Orest . Too little too . Can: Shall I consume their children ? Orest . All this too little : Hell and the Furies shall stand all amaz'd , Alecto shall come there for to behold new kinds of murthers , which she knew not yet : and Nature learn to violate her self . I 'll instantly to th' Court , and what I do , my self will see done , yes , and act it too . Thanks great Canidia , this black night being done , Revenge now knows her game whereat to run . Exeunt omnes .
Actus 4.
Scena 1. Enter in state , Aegystheus , Clytemnestra , Tyndarus , Strophius , Electra , Nutrix ; cum novo partu . Aegyst . NEver but when a royal off-spring comes from a Kings loyns , can he be truly King . Then doth he sit firm , rooted in his state , then is he truly man , and then the gods he knows do love him , which when Kings do want , the curse of Nature doth deny them fruit , and brands their bed with loath'd sterility . Tynd. Aegystheus , since the gods have bless'd you so , have care their blessings turn not to your wo. Your joy , my daughters joy , and my joy too , have care it be preserv'd , and brought up well : And take heed , son , of Agamemnon's blood , Pierce not with envie the Babes tender heart . Aegyst . Tush Father , now , not without grief I speak , all brooks which from the Princely Ocean ran , are quite dry'd up , only Electra here , our dear Electra , whose great weight of love is in our balance equally so poys'd , that she shall ever think her Father lives , our heart shall be so parallel with hers . El. Yes , great Aegystheus , wer 't but our mothers will , what she thinks good of , I must not think ill : Besides , your love e'r since my fathers death , as if it came from his departing soul , and forth-with had reviv'd again in you , hath held a prospective for me , to see his care redoubled , though the objects chang'd : And , for I lost a brother , if you please , that I may challenge in your royal blood , here do I tie with all affections bands , my self unto this Babe , which is as dear unto my soul , as were Orestes here . Clyt. Daughter , your heart now with obedience strung , makes a sweet musick sounding from your tongue . Nurse , Bring the Babe . Give it Electra ; so , you daughter shall have oversight of it . Nutr. O , shall I part from 't then ? Cly. No good Nurse , no , Electra with her care , you with your pains . Nutr. Now by Lucina , had it gone away , I should have sit , and sob'd away my heart ; 'T is the sweetest Babe that ever Nurse did kiss . Aegyst . Look here good father , look my nobles here , upon this Babe scarce crept yet out of earth , for you shall grow an Autumn of ripe years , when time hath brought it to maturity . Look on thy grandchild , Tyndarus , see , 't is thine , this came from thee , old-man ; see how it smiles upon the Grandsire , as if wise Nature had taught him his kindreds Names 'fore he came forth . Tynd. I see 't Aegyst . & my ag'd blood grows warm , as if my self were a new father made , and all the blessings I can render it , shall drop like golden showers on the head : Me thinks it doth recal my sliding age , and makes swift time retire back again : It doth unfold those wrincles in my face , which grief and years had fixed as their signes upon my brow , and now it shall be seen , although my hairs are gray , my joyes are green . Clyt. Long may our Father his opinion hold , and you , our daughter , let not sinister thoughts wrong your suspicious minde , though this being young , it makes our Lord , and me to speak our joyes ; yet our affection , and our natural love , is not a whit to you diminished . A Mother can be Mother unto many , and as from one Root hid within the ground , springs many flowers , that lends sap to all ; So from a Parents heart run veins of love , which , though to many they without do flow , yet from one heart , one Root , they all do grow . Elect. I hope our gracious Mother cannot think we do suspect her love ; witness this charge , which you have bless'd my arms and soul withal : and as your love committed it with care , my care shall still defend it with my love . Aegyst . We thank our daughter , come Lord Strophius , come , grief still sits heavie on your sighing heart . Be frolike , learn of us ; in all the grace , and pleasure our Court extends , you shall have place . Stroph. I thank my gracious Lord , time hath by this , almost eate out the memory of our son , and since the heavens let fall their dew on you , and watred Argos with such springing hopes ; I will not seem a stock uncapable of such a general comfort , but revive my buried thoughts , and for my Sovereign's sake , old Strophius will a young mans person take . Aegyst . We thank old Strophius , and if honour can keep thee still young , our Princely hand is wide , and freely shall extend all Graces on thee , and you all our Subjects , which bear part thus in our joy . And here I do proclaim , and personally from my own Mouth pronounce , sealing it with the Signet of my State , A general immunity to all Murders , Rapes , Treasons , Thefts , Conveyances , which have been from the birth of our dear Childe , in all the Confines of our Empire done ; nor shall your licence date be quite expired , till the slow year seven times runs out his course . Our self thus speak it ; until then all 's free , Kings win their Subjects by immunity . Exeunt omnes . Manent Strophius , & Electra . Stroph. Electra , you are happy in your charge . Electr. Yes , Uncle , and you happy in your favour . Nur. Madam , Shall I stay here until you come ? Comes back . Electr. Yes , Nurse , sit down and sing , look to the Babe , I 'll only with my Uncle change a word . Nurse sings . Lullaby , lullaby Baby , Great Argos joy , The King of Greece thou art born to be , In despight of Troy . Rest ever wait upon thy head , Sleep close thine eyes , The blessed gaurd , tend on thy bed , Of Deities . O , how this brow will beseem a Crown ! How these locks will shine ! Like the rayes of the Sun on the ground , These locks of thine . The Nurse of heaven still send thee milk , Maist thou suck a Queen . Thy drink Joves Nectar , and cloaths of silke , A God mayst thou seem . Cupid sit on this Rosean cheek , On these rubie lips May thy minde like a Lamb be meek , In the vales which trips , Lullaby , Lullaby Baby , &c. Elect. You never heard from my brother , Uncle , nor from your son ! they have been long away ! Stroph. In troth , Electra , I am in despair , almost of ever seeing them again ; Sure if Orestes live , and ever hear , unto what pass Aegystheus brings his state , seated him in the throne , and 's mothers bed , and like to leave Argos hereditary to his Posterity , it cannot e'r be born , Orestes spirit will endure no scorn . Elect. Uncle , his long delayes make me surmise , or he will never come , or come with prize ; He , if now come , he must not shew himself , but live unknown , unnam'd , or change his name . Str. His name , Electra , yes , and 's nature too , which I do fear me he will hardly do . But if we hear not from them now e're long , I 'll listen by some means about the land , to hear of them ; mean time you to your charge , officious duty must our lives enlarge . Elect. Come Nurse . Exeunt .
Scen. 2. Enter Orestes , and Pylades . Orest . O , here 's the Palace under whose kind roof My tender years were gently softered : But now the sight on 't seems to strike my soul , when I but think it holds within the walls , the patrons of such lust , incarnate devils , meer Pythonists , that facinate the world . Pyl. Nay , but Orestes , think now of your self , complain not of your wrongs , but seek to right them . We might have liv'd i' th woods still to complain , and to that purpose we may turn again . Whet up your former thoughts , and spend not time , to rave , but to revenge this odious act . We know they were their shapes , and no Chymera's . Orest . O , Pylades , know I thou art my friend ? Pyl. I hope you think it . Orest . I do , I dare swear it , so I dare swear it was Aegystheus , and the dumbe Witch , the — O , what thing 's enough to be an attribute to term her by ? The Clytemnestra , O , we saw her do 't . Pyl. 'T was a black deed indeed , and past all thought . Orest . O , Hell it self has not the pattern to 't : Some stench , some fogs and vapours stop their breath , exhald from out the dampish wombe of Styx . Did ever foul , disastrous , fiendlike hands , cast up so huge a heap of hell-bred mischief ? Were I to dive to 'th depth of Phelgeton . or fetch young Gaenimed from the arms of Jove , to rend Proserpina from Pluto's bed , or take the vulture from off Titius heart , and set it on my Mothers , I would do 't ; I 'll break ope doors , and nail 'em to their bed ; heark , revenge calls me , I come , I come . Pyl. Nay , still outrageous friend , good now contain your heady fury in wisdoms reyn : hearken to my advice . Orest . I will , dear friend , thou hast plaid musick to my doleful soul ; and when my heart was tympaniz'd with grief , thou lav'dst out some into thy heart from mine , and kepst it so from bursting ; thou hast tide with thy kind counsel , all these loosned strings , they should not crack asunder with their weight . Pyl. Then listen now , the best plot I can think , is this : We here will live a while unknown : Orestes , thy Profession shall be Physick , I as your friend t' company you at Court ; carry it neatly , learn a few strange words , palliate your woe a while , and coope up grief , you may in time so minister to the King ; Physicks occasion fit revenge may bring . Orest . Rarely invented , I 'll speak Aphorisms , sublim'd Purgations , Quintessence distill'd , each Dose I give shall make a heart to bleed , and prove a true Physician so indeed . Enter Mysander , having o'r-heard their talk . Mys . 'T was my good Genius guided me here now , to hear Conspiracy ; wherefore I 'll attach them . Save you Gentlemen . Ore . Save you too , if you please . Pyl. Sir , 't was small manners to interrupt our talk , and give no warning of your being neer . Mys . Warning ? you shall have warning , yes , I know I heard you both , and understood your plot , you 'll turn Physician , Sir , and give rare Clysters , shall work like Stibium , to purge our hearts : You thought to act well true Physicians parts . Orest . Therefore on thee our Medicine first shall work . Stabs him . Mys . Help , murder . Orest . Nay Parasite , I 'll gag you , you shall not fawn again , or wag your tayl , when the King nods . Mys . O help me , I am slain . Pyl. Stop his breath quickly , if but he be dead , we may escape the danger of the treason . Orest . Nay he is silent ; O , but we are beset .
Scena 3. Enter a Lord and others at the out-cry . Lor. Look out , me thought I heard one cry out murder , some voice I am sure did disturbe the Court , it was Mysanders voice , me thought that cried , Spies him dead . and see , hee 's slain ; one whom the Kings esteem did rank among the best ; there are the Murderers : Fellows , how durst you thus abuse the Court ? Go , haste to 'th' King , tell him the men be here . Pylad. Gentlemen , we as lovers to the Court , came here as strangers , for to see the King , this man being coming out , too soon for us ; and for himself us'd us uncivilly ; we have been Gentlemen , though our Fortunes now have put on Beggars weeds upon our backs : who answering in the same sort he propos'd , he struck us , and men cannot endure blows : so thinking much to be struck again , he grew so hot , he drew and made a Stab ; at which encounter both inclosing him 'twixt us he took a wound worse than we thought to give , for we did think to have given none ; But since 't is thus , we must appeal to th' King . Lor. Yes ; and here comes his Majesty in person .
Scena 4. Enter Aegystheus , with a Guard . Aegy. A Guard there on us , here is murder done . What , is Mysander kil'd , our trusty servant ? Where are the vilians ? Orest . O hold good heart , hark , hark , he calls us villains . Aegy. What is the matter ? speak , how came he dead ? They shall die two deaths , that did cause him one . O est . O I am now undone ; he must sit judge , to condemne us , that should massacre him . Pyl. Nay , keep a temper , hold good friend a while . Lord. My gracious sovereign , these two be the men , which have confess'd the deed : Aegyst . Are you the men which thus abus'd our state ? Was 't one or both ? if both , you both shall die ; if one , that one : w 're just in our Decree .
Scen. 5. Enter Clyt. Tynd. Strophius , Electra . What , is my Queen come here , to hear the Cause ? We 'll then ascend , and judge them instantly . Ascends the Throne . Or. O crack my ey-strings , let these balls drop out , or the quick sights like darts fly to their souls , and pierce their entrails ; he King , my mother Queen ! The Briseis and Achilles , that in my dream . We come to be condemn'd amongst our friends . I will speak to them , Electra's there , And Storphius , your old Father , Pylades . Pyl. Shew thy self valorous , o'recome thy self : If we be known , we surely are condemn'd . Aegyst . Father , Lord Strophius , sit and hear the cause . Clyt. Why , my Lord , what is 't makes the business thus ? Aegyst . My Queen shall straitway know ; Bring them away . Although it is not fallen out of our minde , of a free act of pardon of all faults commited in the date of such a time , our hand of mercy must not be so soft , to cover o're with gentle lenity , such ulcerous sores as these ; there is no place for mercy left ; murder must not finde grace : Therefore our doom is past , one needs must die , blood still for blood unto the gods will cry . Orest . Then , if thy doom be spent , great King here stands ; the man that did it , shewing his guilty hands . Pylad. O hold thy doom a while ; it was not he , His serious studies in the learned Arts , hearing acute Philosophers dispute 'twixt life and death , and of a future state would fain haste to it ; but the man was I : beleeve not him , 't was his desire to die . Orest . No King , 't is he which in his desperate thoughts , would loose the bands betwixt his soul and him ; ones self against ones self is witness store , my self confesses , what wouldst thou have more ? Pyl. Believe him not , upon my knees I vow , Kneels . these hands are only branded with the guilt , and for ones blood , let not two lives be spilt . Orest . And on my knees I the like Oath do take , I gave the stab , my Dagger 's bloody yet . Pyl. That was my Dagger , King , he took 't from me . Or. He do's me wrong , by — , 't was ever mine . Aegyst . This doth amaze us , I ne're yet saw two turn Rhetoricians so to plead for death . Would not the pardon of this odious fact , like a foul stench , or an unwholsom air , send an infectious vapour through the Land , and choak up Justice ; this fidelity should for this one time set two murderers free . Cly. Now good my love , methinks I pity them , and prethee for my sake ( I know them not ) abate thy edge of Justice for this once . Orest . O what she spoke ! to damne it had been better . Aegyst . My love , thou knowst I never look too stern upon a fault that could ask lenity . But this is so transcendent , and so great , it must not be slipt with impunity . To do a heynous murder , and i'th'Court , i' th place of Justice , where the King might hear , upon a chief attendant of the Kings ! Murder it self is past all expiation , the greatest crime that Nature doth abhor : not being , is abominable to her ; and when we be make others not to be , 't is worse than bestial : and we did not so , when only we by natures ayd did live a Heterogenious kind , as semibeasts , when reason challeng'd scarce a part in us ; but now doth manhood and civility stand at the Bar of Justice , and there plead , how much they 'r wronged , and how much defac't when man doth dye his hands in blood of man . Judgement it self would scarce a Law enact against the murderer , thinking it a fact that man 'gainst man would never dare commit , since the worst things of nature do not it . Orest . O how his words now rail against a sin , which beat upon his Conscious thoughts within ! His tongue speaks fair , his inparts , look on them , and they like Jury-men himself condemne : Aside . Pyl. But O great King , if justice must have right , let me stand only guilty in thy sight . Orest . No , 't is not , King , 't was I that did the deed , and for my action , let no other bleed . Aegyst . In troth this makes my Doom it cannot fall : Will none of you confess ? Strophius weeps . Orest . Yes , I confess . Pylad. No King , 't is I confess . Aegyst . How now Lord Strophius , what affects you so , that makes your tears bewrayers of some passion ? Stroph. My gracious Sovereign , this strange spectacle renews the Memory of my once great loss , and my dear Queens , we once were blest with two , which so had link'd themselves in bands of love , as these men now do seem to me they have . One stream of love did in two hearts so glide , one with the other liv'd , with th' other di'd . And would my Queen be my competitor , for our Sons sake my suits should joyn with her , since Justice craves but one , and both will go , even save them both , and right wrong'd Justice so . Clyt. I , good my love , let Justice come and look , if she can finde in all her Statute Book , two men for the same crime should rightly die ; she will not say so , Justice cannot lie . And since they both will die , let ones love save the others life , and so both life shall have . Aegyst . In troth my Queen , and my old Lord have mov'd . Well , since your loves are both so strongly tyed , and friendship like an old acquaintance sends to her friend Justice that she should be milde , and looks with eyes of Mercy on your fault , considering our immunity proclaim'd , and such Petitioners as you both have got , Death in our Sentence , now shall have no part ; whilst who should have done worst , confession strives , too much confession thus saves two mens lives : But now we must demand , what you made here ? What business or condition you profess ? Pylad. Great King , our duty owes to thee our lives , and were we men that striv'd to set a cloud before these gifts , Art hath instructed us , or we have purchac't at a most dear rate , of cost and labour ; yet thy clemency commands us to lay open all to thee : yet for my self I rather count my state blest that I lighted on this honest man ; whose accurate and watchful indagation , hath taught him for to heal the wounds of Nature , by his exceeding skill in wholsom herbs ; one , that when I did think my shred of life had been quite cut , did tie it up again , and make it last : recall'd my youthful dayes , and made me Aeson-like , become thus young ; for which great practise I did owe my life , and thence proceeded our late pious strife . Aeg. Nay then I 'm glad our mercy did extend on men whom such rare vertues do commend ; our love shall then grow greater , & our Court shall entertain you , and 't may chance we will , my Queen and I , make tryal of your skill . Orest . My gracious Sovereign , words must not have wings , to pass and to out-flye the bounds of truth , only to win the Elixar of opinion ; but for my friend , I here profess so much , and for my life do stand so deeply bound , that all my Art can ne're make recompence . Please but your Graces self ▪ and your dear Queen , appoint the secrets of the safest room to let me shew my self to none but you ; though Nature dried up with too much time , deny to spring in fruit from forth your loins , or any other strange impediment ; our Art preserves from sickness ruining . And 't will be blest to shew it to a King . Aegyst . Ha , prethee let me speak with thee apart . Thou strik'st on tunes now , make me glad to hear , we will commit our secresie to thee . Can'st water barren Wombs with such a dew , shall make 'em flourish and wax green with fruit ? Although we cannot altogether blame , that Nature hath been too unkind to us ; yet we would plant each corner of our Realm with springing Branches of our Royal self , to compass in our selves , and we stand in the midst . Kings in their Children do great blessing finde , and great men love to Propagate their kinde . Orest . Great Sovereign , boasting words shall ne're out-weigh the things I will perform , I speak not fame , but what I have said , I will do the same . Aegyst . We like thy temper well , and we will trust ; therefore this night we will appoint it so , thou shalt be guided to our secretst room , and there shalt use thy skill ; which if it take , our love shall honour thee for Physicks sake . Exeunt Aegyst . Clyt. Tynd. Orest . Good heavens I thank you , your effectual power hath shewed your justice in this blessed hour . Now is occasion put ; thus murder layes the trap wherein it self , it self betrayes . Pyl. Old Lord , a word with you . Orest . and with you Lady . They take Stroph. and Elect. back . Pyl. Had not you once a Son lov'd the young prince ? Stop . Yes Sir , but Fates envied my happiness , and holds both Prince and Son away too long . Orest . And had not you a brother ( Lady ) once ? When heard you of him last ? He went to travel . Elect. In truth I had , but I can hear no news . They discover themselves . Stro. O see ! my son ! welcome my dearest boy . Elect. Our Brother , our Orestes is come home . Stroph. 'T is they indeed ; O how my blood revives ! Let me embrace them ; O ye 'r welcome home , now is the Autumne of our sorrow done . Elect. What silent place hath smothered you so long ? Of what great Powers have you counsel ta'ne , concerning the great Plot you had in hand ? Orest . Uncle , and Sister , we must not stand now embracing much , and bidding welcome home ; you see before I come , how things do stand : My business hastens ; and my friend , and I , have yet a greater Project to perform : Only Electra , we must have your ayde , to help us with their Child , for now 's the time , when blest occasion strives to help revenge . Elect. Why Brother , is the Child in any fault ? that was unborn when that our Father died : And 't is a lusty boy : O hurt not that . Orest . Tush , I must have it , it shall have no hurt , worse than my Father : Elect. Shal't not , indeed . Orest . Believe me , no worse hurt ; but let 's be gone . I 'le be a tripode Paracelsian . Exeunt .
Scen. 6. Enter a Chamberlain , and a Boy to sweep the Room . Cham. Boy , sweep the room , set each thing in his place , the King and Queen take Physick here to night . Boy . Sir , and you 'll help me , I am ready here , They set a Table . Cham. Fetch them two Chairs . Boy . Yes , Sir . What Carpet mean you shall be spread a' th boord ? Cham. That of red velvet , set the silver cups , there may be use of them to take the potion : Sets two bowles . So , now all 's well , the room is well prepar'd . Enter Orestes , like a Doctor of Physick . Orest . Is this the room , friend , where the King must be ? Cham. Yes , this is the room Sir , 't is the privat'st , this . Orest . You must avoyd it then , and tell his Grace , that I stay here provided 'gainst he come . Cham. His Grace shall know it . Exit .
Scena 7. Enter Pylades , with a little boy in 's hand . Pyl. I faith Orestes , prethee spare the child , it hath no fault , but 't is too like thy mother . Orest . Like my mother , O most execrable ! hadst rank'd the confus'd Chaos of all sins , thou couldst not have found out a fault more black , more stinking , more infectious to my heart . Art like my mother , O transcendent crime ! Child . Some say I 'm eyd like her , but in the face I do resemble most the King my father . Pyl. Poor babe . Orest . The King thy father ! yes , too like them both . Child . Electra says , I 'm somewhat like Orestes , her brother that is dead . Orest . How , like Orestes ! when didst see him child ? Child . Indeed I never saw him , but I love him . Pyl. Alas , dear friend , see the pretty knave . Ore . Would thou wert not my mothers , I could weep , but see , O see now my relenting heart , must now grow flinty , see my father , see , now to shew pity were impiety . Enter Agamemnons ghost , passing o're the stage all wounded . Ghost . Why flaggs revenge ? see thy now yeelding soul , made me burst ope my strong jaw'd sepulcher , and rip the seare-cloth from my wounded breast . O can a child smile blanke the memory of all these horrid wounds , that make me groan , in the darke caverns of the uncoucht earth ? from whence I come for to infect thy soul with ayre of vengeance , may make Acheron , yea , and our selves , at the performance quake . Fruit of our loynes , first vigor of our youth , look on these wounds , as on the Gorgons head , and turn thy heart to stone : hovering revenge is falne into thy hands , O grasp her close by her snake knotted front , and make her do things may incite a horror to her self . Forget all mother , in that disloyal witch , whose damned heate raging in strumpets blood , so soon did condescend to murther me . By all the rights of Father I conjure thee : By Atreus , Atreus , he whose revengeful soul is eccho'd through the world superlative ; do thou make Nemesis as great a feast , and be enthroniz'd in her fiery chaire , in her triumphant chariot ever ride , in which , Beares hurry her from the womb of hell , and bear this Title as thy deserved hire , the brave revenger of thy murdred sire . Think on me , and revenge . Exit . Orest . Stay , stay , and see 't , stay Sprite , thou strik'st no terror to my soul : For unamaz'd I now would dare out-look ranks of Medusa's , and the grim aspect of the most frowning object hell affords . Think on me and revenge ! yes , those two words shall serve as burthen unto all my acts , I will revenge , and then I 'll think on thee : I 'll think on thee , and then again revenge , and stab , and wound , and still I 'll think on thee : I have a dropsie now to suck up fumes , and drink the reaking streams of vengeance fome : Great Agamemnons Ghost , I will bedew thy hearse with blood in stead of brinish tears , and build a pile up of their murdered trunks , to burn thy marrow-lesse consumed bones . Arrows of forked lightening never flew more swiftly from the awful arms of Jove , then Nemesis black Scorpions from me . Pyl. 'T was a strange sight . Ore . I , didst thou see 't friend ? all of those wounds will I stick in his brest . Pyl. Alas , one will be enough for him ? Orest . I , but she shall have more . A while go by : Pylades takes the child aside : Were all the world their lives , the world should die . Now Tragedy fetch out thy crimson robes , and buckle sure thy purple buskins on , steep't ten grains deeper in their scarlet die ; this night shall give me now a deep carouse , of Clytemnestrae's and Aegystheus blood , and Cerberus himself stand by to pledge me , whilest to hells fire I shall sacrifice three Hecatombs ; it doth the furies good , when e'r we wet their Altars with such blood . And now ye fiends of hell , each take a place , as 't were spectators at a first dayes play ; raise all the hellish winds to expel nature : Great Goddesse give me leave now to forget all strains of duty ; all obedient thoughts die in me quite : a mothers memory , pious affections take no hold on me . Be all my senses circled in with Fiends , and let Erynnis hold her flaming brand to guide my murderous sword ; for all lights else , vanish from out this Center , be this room fraught so full of mischief , may make the Fabrick crack , and let no time now come into my thoughts , but that dire night wherein my father dy'd . I 'll only be a Doctor now in word , each potion that I give shall be my sword . But I must change .
Scena . 8. Enter Aegystheus and Clytemnestra , in their night-robes . Aegyst . O Doctor , you are busie for our coming . Orest . My gracious Lord , I had no cause to fail . Orestes looking on the cups . Clyt. Nay , but is this fit time for physick , Doctor ? Orest . First , Madam , for the physick that I give , now the diastal fabrick of your pulse , shews all your passions most hysterical . Pleaseth your Grace sit down ? on at each end o' th table . Aegyst . Yes , must we sit ? sit there my Queen . Orest . Yes , now is Saturn , governour of nature , in free conjunction with the planet Venus : And just at this time Jupiter begat great Hercules : Sol , Luna , Mercury . in that Diameter , now favour propagation , and now will my Alexipharmacon stir the Analeptick veines and arteries : If you out-live this night , you 'll live to see a royal , strange , and Princely progeny . Aegyst . Think'st thou so , Doctor ? Orest . Think it , nay , I know 't . Hem. Clyt. Surely he means to work rare Art upon us . Aegy. Pray God thy physick take . Ore . Yes , it shall take . Hem. Pylades binds Clytemnestra to the chair : Orestes Egystheus : Pylades brings in the child . Egy. Treason , we are betraid . Or. Nay , t is your privat'st room . View me wel mother , ha , do you know me yet ? Puts off his gown . Here , here 's the drugs my Art hath thought upon : be pitilesse now Pylades , be my friend . Child . O help me father , else these men will kill me . Egyst . O my boy , my boy . Orest . O ye 'r fast bound . Yes , he is thine , thy face , thy eyes , thy heart , and would I knew where Nature had couchd most , of thy damnd blood , I thus would let it out , Stabs the child . and thus 't should sprit in thy most loathed face . Egy. O now the heavens rain vengeance on our heads . Child . O mother , mother , save me , save me father . Orest . Hold Pylades , be steadfast , for by — he wounds me , that perswades me not to wound . Clyt. O turn thy bloody weapon on my brest , 't was this womb that brought forth this babe and thee , If that be guilty , I have made it so . Rip up this place which first did bring thee forth , 't is I intreat thee , 't is thy mother , she which gave thee hous-room here within this brest , upon whose dugs thy infant lips did hang. Orest . It was my father , he intreated you , who many a time had clipt you in his arms , who made you Queen of Greece , yes , it was he , good Agamemnon , he did plead for life . Egyst . Bath not thy hands in a poor infants blood , nor in thy mothers , I deserve to die : and yet remember how my doom sav'd thee , how easily mercy did obtain her suit . Orest . Nay , but Egystheus , you can aggravate , to doe a haynous murther , and i' th Court ; I' th place of Justice , where the King might hear , upon a chief attendant of the Kings . Murther it self is past all expiation , a crime that nature most of all abhors , and look how manhood and civility , stand at the bar of Justice , and there plead , how much they 'r wrong'd , and how much defac'd , when man doth dye his hands in blood of man . Now hearken King , I 'll use thy Rhetorick , thou didst a haynous murther in the Court , not which the King did hear , but which he felt ; when no petition could ( good man ) prevaile , therefore this dies , this first shall have his due , Stabs it againe , that the blood spirts in his face . this mischief done , revenge shall prompt anew . Aeg. O , the gods blush , and heaven looks pale at this , a fathers face besmear'd with his childs blood ! Orest . My hast deceives my will ; tush , all this yet , may be call'd piety ; you shall tast too , mother . Turns it to her . Clyt. O , why dos't banish nature from his place ? Look on thy mothers tears , worse then those groans , and pangs she had , when she first brought thee forth . When of thy friends or parents thou hast wrong , patience , not fury doth to thee belong . Is this the blessing that thy knee should ask ? Repay'st thou thus my kisses and my tears , which flow'd from me to thee in tender years ? Orest . O why did you so banish woman-hood , when you and this damn'd villain , base adulterer , made in my fathers side so many wounds , and brought a brave old King into this state ? See here 's his bones , my pocket can contain . Pulls bones from his pocket . great Agamemnon ; and repayd you thus his kind embraces ? all his loving signs ? Aegystheus , you are thirsty , you shall drink , Fills two cups with the childs blood : gives it them yes , you shall clear your throat , by — you shall . Aegy. O mischief above mischief ! what Heniochus bred on a stony rock , could e'r endure to see a fathers thirst quench'd with such blood ? Hast thou no measure , hath revenge no end ? Ore . Who first doth mischief , may keep mean i' th deed , but who revengeth , must all mean exceed . Nay mother wee 'l not bar you of your draught . Gives one cup to her . Clyt. O Nature , see here all thy law infring'd , a mothers prayers prevail not with her son . Orest . Pray with Thyestes , it shall never move me : But first Aegystheus , Do thou haste revenge . Stabs him . Aegyst . O , I am wounded , O when dost thou end ? Orest . Nay , I have scarce begun . Now mother , you . Sabs her So now , I 'll stand and look , and on hell call , nay , my revenge must not be usual : One more for thee Aegystheus ; only let out the blood you drank before . Aegyst . O , my heart feels it . Orest . Now mother you , and your love the same . Clyt. O kill me quickly , time prolongs my wo , and since I must die , let me quickly goe . Orest . You know your sentence ; Let him feel he dies . who strait threats death , knows not to tyrannize . Aegy. This brings ten deaths . Or. Would t would an 100 bring , one death 's too little to revenge a King . Hence , hence , adulterous soul to Tantalus , and let hell know who 't was sent thee thither : he dies . Now , mother , you shall follow : but he first , lest that like Lovers you go hand in hand . Clyt. Why son , whose death is it thou dost revenge ? thy fathers ? but on whom ? upon thy mother ! On her which brought thee forth , which took most care , to bring thee up , from whom thou tookst thy self ? thou' rt sure thou art mine , but dost not know , who 't was begate thee . Orest . Wil 't Bastardize me ? Yes , mother , yes , I know I was his son : Alas ! why , what are you ? a senselesse peice of rotten earth can do as much to corn , as you to me , bear it , and bring it forth ; but Agamemnon , he that seed did sow , and only unto him my self I ow : and for him thou shalt die . Clyt. O , I confesse , my conscience tells me , I deserve no lesse : and thus thy mother from thee doth depart , leaving vexation to torment thy heart . She dies . Orest . Now friend , I see my father live again , and in his royal state at Argos Court : This is the night in which he first came home , O blessed powers of hell , divine Canidia , Now am I satisfied , now hath revenge perfection ; and nothing grieves me , but that Tyndarus , my mothers father , did not see her die . I le in and tell him , my thoughts must reveale those acts I do : this night who would conceale ? Now soul triumph , whist that my deed shall shine , I' th face o th Court , and all the world know 't mine .
Actus 5.
Scena 1. Enter Orestes in his gown : Tyndarus , Strophius , Electra , Pylades , two Lords . Ore . My Lord , your daughters potion works most rarely ; the King 's asleep , God blesse his Majesty . O , do not wake him , faith 't is pity , la. Tynd. What do I see ? ha , blood , the little child dead ! my daughter bleed ? Aegystheus kill'd ? Orest . Your Lordships eyes do fail , 't is but spilt wine . Tynd. Lay hands o' th villain , 't is the Physicians deed . Orest . Nay friends , hands off 't is no Physician now : Discovers himself . See , see , old Tyndarus , dost thou know me yet ? Fetch me my Crown and robes , nay , I 'll ascend : Is not Atrides eldest son your King ? Tynd. What hast thou done , foul Viper , to eat out thy mothers bowels ? what , was this thy deed ? Thy silence sayes 't was thine . What Tanais , Tygris or Rhenus , or what flowing sea , should wash thee in the salt Meotis streame ? Or Tethis at full tide o'rflow thy banks , still would the spots of murder stick on them . Orest . Why Grandsire , I go not about to wash , by — 't was all the fruit I thought to win , to think all mischief here could be no sin . Tynd. See , see , thy mother , look upon her now , on her , whose eyes thou hast for ever clos'd , which eyes have often wakned at thy cry , and hush'd thee with a lullaby to sleep : See , see , these hands , which oft with so much care , wrapt gently up thy unset tender limbs . See , see , this face , wont at thy signes to smile , when nature gave not leave unto thy tongue to utter thy childs meaning . Orest . See , see these bones , these nasty rotten bones , which had so often lock'd his hands in hers ; here stood the tongue , which oft had call'd her sweet , dear Clytemnestra , and then stopt his speech , and told his love in a more speaking signe . Here stood those eyes , which fed upon her face , and made her of thy daughter , a great Queen , and she made him a dish for loathed worms . Tynd. Suppose she did , there was but one yet dead , and with ones death again should be repaid . Orest . No , Tyndarus , had I desir'd but one , I should have thought I had desired none . Why , methinks , I should too have kill'd thee , the number is too little yet of three . Tynd. Into what land , what country wilt thou fly ? all earths , all lands , all countries will fly thee : the heavens will look with a more chearful brow on Cerberus . Orest . Why , let heaven look as 't will , t is my crown , that I have done an act shall make heave frown . Tynd. O , what earth loves so much a guilty soul , that it can bear thee ? Orest . Why , Sir , this is mine , and this shall bear me . Am I not right heire ? Tynd. Thou heir to kingdoms ! thou a subject rather , to help to make a Players Tragedy . Ore . Why , that will make me swell with greater pride , to think my name shall drop in lines of blood , from some great Poets quill , who well shall paint how bravely I reveng'd my fathers death ; that is the thing I wish'd , and 't is my glory , I shall be matter for so brave a story . But where 's my Crown ? 1. Lord. No murderer , wee 'l rather joyn with him , this old man here , to take away thy life , then such a homicide shall frame us laws , who hath himself rac'd out the laws of Nature . 2. Lord. Yes , and wee 'l set here Argos crown on him , who shall enact some pnnishment for thee ; which although none can equalize this deed , yet what our griefs can think , all shall be done , and wee 'l forget thou' rt Agamemnons sonne . Ore . Why , think you on your worst , I scorn to crave : I had three lives , you but my one shall have . Tyn. Then since vile wretch , thou hast committed that , which while there is a world , throughout the world will be pronounc'd for the most horrid deed , that ever came into the thought of man ; a thing which all will talk of , none allow : I here disclaim that name of Grand-father , and I must quite forget that in thy veynes , my blood doth flow , but think it then let out , when thou letst out my daughters . And since you , kind Lords , commit the state unto my years , years too unfit , heavens know , to beare a state : My mind , methinks , contends for to decree somewhat , which to my self I dare not tell . Just conceiv'd wrath , and my affection strives , hate forbids pity , pity forbids hate , and exile is but barren punishtnent : Yet let me banish thee from out these eyes , O never let thy sight offend me more , all thy confederates , and all thy friends . You , Pylades , which did so smoothly cloake , the dam'nd profession he did undertake : You , Strophius . Strop . My Lord , I know not ought . Yet since one foot is now in Charons boat , if it please you , set tother too aflote . Tynd. Not so , but I will banish you the Court , and you Electra ; come , I must forget affection too towards you , you gave the child , which you had charge of , to the murtherers sword . Elect. Why Grandsire , I herein no wrong do find , since all these go , I would not stay behind . Tynd. Nay , but no one shall company the other , hence thou Cocytus , stream of this offence , Strophius and Pylades , Electra , hence . Exeunt Strophius , Pylades , Electra . Orest . Why farwel Grandsire , since thou bidst , I flie , and scorn companions for my misery . Exit Orestes . Tynd. Unto this punishmeht this one more I add , that none shall dare to give Orestes food , and this decree shall stand ; I speak with grief , and here pronounce Orestes no relief . Hence with these corps ; poor child , what hadst thou don ? thy Nurses prayers , that there might spring a rose , where e'r thou trod'st could not keep back thy foes . Some plague he hath ; but such a matricide should never die , although he ever dy'd .
Scena 2. Enter Electra and Strophius . Elect. Thus never lesse alone , then when alone , where to our selves we sweetly tell our woes . Thou Uncle , chief companion to our griefs , and soul partaker of our miseries , why do we live , when now 't is come to passe , it is scarce known that Agamemnon was ? He dies far easier , who at first doth drown , then he which long doth swim , and then sinks down . Stroph. Nay Neece , me thinks I now do see the haven where my ag'd soul must leave this tossed bark , made weak with years and woes : yet I commend unto my son the heart of a true friend , that 's all the will I leave , and let him know friendship should ever be , but most in woe . And so I leave thee Neece , I first must die , to hast a period to this Tragedie . He dies . Elect. O envious Fates could you not use me thus ? have I not grief enough to burst my heart ? Was my life's thread twisted and knit so strong that the keen edg of all these miseries can never cut it off ? must I bear more ? 'T is all my safety now not to be safe . Are there so many wayes to rid ones life , and can I hit on none ? They say that death is every where , and yet I find him not : Tush , but I seek him not : why my own hand might grasp him to me , if I did but strive . Now hand help ease my heart , and make a way to let out grief , that hath so long dwelt here ; Stabs her self . Now knife thou 'st done good service , there lie by , heaven well decreed it , nothing life can give , but every thing can make us not to live .
Scena 3. Enter Cassandra . Now Priams Ghost , haste , haste I say , to look , with chearful eyes on the sinister book , and there to Hecuba my mother shew the tragick story of thy conquered foe . And let Andromecha my sister see , what Agamemnons race is come to be . Now Troy may gratifie that most sad doom , conquered by those that thus themselves or'ecome . let Greece so flourish still , let Argos be puft with the pride of their great victory . Let it bear Souldiers , so withal it bear Orestes too ; now mother , never fear Argos makes me to laugh , which made thee weep ; the Trojans in the grave now sweetly sleep ; their sorrow hath the end , now these begin to overflow themselves with mutual sin : And after all , Orestes , we may see , hath lost his reason , mans sole propertie .
Scena 4. Enter Orestes furens . Orest . By — you shall not , nay , I am decreed : do , tear , tear me ; yes , I have deserv'd it . Cass . O brave , O brave , he 's mad as well as I ; I 'm glad my madnesse hath got company . Orest . Mother , why mother , will you kill my father ? Then I 'll kill you ; tush , I have don 't already . Much patience will grow fury in time : follow you me , you , beast , you damn'd Aegystheus . I 'll hew thee piece by piece , look off my mother . Cass . I am she , or one loves thee well . Ore . Out you witch , you witch . Ca. Murderer , murderer . Orest . Dost . whisper with the devils to torment me ? O how they lash me with their snaky whips ! Why Megaera , Megaera , wilt not hold thy hand ? Are you there too , Erynnis ? hey , all hell ! my Grandsier Atreus he stands fighting there , but hee 'll ha'th better on 't ; keep Cerberus , keep , keep the gates fast , or all hell breaks loose . Mother , I see you ; O you are a whore . Did I kill you , witch , dost thou laugh , dost : thou ? Cass . Why this is fine , my very looks do whip him . Orest. Could I but get the stone from Sysiphus , I 'de dash thy brains out ; O , are you there I faith , Spies Strophius and Electra dead . a bed so close with your adulterer ? I 'll stab your lustful souls with your own knives . Stabs them with Electra's knife . Cass . O clap , clap , O rare beyond expectation : hold good heart , do not burst with laughter . Orest . Will you not wake , sleep , sleep then your last . Look how they fly i' th ayre . Cas I see them , see them . Orest . Why Jove , dost mean to let them into heaven ? O th' art come down , and gone to hell ; Pluto , see Pluto , hee 's afraid of them , O spare my sides , my sides , my sides , the blood ! O now you touch my ribs . Cass . Hey , how he skips ! O excellent , whips himself ! O sweet Catastrophe , do's non see 't but I ? Clap , clap , again , would all Priams sons and daughters were here now to help me laugh . Orest . Lash on , lash on . Canidia , art thou there ? why grandsire , would it were to do again : nay Aeacus I feare no whipping posts , lavgh'st thou , thou witch ? I 'll follow thee to hell . Exeunt currentes .
Scen. 5. Enter Pylades alone . Pyl. Thus seeking others , I have lost my self , my friend and father banisht , and whilst I wander to seek them for to ease their woe , I here more grief proclaim'd against my friend , that none must succor , none must give him food , and yet I 'll seek him ; and should all the laws , that tyranny should think upon , restrain , I 'de draw my blood forth for to let him drink . But O what 's here ? O I have found too soon , one which I sought , my fathers wearied soul Spies Strophius dead . in sighs hath now expired out it self . Now , O ye sisters , your great task is don , you ne're untwine what you have once begun . Thus obvious to our Fates , t' our selves unkind , we haste to seek , that which too soon we find . Alas , why do our souls too greedy burn , to hasten thither whence we nere return ? We run to 't of our selves , ' sif death were slow ; should he come tardy , we too soon should go . For the first day that gives us our first breath , doth make us a day nearer unto death . All this huge world , which now on earth so strive , to morrow this time may not be alive . Great Troy is down , since Agamemnon fell , since my dear father , which but now was well . O art thou come dear friend , for thee I sought , Enter Orestes . here 's some food yet , in spight of all the laws . Orest . Wilt bid me to dinner Pluto ? ha , with what ? Give me no snakes , I , I go , I go , up to Cythaerus top , I hate thy meat . Pyl. Heavens ! he 's distracted , now doth fury right , when thus against her self , her self doth fight . 'T is I ( man ) here , 't is Pylades , not Pluto . Orest . Ha , Pylades , I , they have banisht him , but grandsire look too 't , I 'll tear out your maw , Pylades , Pylades I come . — Pylad. Why I am he , look friend , dost not know me ? Or. Yes , yes thou wert with me when I kil'd my mother , and see , the Furies now would whip thee too . Alecto ! look , look , here 's Alecto too . O Clytemnestra , hay , how the Lion skips , and Taurus he would tosse me on his horns . Look on the Ram , see the Beare roars at me , and Charon he would fling me into Styx . Pylad. He fears the heavenly signs , nay then now time hath brought true punishment on every crime . Orest . Dash out the puppets brains , the little boy , the bastard , my mothers bastard : so blood spin , my mother kild my father , kild the King , but she got little by 't , look on her brest , it bleeds , it bleeds ; so , so Aegystheus , so . Pylad. O what a strange distemper stirs his brain ! Thou gentle Somnus , in whom care doth rest , kind father of cold death , and son of peace , which comes to Kings and poor men all alike , bind his disturbed brain , tie up his sense ; let him but live to die , now t is not long before we both shall sing our funeral song . Orest . Ha! must I sink ? can I not keep aloft ? What is the stream so strong ? why then I 'll dive , Falls a sleep . and come to hell the sooner . Pylad. So gentle sleep , thou gather'st up his wandring brains again , this is but half dead , yet half dead he lies , but t is not long , before he wholly dyes . Musick within . Heark they play Musick ; O these sounds do harm , enticing wo with their melodious charm . These please not men in woe , these time do keep , but miseries best falling is to weep . Our stops are nought but sobs , our hearts we bring , whereon we prick the sol-fa which we sing . A song within , together with the Musick . Weep , weep you Argonauts , Bewail the day That first to fatal Troy You took your way . Weep Greece , weep Greece , Two Kings are dead , Argos , thou Argos , now a grave Where Kings are buried . No heire , no heire is left , But one that 's mad , See Argos , hast not thou Cause to be sad ? Sleep , sleep wild brain , Rest rock thy sence , Live if thou canst To grieve for thy offence . Weep , weep , you Argonauts , &c. Pyl. Peace Musick , peace , our plaints have louder cries , a heart that 's sad can never harmonize . Grief cannot keep his time , all time 's too long , sighs are best sem-briefs to his doleful song . My ditties mournful , though thou sweetly play , thus do we all even blow our lives away . Orestes wakes . But dost thou wake , Orestes ? is rest fled ? sleep ne'r dwels long in a molested head . Orest . Hark , hark , the Furies entertain my mother , Orpheus would fetch Euridice from hell , see , he looks back , wouldst venture so , thou fool ? I 'de see my mother burnt before I de goe , why shouldst thou bring her ? she would stifle thee , stifle thee in thy bed as my mother did . Pyl. Still harping on thy mother ? Orest . Harping , no , let Orpheus harp : O , I , she was , she was , a very , very Harpie . Pyl. Thus madness playes , and keeps a certain measure in his words . Orest . O I suckt out my mothers dearest blood , I did indeed , O she plagues me for 't now , O I must goe lie down in Tytius place , Ixion too , he Sir would fain resign . I scorn your petty plagues , I 'll have a worse , O the vulture , the wheel , the vulture . Pyl. See how his conscious thoughts , like fiends of hell , do arm themselves , and lash his guilty soul ! He see 's no vulture , nor no Scorpion strikes , yet doth his conscience whip his bloody heart ; he needs no witnesses , he hath within a thousand thoughts which testifie his sin . No punishment so strict , no deadly smart , as private guilt , that smiteth on the heart . Orest . I did , I do confesse I did , I killd them all , ript up the womb that bear me ; nay I did . O Tantalus thy plague ; some meat , some meat ; who pulls those apples hence ? let them alone , nay sink to the bottom , I will follow thee , Lies down to drink . the rivers dry , my mother hath drunk all . Pyl. Alas , come , go with me , we will find drink . Orest . Is Pluto's buttry ope ; his drink 's too hot , I doubt 't will scald me , but I 'll tast on 't yet . Th' Eumenides stand to whip me as I go : Nay I will passe you , I will out-slip them all . Exit currens . Pyl. See in his conscience lies hells punishment , our own thoughts judges , none are innocent . Exit .
Scen. 6. Enter two Lords . 1. Lor. We that have here been born to see this change , may leave the Court , and tell our children tales , of the dier fall of Inachus great house . the young Prince mad , the Princess kill'd her self , old Strophius dead for grief ; and murder heapt , corps upon corps , as if they ment t' invite , all hell to supper , on some jovial night . 2. Lord. Nay but my Lord , this is most pityful , that the young Prince should thus from door to door , beg for his food , and yet none dare to give . I saw him wandring yesterday alone , flying from every Crow , or pratling Pie , crying out mother , and as if there had tormenting furies followed him with fraud ; and truth , I thought to tell old Tyndarus , to move his ruthful years to pity him : and will you joyn petitioner with me , we 'll tell the case , 't is good t' ease misery . 1. Lord. My Lord I like your motion , and will joyn , for Agamemnons sake my honour'd Master . Exit .
Scena 7. Enter Orestes , Pylades , with naked rapiers . Orest . My fury leaves me , now I 'm at my last , and now me thinks thou truly art a friend : now with undaunted spirit prevent my grief , and let thy rapier drink blood greedily , as if it lov'd it 'cause it is thy friends , now rid me of my woe , thy friendly vow never did truly shew it self till now . Pyl. Why then dear friend , I thus erect this arm , and will be strong to thee , as thou to me , we 'll look upon our deaths with better face then others do on life ; come Tyndarus , see , we scorn to live when all our friends are dead , nor shall thy fury make base famine be the executioner to my dearest friend , whilst I can kill him , therefore spight of thee , wee 'll free our selves past all calamity . Orest . Yes Pylades , we will beguile our time , and make him search through every nook o' th world , if he in all his race can ever spie , two that like us did live , like us did die : But we delay our death , now bravely come , and the last parting word shall be , strike home . They run at one another . Pyl. O bravely strook dear friend , yet once again . Run again . Orest . Yes , at one thrust two friends must not be slain . O , how I love these wounds ! heaven dropping showers , when the outrageous dog makes clouds of dust upon the thirsty earth , come not more sweet , then the blest streams of blood thy rapier raines . Hence weapon ; for my loyns now scorn all props , but my friends arms , O , bear good legs a while ; the weight of murder sits upon my soul , and bends my staggering joynts unto the earth . Pyl. Haste , haste , I faint , but O , yet let my strength be Atlas to sustain the falling world ; Breathe , breathe sweet vapors of two trusty hearts , and let our breaths ascend to heaven before , to make a room hard by the frozen pole , where that our winged souls shall mount and sit , more glorious then the Concubines of Jove , wreath'd with a Crown of rich enamel'd stars , leaving all ages to deplore our death , that friendships abstract perisht with our breath . Orest . Fly thou best part of man , where Hecate born on the swarthy shoulders of the Even , sits in a grove of oakes , till gray ey'd morn bids her to throw off nights black Canopie . Pyl. Wil 't die before me ? Stay , stay , I come . Orest . O grasp me then , our names like Gemini , shall make new stars for to adorn the sky . Is thy breath gone ? Pyl. O , yes , 't is almost past , then both together , thus wee 'l breath our last . They fall down dead , embracing each other .
Scena 8. Enter in hast Tyndarus , Lords , with others . Tyn. Went they this way ? my Lords , you move me much , could I find him now , I would seat him new , in his right Kingdom , which doth weigh down me . 1. Lord. I see my Lord , Orestes and his friend , without your leave , have made themselves an end . Tynd. Then now is Argos Court like to some stage , when the sad plot fills it with murdered Trunks and none are left alive but only one , to ask the kind spectators plaudite , all else have bid valete to the world , the man reserv'd for that , is Tyndarus , who thus hath seen his childrens childrens end , his Grandchild , a bad son , a most deare friend ; the Scene must now be overflow'd with grones , each man sits downe to waile his private mones . one for the Queen doth weep , one for the King , all taste the bitter waters of this Spring : the Nurse bewails the child , that part she beares , all have their subiects to bedew with teares ; each one yet have but one ; but all of me , challenge a part in griefes sad sympathy . Orestes , Clytemnestrae I must call , these all for mine , thus must I weep for all : let none believe this deed , or if they doe , let them believe this punishment then too . 'T is vile to hate a Father , but such love , as breeds a hate to 'th Mother , worse doth prove . Our life consists of ayre , our state of wind , all things we leave behind us which we find ; saving our faults ; witnesse Orestes here , who was his own tormentor , his own fear ; Who flying all , yet could not fly himself , but needs must shipwrack upon murders shelf : and so his brest made hard with misery , he grew himself to be his enemy . Thus griefe and gladnesse still by turnes do come , but pleasure least while doth possesse the roome . Long nights of grief may last , but lo , one day of shining comfort slideth soon away . He , whom all fear on earth , must fear a fate , for all our powers are subordinate . Three hours space thus well can represent , vices contriv'd and murders punishment . A Monarchs life can in this little space , shew all the pomp that all the time doth grace . His risings and his falls , and in one span of time can shew the vanity of man . For none of us can so command the powers , that we may say , to morrow shall be ours . Now fortunes wheele is turn'd , and time doth call , to solemnize this friendly funerall . No force so great , no so disaster wrong , as can unknit the band which holdeth strong united hearts : who since they thus are dead , one room , one tomb shall hold them buried . And as these friends joyn'd hands to beare their Fate ; so we desire you them to imitate . Who since they all are dead , we needs must crave , your gentle hands to bring them to their grave .
FINIS .
These Books are printed for , and sold by GA. BEDELL and THO. COLLINS , 1656. viz. Books in folio . THe Compleat Ambassador , by Sir Dudly Diggs , containing the Letters and Negotiations of Sir Francis Walsingham , the Lord Burleigh , and other Eminent Persons : being a perfect Series of the most remarkable Passages of State , both at home and abroad , in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory . The History of the Civil Wars of France , Written in Italian by D' Avila , Translated into English by Sir Charles Cotterel , and William Aylesbury Esq the whole Fifteen Books . Idem , The Continuation alone , being Ten Books . Sir Richard Bakers History of the Kings of England . Stowes Chronicle , continued to the Year 1631. by Edmunt-Howes Gentleman , with an Appendix of the Universities of England . Seldeni Eadmerus . Idem , His Mare Clausum . Idem , His Notes or Illustrations on Palaealbion . Engl. and Lat. 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