Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 08 of 10

by Francis Beaumont; John Fletcher

EPILOGUE.

The Monuments of virtue, and desert,
Appear more goodly, when the gloss of Art
Is eaten off by time, than when at first
They were set up, not censur'd at the worst.
We'ave done our best, for your contents to fit,
With new pains, this old monument of wit.

---

THE
CORONATION.
A Comedy.

---

The Persons represented in the Play.

Philocles.
Lisander.
Cassander.
Lisimachus.
Antigonu.
Arcadius.
Macarius.
Seleucus.
Queen.
Charilla.
Polidora.
Nestorius.
Eubulus.
A Bishop.
Polianus.
Sophia.
Demetrius.
Gentlemen and Gentlewomen.
Servants and Attendants.

---

[PROLOGUE].

Since 'tis become the Title of our Play,
A woman once in [a [Coronation may]
With pardon, speak the Prologue, give as free
A welcome to the Theatre, as he
That with a little Beard, a long black Cloak,
With a starch'd face, and supple leg hath spoke
Before the Plays the twelvemonth, let me then
Present a welcome to these Gentlemen,
If you be kind, and noble, you will not
Think the worse of me for my Petticote:
But to the Play, the Poet bad me tell
His fears first in the Title, lest [i[t] swell
Some thoughts with expectation of a strain,
That but once could be seen in a Kings Reign,
This Coronation, he hopes you may
See often, while the genius of his Play,
Doth prophesie, the Conduits may run Wine,
When the days triumph's ended, and divine
Brisk Nectar swell his [Temple[s] to a rage,
With something of more price t' invest the Stage.
There rests but to prepare you, that although
It be a Coronation, there doth flow
No undermirth, such as doth lard the Scene
For course delight the language here is clean.
And confident, our Poet bade me say,
He'll bate you but the folly of a Play.
For which, although dull souls his Pen despise,
Who thinks it yet too early to be wise.
The nobler will thank his Muse, at least
Excuse him, cause his thought aim'd at the best,
But we conclude not, it does rest in you.
To censure Poet, Play, and [Prologue too.]
But what have I omitted? is there not
A blush upon my cheeks that I forgot
The Ladies, and a Femal Prologue too?
Your pardon noble Gentlewomen, you
Were first within my thoughts, I know you sit
As free, and high Commissioners of wit,
Have clear, and active souls, nay, though the men
Were lost in your eyes, they'll be found agen,
You are the bright intelligences move,
And make a harmony this sphere of Love,
Be you propitious then, our Poet says,
Our wreath from you, is worth their grove of Bayes:

---

Actus Primus. [Scæna Prima.]

Enter Philocles and Lisander.

Phi. Make way for my Lord Protector.
Lisan. Your graces servants.

Enter Cassander, and Lisimachus.

Cas. I like your diligent waiting, where's Lisimachus?
Lisi. I wait upon you, Sir.
Cas. The Queen looks pleasant
This morning, does she not?
Lis. I ever found
Her gracious smiles on me.
Cas. She does consult
Her safety in't, for I must tell thee boy,
But in the assurance of her love to thee,
I should advance thy hopes another way,
And use the power I have in Epire, to
Settle our own, and uncontrouled greatness;
But since she carries her self so fairly,
I am content to expect, and by her marriage
Secure thy fortune, that's all my ambition
Now, be still careful in thy applications
To her, I must attend other affairs,
Return, and use what Art thou canst to lay
More charms of love upon her.
Lis. I presume
She always speaks the language of her heart,
And I can be ambitious for no more
Happiness on earth, than she encourages
Me to expect.
Cas. It was an act becoming
The wisdom of her Father to engage
A tye between our Families, and she
Hath play'd her best discretion to allow it;
But we lose time in conference, wait on her,
And be what thou wert born for, King of Epire,
I must away. [Exit.
Lis. Success ever attend you.
Is not the Queen yet coming forth?
Lisa. Your servant,
You may command our duties,
This is the Court Star, Philocles.
Phi. The Star that we must sail by.
Lisa. All must borrow
A light from him, the young Queen directs all
Her favours that way.
Phi. He's a noble Gentleman,
And worthy of his expectations:
Too good to be the son of such a Father.
Lisa. Peace, remember he is Lord Protector.
Phil. We have more need of Heavens Protection
I' th' mean time, I wonder the old King
Did in his life, design him for the office.
Lisa. He might expect his faith, I have heard when
The King, who was no Epirote, advanc'd
His claim, Cassander, our Protector now,
Young then, oppos'd him toughly with his faction,
But forc'd to yield, had fair conditions,
And was declar'd by the whole State, next heir;
If the King wanted issue, our hopes only
Thriv'd in this daughter.
Phi. Whom but for her smiles
And hope of marriage with Lisimachus,
His Father, by some cunning, had remov'd
E'r this.
Lisa. Take heed, the Arras may have ears
I should not weep much if his grace would hence
Remove to Heaven.
Phi. I prethee what should he do there?
Lisa. Some Offices will fall.
Phi. And the Skie too, e'r I get one stair higher
While he's in place.

Enter Antigonus.

Ant. Lisander, Philocles,
How looks the day upon us? where's the Queen?
Phi. In her bed-chamber.
Ant. Who was with her?
Lisa. None but the young Lord Lisimachus.
Ant. 'Tis no treason
If a man wish himself a Courtier
Of such a possibility: he has
The mounting fate.
Phi. I would his Father were
Mounted to th' gallows.
Ant. He has a path fair enough,
If he survive by title of his Father.
Lisa. The Queen will hasten his ascent.
Phi. Would I were Queen.
Ant. Thou wou'dst become rarely the petticoat,
What wou'dst thou do?
Phi. Why, I wou'd marry
My Gentleman usher, and trust all the strength
And burden of my State upon his legs,
Rather than be call'd wife by any son
Of such a Father.
Lisa. Come, let's leave this subject,
We may find more secure discourse; when saw
You young Arcadius, Lord [Macarius's] Nephew?
Ant. There's a spark, a youth moulded for a Favourite,
The Queen might do him honor.
Phi. Favourite, 'tis too cheap a name, there were a match
Now for her Virgin blood.
Lisa. Must every man
That has a handsome face or leg, feed such
Ambition: I confess I honor him,
He has a nimble soul, and gives great hope
To be no woman-hater, dances handsomly,
Can court a Lady powerfully, but more goes
To th' making of a [Prince.] He's here
And's Uncle.

Enter Arcadius, Macarius, Seleucus.

Sel. Save you Gentlemen, who can direct me
To find my Lord Protector?
Lisa. He was here
Within this half hour, young Lisimachus
His Son is with the Queen.
Sel. There let him compliment,
I have other business, ha, Arcadius! [Exit.
Phi. Observ'd you, with what eyes Arcadius
And he saluted, their two families
Will hardly reconcile.
Ant. Seleucus carries
Himself too roughly; with what pride and scorn
He past by 'em.
Lisa. Th'other with less shew
Of anger, carries pride enough in's soul,
I wish 'em all at peace, Macarius looks
Are without civil war, a good old man,
The old King lov'd him well, Seleucus Father
Was as dear to him, and maintain'd the character
Of an honest Lord through Epire: that two men
So lov'd of others, should be so unwelcome
To one another.
Arc. The Queen was not wont to send for me.
Mac. The reason's to her self,
It will become your duty to attend her.
Arc. Save you Gentlemen, what novelty
Does the Court breathe to day?
Lisa. None Sir, the news
That took the last impression is, that you
Purpose to leave the Kingdom, and those men,
That honor you, take no delight to hear it.
Arc. I have ambition to see the difference
Of Courts, and this may spare; the delights
At home do surfet, and the Mistriss, whom
We all do serve, is fixt upon one object,
Her beams are too much pointed, but no Countrey
Shall make me lose your memories.

Enter Queen, Lisimachus, Macarius, Charilla.

Qu. Arcadius.
Mac. Your Lordship honor'd me,
I have no blessing in his absence.
Lis. 'Tis done like a pious Uncle.
Qu. We must not
Give any licence.
Arc. If your Majesty
Would please.
Qu. We are not pleas'd, it had become your duty,
To have first acquainted us, e'r you declar'd
Your resolution publick, is our Court
Not worth your stay?
Arc. I humbly beg your pardon.
Qu. Where's Lysimachus?
Lis. Your humble servant, Madam.
Qu. We shall find
Employment at home for you, do not lose us.
Arc. Madam, I then write my self blest on earth
When I may do you service.
Qu. We would be private, Macarius.
Mac. Madam, you have blest me,
Nothing but your command could interpose to
Stay him.
Qu. Lisimachus,
You must not leave us.
Lisa. Nothing but Lisimachus? has she not
Ta'en a philter?
Qu. Nay, pray be cover'd, Ceremony from you,
Must be excus'd.
Lisi. It will become my duty.
Qu. Not your love?
I know you would not have me look upon
Your person as a Courtier, not as Favorite;
That Title were too narrow to express
How we esteem you.
Lis. The least of all
These names from you, Madam, is grace enough.
Qu. Yet here you wou'd not rest?
Lis. Not if you please:
To say there is a happiness beyond,
And teach my ambition how to make it mine,
Although the honors you already have
Let fall upon your servant, exceed all
My merit; I have a heart is studious
To reach it with desert, and make [i[f] possible
Your favor's mine by justice, with your pardon.
Qu. We are confident this needs no pardon, Sir,
But a reward to cherish your opinion,
And that you may keep warm your passion,
Know we resolve for marriage, and if
I had another gift, beside my self,
Greater, in that you should discern, how much
My heart is fixt.
Lis. Let me digest my blessing.
Qu. But I cannot resolve when this shall be.
Lis. How Madam? do not make me dream of Heaven,
And wake me into misery, if your purpose
Be, to immortalize your humble servant,
Your power on earth's divine, Princes are here
The copies of Eternity, and create,
When they but will our happiness.
Qu. I shall
Believe you mock me in this argument,
I have no power.
Lis. How, no power?
Qu. Not as a Queen.
Lis. I understand you not.
Qu. I must obey, your Father's my Protector.
Lis. How?
Qu. When I am absolute, Lisimachus,
Our power and Titles meet, before, we are but
A shadow, and to give you that were nothing.
Lis. Excellent Queen,
My love took no original from State,
Or the desire of other greatness,
Above what my birth may challenge modestly,
I love your virtues; mercenary souls
Are taken with advancement, you've an Empire
Within you, better than the worlds, to that
Looks my ambition.
Qu. T'other is not, Sir,
To be despis'd, Cosmography allows
Epire, a place i' th' Map, and know till I
Possess what I was born to, and alone
Do grasp the Kingdoms Scepter, I account
My self divided, he that marries me
Shall take an [a]bsolute] Queen to his warm bosom,
My temples yet are naked, until then
Our Loves can be but compliments, and wishes,
Yet very hearty ones.
Lis. I apprehend.
Qu. Your Father.

Enter Cassander and Seleucus.

Cas. Madam, a Gentleman has an humble suit.
Qu. 'Tis in your power to grant, you are Protector,
I am not yet a Queen.
Cas. How's this?
Lis. I shall expound her meaning.
Qu. Why kneel you, Sir?
Sel. Madam, to reconcile two families
That may unite, both Counsels and their blood
To serve your Crown.
Qu. Macarius, and Eubulus
That beare inveterate malice to each other.
It grew, as I have heard, upon the question
Which some of either family had made
Which of their Fathers was the best Commander:
If we believe our stories, they have both
Deserved well of our state, and yet this quarrel
Has cost too many lives, a severe faction.
Sel. But I'll propound a way to plant a quiet
And peace in both our houses, which are torn
With their dissentions, and lose the glory
Of their great names, my blood speaks my relation
To Eubulus, and I wish my veins were emptied
To appease their war.
Qu. Thou hast a noble soul,
This is a charity above thy youth,
And it flows bravely from thee, name the way.
Sel. In such a desperate cause, a little stream
Of blood might purge the foulness of their hearts
If you'll prevent a deluge.
Qu. Be particular.
Sel. Let but your Majesty consent that two
May with their personal valour, undertake
The honor of their family, and determine
Their difference.
Qu. This rather will inlarge
Their hate, and be a means to call more blood
Into the stream.
Sel. Not if both families
Agree, and swear—
Qu. And who shall be the Champions?
Sel. I beg the honor, for Eubulus cause
To be ingag'd, if any for Macarius,
Worthy to wager heart with mine, accept it,
I am confident, Arcadius,
For honor would direct me to his sword,
Will not deny, to stake against my life
His own, if you vouchsafe us priviledge.
Qu. You are the expectation, and top boughs
Of both your houses, it would seem injustice,
To allow a civil war to cut you off,
And your selves the instruments, besides
You appear a soldier; Arcadius
Hath no acquaintance yet with rugged war,
More fit to drill a Lady, than expose
His body to such dangers: a small wound
I'th' head, may spoil the method of his hair,
Whose curiosity exacts more time,
Than his devotion, and who knows but he
May lose his ribond by it in his lock,
Dear as his Saint, with whom he would exchange
His head, for her gay colours; then his band
May [e] disorder'd, and transform'd from Lace
To Cutwork, his rich cloaths be discomplexioned
With bloud, beside the infashionable slashes:
And at the next Festival take Physick,
Or put on black, and mourn for his slain breeches:
His hands cas'd up in gloves all night, and sweet
Pomatum: the next day may be endanger'd
To blisters with a sword, how can he stand
Upon his guard, who hath Fidlers in his head,
To which, his feet must ever be a dancing?
Beside a falsify may spoil his cringe,
Or making of a leg, in which consists
Much of his Court-perfection.
Sel. Is this Character
Bestow'd on him?
Qu. It something may concern the Gentleman,
Whom if you please to challenge
To Dance, play on the Lute, or Sing.
Sel. Some [catch]?
Qu. He shall not want those will maintain him
For any sum.
Sel. You are my Sovereign,
I dare not think, yet I must speak somewhat,
I shall burst else, I have no skill in Jiggs,
Nor Tumbling.
Qu. How Sir?
Sel. Nor was I born a Minstrel, and in this you have
So infinitely disgrac'd Arcadius.
But that I have heard another Character,
And with your royal Licence do believe it,
I should not think him worth my killing.
Qu. Your killing?
Sel. Does she not jeer me;
I shall talk treason presently, I find it
At my tongues end already, this is an
Affront, I'll leave her.
Qu. Come back, do you know Arcadius?
Sel. I ha' chang'd but little breath with him; our persons
Admit no familiarity; we were
Born to live both at distance, yet I ha' seen him
Fight, and fight bravely.
Qu. When the spirit of Wine
Made his brain valiant, he fought bravely.
Sel. Although he be my enemy, should any
Of the gay flies that buzze about the Court,
Sit to catch trouts i'th' summer, tell me so,
I durst in any presence but your own.
Qu. What?
Sel. Tell him he were not honest.
Qu. I see [Sele[u]cus], thou art resolute,
And I but wrong'd Arcadius, your first
Request is granted, you shall fight, and he
That conquers be rewarded, to confirm
First place and honor to his Family:
Is it not this you plead for?
Sel. You are gracious.
Qu. Lisimachus.
Lis. Madam.
Cas. She has granted then?
Sel. With much ado.
Cas. I wish thy sword may open
His wanton veins, Macarius is too popular,
And has taught him to insinuate.
Qu. It shall
But haste the confirmation of our loves,
And ripen the delights of marriage, Seleucus. [Exit cum Sel.
Lis. As I guest,
It cannot be too soon.
Cas. To morrow then we crown her, and invest
My Son with Majesty, 'tis to my wishes,
Beget a race of Princes, my Lisimachus.
Lis. First, let us marry, Sir.
Cas. Thy brow was made
To wear a golden circle, I'm transported,
Thou shalt rule her, and I will govern thee.
Lis. Although you be my Father, that will not
Concern my obedience, as I take it.

Enter Philocles, Lisander, and Antigonus.

Gentlemen,
Prepare your selves for a solemnity
Will turn the Kingdom into triumph, Epire
Look fresh to morrow, 'twill become your duties
In all your glory, to attend the Queen
At her Coronation, she is pleased to make
The next day happy in our Calendar,
My office doth expire, and my old blood
Renews with thought on't.
Phi. How's this?
Ant. Crown'd to morrow.
Lisa. And he so joyful to resign his Regency,
There's some trick in't, I do not like these hasty
Proceedings, and whirls of state, they have [commonl[y]
As strange and violent effects; well, heaven save the Queen.
Phi. Heaven save the Queen, say I, and send her a sprightly
Bed-fellow, for the Protector, let him pray for
Himself, he is like to have no benefit of my devotion.
Cas. But this doth quicken my old heart, Lisimachus,
There is not any step into her throne,
But is the same degree of thy own state;
Come Gentlemen.
Lisa. We attend your grace.
Cas. Lisimachus.
Lisi. What heretofore could happen to mankind
Was with much pain to climb to heaven, but in
Sophias marriage of all Queens the best,
Heaven will come down to earth, to make me blest. [Exe.

Actus Secundus. [Scæna Prima.]

Enter Arcadius and Polydora.

Pol. Indeed you shall not go.
Arc. Whither?
Pol. To travel,
I know you see me, but to take your leave,
But I must never yield to such an absence.
Arc. I prethee leave thy fears, I am commanded
To th' contrary, I wonot leave thee now.
Pol. Commanded? by whom?
Arc. The Queen.
Pol. I am very glad, for trust me, I could think
Of thy departure with no comfort, thou
Art all the joy I have, half of my soul,
But I must thank the Queen now for thy company,
I prethee, what could make thee so desirous
To be abroad?
Arc. Only to get an appetite
To thee Polidora.
Pol. Then you must provoke it.
Arc. Nay, prethee do not so mistake thy servant.
Pol. Perhaps you surfeit with my Love.
Arc. Thy love?
Pol. Although I have no beauty to compare
With the best faces, I have a heart above
All competition.
Arc. Thou art jealous now,
Come let me take the kiss I gave thee last,
I am so confident of thee, no Lip
Has ravisht it from thine; I prethee come
To Court.
Pol. For what?
Arc. There is the throne for beauty.
Pol. 'Tis safer dwelling here.
Arc. There's none will hurt,
Or dare but think an ill to Polydora,
The greatest will be proud to honor thee.
Thy luster wants the admiration here:
There thou wot shine indeed, and strike a reverence
Into the gazer.
Pol. You can flatter too.
Arc. No praise of thee can be thought so, thy virtue
Will deserve all, I must confess, we Courtiers
Do oftentimes commend to shew our Art,
There is necessity sometimes to say,
This Madam breaths Arabian Gumms,
Amber and Cassia; though while we are praising,
We wish we had no nostrils to take in
Th' offensive steam of her corrupted Lungs.
Nay, some will swear they love their Mistriss,
Would hazard lives and fortunes, to preserve
One of her hairs brighter than Berinices;
Or young Apollo's, and yet after this,
A favour from another toy would tempt him
To laugh, while the officious hangman whips
Her head off.
Pol. Fine men.
Arc. I am none of these,
Nay, there are women Polidora, too
That can do pretty well at flatteries;
Make men believe they dote, will languish for 'em,
Can kiss a Jewel out of one, and dally
A carcanet of Diamonds from another,
Weep into th' bosome, of a third, and make
Him drop as many Pearls; they count it nothing
To talk a reasonable heir within ten days
Out of his whole Estate, and make him mad
He has no more wealth to consume.
Pol. You'll teach me
To think I may be flattered in your promises,
Since you live where this Art is most profest.
Arc. I dare not be so wicked Polidora,
The Infant errors of the Court I may
Be guilty of, but never to abuse
So rare a goodness, nor indeed did ever
Converse with any of those shames of Court,
To practise for base ends; be confident
My heart is full of thine, and I so deeply
Carry the figure of my Polydora,
It is not in the power of time or distance
To cancel it, by all that's blest I love thee:
Love thee above all women, dare invoke
A curse when I forsake thee.
Pol. Let it be some
Gentle one.
Arc. Teach me an oath I prethee,
One strong enough to bind, if thou dost find
Any suspition of my faith, or else
Direct me in some horrid imprecation:
When I forsake thee for the love of other
Women, may heaven reward my apostacy
To blast my greatest happiness on earth,
And make all joys abortive.
Pol. Revoke these hasty syllables, they carry
Too great a penalty for breach of Love
To me, I am not worth thy suffering,
You do not know, what beauty may invite
Your change, what happiness may tempt your eye
And heart together.
Arc. Should all the graces of your sex conspire
In one, and she should [court [me], with] a [Dowry],
Able to buy a Kingdom, when I give
My heart from Polidora.
Pol. I suspect not,
And to requite thy constancy, I swear.
Arc. 'Twere sin to let thee waste thy breath
I have assurance of thy noble thoughts.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. My Lord, your Uncle hath been every where
I' th' Court inquiring for you, his looks speak
Some earnest cause.
Arc. I am more acquainted with
Thy virtue, than to imagine thou wilt not
Excuse me now, one kiss dismisses him
Whose heart shall wait on Polidora prethee
Let me not wish for thy return too often,
My Father.

Enter Nestorius, and a servant.

Nes. I met Arcadius in strange haste, he told me
He had been with thee.
Pol. Some affair too soon
Ravish'd him hence, his Uncle sent for him
You came now from Court: how looks the Queen
This golden morning?
Nes. Like a Bride, her soul
Is all on mirth, her eyes have quick'ning fires,
Able to strike a spring into the earth,
In winter.
Pol. Then Lisimachus can have
No frost in's blood, that lives so near her beams.
Nes. His politick Father the Protector smiles too,
Resolve to see the ceremony of the Queen
'Twill be a day of state.
Pol. I am not well.
Nes. How! not well? retire then, I must return
My attendance is expected, Polidora,
Be careful of thy health.
Pol. It will concern me. [Exit.

Enter Arcadius, and Macarius.

Arc. You amaze me, Sir.
Mac. Dear Nephew, if thou respect thy safety
My honor, or my age, remove thy self,
Thy life's in danger.
Arc. Mine? who's my enemy?
Mac. Take horse, and instantly forsake the City,
Or else within some unsuspected dwelling,
Obscure thy self, stay not to know the reason.
Arc. Sir, I beseech your pardon, which i' th' number
Of my offences unto any, should
Provoke this dishonourable flight?
Mac. I would, when I petition'd for thy stay,
I had pleaded for thy banishment, thou knowst not
What threatens thee.
Arc. I would desire to know it,
I am in no conspiracy of treason,
Have ravish'd no mans Mistriss, not so much
As [given] the lye to any, what should mean
Your strange and violent fears, I will [n]ot] stir
Until you make me sensible I have lost
My innocence.
Mac. I must not live to see
Thy body full of wounds, it were less sin
To rip thy Fathers Marble, and fetch from
The reverend vault, his ashes, and disperse them
By some rude winds, where none should ever find
The sacred dust: it was his Legacy,
The breath he mingled with his prayers to Heaven
I [sh]ould] preserve Arcadius, whose fate
He prophesied in death, would need protection,
Thou wot disturb his ghost, and call it to
Affright my dreams, if thou refuse to obey me.
Arc. You more inflame me, to enquire the cause
Of your distraction, and you'll arm me better
Than any coward flight by acquainting me
Whose malice aims to kill me, good Sir tell me.
Mac. Then prayers and tears assist me.
Arc. Sir.
Mac. Arcadius,
Thou art a rash young man, witness the spirit
Of him that trusted me so much, I bleed,
Till I prevent this mischief. [Exit.

Enter Philocles, Lisander.

Arc. Ha, keep off.
Phi. What mean you, Sir?
Lis. We are your friends.
Arc. I know your faces, but
Am not secure, I would not be betraid.
Lis. You wrong our hearts, who truly honor you.
Arc. They say I must be kill'd.
Phi. By whom?
Arc. I know not, nor wou'd I part with life so tamely.
Phi. We dare engage ours in your quarrel, hide
Your sword, it may beget suspition,
It's enough to question you.
Arc. I am confident;
Pray pardon me, come, I despise all danger:
Yet a dear friend of mine, my Uncle told me
He would not see my body full of wounds.
Lis. Your Uncle, this is strange.
Arc. Yes, my honest Uncle,
If my unlucky Stars have pointed me
So dire a fate.
Phi. There is some strange mistake in't.

Enter Antigonus.

Ant. Arcadius, the Queen would speak with you,
You must make haste.
[Ar[c].] Though to my death, I flie
Upon her summons I give up my breath
Then willingly, if she command it from me.
Phi. This does a little trouble me.
Lis. I know not
What to imagine, something is the ground
Of this perplexity, but I hope there is not
Any such danger as he apprehends.

Enter Queen, Lisimachus, Macarius, Eubulus, Seleucus, Arcadius, [Ladies, Attendants and Gent.]

Qu. We have already granted to Seleucus
And they shall try their valour, if Arcadius
Have spirit in him to accept the challenge,
Our Royal word is past.
Phi. This is strange.
Eub. Madam, my son knew not what he ask'd,
And you were cruel to consent so soon.
Mac. Wherein have I offended, to be rob'd
At once, of all the wealth I have, Arcadius
Is part of me.
Eub. [Seleucus's] life and mine
Are twisted on one thred, both stand or fall
Together, hath the service for my Countrey
Deserved but this reward, to be sent weeping
To my eternal home? Was't not enough
When I was young, to lose my bloud in wars,
But the poor remnant that is scarcely warm
And faintly creeping through my wither'd veins
Must be let out to make you sport.
Mac. How can
We, that shall this morn see the sacred oyl,
Fall on your Virgin tresses, hope for any
Protection hereafter, when this day
You sacrifice the blood of them that pray for you.
Arcadius, I prethee speak thy self,
It is for thee I plead.
Eub. Seleucus, kneel
And say thou hast repented thy rash suit;
If e'er I see thee fight, I be thus wounded,
How will the least drop forc'd from thy veins,
Afflict my heart.
Mac. Why, that's good;
Arcadius, speak to her; hear him Madam.
Arc. If you call back this honor you have done me
I shall repent I live, doe not perswade me:
Seleucus, thou art a noble enemy,
And I will love thy soul, though I despair
Our bodies friendly conversation:
I would we were to tugg upon some cliffe,
Or like two prodigies i'th' air, our conflict
Might generally be gaz'd at, and our bloud
Appease our grandsires ashes.
Mac. I am undone.
Sel. Madam, my father says I have offended,
If so, I beg your pardon, but beseech you
For your own glory, call not back your word.
Eub. They are both mad.
Qu. No more, we have resolv'd,
And since their courage is so nobly flam'd,
This morning we'll behold the Champions
Within the List, be not afraid, their strife
Will stretch so far as death, so soon as we
Are Crown'd, prepare your selves, Seleucus. [Kisses her hand.
Sel. I have receiv'd another life in this high favour,
And may lose what nature gave me.
Qu. Arcadius, to encourage thy young valour,
We give thee our Fathers sword.
Command it from our Armory; Lisimachus,
To our Coronation. [Exeunt.
Sel. I'll forfeit
My head for a rebellion, than suffer it. [Exit.
Arc. I am circled with confusions, I'll do somewhat
My brains and friends assist me. [Exit.
Phi. But do you think they'll fight indeed?
Lis. Perhaps
Her Majesty will see a bout or two.
And yet 'tis wondrous strange, such spectacles
Are rare i'th' Court, and they were to skirmish naked
Before her, then there might be some excuse.
There is gimcracks in't, the Queen is wise
Above her years.
Phi. Macarius is perplex'd.

Enter Eubulus.

Lis. I cannot blame him, but my Lord Eubulus
Returns, they are both troubled, 'las good men,
But our duties are expected, we forget. [Ex. Phil. Lis.
Eub. I must resolve, and yet things are not ripe,
My brains upon the torture.
Mac. This may quit
The hazard of his person, whose least drop
Of blood, is worth more than our families.
My Lord Eubulus, I have thought a way
To stay the young mens desperate proceedings,
It is our cause they fight, let us beseech
The Queen, to grant us two the priviledge
Of Duel, rather than expose their lives
To eithers fury; it were pity they
Should run upon so black a destiny,
We are both old, and may be spar'd, a pair
Of fruitless trees, mossie, and wither'd trunks,
That fill up too much room.
Eub. Most willingly,
And I will praise her charity to allow it;
I have not yet [forg[o]t] to use a sword,
Let's lose no time, by this act, she will licence
Our souls to leave our bodies but a day,
Perhaps an hour the sooner; they may live
To do her better service, and be friends
When we are dead, and yet I have no hope
This will be granted, curse upon our faction.
Mac. If she deny us—
Eub. What?
Mac. I wou'd do somewhat—
Eub. There's something o' th' suddain struck upon
My imagination that may secure us.
Mac. Name it, if no dishonor wait upon't
To preserve them, I'll accept any danger.
Eub. There is no other way, and yet my heart
Would be excus'd, but 'tis to save his life.
Mac. Speak it Eubulus.
Eub. In your ear I shall,
It sha'not make a noise if you refuse it.
Mac. Hum? though it stir my bloud, I'll meet Arcadius,
If this preserve thee not, I must unseal
Another mistery. [Exit.

Enter Queen, Lisimachus, Cassander, Charilla, Lisander, Philocles, Antigonus.

Qu. We owe to all your loves, and will deserve
At least by our endeavours, that none may
This day repent their prayers, my Lord Protector.
Cas. Madam, I have no
Such Title now, and am blest to lose
That name so happily: I was but trusted
With a glorious burden.
Qu. You have prov'd
Your self our faithful Counsellor, and must still
Protect our growing state: a Kingdoms Scepter
Weighs down a womans arm, this Crown sits heavy
Upon my brow already, and we know
There's something more than mettal in this wreath,
Of shining glory, but your faith, and counsel,
That are familiar with mysteries,
And depths of state, have power to make us fit
For such a bearing, in which both you shall
Doe loyal service, and reward your Duties.
Cas. Heaven preserve your Highness.
Qu. But yet my Lords and Gentlemen, let none
Mistake me, that because I urge your wisdoms,
I shall grow careless, and impose on you
The managing of this great Province, no,
We will be active too, and as we are
In dignity above your persons, so,
The greatest portion of the difficulties
We call to us, you in your several places
Relieving us with your experience,
Observing in your best directions
All modesty, and distance; for although
We are but young, no action shall forfeit
Our royal priviledge, or encourage any
Too unreverent boldness; as it will become
Our honor to consult, e'r we determine
Of the most necessary things of state,
So we are sensible of a check,
But in a brow, that saucily controuls
Our action, presuming on our years
As few, or frailty of our sex; that head
Is not secure, that dares our power or justice.
Phi. She has a brave spirit, look how the Protector
Grows pale already.
Qu. But I speak to you
Are perfect in obedience, and may spare
This Theme, yet 'twas no [immat[eriall]
Part of our character, since I desire
All should take notice, I have studied
The knowledge of my self, by which I shall
Better distinguish of your worth and persons
In your relations to us.
Lis. This language
Is but a threatening to some body.
Qu. But we miss some, that use not to absent
Their duties from us, where's Macarius?
Cas. Retir'd to grieve, your Majesty hath given
Consent, Arcadius should enter [the] List
To day with young Seleucus.
Qu. We [purpose]

Enter Gentleman.

They shall proceed, what's he?
Phil. A Gentleman belonging to Seleucus that gives notice
He is prepar'd, and waits your royal pleasure.
Qu. He was compos'd for action, give notice
To Arcadius, and admit the challenger:
Let other Princes boast their gaudy tilting,
And mockery of battles, but our triumph
Is celebrated with true noble valour.

Enter Seleucus, Arcadius, at several doors, their Pages before them, bearing their Targets.

Two young men spirited enough to have
Two kingdoms staked upon their swords, Lisimachus
Do not they excellently become their arms?
'Twere pity but they should do something more
Then wave their plumes. [A shout within.
What noise is that?

Enter Macarius, and Eubulus.

Mac. The peoples joy to know us reconcil'd,
Is added to the jubile of the day,
We have no more a faction but one heart,
Peace flow in every bosom.
Eub. Throw away
These instruments of death, and like two friends
Embrace by our example.
Qu. This unfein'd?
Mac. By our duties to your self, dear Madam
Command them not advance, our houses from
This minute are incorporated; happy day
Our eyes at which before revenge look'd forth,
May clear suspition, oh my Arcadius!
Eub. We have found a nearer way to friendship, Madam,
Than by exposing them to fight for us.
Qu. If this be faithful, our desires are blest.
We had no thought to waste, but reconcile
Your bloud this way, and we did prophesie
This happy chance, spring into eithers bosom,
Arcadius and Seleucus, what can now
Be added to this days felicity?
Yes, there is something, is there not my Lord?
While we are Virgin Queen.
Cas. Ha, that string
Doth promise Musick.
Qu. I am yet my Lords
Your single joy, and when I look upon,
What I have took, to manage the great care
Of this most flourishing kingdom, I incline
To think I shall do justice to my self,
If I choose one, whose strength and virtue may
Assist my undertaking, think you Lords,
A Husband would not help?
Lis. No question, Madam,
And he [that [you purpose to make] so] blest
Must needs be worthy of our humblest duty,
It is the general vote.
Qu. We will not then
Trouble Ambassadors to treat with any
Princes abroad, within our own dominion,
Fruitful in honor, we shall make our choice;
And that we may not keep you over long
In [th[e] imagination, from this circle, we
Have purpose to elect; one, whom I shall
Salute a King and Husband.
Lisa. Now my Lord Lisimachus.
Que. Nor shall we in this action be accus'd
Of rashness, since the man we shall declare
Deserving our affection, hath been early
In our opinion, which had reason first
To guide it, and his known nobility
Long marry'd to our thoughts, will justifie
Our fair election.
Phi. Lisimachus blushes.
Cas. Direct our duties, Madam, to pray for him.
Que. Arcadius, you see from whence we come,
Pray lead us back, you may ascend. [She comes from the State.
Cas. How's this? o're-reach'd?
Arc. Madam, be charitable to your humblest creature,
Doe not reward the heart, that falls in duty
Beneath your feet, with making me the burden
Of the Court-mirth, a mockery for Pages,
'Twere Treason in me but to think you meane thus.
Que. Arcadius, you must refuse my love,
Or shame this Kingdom.
Phi. Is the wind in that corner?
Cas. I shall run mad Lisimachus.
Lisi. Sir, contain your self.
Sel. Is this to be believ'd?
Mac. What dream is this?
Phi. He kisses her, now by this day I am glad on't.
Lisa. Mark the Protector.
Ant. Let him fret his heart-strings.
Que. Is the day cloudy on the sudden?
Arc. Gentlemen,
It was not my ambition, I durst never
Aspire so high in thought, but since her Majesty
Hath pleas'd to call me to this honor, I
Will study to be worthy of her grace,
By whom I live.
Que. The Church to morrow shall
Confirme our marriage, noble Lisimachus;
We'll find out other wayes to recompence
Your love to us, set forward, come Arcadius.
Mac. It must be so, and yet let me consider.
Cas. He insults already, policy assist [me,]
To break his neck.
Lisi. Who would trust Woman?
Lost in a pair of minutes, lost, how bright
A morning rose, but now, [and now] 'tis night? [Exeunt.

Actus Tertius. Scæna Prima.

Enter Polidora, and a Servant.

Pol. Oh where shall Virgins look for faith hereafter?
If he prove false, after so many vowes?
And yet if I consider, he was tempted
Above the strength of a young Lover, two
Such glorious courting his acceptance, were
Able to make disloyalty no sin,
At least not seem a fault, a Lady first,
Whose very looks would thaw a man more frozen
Than the Alps, quicken a soul more dead than Winter,
Add to her beauty and perfection,
That she's a Queen, and brings with her a Kingdom
Able to make a great mind forfeit Heaven.
What could the frailty of Arcadius
Suggest, to unspirit him so much, as not
To fly to her embraces, you were present
When she declar'd her self.
Ser. Yes Madam.
Pol. Tell me,
Did not he make a pause, when the fair Queen
A full temptation stood him?
Ser. Very little
My judgment could distinguish, she did no sooner
Propound, but he accepted.
Pol. That was ill,
He might with honor stand one or two minutes,
Me thinks it should have startled him a little,
To have rememberd me, I have deserv'd
At least a cold thought, well, pray give it him.
Ser. I shall.
Pol. When?
Ser. Instantly.
Pol. Not so,
But take a time when his joy swels him most,
When his delights are high and ravishing,
When you perceive his Soul dance in his eyes,
When she that must be his hath drest her beauty,
With all her pride, and sends a thousand Cupids
To call him to the tasting of her lip;
Then give him this, and tell him, while I live,
I'll pray for him.
Ser. I shall. [Exeunt.

Enter Cassander, and Lisimachus.

Cas. There is no way but death.
Lisi. That's black, and horrid,
Consider, Sir, it was her sin, not his;
I cannot accuse him, what man could carry
A heart so frozen, not to melt at such
A glorious flame? Who could not fly to such
A happiness?
Cas. Have you ambition
To be a tame fool? see so vast an injury
And not revenge it? make me not suspect
Thy Mother for this sufferance, my Son.
Lis. Pray hear me, Sir.
Cas. Hear a patient gull,
A property, thou hast no blood of mine,
If this affront provoke thee not, how canst
Be charitable to thy self, and let him live
To glory in thy shame? Nor is he innocent;
He had before crept slily into her bosome,
And practised thy dishonor.
Lisi. You begin to stir me, Sir.
Cas. How else could she be guilty
Of such contempt of thee? and in the eye
Of all the Kingdom, they conspir'd this stain,
When they had cunning meetings, shall thy love
And blooming hopes be scatter'd thus, and Lisimachus
Stand idle gazer?
Lisi. What, Sir, will his death
Advantage us, if she be false to me?
So irreligious, and to touch her person—
Pause, we may be observed.

Enter Philocles, and Lisander.

Lisa. 'Tis the Protector
And his son.
Phi. Alas, poor Gentleman, I pitty
His neglect, but am not sorry for his Father.
['Tis] a strange turne.
[Lisa.] The whirligigs of Women.
[Phi.] Your Graces servant.
Cas. I am yours Gentlemen,
And should be happy to deserve your loves.
Phi. Now he can flatter.
Lisa. In't Sir, to inlarge your sufferings, I have
A heart doth wish
The [Qeen] had known better to reward
Your love and merit.
[Lisi.] If you would express
Your love to me, pray do not mention it,
I must obey my fate.
Phi. She will be married
To t'other Gentleman for certain then?
Cas. I hope you'll wish 'em joy.
Phi. Indeed I will, Sir.
Lisa. Your Graces servant. [Exit.
Cas. We are grown
Ridiculous, the pastime of the Court:
Here comes another.

Enter Seleucus.

Sel. Where's your Son, my Lord?
Cas. Like a neglected servant of his Mistress.
Sel. I would ask him a question.
Cas. What?
Sel. Whether the Queen,
As 'tis reported, lov'd him, he can tell
Whether she promis'd what they talke of, marriage.
Cas. I can resolve you that, Sir.
Sel. She did promise?
Cas. Yes.
Sel. Then shee's a Woman, and your Son;
Cas. What?
Sel. Not worthy his blood, and expectation,
If he be calme.
Cas. There's no opposing destiny.
Sel. I would cut the Throat.
Cas. Whose throat?
Sel. The destinies, that's all, your pardon, Sir,
I am Seleucus still, a poor shadow
Oth' World, a walking picture, it concerns
Not me, I am forgotten by my stars.
Cas. The Queen, with more discretion, might ha chosen
Thee.
Sel. Whom?
Cas. Thee, Seleucus.
Sel. Me? I cannot dance, and frisk with due activity,
My body is lead, I have too much phlegme, what should
I do with a Kingdome? no, Arcadius
Becomes the cushion, and can please, yet setting
Aside the trick that Ladies of Blood look at,
Another Man might make a shift to weare
Rich Clothes, sit in the chair of state, and nod,
Dare venture on discourse, that does not trench
On compliment, and think the study of Armes
And Arts, more commendable in a Gentleman,
Than any Galliard.
Cas. Arcadius,
And you, were reconcil'd.
Sel. We? yes, oh yes,
But 'tis not manners now to say we are friends,
At our equality there had been reason,
But now subjection is the word.
Cas. They are not
Yet married.
Sel. I'll make no Oath upon't,
My Lord Lisimachus,
A word, you'll not be angry if I love you,
May not a Batchellor be made a Cuckold?
Lisi. How, Sir?
Cas. Lisimachus, this Gentleman
Is worth our embrace, hee's spirited,
And may be useful.
Sel. Hark you, can you tell
Where's the best Dancing-master? and you mean
To rise at Court, practise to caper, farewel
The noble science, that makes work for cutlers,
It will be out of fashion to weare swords,
Masques, and devices welcome, I salute you,
Is it not pitty any division
Should be heard out of Musick? Oh 'twill be
An excellent age of crotchets; and of Canters.
Buy Captains, that like fools will spend your blood
Out of your Country, you will be of less
Use than your feathers, if you return unman'd
You shall be beaten soon to a new march,
When you shall think it a discretion
To sell your glorious buffes to buy fine pumps,
And pantables, this is I hope no treason.

Enter Arcadius leading the Queen, Charia, Eubulus, Lisander, Philocles, Polidora, servant.

Cas. Wot stay Lisimachus?
Lisi. Yes, Sir,
And shew a patience above her injury.
Arc. This honor is too much, Madam, assume
Your place, and let Arcadius waite still:
'Tis happiness enough to be your servant.
Cas. Now he dissembles.
Que. Sir, you must sit.
Arc. I am obedient.
Que. This is not Musick
Sprightly enough, it feeds the soul with melancholy.
How sayes Arcadius?
Arc. Give me leave to think
There is no harmony but in your voice,
And not an accent of your heavenly tongue,
But strikes me into rapture, I incline
To think, the tale of Orpheus no fable,
'Tis possible he might inchant the Rocks,
And charme the Forrest, soften hell, hell it self,
With his commanding Lute, it is no miracle
To what you work, whose very breath conveyes
The hearer into Heaven, how at your lips,
Day-winds gather Perfumes, proudly glide away,
To disperse sweetness round about the world.
Sel. Fine stuff.
Que. You cannot flatter.
Arc. Not, if I should say,
Nature had plac'd you here the creatures wonder,
And her own spring, from which all excellence
On Earth's deriv'd, and copyed forth, and when
The character of fair, and good in others
Is quite worne out, and lost, looking on you
It is supply'd, and you alone made mortal
To feed, and keep alive all beauty.
Sel. Ha, ha, Can you indure it Gentlemen?
Lisa. What do you meane?
Sel. Nay, ask him what he meanes, mine is a down
Right laugh.
Que. Well, Sir, proceed.
Arc. At such bright eyes the stars do light themselves,
At such a forehead Swans renew their white,
From such a lip the morning gathers blushes.
Sel. The morning is more modest than thy praises,
What a thing does he make her?
Arc. And when you flie to Heaven and leave this world
No longer maintenance of goodness from you:
Then Poetry shall lose all use with us,
And be no more, since nothing in your absence
Is left, that can be worthy of a Verse.
Sel. Ha, ha.
Que. Whose that?
Sel. 'Twas I, Madam.
Arc. Seleucus?
Cas. Ha?
Sel. Yes, Sir, 'twas I that laugh'd.
Arc. At what?
Sel. At nothing.
Lisa. Contain your self, Seleucus.
Eub. Are you mad?
Que. Have you ambition to be punish'd, Sir?
Sel. I need not, 'twas punishment
Enough to hear him make an Idol of you, he left
Out the commendation of your patience, I was a little
Mov'd in my nature, to hear his Rodomontados, and
Make a monster of his Mistress, which I pitty'd first,
But seeing him proceed, I guest he brought you
Mirth with his inventions, and so made bold to laugh at it.
Que. You are sawcy,
We'll place you where you sha'not be so merry,
Take him away.
Lisa. Submit your self.
Arc. Let me plead for his pardon.
Sel. I wo'd not owe my life so poorly, beg thy own,
When you are King you cannot bribe your destiny.
Eub. Good Madam hear me, I fear he is distracted,
Brave boy, thou should'st be Master of a soul
Like his: thy honors more concern'd.
Sel. 'Tis charity,
A way wo' mee, 'boy Madam?
Cas. He has a daring spirit. [Ex. Sel. Eub. Cas.
Arc. These, and a thousand more affronts I must
Expect: your favors draw them all upon me;
In my first state I had no enemies,
I was secure, while I did grow beneath
This expectation, humble valleys thrive with
Their bosomes full of flowers, when the Hills melt
With lightning, and rough anger of the clouds,
Let me retire.
Que. And can Arcadius
At such a breath be mov'd, I had opinion
Your courage durst have stood a tempest for
Our love, can you for this incline to leave
What other Princes should in vain have sued for?
How many Lovers are in Epire now
Would throw themselves on danger, not expect
One enemy, but empty their own veins,
And think the loss of all their blood rewarded,
To have one smile of us when they are dying?
And shall this murmur shake you?
Arc. Not dear Madam,
My life is such a poor despised thing,
In value your least graces, that
To lose it were to make my self a victory,
It is not for my self, I fear: the envy
Of others cannot fasten wound in me
Greater, than that your goodness should be check'd
So daringly.
Que. Let not those thoughts afflict thee,
While we have power to correct the offences,
Arcadius be mine, this shall confirm it.
Arc. I shall forget,
And lose my way to heaven, that touch had been
Enough to have restor'd me, and infus'd
A spirit of a more celestial nature,
After the tedious absence of my soul,
Oh bless me not too much, one smile a day
Would stretch my life to mortality;
Poets that wrap divinity in tales,
Look here, and give your coppies forth of angels,
What blessing can remain?
Que. Our Marriage.
Arc. Place then some horrors in the way
For me, not you, to pass, the journeys end
Holds out such glories to me, I should think
Hell but a poor degree of suffering for it,
What's that, some petition? a Letter to me.
You had a Polidora, ha, that's all.
Ith' [minu[t]e] when my vessels new lanch'd forth,
With all my pride, and silken wings about me
I strike upon a Rock: What power can save me?
You had a Polidora; there's a name
Kill'd with grief, I can so soon forget her.
Ser. She did impose on me this service, Sir,
And while she lives she sayes, shee'll pray for you.
Arc. She lives,
That's well, and yet 'twere better, for my fame,
And honor, she were dead; What fate hath plac'd me
Upon this fearful precipice?
Ser. He's troubled.
Arc. I must resolve, my faith is violated
Already, yet poor loving Polidora
Will pray for me, she sayes, to think she can
Render me hated to my self, and every
Thought's a tormentor, let me then be just.
Que. Arcadius.
Arc. That voice prevailes agen, oh Polidora,
Thou must forgive Arcadius, I dare not
Turn rebel to a Princess, I shall love
Thy vertue, but a Kingdom has a charme
To excuse our [f[r]ailty], dearest Madam.
Que. Now set forward.
Arc. To perfect all our joyes.

Enter Macarius, and a Bishop, Casander.

Mac. I'll fright their glories.
Cas. By what means?
Mac. Observe.
Arc. Our good Unckle, welcome.
Que. My Lord Macarius, we did want your person,
There's something in our joyes wherein you share.
Mac. This you intend your highness wedding day.
Que. We are going.
Mac. Save you labor
I have brought a Priest to meet you.
Arc. Reverend Father.
Que. Meet us, Why?
Mac. To tell you, that you must not Marry.
Cas. Didst thou hear that, Lisimachus?
Lisi. And wonder what will follow.
Que. We must not marry.
Bish. Madam, 'tis a rule
First made in heaven, and I must needs declare
You and Arcadius must tie no knot
Of Man and Wife.
Arc. Is my Unckle mad?
Que. Joy has transported him,
Or age has made him dote, Macarius
Provoke us not too much, you will presume
Above our mercy.
Mac. I'll discharge my duty,
Could your frown strike me dead, my Lord, you know
Whose character this is.
Cas. It is Theodosius,
Your graces Father.
Bis. I am subscribed a witness.
Phi. Upon my life 'tis his.
Mac. Fear not, I'll cross this Match.
Cas. I'll bless thee for't.
Arc. Unckle, d'ee know what you do, or what we are
Going to finish? you will not break the neck of my glorious
Fortune, now my foots ith' stirrup, and mounting,
Throw me over the saddle? I hope you'll let one
Be a King, Madam, 'tis as you say,
My Unckle is something craz'd, [there's] a worm
In's brain, but I beseech you pardon him, he is
Not the first of your counsel, that has talk'd
Idly, d'ee hear my Lord Bishop, I hope
You have more Religion than to joyn with him
To undoe me.
Bis. Not I Sir, but I am commanded by oath,
And conscience to speak truth.
Arc. If your truth should do me any harm, I shall never
Be in charity with a Croziers staffe, look too't.
Que. My youngest Brother.
Cas. Worse and worse, my brains. [Exit.
Mac. [Deliver['d] to me an Infant with this writing,
To which this reverend Father is a witness.
Lisa. This he whom we so long thought dead, a childe?
Que. But what should make my Father to trust him
To your concealment? give abroad his death, and bury
An empty coffin?
Mac. A jealousie he had
Upon Cassander, whose ambitious brain
He fear'd would make no conscience to depose
His son, to make Lisimachus King of Epire.
Que. He made no scruple to expose me then
To any danger?
Mac. He secur'd you, Madam,
By an early Engagement of your affection
To Lisimachus, exempt this testimony,
Had he been Arcadius, and my Nephew,
I needed not obtrude him on the state,
Your love and marriage had made him King
Without my trouble, and sav'd that ambition,
There was necessity to open now
His birth, and title.
Phi. Demetrius alive.
Arc. What riddles are these, Whom do they talk of?
Omn. Congratulate your return to life, and honor,
And as becomes us, with one voice salute you,
Demetrius King of Epire.
Mac. I am no Uncle, Sir, this is your Sister,
I should have suffer'd incest to have kept you
Longer ith' dark: love, and be happy both,
My trust is now discharg'd.
Lisa. And we rejoyce.
Arc. But do not mock me, Gentlemen,
May I be bold upon your words to say
I am Prince Theodosius Son?
Mac. The King.
Arc. You'll justifie it?
Sister, I am very glad to see you.
Sop. I am to find a brother, and resign my glory,
My triumph is my shame. [Exit.

Enter Cassander.

Cas. Thine ear Lisimachus.
Arc. Gentlemen I owe
Unto your loves, as large acknowledgment
As to my birth, for this great honor, and
My study shall be equal to be thought
Worthy of both.
Cas. Thou art turn'd Marble.
Lisi. There will be the less charge for my Monument.
Cas. This must not be, sit fast young King. [Exit.
Lisi. Your sister, Sir, is gone.
Arc. My sister should have been my Bride, that name
Puts me in mind of Polidora, ha?
Lisander, Philocles, Gentlemen,
If you will have me think your hearts allow me
Theodosius son, oh quickly snatch some wings,
Express it in your haste to Polidora,
Tell her what title is new dropt from heaven
To make her rich; onely created for me:
Give her the ceremony of my Queen,
With all the state that may become our Bride,
Attend her to this throne; Are you not there?
Yet stay, 'tis too much pride to send for her,
Wee'll go our self, no honor is enough
For Polidora, to redeem our fault,
Salute her gently from me, and, upon
Your knee, present her with this Diadem,
'Tis our first gift, tell her Demetrius follows
To be her guest, and give himself a servant
To her chast bosome, bid her stretch her heart
To meet me, I am lost in joy and wonder. [Exeunt Omnes.

Actus Quartus. [Scæna Prima.]

Enter Cassander, Eubulus, Soldier.

Cas. Where's the Captain of the Castle?
Sol. Hee'll attend your honors presently.
Cas. Give him knowledge we expect him.
Sol. I shall, my Lord. [Exit.
Cas. He is my creature, fear not,
And shall run any course that we propound.
Eub. My Lord, I like the substance of your plot,
'Tis promising, but matters of this consequence
Are not so easily perfect, and it does
Concern our heads to build upon secure
Principles, though Seleucus, I confess,
Carry a high, and daring spirit in him,
'Tis hard to thrust upon the state new setled
Any impostor, and we know not yet
Whether hee'll undertake to play the Prince;
Or if he should accept it, with what cunning
He can behave himself.
Cas. My Lord, affairs
Of such a glorious nature, are half finish'd,
When they begin with confidence.
Eub. Admit
He want no art, [n]or] courage, it must rest
Upon the people to receive his title,
And with what danger their uncertain breath
May flatter ours, Demetrius scarcely warm
In the Kings seat, I may suspect.
Cas. That reason
Makes for our part, for if it be so probable,
That young Demetrius should be living, Why
May not we work them to believe, Leonatus,
The eldest son was, by some trick, preserv'd,
And now would claim his own: there were two sons,
Who in their Fathers life we supposed dead,
May not we find a circumstance to make
This seem as clear as t'other, let the vulgar
Be once possest, wee'll carry Epire from
Demetrius, and the World.
Eub. I could be pleas'd
To see my Son a King.

Enter Poleanus.

The Captain's here.
Pol. I waite your Lordships pleasure.
Cas. We come to visit your late prisoner:
I will not doubt, but you intreat him fairly,
He will deserve it for himself, and you
Be fortunate in any occasion,
To have exprest your service.
Pol. Sir, the knowledge
Of my honorable Lord his Father, will
Instruct me to behave my self with all
Respects becoming me, to such a son.
Cas. These things will least
Oblige you, but how bears he his restraint?
Pol. As one whose soul's above it.
Eub. Patiently?
Pol. With contempt rather of the great command
Which made him prisoner, he will talke sometimes
So strangely to himself.
Eub. Hee's here.

Enter Seleucus.

Sel. Why was I born to be a subject? 'tis
Soon answer'd, sure my Father was no Prince,
That's all: the same ingredients use to make
A Man, as active, though not royal blood
Went to my composition, and I
Was gotten with as good a will perhaps,
And my birth cost my Mother as much sorrow,
As I had been born an Emperor.
Cas. While I look
Upon him, something in his face presents
A King indeed.
Eub. He does resemble much
Theodosius too.
Cas. Whose son we would pretend him,
This will advance our plot.
Sel. 'Tis but a name,
And mere opinion, that prefers one man
Above another, I'll imagine then
I am a Prince, or some brave thing on Earth,
And see what follows: but it must not be,
My single voice will carry it, the name
Of King must be attended with a troop
Of acclamations, on whose ayrie wings
He mounts, and once exalted, threatens Heaven,
And all the stars: how to acquire this noise,
And be the thing I talke of, men have [rise[n]
From a more cheap nobility to Empires,
From dark originals, and sordid blood,
Nay some that had no fathers, sons of the earth,
And flying people, have aspir'd to Kingdoms,
Made nations tremble, and have practis'd frowns
To awe the world, their memory is glorious,
And I would hug them in their shades, but what's
All this to me, that am I know not what,
And less in expectation?
Pol. Are you serious?
Cas. Will you assist, and run a fate with us.
Pol. Command my life, I owe it to your favor.
Sel. Arcadius was once as far from being
As I, and had we not so cunningly
Been reconcil'd, or one, or both had gone
To seek our fortunes in another world;
What's the device now? If my death be next,
The summons shall not make me once look pale.
Cas. Chide your too vain suspitions, we bring
A life, and liberty, with what else can make
Thy ambition happy, th'ast a glorious flame,
We come to advance it.
Sel. How?
Cas. Have but a will,
And be what thy own thoughts dare prompt thee to,
A King.
Sel. You do not mock me Gentlemen?
You are my Father, Sir.
Eub. This minute shall
Declare it, my Seleucus, our hearts swell'd
With joy, with duty rather, oh my boy!
Sel. What's the mistery?
Pol. You must be a King.
Cas. Seleucus, stay, thou art too incredulous,
Let not our faith, and study to exalt thee,
Be so rewarded.
Eub. I pronounce thee King,
Unless thy spirit be turn'd coward, and
Thou faint to accept it.
Sel. King of what?
Cas. Of Epire.
Sel. Although the Queen, since she sent me hither,
Were gone to Heaven I know not how,
That title could devolve to me.
Cas. We have
No Queen, since he that should have married her,
Is prov'd her youngest brother, and now King
In his own title.
Sel. Thank you Gentlemen,
There's hope for me.
Cas. Why, you dare fight with him
And need be, for the Kingdom.
Sel. With Arcadius?
If you'll make stakes, my life against his crown,
I'll fight with him, and you, and your fine Son,
And all the Courtiers one after another.
Cas. 'Two'not come to that.
Sel. I am of your Lordships mind, so fare you well.
Cas. Yet stay and hear—
Sel. What? that you have betray'd me:
Do, tell your King, my life is grown a burden,
And I'll confess, and make your souls look pale,
To see how nimble mine shall leap this battlement
Of flesh, and dying, laugh at your poor malice.
Omnes. No more, long live Leonatus King of Epire.
Sel. Leonatus, Who's that?
Cas. Be bold, and be a King, our brains have been
Working to raise you to this height, here are
None but friends, dare you but call your self
Leonatus, and but justifie with confidence
What we'll proclaime you, if we do not bring
The Crown to your head, we [w]ill] forfeit ours.
Eub. The state is in distraction, Arcadius
Is prov'd a King, there was an elder brother,
If you dare but pronounce, you are the same,
Forget you are my son.
Pol. These are no trifles, Sir, all is plotted,
To assure your greatness; if you will be wise,
And take the faire occasion that's presented.
Sel. Arcadius, you say, is lawful King,
And now to depose him, you would make me
An elder brother, is't not so?
Cas. Most right.
Sel. Nay, right or wrong, if this be your true meaning.
Omnes. Upon our lives.
Sel. I'll venture mine, but with your pardon,
Whose brain was this? from whom took this plot life?
Eub. My Lord Cassander.
Sel. And you are of his mind? and you? and think
This may be done?
Eub. The destinies shall not cross us, if you have
Spirit to undertake it.

Sel. Undertake it?
I am not us'd to compliment, I'll owe
My life to you, my fortunes to your Lordship,
Compose me as you please, and when y'ave made
Me what you promise, you shall both divide
Me equally: one word, my Lord, I had rather
Live in the prison still, than be a propency
To advance his politick ends.
Eub. Have no suspition.
Cas. So, so, I see Demetrius heels already
Trip'd up, and I'll dispatch him out oth' way,
Which gone, I can depose this at my leasure,
Being an Impostor, then my Son stands fair,
And may piece with the Princess, we lose time,
What think you, if we first surprize the Court?
While you command the Castle, we shall curbe
All opposition.
Eub. Let's proclaim him first,
I have some faction, the people love me,
They gain'd to us, wee'll fall upon the Court.
Cas. Unless Demetrius yield himself, he bleeds.
Sel. Who dares call treason sin, when it succeeds? [Exeunt Omnes.

Enter Sophia, and Charilla.

Cha. Madam, you are too passionate, and lose
The greatness of your soul, with the expence
Of too much grief, for that which providence
Hath eas'd you of, the burden of a state
Above your tender bearing.
Sop. Thour't a fool,
And canst not reach the spirit of a Lady,
Born great as I was, and made onely less
By a too cruel destiny, above
Our tender bearing: What goes richer to
The composition of Man, than ours?
Our soul as free, and spatious; our heart's
As great, our will as large, each thought as active,
And in this onely Man more proud than we,
That would have us less capable of Empire,
But search the stories, and the name of Queen
Shines bright with glory, and some precedents
Above Mans imitation.
Cha. I grant it
For the honor of our sex, nor have you, Madam,
By any weakness, forfeited command,
He that succeeds, in justice, was before you,
And you have gain'd more, in a royal brother,
Than you could lose by your resign of Epire.
Sop. This I allow Charilla, I ha done;
'Tis not the thought I am depos'd afflicts me,
At the same time I feel a joy to know
My Brother living: no, there is another
Wound in me above cure.
Cha. Virtue forbid.
Sop. Canst find me out a Surgeon for that?
Cha. For what?
Sop. My bleeding fame.
Cha. Oh do not injure
Your own clear innocence.
Sop. Do not flatter me,
I have been guilty of an act, will make
All love in women question'd, is not that
A blot upon a Virgins name? my birth
Cannot extenuate my shame, I am
Become the stain of Epire.
Cha. 'Tis but
Your own opinion, Madam, which presents
Something to fright your self, which cannot
Be in the same shape so horrid to our sense.
Sop. Thou wod'st, but canst not appear ignorant:
Did not the Court, nay, the whole Kingdom, take
Notice, I lov'd Lisimachus?
Cha. True, Madam.
Sop. No, I was false,
Though counsel'd by my Father to affect him,
I had my politick ends upon Cassander,
To be absolute Queen, flattering his son with hopes
Of love and marriage, when that very day
I blush to think I wrong'd Lisimachus,
That noble Gentleman, but heaven punish'd me;
For though to know Demetrius was a blessing,
Yet who will not impute it my dishonor.
Cha. Madam, you yet may recompence Lisimachus,
If you affect him now, you were not false
To him, whom then you lov'd not, if you can
Find any gentle passion in your soul
To entertain his thought, no doubt his heart,
Though sad retains a noble will to meet it,
His love was firm to you, and cannot be
Unrooted with one storme.
Sop. He will not sure
Trust any language from her tongue that mock'd him,
Although my soul doth weep for't, and is punish'd
To love him above the world.

Enter Lisimachus.

Cha. Hee's here
As fate would have him reconcil'd, be free,
And speak your thoughts.
Lisi. If, Madam, I appear
Too bold, your charity will sign my pardon:
I heard you were not well, which made me haste
To pay the duty of an humble visit.
Sop. You do not mock me, Sir.
Lisi. I am confident
You think me not so lost to manners, in
The knowledge of your person, to bring with me
Such rudeness, I have nothing to present,
But a heart full of wishes for your health,
And what else may be added to your happiness.
Sop. I thought you had been sensible.
Lisi. How Madam?
Sop. A man of understanding, can you spend
One prayer for me, remembring the dishonor
I have done Lisimachus?
Lisi. Nothing can deface that part of my
Religion in me, not to pray for you.
Sop. It is not then impossible you may
Forgive me too, indeed I have a soul
Is full of penitence, and something else,
If blushing would allow to give't a name.
Lisi. What Madam?
Sop. Love, a love that should redeem
My past offence, and make me white again.
Lisi. I hope no sadness can possess your thoughts
For me, I am not worthy of this sorrow,
But if you mean it any satisfaction
For what your will hath made me suffer, 'tis
But a strange overflow of Charity,
To keep me still alive, be your self Madam,
And let no cause of mine, be guilty of
This rape upon your eyes, my name's not worth
The least of all your tears.
Sop. You think 'em counterfeit.
Lisi. Although I may
Suspect a Womans smile hereafter, yet
I would believe their wet eyes, and if this
Be what you promise, for my sake, I have
But one reply.
Sop. I waite it.
Lisi. I have now
Another Mistress.
Sop. Stay.
Lisi. To whom I have made
Since your revolt from me, a new chaste vow,
Which not the second malice of my fate
Shall violate, and she deserves it, Madam,
Even for that wherein you are excellent,
Beauty, in which she shines equal to you
Her vertue, if she but maintain what now
She is Mistress of, beyond all competition,
So rich it cannot know to be improv'd,
At least in my esteem, I may offend,
But truth shall justifie, I have not flatter'd her,
I beg your pardon, and to leave, my duty
Upon your hand, all that is good flow in you. [Exit.
Sop. Did he not say, Charilla, that he had
Another Mistress?
Cha. Such a sound, methought,
Came from him.
Sop. Let's remove, here's too much ayre,
The sad note multiplies.
Cha. Take courage, Madam,
And my advice, he has another Mistress,
If he have twenty, be you wise, and cross him
With entertaining twice as many servants,
And when he sees your humor he'll return.
And sue for any Livery, grieve for this.
[Sop.] It must be she, 'tis Polidora has
Taken his heart, she live my rival,
How does the thought inflame me!
Cha. Polidora?
Sop. And yet she does but justly, and he too;
I would have rob'd her of Arcadius heart,
And they will both have this revenge on me,
But something will rebel. [Exit.

Enter Demetrius, Philocles, Lisander.

De. The house is desolate, none comes forth to meet us,
Shee's slow to entertain us: Philocles,
I prethee tell me, did she weare no cloud
Upon her brow, was't freely that she said
We should be welcome.
Phi. To my apprehension,
Yet 'tis my wonder she appears not.
Lisa. She, nor any other,
Sure there's some conceit
To excuse it.
Dem. Stay, Who's this? observe what follows?
Phi. Fortune? some maske to entertain you, Sir.

Enter Fortune crown'd, attended with Youth, Health, and Pleasure.

For. Not yet? What silence doth inhabit here?
No preparation to bid Fortune welcome!
Fortune, the genious of the World, have we
Descended from our pride, and state to come,
So far attended with our darlings, Youth,
Pleasure, and Health, to be neglected thus?
Sure this is not the place? call hither Fame.

Enter Fame.

Fa. What would great Fortune?
For. Know,
Who dwells here.
Fa. Once more I report great Queen,
This is the house of Love.
For. It cannot be,
This place has too much shade, and looks as if
It had been quite forgotten of the Spring,
And Sun-beames Love, affect society,
And heat, here all is cold as the hairs of Winter,
No harmony, to catch the busie eare
Of passengers, no object of delight,
To take the wandring eyes, no song, no grone
Of Lovers, no complaint of [Wil[l]ow] garlands,
Love has a Beacon upon his palace top,
Of flaming hearts, to call the weary pilgrime
To rest, and dwell with him, I see no fire
To threaten, or to warme: Can Love dwell here?
Fa. If there be noble love upon the World,
Trust Fame, and find it here.
For. Make good your boast,
And bring him to us.
De. What does mean all this?
Lisa. I told you, Sir, we should have some device.

Enter Love.

There's Cupid now, that little Gentleman,
Has troubled every Masque at Court this seven year.
Dem. No more.
Love. Welcome to Love, how much you honor me!
It had become me, that, upon your summons,
I should have waited upon mighty Fortune,
But since you have vouchsafed to visit me;
All the delights Love can invent, shall flow
To entertain you, Musick through the ayre
Shoot your inticing harmony.
For. We came to dance and revel with you.
Lov. I am poor
In my ambition, and want thought to reach
How much you honor Love. [Dance.

Enter Honor.

Hon. What intrusion's this?
Whom do you seek here.
Lov. 'Tis honor.
For. [He my] servant.
Lov. Fortune is come to visit us.
Hon. And has
Corrupted Love: Is this thy faith to her,
On whom we both waite, to betray her thus
To Fortunes triumph? take her giddy wheel,
And be no more companion to honor;
I blush to know thee, Who'll believe there can
Be truth in Love hereafter?
Lov. I have found
My eyes, and see my shame, and with it, this
Proud sorceress, from whom, and all her charmes,
I flye agen to Honor, be my guard,
Without thee I am lost, and cannot boast,
The merit of a name.
For. Despis'd? I shall
Remember this affront.
Dem. What Moral's this? [Exeunt.

Enter Honor with the Crown upon a mourning Cushion.

What melancholly object strikes a sudden
Chillness through all my veines; and turns me Ice?
It is the same I sent, the very same,
As the first pledge of her insuing greatness:
Why in this mourning livery, if she live
To whom I sent it? ha, What shape of sorrow?

Enter Polidora in mourning.

It is not Polidora, she was faire
Enough, and wanted not the setting off
With such a black: if thou beest Polidora,
Why mournes my love? it neither does become
Thy fortune, nor my joyes.
Pol. But it becomes
My griefs, this habit fits a funeral,
And it were sin, my Lord, not to lament
A friend new dead.
Dem. And I yet living? can
A sorrow enter but upon thy Garment,
Or discomplexion thy attire, whilst I
Enjoy a life for thee? Who can deserve,
Weigh'd with thy living comforts, but a piece
Of all this Ceremony? give him a name.
Pol. He was Arcadius.
Dem. Arcadius?
Pol. A Gentleman that lov'd me dearly once,
And does compel these poor, and fruitless drops,
Which willingly would fall upon his hearse,
To imbalme him twice.
Dem. And are you sure hee's dead?
Pol. As sure as you'r living, Sir, and yet
I did not close his eyes, but he is dead,
And I shall never see the same Arcadius:
He was a Man so rich in all that's good,
At least I thought him so, so perfect in
The rules of honor, whom alone to imitate
Were glory in a Prince, Nature her self,
Till his creation, wrought imperfectly,
As she had made but tryal of the rest,
To mould him excellent.
Dem. And is he dead?
Come, shame him not with praises, recollect
Thy scatter'd hopes, and let me tell my best,
And dearest Polidora, that he lives,
Still lives to honor thee.
Pol. Lives, Where?
Dem. Look here.
Am not I worth your knowledge?
Pol. And my duty,
You are Demetrius, King of Epire, Sir.
I could not easily mistake him so,
To whom I gave my heart.
Dem. Mine is not chang'd,
But still hath fed upon thy memory,
These honors, and additions of state
Are lent me for thy sake, be not so strange,
Let me not lose my entertainment, now
I am improv'd, and rais'd unto the height,
Beneath which, I did blush to ask thy love.
Pol. Give me your pardon, Sir, Arcadius,
At our last meeting, without argument,
To move him more than his affection to me,
Vow'd he did love me; love me [above all] Women,
And to confirm his heart, was truely mine,
He wish'd, I tremble to remember it,
When he forsook his Polidora's love,
That Heaven might kill his happiness on Earth:
Was not this nobly said? did not this promise
A truth to shame the Turtles?
Dem. And his heart
Is still the same, and I thy constant Lover.
Pol. Give me your leave, I pray, I would not say,
Arcadius was perjur'd, but the same day
Forgetting all his promises, and oathes,
While yet they hung upon his lips, forsook me,
D'ee not remember this too, gave his faith
From me, transported with the noise of greatness,
And would be married to a Kingdom.
Dem. But Heaven permitted not I should dispose
What was ordain'd for thee.
Pol. It was not virtue
In him, for sure he found no check, no sting
In his own bosome, but gave freely all
The reines to blind ambition.
Dem. I am wounded,
The thought of thee ith' throng of all my joyes,
Like poyson powr'd in Nectar, turnes me frantick:
Dear, if Arcadius have made a fault,
Let not Demetrius be punish'd for't,
He pleads that ever will be constant to thee.
Pol. Shall I believe Mans flatteries agen,
Lose my sweet rest, and peace of thought agen,
Be drawn by you, from the streight paths of virtue,
Into the maze of Love.
Dem. I see compassion in thy eye, that chides me,
If I have either soul, but what's contain'd
Within these words, or if one syllable
Of their full force, be not made good by me,
May all relenting thoughts in you take end,
And thy disdain be doubled, from thy pardon,
I'll count my Coronation; and that hour
Fix with a rubrick in my Calendar,
As an auspicious time, to entertain
Affairs of weight with Princes; think who now
Intreats thy mercy, come, thou sha't be kind,
And divide Titles with me.
Pol. Hear me, Sir,
I lov'd you once for virtue, and have not
A thought so much unguarded, as to be won
From my truth, and innocence with any
Motives of state to affect you,
Your bright temptation mourns while it stayes here;
Nor can the triumph of glory, which made you
Forget me, so court my opinion back,
Were you no King, I should be sooner drawn
Again to love you, but 'tis now too late,
A low obedience shall become me best:
May all the joyes I want
Still wait on you, if time hereafter tell you,
That sorrow for your fault hath struck me dead,
May one soft tear drop from your eye, in pitty
Bedew my hearse, and I shall sleep securely:
I have but one word more for goodness sake,
For your own honor, Sir, correct your passion,
To her you shall love next, and I forgive you. [Exit.
Dem. Her heart is frozen up, nor can warm prayers
Thaw it to any softness.
Phi. I'll fetch her, Sir, again.
Dem. Perswade her not.
Phi. You give your passion too much leave to triumph.
Seek in another what she denies.

Enter Macarius.

Mac. Where's the King? oh, Sir, you are undone,
A dangerous treason is a foot.
Dem. What Treason?
Mac. Cassander, and Eubulus have proclaim'd
Another King, whom they pretend to be
Leonatus your elder Brother, he that was,
But this morning prisoner in the Castle.
Dem. Ha?
Mac. The easie Epirotes
Gather in multitudes to advance his Title,
They have seised upon the Court, secure your person,
Whilst we raise power to curbe this Insurrection.
Ant. Lose no time then.
Dem. We will not Arme one Man,
Speak it agen, have I a brother living?
And must be no King.
Mac. What means your Grace?
Dem. This newes doth speak me happy, it exalts
My heart, and makes me capable of more
Than twenty Kingdoms.
Phi. Will you not, Sir, stand
Upon your guard?
Dem. I'll stand upon my honor,
Mercy relieves me.
Lisa. Will you lose the Kingdom?
Dem. The World's too poor to bribe me: leave
Me all, lest you extenuate my fame, and I
Be thought to have redeem'd it by your counsel,
You shall not share one scruple in the honor;
Titles may set a gloss upon our Name,
But Virtue onely is the soul of Fame.
Mac. He's strangely possest Gentlemen. [Exeunt Omnes.

Actus Quintus. [Scæna Prima.]

Enter Philocles, and Lisander.

Phi. Heres a strange turne, Lisander.
Lisa. 'Tis a Kingdom
Easily purchas'd, who will trust the faith
Of multitudes?
Phi. It was his fault, that would
So tamely give his Title to their Mercy,
The new King has possession.
Lisa. And is like
To keep't, we are alone, what dost think of
This innovation? Is't not a fine Jigge?
A precious cunning in the late Protector
To shuffle a new Prince into the state.
Phi. I know not how they have shuffled, but my head on't,
A false card is turn'd up trump, but fates look to't.

Enter Cassander and Eubulus.

Eub. Does he not carry it bravely?
Cos. Excellently.
Philocles, Lisander.
Phi. Lis. Your Lordships servants,
Are we not bound to heaven, for multiplying
These blessings on the Kingdom.
Phi. Heaven alone
Works miracles, my Lord.
Lisa. I think your Lordship
Had as little hope once to see these Princes
Revive.
Phi. Here we must place our thanks,
Next providence, for preserving
So dear a pledge.

Enter Leonatus attended.

Eub. The King.
Leo. It is our pleasure
The number of our guard be doubled, give
A Largess to the Soldiers; but dismiss not
The Troops till we command.
Cas. May it please.
Leo. It will not please us otherwise, my Lord,
We have try'd your faith.
Eub. Does he not speak with confidence?
Leo. My Lords and Gentlemen, to whose faith we must
Owe next to Heaven our fortune, and our safety,
After a tedious eclipse, the day
Is bright, and we invested in those honors,
Our bloud, and birth did challenge.
Cas. May no time
Be registred in our annals, that shall mention
One that had life to oppose your sacred person.
Leo. Let them, whose Titles forg'd and flaw'd, suspect
Their states security, our right to Epire,
Heaven is oblig'd to prosper, treason has
No face so black to fright it, all my cares
Level to this, that I may worthily
Manage the province, and advance the honor
Of our dear Countrey, and be confident,
If an expence of bloud, may give addition
Of any happiness to you, I shall
Offer my heart the sacrifice, and rejoyce
To make my self a ghost, to have inscrib'd
Upon my marble, but whose cause I died for.
Eub. May Heaven avert such danger.
Cas. Excellent Prince,
In whom we see the Copy of his Father,
None but the Son of Theodosius,
Could have spoke thus.
Leo. [You] are pleas'd to interpret well,
Yet give me leave to say in my own justice,
I have but exprest the promptness of my soul
To serve you all, but 'tis not empty wishes
Can satisfie our mighty charge, a weight
Would make an Atlas double, a Kings name
Doth sound harmoniously to men at distance;
And those who cannot penetrate beyond
The bark, and out-skin of a Common-wealth,
Or state, have eyes, but ravish'd with the Ceremony
That must attend a Prince, and understand not
What cares allay the glories of a Crown,
But good Kings find and feel the contrary,
You have try'd, my Lord, the burden, and can tell
It would require a Pilot of more years
To steer this Kingdom, now impos'd on me,
By justice of my birth.
Cas. I wish not life,
But to partake those happy days, which must
Succeed these fair proceedings, we are blest,
But Sir, be sparing to your self, we shall
Hazard our joyes in you too soon, the burden
Of state affairs, impose upon your counsel.
'Tis fitter that we waste our lives than you,
Call age too soon upon you with the trouble,
And cares that threaten such an undertaking,
Preserve your youth.
Leo. And choose you our [Prote[c]tor],
Is't that you would conclude my Lord? We will
Deserve our subjects faith for our own sake,
Not sit an idle gazer at the helm.

Enter Messenger.

Phi. How observ'd you that,
Mark how Cassander's Planet struck.
Eu. He might have look'd more calmly for all that,
I begin to fear; but do not yet seem troubled.
Leo. With what news travels his haste? I must secure
My self betimes, not be a King in jest,
And wear my Crown a Tenant to their breath.
Cas. Demetrius, Sir, your brother,
With other Traitors that oppose your claims,
Are fled to the Castle of Nestorius,
And fortifie.
Mes. I said not so my Lord.
Cas. I'll have it thought so, hence. [Exit Messen.
Leo. Plant forces to batter
The walls, and in their ruin bring us [wor[d]
They live not.
Eub. Good Sir hear me.
Cas. Let it work,
Were Demetrius dead, we easily might uncrown
This swoln Impostor, and my Son be fair
To piece with young Sophia, who I hear
Repents her late affront.
Eub. Their lives may do
You service, let not blood stain your beginnings
The people not yet warm in their allegeance,
May think it worth their tumult to revenge it
With hazard of your self.
Leo. Who dares but think it?
Yet offer first our mercy, if they yield,
Demetrius must not live, my Lord your counsel,
What if he were in heaven?
Cas. You have my consent,
You sha'not stay long after him.
Leo. Sophia is
Not my Sister,
To prevent all that may indanger us, we'll marry her;
That done, no matter though we stand discover'd,
For in her Title then we are King of Epire,
Without dispute.
Cas. Hum; in my judgement, Sir,
That wonot do so well.
Leo. What's your opinion?
Cas. He countermines my plot: are you so cunning.
Leo. What's that you mutter; Sir?
Cas. I mutter, Sir?
Leo. Best say I am no King, but some impostor
Rais'd up to gull the state.
Cas. Very fine to have said within
Few hours you'd been no King, nor like to be,
Was not in the compass of High Treason
I take it.
Eub. Restrein your anger, the Kings mov'd, speak not.
Cas. I will speak louder, do I not know him?
That self-same hand that rais'd him to the throne
Shall pluck him from it, is this my reward?
Leo. Our guard, to prison with him.
Cas. Me to prison?
Leo. Off with his head.
Cas. My head?
Eub. Vouchsafe to hear me, great Sir.
Cas. How dares he be so insolent?
I ha' wrought my self into a fine condition,
Do'e know me Gentlemen?
Phi. Very well my Lord;
How are we bound to heaven for multiplying
These blessings on the Kingdom.
Leo. We allow it.
Eub. Counsel did never blast a Princes ear.
Leo. Convey him to the sanctuary of Rebels,
Nestorius house, where our proud brother has
Enscons'd himself, they'll entertain him lovingly,
He will be a good addition to the Traitors,
Obey me, or you dye for't, what are Kings
When subjects dare affront 'em?
Cas. I shall vex
Thy soul for this.
Leo. Away with him: when Kings
Frown, let offenders tremble, this flows not
From any cruelty in my nature, but
The fate of an Usurper: he that will
Be confirm'd great without just title [to't],
Must lose compassion, know what's good, not [do't]. [Exeunt.

Enter Polidora and her servant.

Serv. Madam, the Princess Sophia.
Pol. I attend her Highness.

Enter Sophia.

How much your grace honors your humble servant.
Sop. I hope my brother's well.
Pol. I hope so too, Madam.
Sop. Do you but hope? he came to be your guest.
Pol. We are all his, whilst he is pleas'd to honor
This poor roof with his royal presence, Madam.
Sop. I came to ask your pardon Polidora.
Pol. You never, Madam, trespass'd upon me,
Wrong not your goodness.
Sop. I can be but penitent,
Unless you point me out some other way
To satisfie.
Pol. Dear Madam, do not mock me.
Sop. [There [is] no injury like that to love,
I find it now in my own sufferings:
But though I would have rob'd thee of Arcadius
Heaven knew a way to reconcile your hearts,
And [punish[d] me in those joys you have found:
I read the story of my loss of honor,
Yet can rejoyce, and heartily, that you
Have met your own agen.
Pol. Whom do you mean?
Sop. My brother.
Pol. He is found to himself and honor,
He is my King, and though I must acknowledge
He was the glory of my thoughts, and I
Lov'd him, as you did, Madam, with desire
To be made his, reason, and duty since,
Form'd me to other knowledge, and I now
Look on him without any wish of more
Than to be call'd his subject.
Sop. Has he made
Himself less capable by being King?
Pol. Of what?
Sop. Of your affection.
Pol. With your pardon, Madam.
Love in that sense you mean, left Polidora
When he forsook Arcadius, I disclaim
All ties between us, more than what a name
Of King must challenge from my obedience.
Sop. This does confirm my jealousie, my heart,
For my sake, Madam, has he lost his value?
Pol. Let me beseech your grace, I may have leave
To answer in some other cause, or person:
This argument but opens a sad wound
To make it bleed afresh; we may change this
Discourse: I would elect some subject, whose
Praises may more delight your ear than this
Can mine; let's talk of young Lisimachus.
Sop. Ha? my presaging fears.
Pol. How does your grace?
Sop. Well, you were talking of Lisimachus,
Pray give me your opinion of him.
Pol. Mine?
It will be much short of his worth: I think him
A gentleman so perfect in all goodness,
That if there be one in the world deserves
The best of women, heaven created him,
To make her happy.
Sop. You have, in a little, Madam,
Exprest a volume of mankind, a miracle;
But all have not the same degree of faith,
He is but young.
Pol. What Mistriss would desire
Her servant old? he has both Spring to please
Her eye and Summer to return a harvest.
Sop. He is black.
[P[o]l.] He sets a beauty off more rich,
And she that's fair will love him; faint complexions
Betray effeminate minds, and love of change:
Two beauties in a bed, compound few men;
He's not so fair to counterfeit a woman,
Nor yet so black, but blushes may betray
His modesty.
Sop. His proportion exceeds not.
Pol. That praises him, and a well compacted frame
Speaks temper, and sweet flow of elements:
Vast buildings are more oft for shew than use:
I would not have my eyes put to the travel
Of many acres, e'r I could examine
A man from head to foot; he has no great,
But he may boast, an elegant composition.
Sop. I'll hear no more, you have so far out-done
My injuries to you, that I call back
My penitence, and must tell Polidora,
This revenge ill becomes her. Am I thought
So lost in soul to hear, and forgive this?
In what shade do I live? or shall I think
I have not, at the lowest, enough merit,
Setting aside my birth, to poize with yours:
Forgive my modest thoughts, if I rise up
[In] my own defence, and tell this unjust Lady
So great a winter hath not frozen yet
My cheek, but [there [is] something nature planted,
That carries as much bloom, and spring upon't,
As yours. What flame is in your eye, but may
Find competition here? (forgive agen
My Virgin [honor,) what] is in your lip
To tice the enamour'd soul, to dwell with more
Ambition, than the yet unwither'd blush
That speaks the innocence of mine?

Enter Demetrius.

Oh brother?
Dem. I'll talk with you anon, my Polidora,
Allow thy patience till my breath recover,
Which now comes laden with the richest news
Thy ear was ever blest with.
Sop. Both your looks,
And voice express some welcome accident.
Dem. Guess what in wish could make me fortunate
And heaven hath dropt that on Demetrius.
Sop. What means this extasie?
Dem. 'Twere sin to busie
Thy thoughts upon't, I'll tell thee that I could
Retein some part; 'tis too wide a joy
To be exprest so soon, and yet it falls
In a few syllables, thou wot scarce believe me,
I am no King.
Sop. How's that!
Pol. Good Heaven forbid.
Dem. Forbid? Heaven has reliev'd me with a mercy
I knew not how to ask, I have, they say,
An elder brother living, crown'd already,
I only keep my name Demetrius,
Without desire of more addition,
Than to return thy servant.
Pol. You amaze me,
Can you rejoyce to be deposed:
Dem. It but
Translates me to a fairer and better Kingdom
In Polidora.
Pol. Me?
Dem. Did you not say,
Were I no King, you could be drawn to love
Me agen, that was consented to in Heaven:
A Kingdom first betraid my ambitious soul
To forget thee, that, and the flattering glories,
How willingly Demetrius [does] resign,
The Angels know: thus naked without Titles
I throw me on thy charity, and shall
Boast greater Empire to be thine agen, than
To wear the triumphs of the world upon me.

Enter Macarius.

Mac. Be not so careless of your self, the people
Gather in multitudes to your protection
Offering their lives and fortunes, if they may
But see you Sir, and hear you speak to 'em,
Accept their duties, and in time prevent
Your ruin.
Sop. Be not desperate, 'tis counsel.
Dem. You trouble me with noise, speak Polidora.
Pol. For your own sake preserve your self,
My fears distract my reason.

Enter Antigonus.

Ant. Lord Lisimachus,
With something that concerns your safety, is
Fled hither, and desires a present hearing.
Mac. His soul is honest, be not, Sir, a mad man,
And for a Lady, give up all our freedoms. [Exit.
Pol. I'll say any thing here, Lisimachus.
Sop. Dear brother hear him.

Enter Lisimachus.

Lis. Sir, I come to yield
My self your prisoner, if my father have
Rais'd an Impostor to supplant your Title
Which I suspect, and inwardly do bleed for,
I shall not only, by the tender of
My self, declare my innocence, but either,
By my unworthy life, secure your person,
Or by what death you shall impose, reward
The unexpected Treason.
Sop. Brave young man,
Did you not hear him Brother?
Lis. I am not minded.
Pol. Be witness Madam, I resign my heart
It never was anothers, you declare
Too great a satisfaction, I hope
This will destroy your jealousie,
Remember now your danger.
Dem. I despise it,
What fate dares injure me?
Lis. Yet hear me Sir.
Sop. Forgive me Polidora, you are happy,
My hopes are remov'd farther, I had thought
Lisimachus had meant you for his Mistriss,
'Tis misery to feed, and not know where
To place my jealousie.

Enter Macarius.

Mac. Now 'tis too late,
You may be deafe, until the Cannon make,
You find your sense, we are shut up now by
A troop of Horse, thank your self.
Pol. They will
Admit conditions.
Sop. And allow us quarter. [A shout within.
Pol. We are all lost.
Dem. Be comforted.

Enter Antigonus.

Ant. News my Lord Cassander sent by the new King.
To bear us company.
Dem. Not as prisoner?
Ant. It does appear no otherwise, the soldiers
Declare how much they love him, by their noise
Of scorn, and joy to see him so rewarded.
Dem. It cannot be.
Ant. You'll find it presently,
He curses the new King, talks treason 'gainst him
As nimble as he were in's shirt, he's here.

Enter Cassander.

Cas. Oh let me beg untill my knees take root
I' th' earth, Sir, can you pardon me?
Dem. For what?
Cas. For Treason, desperate, most malicious Treason:
I have undone you Sir.
Dem. It does appear
You had a Will.
Cas. I'll make you all the recompence I can,
But e'r you kill me, hear me, know the man,
Whom I to serve my unjust ends, advanc'd
To your throne, is an impostor, a mere counterfeit,
[Eubulus'] Son. [[E[xit] Anti.
Dem. It is not then our brother?
Cas. An insolent usurper, proud, and bloudy[;]
Seleucus, is no leprosie upon me?
There is not punishment enough in nature
To quit my horrid act, I have not in
My stock of blood, to satisfie with weeping,
Nor could my soul, though melted to a flood
Within me, gush out tears to wash my stain off.
Dem. How? an Impostor, what will become on's now?
We are at his mercy.
Cas. Sir, the peoples hearts
Will come to their own dwelling, when they see
I dare accuse my self, and suffer for it,
Have courage then young King, thy fate cannot
Be long compell'd.
Dem. Rise, our misfortune
Carries this good, although it lose our hopes,
It makes you friend with virtue, we'll expect
What providence will do.
Cas. You are too merciful.
Lis. Our duties shall beg heaven still to preserve you.

Enter Antigonus.

Ant. Our enemy desires some parley, Sir.
Lis. 'Tis not amiss to hear their proposition.
Pol. I'll wait upon you.
Dem. Thou art my Angel, and canst best instruct me,
Boldly present our selves, you'll with Cassander.
Cas. And in death be blest
To find our charity. [Exit.
Sop. Lisimachus.
Lis. Madam.
Sop. They will not miss your presence, the small time
Is spent in asking of a question.
Lis. I wait your pleasure.
Sop. Sir, I have a suit to you.
Lis. To me? it must be granted.
Sop. If you have
Cancell'd your kind opinion of me,
Deny me not to know, who hath succeeded
Sophia in your heart, I beg the name
Of your new Mistriss.
Lis. You shall know her, Madam,
If but these tumults cease, and fate allow us
To see the Court agen, I hope you'll bring
No mutiny against her, but this is
No time to talk of Love, let me attend you.
Sop. I must expect, till you are pleas'd to satisfie
My poor request, conduct me at your pleasure. [Exeunt.

Enter Leonatus, Eubulus, Bishop, Lisander, [and] Philocles.

Leo. They are too slow, dispatch new messengers,
To intreat 'em fairly hither, I am extasi'd,
Were you witness for me too? is it possible
I am what this affirms, true Leonatus,
And were you not my Father, was I given
In trust to you an Infant?
Eub. 'Tis a truth,
Our soul's bound to acknowledge, you supply'd
The absence and opinion of my Son.
Who died, but to make you my greater care
I know not of Demetrius, but suppos'd
Him dead indeed, as Epire thought you were,
Your Fathers character doth want no testimony,
Which but compar'd with what concerns Demetrius
Will prove it self King Theodosius act,
Your Royal Father.
Bish. I am subscrib'd to both his Legacies
By oath oblig'd to secresie, until
Thus fairly summon'd to reveal the trust.
Eub. Cassander had no thought you would prove thus,
To whose policie I gave this aim, although
He wrought you up to serve but as his Engine
To batter young Demetrius, for it was
Your Fathers prudent jealousie, that made him
Give out your early deaths, as if his soul
Prophecy'd his own first, and fear'd to leave
Either of you, to the unsafe protection,
Of one, whose study would be to supplant
Your right, and make himself the King of Epire.
Bish. Your Sister, fair Sophia, in your Fathers
Life, was design'd to marry with Lisimachus
That guarded her; although she us'd some Art
To quit her pupillage, and being absolute,
Declar'd love to Demetrius, which enforc'd
Macarius to discover first your brother.
Leo. No more, lest you destroy agen Leonatus
With wonder of his fate, are they not come yet?
Something it was, I felt within my envy
Of young [Demetrius's] fortune, there were seeds
Scattered upon my heart, that made it swell
With thought of Empire, Princes I see cannot
Be totally eclips'd, but wherefore stays
Demetrius and Sophia, at whose names
A gentle spirit walk'd upon my blood.

Enter Demetrius, Polidora, Sophia, Macarius, Cassander, Lisima.

Eub. They are here.
Leo. Then thus I flie into their bosoms,
Nature has rectifi'd in me, Demetrius,
The wandrings of ambition, our dear Sister
You are amaz'd, I did expect it, read
Assurance there, the day is big with wonder.
Mac. What means all this?
Leo. Lisimachus, be dear to us,
Cassander, you are welcome too.
Cas. Not I,
I do not look for't, all this sha'not bribe
My conscience to your faction, and make
Me false agen, Seleucus is no son
Of Theodosius, my dear Countrey-men
Correct your erring duties, and to that,
Your lawful King, prostrate your selves, Demetrius
Doth challenge all your knees.
Dem. All Love and Duty,
Flow from me to my Royal King, and Brother
I am confirm'd.
Cas. You are [t[o]o] credulous,
What can betray your faith so much?
Leo. Sophia, you appear sad, as if your Will
Gave no consent to this days happiness.
Sop. No joy exceeds Sophia's for your self.
Lis. With your pardon, Sir, I apprehend
A cause that makes her troubled, she desires
To know, what other Mistriss, since her late
Unkindness I have chosen to direct
My faith and service.
Leo. Another Mistriss?
Lis. Yes, Sir.
Leo. And does our Sister love Lisimachus?
Sop. Here's something would confess.
Leo. He must not dare
To affront Sophia.
Cas. How my shame confounds me,
I beg your justice, without pity on
My age.
Leo. Your pennance shall be, to be faithful
To our state hereafter,
Omnes. May you live long and happy,
Leonatus, King of Epire.
Leo. But where's your other Mistriss?
Lis. Even here, Sir.
Leo. Our Sister? is this another Mistriss, Sir?
[L]is.] It holds
To prove my thoughts were so when she began
Her sorrow for neglecting me, that sweetness
Deserv'd, I should esteem her another Mistriss,
Then when she cruelly forsook Lisimachus,
Your pardon Madam, and receive a heart
Proud with my first devotions to serve you.
Sop. In this I am crown'd agen, now mine for ever.
Leo. You have deceiv'd her happily,
Joy to you both.
Dem. We are ripe for the same wishes,
Polidora's part of me.
Pol. He all my blessing.
Leo. Heaven pour full joys upon you.
Mac. We are all blest,
There wants but one to fill your arms.
Leo. My Mistriss,
And Wife shall be my Countrey, to which I
Was in my birth contracted, your love since
Hath plaid the Priest to perfect what was ceremony
Though Kingdoms by just Titles prove our own,
The subjects hearts do best secure a Crown. [Exeunt Omnes.

---

[EPILOGUE].

There is no Coronation to day,
Unless your gentle votes do crown our Play,
If smiles appear within each Ladies eye,
Which are the leading Stars in this fair skie,
Our solemn day sets glorious, for then
We hope by their [s[oft] influence, the men
Will grace what they first shin'd on, make't appear,
(Both) how we please, and bless our covetous ear
With your applause, more welcome than the Bells
Upon a triumph, Bonfires, or what else
Can speak a Coronation. And though I
Were late depos'd, and spoil'd of Majesty,
By the kind aid of your hands, Gentlemen,
I quickly may be Crown'd a Queen agen.

---

THE
COXCOMB.
A Comedy.

---