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.