Cæs. Our landing cost us dearly, many lives
Between the ships and shore being sacrific'd:
Our men, with heavy armour clogg'd, and ignorant
Of all the flats and shallows, were compell'd
To wade and fight, like Tritons, half above,
Half under water. Now we surer tread,
Though much diminish'd by so many lost.
Come on, come on. [They march and go out.
Between the ships and shore being sacrific'd:
Our men, with heavy armour clogg'd, and ignorant
Of all the flats and shallows, were compell'd
To wade and fight, like Tritons, half above,
Half under water. Now we surer tread,
Though much diminish'd by so many lost.
Come on, come on. [They march and go out.
Cassibelanus, Cridous, Britael, Guerthed, the four Kings of Kent, Nennius, Androgeus, Tenantius, Eulinus, Hirildas, Belinus, Rollano. Ensigns, drum. A march.
Cas. So, let them land. No matter which they choose,
Fishes or crows, to be executors.
They'll find the land as dangerous as the sea.
The nature of our soil won't bear a Roman,
As Irish earth doth poison poisonous beasts.[301]
On then! charge close, before they gather head.
Fishes or crows, to be executors.
They'll find the land as dangerous as the sea.
The nature of our soil won't bear a Roman,
As Irish earth doth poison poisonous beasts.[301]
On then! charge close, before they gather head.
Nen. Brother, advance. On this side I'll lead up
The new-come succours of the Scots and Picts.
The new-come succours of the Scots and Picts.
[They march and go out.
Cæsar, &c.
Cæs. What, still fresh supplies come thronging from their dens!
The nest of hornets is awake. I think
Here's nature's shop: here men are made, not born;
Nor stay nine tedious months, but in a trice
Sprout up like mushrooms at war's thunderclap.
We must make out a way. [Exeunt.
The nest of hornets is awake. I think
Here's nature's shop: here men are made, not born;
Nor stay nine tedious months, but in a trice
Sprout up like mushrooms at war's thunderclap.
We must make out a way. [Exeunt.
Rollano, armed cap-a-pie.
[Laberius enters, Rollano retires, afraid;
but being gone out, goes forward.
Rol. Nay, stay, and brag Rollano did thee kill:
Stay, let me flesh my sword, and wear thy spoils.
Stay, let me flesh my sword, and wear thy spoils.
[Laberius re-enters with an ensign.
Lab. Come, will ye forsake your ensign, and fall off?
I call to witness all the gods, I here
Perform my duty. Thou canst not escape.
I call to witness all the gods, I here
Perform my duty. Thou canst not escape.
[Rollano would fly, fights, falls as wounded.
Now die, or yield thyself!
Rol. I yield, I yield! O, save my life, I yield!
I am no Briton, but by chance come hither.
I'll never more lift weapon in their quarrel.
I am no Briton, but by chance come hither.
I'll never more lift weapon in their quarrel.
Lab. How may I trust your faith?
Rol. Command me anything.
Lab. Lay down your neck. [Treads on it.
Give up your sword. [Beats him with it.
Base coward, live: such foes will ne'er do hurt. [Exit.
Give up your sword. [Beats him with it.
Base coward, live: such foes will ne'er do hurt. [Exit.
Enter Eulinus, Androgeus, Belinus, with bloody swords.
Eul. Rollano! what, at stand? pursue the chase.
Rol. I made their strongest captain fly: this hand,
This martial hand, I say, did make him fly.
This martial hand, I say, did make him fly.
Eul. Some silly scout!
Rol. He was a match for Cyclops; at each step
The ground danc'd, and his nostrils blew the dust:
Arm'd as the god of battle pictur'd is.
The ground danc'd, and his nostrils blew the dust:
Arm'd as the god of battle pictur'd is.
Eul. What were his looks?
Rol. His brows were like a stormy winter night,
When Juno scolding and Mars malcontent
Disturb the air. At each look lightning flies;
Jove 'gainst the giants needed but his eyes.
When Juno scolding and Mars malcontent
Disturb the air. At each look lightning flies;
Jove 'gainst the giants needed but his eyes.
Eul. How eloquent is fear!
Rol. So came he stalking with a beam-like spear:
I gave the onset, then receiv'd his charge,
And next blow cleft his morion:[302] so he flies.
I gave the onset, then receiv'd his charge,
And next blow cleft his morion:[302] so he flies.
Eul. O, bravely done! here comes a straggling soldier.
Enter Laberius.
Rol. 'Tis he, 'tis he. I care not for vain glory;
It's sweeter live, than dead to be a story. [Runs away.
It's sweeter live, than dead to be a story. [Runs away.
Eul. O valiant coward, stay! There's not a spark
Of Briton spirit doth enlive thy corpse. [Exeunt.
Of Briton spirit doth enlive thy corpse. [Exeunt.
SCENE II.
Nennius pursuing.
Nen. Fight, Britons, fight! The day is ours. I'm cloy'd
And glutted e'en with slaughter. There some fly,
And flying die, and dying mangled lie.
I twice broke through the ranks, yet cannot find
That vent'rous captain Cæsar, on whose breast
I long to try my blade, and prick that bladder
Puff'd with ambition and victorious fight.
And glutted e'en with slaughter. There some fly,
And flying die, and dying mangled lie.
I twice broke through the ranks, yet cannot find
That vent'rous captain Cæsar, on whose breast
I long to try my blade, and prick that bladder
Puff'd with ambition and victorious fight.
Cæsar enters.
Nen. Fairly encounter'd: let our blades discuss
Who hath the justest cause; and on this combat
May Victory her equal balance hang.
Who hath the justest cause; and on this combat
May Victory her equal balance hang.
Cæs. Thou seem'st a worthy prince, and Cæsar's match.
[They fight, wounds Nennius in the head,
who staggers; fights, and recovers Cæsar's
sword fallen, and puts him to flight.
Nen. Stay, stay! Thou art at home: here's Campus Martius.
The Britons, sought for, see thy frighted back:
Return, and take possession of our isle,
And by thy death be styl'd Britannicus.
Leave not thy blade unsheath'd: a tyrant's heart
To his own sword a scabbard should impart.
Ye senators and gaily-gown'd Quirites,
Open the Capitol's ivory gates, and lead
Fat bulls with garlands green and gilded horns:
Let supplications last for twice ten days:
Cæsar returns a victor!
Prepare the laureate coach and snow-white steeds,
Embroider'd canopy and scarlet gowns:
Let altars smoke, and tholes expect our spoils,[303]
Cæsar returns in triumph! Basely flies,
And leaves his conquest in weak infancy.
For had he won this coast, yet many blows
Must pass, ere he could pass the Thames; and then,
Ere he touch Humber, many nations must
Be tam'd; and then, before he Tweed can drink,
And climb the craggy rocks of Caledon,
A life is spent—yea, many thousand lives.
O, my wound rages, and tormented brain
Doth labour of a fury, not a Pallas.[304]
This blade was steep'd in poison: O, I'm poison'd!
Well didst thou fly, or I had made thee taste
Thine own provision. Now my wrath and pain
With double force shall flow in purple streams.
The three infernal ladies with wire whips
And speckled snakes shall lackey close my steps,
While that I offer hecatombs of men.
The Latian shepherd's brood[305] shall ban those stars,
Whose glimmering sparks led their audacious pines
To lie so far from home in foreign soil.
When cedars fall, whole woods are crush'd; nor die
Can Nennius private without company.
The Britons, sought for, see thy frighted back:
Return, and take possession of our isle,
And by thy death be styl'd Britannicus.
Leave not thy blade unsheath'd: a tyrant's heart
To his own sword a scabbard should impart.
Ye senators and gaily-gown'd Quirites,
Open the Capitol's ivory gates, and lead
Fat bulls with garlands green and gilded horns:
Let supplications last for twice ten days:
Cæsar returns a victor!
Prepare the laureate coach and snow-white steeds,
Embroider'd canopy and scarlet gowns:
Let altars smoke, and tholes expect our spoils,[303]
Cæsar returns in triumph! Basely flies,
And leaves his conquest in weak infancy.
For had he won this coast, yet many blows
Must pass, ere he could pass the Thames; and then,
Ere he touch Humber, many nations must
Be tam'd; and then, before he Tweed can drink,
And climb the craggy rocks of Caledon,
A life is spent—yea, many thousand lives.
O, my wound rages, and tormented brain
Doth labour of a fury, not a Pallas.[304]
This blade was steep'd in poison: O, I'm poison'd!
Well didst thou fly, or I had made thee taste
Thine own provision. Now my wrath and pain
With double force shall flow in purple streams.
The three infernal ladies with wire whips
And speckled snakes shall lackey close my steps,
While that I offer hecatombs of men.
The Latian shepherd's brood[305] shall ban those stars,
Whose glimmering sparks led their audacious pines
To lie so far from home in foreign soil.
When cedars fall, whole woods are crush'd; nor die
Can Nennius private without company.
Enter Laberius.
Thou runn'st upon thy death.
Lab. A Roman never daunted was with looks,
Else had not Samartane and Lybian bugbears
Been captive led in chains.
Else had not Samartane and Lybian bugbears
Been captive led in chains.
Nen. But our looks kill. [Fight. Laberius falls.
Die, slave, by Cæsar's sword! Thou art his friend.
Die as the ransom of his greater ghost;
And learn, as well as I, how venom smarts.
Be thou my post to the Tartarian prince,
And tell him Nennius comes: but first I'll send
More of you headlong home, a nearer way
Than by the cloudy Alps. [Exit. A retreat sounded.
Die, slave, by Cæsar's sword! Thou art his friend.
Die as the ransom of his greater ghost;
And learn, as well as I, how venom smarts.
Be thou my post to the Tartarian prince,
And tell him Nennius comes: but first I'll send
More of you headlong home, a nearer way
Than by the cloudy Alps. [Exit. A retreat sounded.
SCENE III.
Cassibelanus, Belinus, Lantonus.
Cas. Now hot alarums die in fainter notes:
Tempestuous night is gone: victorious joy—
As when pale Eos[306] cleaves the eastern fogs,
And, blushing more and more, opes half her eye,
With holy water sprinkling all the meads,
Whose clear reflex serves as her morning glass—
Doth paint with gaudy plumes the chequer'd sky.
The only name of victory sounds sweeter
Than all mellifluous rhetoric.
Tempestuous night is gone: victorious joy—
As when pale Eos[306] cleaves the eastern fogs,
And, blushing more and more, opes half her eye,
With holy water sprinkling all the meads,
Whose clear reflex serves as her morning glass—
Doth paint with gaudy plumes the chequer'd sky.
The only name of victory sounds sweeter
Than all mellifluous rhetoric.
Lat. Thanks to Andates,[307] whose power kingdoms feel—
Andates, greatest goddess: in whose train
Fear, red-fac'd anger, and confusion's wheel,
Murder and desolation run before:
But joyful shouts, mirth, olive-budding peace,
And laurel-crowned triumph at her back
Do pace with stately steps. Thy temple is
The earth, where furious monarchs play the priests:
Armies of men imbrue thy altar-stones.
Thanks also to the trident-shaker's mace,[308]
Drawn by two rampant sea-horses, at whose beck
The waters wrinkled frown or smoothly smile.
But thou, heav'n's diamond, fair Phœbus' sister,
Nor Delian dames nor the Ephesian towers
Shall blazon more thy praise. Thy influence strong
Struck up the sandy ooze, that madding waves
Batter'd their ships, and dash'd their bended sails,
And with a tempest turn'd them round in scorn.
Andates, greatest goddess: in whose train
Fear, red-fac'd anger, and confusion's wheel,
Murder and desolation run before:
But joyful shouts, mirth, olive-budding peace,
And laurel-crowned triumph at her back
Do pace with stately steps. Thy temple is
The earth, where furious monarchs play the priests:
Armies of men imbrue thy altar-stones.
Thanks also to the trident-shaker's mace,[308]
Drawn by two rampant sea-horses, at whose beck
The waters wrinkled frown or smoothly smile.
But thou, heav'n's diamond, fair Phœbus' sister,
Nor Delian dames nor the Ephesian towers
Shall blazon more thy praise. Thy influence strong
Struck up the sandy ooze, that madding waves
Batter'd their ships, and dash'd their bended sails,
And with a tempest turn'd them round in scorn.
Cas. But where's the answer which her idol gave?
Can you expound the sense?
Can you expound the sense?
Lan. Dread sovereign, thus runs the oracle—
Loud doth the king of beasts roar,
High doth the queen of birds soar:
But her wings clipp'd soon grow out;
Both repent they are so stout.
Till C. 'gainst C. strike a round,
In a perfect circle bound.
High doth the queen of birds soar:
But her wings clipp'd soon grow out;
Both repent they are so stout.
Till C. 'gainst C. strike a round,
In a perfect circle bound.
The meaning, wrapp'd up in cross doubtful terms,
Lies yet thus open. That disastrous fate
Must be the prologue to a joyful close.
The rest we'll search out, if our skill don't fail.
Lies yet thus open. That disastrous fate
Must be the prologue to a joyful close.
The rest we'll search out, if our skill don't fail.
Bel. Renown'd Cassibelane, might my counsel speak?
Cas. I know thy loyal heart and prudent head,
Upon whose hairs Time's child, Experience, hangs
A milk-white badge of wisdom; and canst wield
Thy tongue in senate and thy hands in field.
Speak free, Belinus.
Upon whose hairs Time's child, Experience, hangs
A milk-white badge of wisdom; and canst wield
Thy tongue in senate and thy hands in field.
Speak free, Belinus.
Bel. We forfeit fame and smother victory
By idle lingering: the foe discomfited
Must needs be much amaz'd; his ships dismember'd,
Do piecemeal float upon the waves: the horse,
Whose succour he expects, are beaten back
By friendly winds: his camp contracted is:
A tithe of soldiers left, the rest all slain:
His chief munition spent or lost: provision
(An army's soul) but what we give, he wants.
What then shall hinder to destroy their name?
So none again shall venture: but our isle,
Rounded with Nereus' girdle, may enjoy
Eternal peace.
By idle lingering: the foe discomfited
Must needs be much amaz'd; his ships dismember'd,
Do piecemeal float upon the waves: the horse,
Whose succour he expects, are beaten back
By friendly winds: his camp contracted is:
A tithe of soldiers left, the rest all slain:
His chief munition spent or lost: provision
(An army's soul) but what we give, he wants.
What then shall hinder to destroy their name?
So none again shall venture: but our isle,
Rounded with Nereus' girdle, may enjoy
Eternal peace.
Cas. I like thy warning; with united stroke
Of all our nations we'll his camp beleaguer,
Devouring ships and men. But one mischance,
My brother's wound (his mortal wound, I fear)
Turns all to wormwood. Why were ye dumb, ye idols?
No sainted statue did foretell this grief.
Come, let's go visit him. You may, lord general,
Set Comius free; we love not to insult,
But render good for ill. [Exeunt.
Of all our nations we'll his camp beleaguer,
Devouring ships and men. But one mischance,
My brother's wound (his mortal wound, I fear)
Turns all to wormwood. Why were ye dumb, ye idols?
No sainted statue did foretell this grief.
Come, let's go visit him. You may, lord general,
Set Comius free; we love not to insult,
But render good for ill. [Exeunt.
SCENE IV.
Cæsar, Volusenus, &c.
Cæs. Heaven, sea and wind, and all the elements,
Conspire to work us harm. Our ships, in Gaul
Windbound, at length put forth and come in view,
Are toss'd and torn; our navy on the shore
With civil discord break each other's planks.
The airy rulers are displeas'd; all day
Noises and nimble flashes, mix'd with rain,
Amaze our soldiers.
To make grief full, my daughter's death I hear.
When, powerful fortune, will thy anger cease?
Never till now did Cæsar fortune fear.
Mount Palatine, thou throne of Jove, and ye,
Whose lesser turrets pinnacle Rome's head,
Are all your deities fled? or was I bold
To outgo nature, and our empire stretch
Beyond her limits? Pardon, then, my fault.
Or do we basely faint? Or is our might
Answer'd with like, since Troy 'gainst Troy doth fight?
Nor can I write now, I came over, and
I overcame: such foes deny such haste.
Conspire to work us harm. Our ships, in Gaul
Windbound, at length put forth and come in view,
Are toss'd and torn; our navy on the shore
With civil discord break each other's planks.
The airy rulers are displeas'd; all day
Noises and nimble flashes, mix'd with rain,
Amaze our soldiers.
To make grief full, my daughter's death I hear.
When, powerful fortune, will thy anger cease?
Never till now did Cæsar fortune fear.
Mount Palatine, thou throne of Jove, and ye,
Whose lesser turrets pinnacle Rome's head,
Are all your deities fled? or was I bold
To outgo nature, and our empire stretch
Beyond her limits? Pardon, then, my fault.
Or do we basely faint? Or is our might
Answer'd with like, since Troy 'gainst Troy doth fight?
Nor can I write now, I came over, and
I overcame: such foes deny such haste.
Vol. The islanders consult, and (sure) intend
Some sudden stratagem. And now the scales
Poise equal day and night, when rougher seas
And stormy Pleiads may our passage stop.
Some sudden stratagem. And now the scales
Poise equal day and night, when rougher seas
And stormy Pleiads may our passage stop.
Cæs. Then, sirs, to ship! Compell'd, I leave this land,
But to return, if gods do not withstand. [Exeunt.
But to return, if gods do not withstand. [Exeunt.
SCENE V.
Cassibelanus, Belinus, Lantonus. Nennius in a chair.
Nen. We won the day, and all our foes are fled?
Bel. Yes, noble Nennius, scatter'd on the shore,
Thick lay the Latins, and the glutted stream
Spews up her dead, whom death hath taught to swim,
Though ignorant alive: their flowing blood
Made a new red sea. But those few we lost,
Sweetly repos'd upon their mother's breast,
And, wounded all before, kept in their face
A warlike frown.
Thick lay the Latins, and the glutted stream
Spews up her dead, whom death hath taught to swim,
Though ignorant alive: their flowing blood
Made a new red sea. But those few we lost,
Sweetly repos'd upon their mother's breast,
And, wounded all before, kept in their face
A warlike frown.
Nen. Where is false Cæsar's sword, call'd Crocea Mors,[309]
Which never hurt but kill'd? Let it be plac'd
Within my tomb.
Which never hurt but kill'd? Let it be plac'd
Within my tomb.
Nen. Death like a Parthian flies, and flying kills;
In midst of conquest came my deadly wound.
Accursed weapon—more accursed man
Who, serpent-like, in poison bathes his sting!
Tiber doth breed as venomous beasts as Nile.
We scorn such cruel craft. But death draws near,
A giddy horror seizeth on my brain.
Dear brother, and thou holy priest of heaven,
Witness my words; I leave my country free,
And die a victor. Thus with lighter wing
My purified soul mounts to her first best cause.
I long even to behold those glorious cloisters,
Where Brutus,[310] great Dunwallo,[311] and his sons,
Thrice-noble spirits, walk.
Thou mighty enginer of this wondrous globe,
Protect this isle, confound all foreign plots:
Grant Thames and Tiber never join their channels;
But may a natural hate, deriv'd from us,
Live still in our long-trailed progeny—
My eyes do swim in death—
Before this land shall wear the Roman yoke,
Let first the adamantine axle crack,
Which binds the ball terrestrial to her poles,
And dash the empty air! let planets drop
Their scalding jelly, and, all flame being spent,
Entomb the world in everlasting smoke![312]
Come faster, Death: I can behold thy grim
And ugly jaws with quiet mind. Now, now
I hear sweet music; and my spirit flies. [He dies.
In midst of conquest came my deadly wound.
Accursed weapon—more accursed man
Who, serpent-like, in poison bathes his sting!
Tiber doth breed as venomous beasts as Nile.
We scorn such cruel craft. But death draws near,
A giddy horror seizeth on my brain.
Dear brother, and thou holy priest of heaven,
Witness my words; I leave my country free,
And die a victor. Thus with lighter wing
My purified soul mounts to her first best cause.
I long even to behold those glorious cloisters,
Where Brutus,[310] great Dunwallo,[311] and his sons,
Thrice-noble spirits, walk.
Thou mighty enginer of this wondrous globe,
Protect this isle, confound all foreign plots:
Grant Thames and Tiber never join their channels;
But may a natural hate, deriv'd from us,
Live still in our long-trailed progeny—
My eyes do swim in death—
Before this land shall wear the Roman yoke,
Let first the adamantine axle crack,
Which binds the ball terrestrial to her poles,
And dash the empty air! let planets drop
Their scalding jelly, and, all flame being spent,
Entomb the world in everlasting smoke![312]
Come faster, Death: I can behold thy grim
And ugly jaws with quiet mind. Now, now
I hear sweet music; and my spirit flies. [He dies.
Cas. His breath is gone, who was his country's prop
And my right hand. Now only doth he crave
To see him laid with honour in the grave. [Exeunt.
And my right hand. Now only doth he crave
To see him laid with honour in the grave. [Exeunt.
SCENE VI.
Eulinus, Hirildas.
Eul. A mind content, O, 'tis a mind of pearl:
A mint of golden thoughts, a heaven on earth!
When eager longers meet full-butt their scope,
And hopes are actuated beyond hope.
So Jason joy'd, the golden fleece obtain'd;
So Hercules joy'd, the golden fruit being gain'd;
So Venus joy'd the golden ball to hold;
So Midas joy'd when he turn'd all to gold.
So, and much more, rejoic'd the Phrygian swain,
When he convey'd the fairest (except mine),
Which air did ever kiss. His brazen keel,
Proud of her burden, slic'd the capering brine:
The Tritons blew their horns, and sea-gods dance.
Before, behind, about his ship they prance:
The mermaids skip on high, but to compare
Their dangling tresses with her silken hair—
These were but shadows of my bliss. A robe
Of pure beatitude wraps me round about,
Without a speck or blemish; nor can invention
Wish more unto me than I have—Landora.
I'm rich, free, learned, honour'd—all in this.
Who dares conceive against the female sex
But one base thought? Lo, here I stand their champion,
And will maintain he is a beast, a devil,
Begot between a bitch-wolf and an incubus.
Women, all-good, all-perfect and all-gracious,
Men-making creatures, angels clad in flesh;
Let me adore your name!
A mint of golden thoughts, a heaven on earth!
When eager longers meet full-butt their scope,
And hopes are actuated beyond hope.
So Jason joy'd, the golden fleece obtain'd;
So Hercules joy'd, the golden fruit being gain'd;
So Venus joy'd the golden ball to hold;
So Midas joy'd when he turn'd all to gold.
So, and much more, rejoic'd the Phrygian swain,
When he convey'd the fairest (except mine),
Which air did ever kiss. His brazen keel,
Proud of her burden, slic'd the capering brine:
The Tritons blew their horns, and sea-gods dance.
Before, behind, about his ship they prance:
The mermaids skip on high, but to compare
Their dangling tresses with her silken hair—
These were but shadows of my bliss. A robe
Of pure beatitude wraps me round about,
Without a speck or blemish; nor can invention
Wish more unto me than I have—Landora.
I'm rich, free, learned, honour'd—all in this.
Who dares conceive against the female sex
But one base thought? Lo, here I stand their champion,
And will maintain he is a beast, a devil,
Begot between a bitch-wolf and an incubus.
Women, all-good, all-perfect and all-gracious,
Men-making creatures, angels clad in flesh;
Let me adore your name!
Hir. And let me speak
Why, Landora loves not you, but me in you.
Why, Landora loves not you, but me in you.
Eul. But I in you enjoy Landora's love.
Hir. But she enjoys not your love, 'cause unknown.
Eul. No matter, I in you or you in me,
So that I still possess my dearest dear.
A paltry fancy last night in her bed
Turmoil'd my thoughts, which since I shap'd in rhymes.
Thus.
So that I still possess my dearest dear.
A paltry fancy last night in her bed
Turmoil'd my thoughts, which since I shap'd in rhymes.
Thus.
Hir. Prythee let's hear: I know thou art turn'd poet.
The Dream.
Night having drawn the curtain, down I lie
By one—for worse Saturnius left the sky.
Slumb'ring at last, for love can hardly sleep,
Straightways I dream'd, for love doth revels keep,
A damsel fair, and fashion'd for delight
(Our day-born objects do return at night),
With flow'ry chaplet and red velvet gown,
Which from her breast was fasten'd along down
With rich enamell'd locks, all which one key,
Whose bright gold 'bout her silver neck did play,
Could open and divorce. A veil most fair
(Such whiteness only Paphian doves do wear)
With false light did her beauteous front improve;
From this arch Cupid shot his darts of love.
With gentle strain she took me by the hand
(Touches in love do more than tongues command),
Then leads me with an amorous smile along:
He's easily led whom beauty draws, more strong
Than cable ropes. An altar we descry,
Where incense-frank[313] and amber fumes did fly
In little rolling curls: a reverend priest,
With snowy beard waving upon his breast,
There kneeling did his eyes in sorrow steep.
Whose passionate cry made me, though ignorant, weep.
Phlegon's[314] hot breath no sooner licks up dew
Than joy had dried those tears; for, lo, I view
A circular room, all built with marble clear,
The title, nature's storehouse. Most strange here
It seem'd: I know not how we came nor whence,
Nor any passage saw to get from thence.
But O, the rich delight and glorious fire
Which dazzled me! no heart can more desire.
Here first my guide op'd her spice-breathing door:
Ask what thou wilt, this is the ark of store.
No vows are here repuls'd, she said. But I,
Surpris'd with extreme joy and ecstasy,
By chance a scorpion's tail behind her spied:
Pity such beauty such a monster hide!
Trembling, yet silent, doubtful what to crave;
Lo! with a stink and fearful screech this brave
And glorious dame doth vanish, and a dart,
Which still I quake at, struck me to the heart.
But waking I reviv'd, and found in bed
Such sovereign balm would cure old Peleus dead.[315]
By one—for worse Saturnius left the sky.
Slumb'ring at last, for love can hardly sleep,
Straightways I dream'd, for love doth revels keep,
A damsel fair, and fashion'd for delight
(Our day-born objects do return at night),
With flow'ry chaplet and red velvet gown,
Which from her breast was fasten'd along down
With rich enamell'd locks, all which one key,
Whose bright gold 'bout her silver neck did play,
Could open and divorce. A veil most fair
(Such whiteness only Paphian doves do wear)
With false light did her beauteous front improve;
From this arch Cupid shot his darts of love.
With gentle strain she took me by the hand
(Touches in love do more than tongues command),
Then leads me with an amorous smile along:
He's easily led whom beauty draws, more strong
Than cable ropes. An altar we descry,
Where incense-frank[313] and amber fumes did fly
In little rolling curls: a reverend priest,
With snowy beard waving upon his breast,
There kneeling did his eyes in sorrow steep.
Whose passionate cry made me, though ignorant, weep.
Phlegon's[314] hot breath no sooner licks up dew
Than joy had dried those tears; for, lo, I view
A circular room, all built with marble clear,
The title, nature's storehouse. Most strange here
It seem'd: I know not how we came nor whence,
Nor any passage saw to get from thence.
But O, the rich delight and glorious fire
Which dazzled me! no heart can more desire.
Here first my guide op'd her spice-breathing door:
Ask what thou wilt, this is the ark of store.
No vows are here repuls'd, she said. But I,
Surpris'd with extreme joy and ecstasy,
By chance a scorpion's tail behind her spied:
Pity such beauty such a monster hide!
Trembling, yet silent, doubtful what to crave;
Lo! with a stink and fearful screech this brave
And glorious dame doth vanish, and a dart,
Which still I quake at, struck me to the heart.
But waking I reviv'd, and found in bed
Such sovereign balm would cure old Peleus dead.[315]
Hir. Ha, ha! your tedious dream hath made me drowsy.
But hark, we must attend the funeral pomp.
But hark, we must attend the funeral pomp.
SCENE VII.
The funeral passes over the stage. Nennius's 'scutcheon, armour, Cæsar's sword borne. Torches, mourners.
Cas. Set down that heavy load with heavier hearts.
Could virtuous valour, honourable thoughts,
A noble scorn of fortune, pride and death,
Myriads of vows and prayers sent to heaven;
Could country's love or Britain's genius save
A mortal man from sleeping in his grave,
Then hadst thou liv'd, great Nennius, and outliv'd
The smooth-tongu'd Greek. But we may more envy,
And less bewail thy loss, since thou didst fall
On honour's lofty field-bed, on which stage
Never did worthy act a statelier part.
Nor durst pale death approach with cypress sad,
Till flourishing bays thy conquering temples clad.
Could virtuous valour, honourable thoughts,
A noble scorn of fortune, pride and death,
Myriads of vows and prayers sent to heaven;
Could country's love or Britain's genius save
A mortal man from sleeping in his grave,
Then hadst thou liv'd, great Nennius, and outliv'd
The smooth-tongu'd Greek. But we may more envy,
And less bewail thy loss, since thou didst fall
On honour's lofty field-bed, on which stage
Never did worthy act a statelier part.
Nor durst pale death approach with cypress sad,
Till flourishing bays thy conquering temples clad.
A Funeral Elegy sung to the Harp.
Turnus may conceal his name,
Nennius had Æneas' fame.
Hannibal let Afric smother,
Nennius was great Scipio's brother.
Greece, forbear Achilles' story,
Nennius had brave Hector's glory.
Thrush and nightingale, be dumb:
Sorrowful songs befit a tomb.
Turn, ye marble stones, to water:
Isis' nymphs forswear all laughter:
Sigh and sob upon your bed,
Beli's noble son is dead.
Nennius had Æneas' fame.
Hannibal let Afric smother,
Nennius was great Scipio's brother.
Greece, forbear Achilles' story,
Nennius had brave Hector's glory.
Thrush and nightingale, be dumb:
Sorrowful songs befit a tomb.
Turn, ye marble stones, to water:
Isis' nymphs forswear all laughter:
Sigh and sob upon your bed,
Beli's noble son is dead.
A banquet served over the stage. Rollano, with a leg of a capon and a tankard of wine.
Rol. I like such slaughtering well of birds and beasts,
Which wear no swords, nor shake a fatal pike,
When hogsheads bleed, and oxen mangled lie.
O, what a world of victuals is prepar'd
For sacrifice and feasting! Forty thousand
Fat bullocks! then the parks and forests send
Full thirty thousand wild beasts, arm'd with horns
And dangerous teeth: the main battalion
Consists of sheep, an hundred thousand fat:
The wings are both supplied with birds and fowls
Sans number: and some fish for succours serve—
A goodly army. Troynovant doth smoke,
And smells all like a kitchen. The king, princes,
And nobles of the land a triumph hold.
Music and songs, good cheer and wine; and wine
And songs, and music and good cheer. Hei, brave!
No more shall barley-broth pollute my throat,
But nectar—nectar of the grape's sweet blood.
Come, heavenly potion—wine, whose gentle warmth
Softens the brain, unlocks the silent tongue;
Wit's midwife, and our spirit's vestal priest,
Keeping alive the natural heat. A health,
A health (to make short work) to all the world!
So will it (sure) go round. [Steals behind.
Which wear no swords, nor shake a fatal pike,
When hogsheads bleed, and oxen mangled lie.
O, what a world of victuals is prepar'd
For sacrifice and feasting! Forty thousand
Fat bullocks! then the parks and forests send
Full thirty thousand wild beasts, arm'd with horns
And dangerous teeth: the main battalion
Consists of sheep, an hundred thousand fat:
The wings are both supplied with birds and fowls
Sans number: and some fish for succours serve—
A goodly army. Troynovant doth smoke,
And smells all like a kitchen. The king, princes,
And nobles of the land a triumph hold.
Music and songs, good cheer and wine; and wine
And songs, and music and good cheer. Hei, brave!
No more shall barley-broth pollute my throat,
But nectar—nectar of the grape's sweet blood.
Come, heavenly potion—wine, whose gentle warmth
Softens the brain, unlocks the silent tongue;
Wit's midwife, and our spirit's vestal priest,
Keeping alive the natural heat. A health,
A health (to make short work) to all the world!
So will it (sure) go round. [Steals behind.
The triumphs. Cassibelanus: four Kings of Kent: three Kings, Cridous, Britael, Guerthed; Androgeus, Tenantius, Hirildas, Eulinus, Belinus, take places.
Cas. Sorrow must doff her sable weeds, and joy
Furbish the Court with fresh and verdant colours;
Else should we seem ungrateful to the gods.
Triumphs must thrust out obsequies; and tilt
With tourney, and our ancient sport call'd Troy,
Such as Iulus 'bout his grandsire's tomb
Did represent; and at each temple's porch,
Games, songs, and holy murdering of beasts. [They sit down.
Furbish the Court with fresh and verdant colours;
Else should we seem ungrateful to the gods.
Triumphs must thrust out obsequies; and tilt
With tourney, and our ancient sport call'd Troy,
Such as Iulus 'bout his grandsire's tomb
Did represent; and at each temple's porch,
Games, songs, and holy murdering of beasts. [They sit down.
A dancing masque of six enters, then the epinicion[316] sung by two bards.
The Roman eagle, threatening woe,
The sea did shadow with her wing;
But our goose-quills did prick her so
That from the clouds they down her bring.
The sea did shadow with her wing;
But our goose-quills did prick her so
That from the clouds they down her bring.
Both. Sing then, ye hills and dales so-so clear,
That Iö Pæan all may hear.
That Iö Pæan all may hear.
They may us call isles fortunate;
They sought for life here, not for fame.
All yield to them, they to our state:
The world knows but our double name.
They sought for life here, not for fame.
All yield to them, they to our state:
The world knows but our double name.
Both. Sing then, ye streams and woods so-so clear,
That Iö Pæan all may hear.
That Iö Pæan all may hear.
Androgeus and Tenantius play at foils, then Hirildas and Eulinus play.
Eul. 'Twas foully play'd.
Hir. You lie, 'twas fairly hit.
Eul. I'll give a quittance.
Hir. Do your worst, vain braggart.
[They take swords, fight, Hirildas slain.
O, I'm slain.
And. He shall not die.
Cas. Shall not? your king and uncle says he shall.
Eul. No kingly menace or censorious frown
Do I regard. Tanti[317] for all your power!
But the compunction of my guilt doth send
A shudd'ring chilness through my veins inflam'd.
Why do ye stare, ye grisly powers of night?
There, there his soul goes: I must follow him.
Do I regard. Tanti[317] for all your power!
But the compunction of my guilt doth send
A shudd'ring chilness through my veins inflam'd.
Why do ye stare, ye grisly powers of night?
There, there his soul goes: I must follow him.
[Offers to kill himself: is hindered.
And. He was provok'd, and did it in defence:
And, being my kinsman, shall be judg'd by laws
Of Troynovant: such custom claims our court.
And, being my kinsman, shall be judg'd by laws
Of Troynovant: such custom claims our court.
Cas. No custom shall bar justice. I command
That he appear before us.
That he appear before us.
And. Trials are vain when passion sits as judge.
Cas. I'll soon rebate this insolent disdain.
[Exeunt Androgeus, Tenantius, and Eulinus.
Let not this dismal chance deface our joy,
Most royal friends.
Most royal friends.
Cri. War being silenced, and envy's rage
In hell fast fetter'd, sound we now retreat,
That soldiers may regreet their household gods;
Their children cling about their armed thighs.
In hell fast fetter'd, sound we now retreat,
That soldiers may regreet their household gods;
Their children cling about their armed thighs.
Bri. And place their trophies 'bout their smoky halls;
There hang a gauntlet bright, here a stabb'd buckler,
Pile up long pikes,[318] and in that corner plant
A weighty sword, brandish'd by some centurion:
Not he, who ne'er on snaky perils trod,
But happy he, who hath them stoutly pass'd:
For danger's sauce gives joy a better taste.
There hang a gauntlet bright, here a stabb'd buckler,
Pile up long pikes,[318] and in that corner plant
A weighty sword, brandish'd by some centurion:
Not he, who ne'er on snaky perils trod,
But happy he, who hath them stoutly pass'd:
For danger's sauce gives joy a better taste.
Guer. Great monarch, if thy summons call us back,
We tender here our service, men and arms,
As duty bids and binds.
We tender here our service, men and arms,
As duty bids and binds.
Cas. Should he return, our province dares him front.
So a most kind adieu unto all three.
So a most kind adieu unto all three.
[Exeunt Cridous, Britael, and Guerthed.
Cingetorix, Carvilius, Taximagulus, Segonax,
I know your faithful love: Kent's fourfold head
Will check rash rebels, and as firmly stand
As hearty oaks, who bear off Æolus' blows,
And with a whistle but deride his force.
I know your faithful love: Kent's fourfold head
Will check rash rebels, and as firmly stand
As hearty oaks, who bear off Æolus' blows,
And with a whistle but deride his force.
[Exeunt four Kings of Kent.