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.