Part 18

_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. Scaena 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 Q[u]een 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_.