ACT I. SCENE I.

_The Governor's Palace._

_Enter_ THEOPHILUS _and_ HARPAX.

_Theoph._ Come to Cæsarea to-night!

_Harp._ Most true, sir.

_Theoph._ The emperor in person!

_Harp._ Do I live?

_Theoph._ 'Tis wondrous strange! The marches of great princes, Like to the motions of prodigious meteors, Are step by step observed; and loud-tongued Fame The harbinger to prepare their entertainment: And, were it possible so great an army, Though cover'd with the night, could be so near, The governor cannot be so unfriended Among the many that attend his person, But, by some secret means, he should have notice Of Cæsar's purpose;--in this, then, excuse me, If I appear incredulous.

_Harp._ At your pleasure.

_Theoph._ Yet, when I call to mind you never fail'd me In things more difficult, but have discover'd Deeds that were done thousand leagues distant from me, When neither woods, nor caves, nor secret vaults, No, nor the Power they serve, could keep these Christians Or from my reach or punishment, but thy magic Still laid them open; I begin again To be as confident as heretofore; It is not possible thy powerful art Should meet a check, or fail.

_Enter the Priest of Jupiter, bearing an Image, and followed by_ CALISTA _and_ CHRISTETA.

_Harp._ Look on the Vestals, The holy pledges that the gods have given you, Your chaste, fair daughters. Were 't not to upbraid A service to a master not unthankful, I could say these, in spite of your prevention, Seduced by an imagined faith, not reason, (Which is the strength of nature) quite forsaking The Gentile gods, had yielded up themselves To this new-found religion. This I cross'd, Discover'd their intents, taught you to use, With gentle words and mild persuasions, The power and the authority of a father, Set off with cruel threats; and so reclaim'd them: And, whereas they with torment should have died, (Hell's furies to me, had they undergone it!) [Aside. They are now votaries in great Jupiter's temple, And, by his priest instructed, grown familiar With all the mysteries, nay, the most abstruse ones, Belonging to his deity.

_Theoph._ 'Twas a benefit, For which I ever owe you.--Hail, Jove's flamen! Have these my daughters reconciled themselves, Abandoning for ever the Christian way, To your opinion?

_Priest._ And are constant in it. They teach their teachers with their depth of judgment, And are with arguments able to convert The enemies to our gods, and answer all They can object against us.

_Theoph._ My dear daughters!

_Cal._ We dare dispute against this new-sprung sect, In private or in public.

_Harp._ My best lady, Perséver[19] in it.

_Chris._ And what we maintain, We will seal with our bloods.

_Harp._ Brave resolution! I e'en grow fat to see my labours prosper.

_Theoph._ I young again. To your devotions.

_Harp._ Do-- My prayers be present with you. [_Exeunt Priest_, CAL. _and_ CHRIS.

_Theoph._ O my Harpax! Thou engine of my wishes, thou that steel'st My bloody resolutions, thou that arm'st My eyes 'gainst womanish tears and soft compassion, Instructing me, without a sigh, to look on Babes torn by violence from their mothers' breasts To feed the fire, and with them make one flame; Old men, as beasts, in beasts' skins torn by dogs; Virgins and matrons tire the executioners; Yet I, unsatisfied, think their torments easy--

_Harp._ And in that, just, not cruel.

_Theoph._ Were all sceptres That grace the hands of kings made into one, And offer'd me, all crowns laid at my feet, I would contemn them all,--thus spit at them; So I to all posterities might be call'd The strongest champion of the Pagan gods, And rooter out of Christians.

_Harp._ Oh, mine own, Mine own dear lord! to further this great work, I ever live thy slave.

_Enter_ SAPRITIUS _and_ SEMPRONIUS.

_Theoph._ No more--The governor.

_Sap._ Keep the ports close[20], and let the guards be doubled; Disarm the Christians; call it death in any To wear a sword, or in his house to have one.

_Semp._ I shall be careful, sir.

_Sap._ 'Twill well become you. Such as refuse to offer sacrifice To any of our gods, put to the torture. Grub up this growing mischief by the roots; And know, when we are merciful to them, We to ourselves are cruel.

_Semp._ You pour oil On fire that burns already at the height: I know the emperor's edict, and my charge, And they shall find no favour.

_Theoph._ My good lord, This care is timely for the entertainment Of our great master, who this night in person Comes here to thank you.

_Sap._ Who! the emperor?

_Harp._ To clear your doubts, he doth return in triumph, Kings lackeying[21] by his triumphant chariot; And in this glorious victory, my lord, You have an ample share: for know, your son, The ne'er-enough commended Antoninus, So well hath flesh'd his maiden sword[22], and dyed His snowy plumes so deep in enemies' blood, That, besides public grace beyond his hopes, There are rewards propounded.

_Sap._ I would know No mean in thine, could this be true.

_Harp._ My head Answer the forfeit.

_Sap._ Of his victory There was some rumour: but it was assured, The army pass'd a full day's journey higher Into the country.

_Harp._ It was so determined; But, for the further honour of your son, And to observe the government of the city, And with what rigour, or remiss indulgence, The Christians are pursued, he makes his stay here: [_Trumpets._ For proof, his trumpets speak his near arrival.

_Sap._ Haste, good Sempronius, draw up our guards, And with all ceremonious pomp receive The conquering army. Let our garrison speak Their welcome in loud shouts, the city show Her state and wealth.

_Semp._ I'm gone. [_Exit._

_Sap._ O, I am ravish'd With this great honour! cherish, good Theophilus, This knowing scholar. Send for your fair daughters; I will present them to the emperor, And in their sweet conversion, as a mirror, Express your zeal and duty.

_Theoph._ Fetch them, good Harpax. [_Exit_ HARPAX.

_Enter_ SEMPRONIUS, _at the head of the guard, soldiers leading three kings bound_; ANTONINUS _and_ MACRINUS _bearing the emperor's eagles_; DIOCLESIAN _with a gilt laurel on his head, leading in_ ARTEMIA: SAPRITIUS _kisses the emperor's hand, then embraces his son_; HARPAX _brings in_ CALISTA _and_ CHRISTETA. _Loud shouts._

_Diocle._ So: at all parts I find Cæsarea Completely govern'd: the licentious soldier Confined in modest limits, and the people Taught to obey, and not compell'd with rigour: The ancient Roman discipline revived, Which raised Rome to her greatness, and proclaim'd her The glorious mistress of the conquer'd world; But, above all, the service of the gods, So zealously observed, that, good Sapritius, In words to thank you for your care and duty, Were much unworthy Dioclesian's honour, Or his magnificence to his loyal servants.-- But I shall find a time with noble titles To recompense your merits.

_Sap._ Mightiest Cæsar, [23]Whose power upon this globe of earth is equal To Jove's in heaven; whose victorious triumphs On proud rebellious kings that stir against it, Are perfect figures of his immortal trophies Won in the Giants' war; whose conquering sword, Guided by his strong arm, as deadly kills As did his thunder! all that I have done, Or, if my strength were centupled, could do, Comes short of what my loyalty must challenge. But, if in any thing I have deserved Great Cæsar's smile, 'tis in my humble care Still to preserve the honour of those gods, That make him what he is: my zeal to them I ever have express'd in my fell hate Against the Christian sect that, with one blow, (Ascribing all things to an unknown Power,) Would strike down all their temples, and allows them Nor sacrifice nor altars.

_Diocle._ Thou, in this, Walk'st hand in hand with me: my will and power Shall not alone confirm, but honour all That are in this most forward.

_Sap._ Sacred Cæsar, If your imperial majesty stand pleased To shower your favours upon such as are The boldest champions of our religion, Look on this reverend man, [_points to Theophilus._] to whom the power Of searching out, and punishing such delinquents, Was by your choice committed; and, for proof, He hath deserved the grace imposed upon him, And with a fair and even hand proceeded, Partial to none, not to himself, or those Of equal nearness to himself; behold This pair of virgins.

_Diocle._ What are these?

_Sap._ His daughters.

_Artem._ Now by your sacred fortune, they are fair ones, Exceeding fair ones: would 'twere in my power To make them mine!

_Theoph._ They are the gods', great lady, They were most happy in your service else: On these, when they fell from their father's faith, I used a judge's power, entreaties failing (They being seduced) to win them to adore The holy Powers we worship; I put on The scarlet robe of bold authority, And, as they had been strangers to my blood, Presented them in the most horrid form, All kind of tortures; part of which they suffer'd With Roman constancy.

_Artem._ And could you endure, Being a father, to behold their limbs Extended on the rack?

_Theoph._ I did; but must Confess there was a strange contention in me, Between the impartial office of a judge, And pity of a father; to help justice Religion stept in, under which odds Compassion fell:--yet still I was a father. For e'en then, when the flinty hangman's whips Were worn with stripes spent on their tender limbs, I kneel'd, and wept, and begg'd them, though they would Be cruel to themselves, they would take pity On my gray hairs; now note a sudden change, Which I with joy remember; those, whom torture, Nor fear of death could terrify, were o'ercome By seeing of my sufferings; and so won, Returning to the faith that they were born in, I gave them to the gods. And be assured I that used justice with a rigorous hand, Upon such beauteous virgins, and mine own, Will use no favour, where the cause commands me, To any other; but, as rocks, be deaf To all entreaties.

_Diocle._ Thou deserv'st thy place; Still hold it, and with honour. Things thus order'd Touching the gods, 'tis lawful to descend To human cares, and exercise that power Heaven has conferr'd upon me;--which that you, Rebels and traitors to the power of Rome, Should not with all extremities undergo, What can you urge to qualify your crimes, Or mitigate my anger?

[24]_K. of Epire._ We are now Slaves to thy power, that yesterday were kings, And had command o'er others; we confess Our grandsires paid yours tribute, yet left us, As their forefathers had, desire of freedom. And, if you Romans hold it glorious honour, Not only to defend what is your own, But to enlarge your empire, (though our fortune Denies that happiness,) who can accuse The famish'd mouth, if it attempt to feed? Or such, whose fetters eat into their freedoms, If they desire to shake them off?

_K. of Pontus._ We stand The last examples, to prove how uncertain All human happiness is; and are prepared To endure the worst.

_K. of Macedon._ That spoke, which now is highest In Fortune's wheel, must, when she turns it next, Decline as low as we are. This consider'd Taught the Ægyptian Hercules, Sesostris, That had his chariot drawn by captive kings, To free them from that slavery;--but to hope Such mercy from a Roman were mere madness: We are familiar with what cruelty Rome, since her infant greatness, ever used Such as she triumph'd over; age nor sex Exempted from her tyranny; scepter'd princes Kept in her common dungeons, and their children, In scorn train'd up in base mechanic arts, For public bondmen. In the catalogue Of those unfortunate men, we expect to have Our names remember'd.

_Diocle._ In all growing empires, Even cruelty is useful; some must suffer, And be set up examples to strike terror In others, though far off: but, when a state Is raised to her perfection, and her bases Too firm to shrink, or yield, we may use mercy, And do 't with safety[25]: but to whom? not cowards, Or such whose baseness shames the conqueror, And robs him of his victory, as weak Perseus Did great Æmilius[26]. Know, therefore, kings Of Epire, Pontus, and of Macedon, That I with courtesy can use my prisoners, As well as make them mine by force, provided That they are noble enemies: such I found you, Before I made you mine; and, since you were so, You have not lost the courages of princes, Although the fortune. Had you born yourselves Dejectedly, and base, no slavery Had been too easy for you: but such is The power of noble valour, that we love it Even in our enemies, and taken with it, Desire to make them friends, as I will you.

_K. of Epire._ Mock us not, Cæsar.

_Diocle._ By the gods, I do not. Unloose their bonds:--I now as friends embrace you. Give them their crowns again.

_K. of Pontus._ We are twice o'ercome; By courage, and by courtesy.

_K. of Macedon._ But this latter Shall teach us to live ever faithful vassals To Dioclesian, and the power of Rome.

_K of Epire._ All kingdoms fall before her!

_K. of Pontus._ And all kings Contend to honour Cæsar!

_Diocle._ I believe Your tongues are the true trumpets of your hearts, And in it I most happy. Queen of fate, Imperious Fortune! mix some light disaster With my so many joys, to season them, And give them sweeter relish: I'm girt round With true felicity; faithful subjects here, Here bold commanders, here with new-made friends: But, what's the crown of all, in thee, Artemia, My only child, whose love to me and duty, Strive to exceed each other!

_Artem._ I make payment But of a debt, which I stand bound to tender As a daughter and a subject.

_Diocle._ Which requires yet A retribution from me, Artemia, Tied by a father's care, how to bestow A jewel, of all things to me most precious: Nor will I therefore longer keep thee from The chief joys of creation, marriage rites; Which that thou may'st with greater pleasures taste of, Thou shalt not like with mine eyes, but thine own. Among these kings, forgetting they were captives; Or those, remembering not they are my subjects, Make choice of any: By Jove's dreadful thunder, My will shall rank with thine.

_Artem._ It is a bounty The daughters of great princes seldom meet with; For they, to make up breaches in the state, Or for some other public ends, are forced To match where they affect not[27]. May my life Deserve this favour!

_Diocle._ Speak; I long to know The man thou wilt make happy.

_Artem._ If that titles, Or the adored name of Queen could take me, Here would I fix mine eyes, and look no further; But these are baits to take a mean-born lady, Not her that boldly may call Cæsar father: In that I can bring honour unto any, But from no king that lives receive addition: To raise desert and virtue by my fortune, Though in a low estate, were greater glory, Than to mix greatness with a prince that owes[28] No worth but that name only.

_Diocle._ I commend thee; 'Tis like myself.

_Artem._ If, then, of men beneath me, My choice is to be made, where shall I seek, But among those that best deserve from you? That have served you most faithfully; that in dangers Have stood next to you; that have interposed Their breasts as shields of proof, to dull the swords Aim'd at your bosom; that have spent their blood To crown your brows with laurel?

_Macr._ Cytherea, Great Queen of Love, be now propitious to me!

_Harp._ [_to Sap._] Now mark what I foretold.

_Anton._ Her eye's on me. Fair Venus' son, draw forth a leaden dart[29], And, that she may hate me, transfix her with it; Or, if thou needs wilt use a golden one, Shoot it in the behalf of any other: Thou know'st I am thy votary elsewhere. [_Aside._

_Artem._ [_advances to Anton._] Sir.

_Theoph._ How he blushes!

_Sap._ Welcome, fool, thy fortune. Stand like a block when such an angel courts thee!

_Artem._ I am no object to divert your eye From the beholding.

_Anton._ Rather a bright sun, Too glorious for him to gaze upon, That took not first flight from the eagle's aerie. As I look on the temples, or the gods, And with that reverence, lady, I behold you, And shall do ever.

_Artem._ And it will become you, While thus we stand at distance; but, if love, Love born out of the assurance of your virtues, Teach me to stoop so low--

_Anton._ O, rather take A higher flight.

_Artem._ Why, fear you to be raised? Say I put off the dreadful awe that waits On majesty, or with you share my beams, Nay, make you to outshine me; change the name Of Subject into Lord, rob you of service That's due from you to me, and in me make it Duty to honour you, would you refuse me?

_Anton._ Refuse you, madam! such a worm as I am Refuse what kings upon their knees would sue for! Call it, great lady, by another name; An humble modesty, that would not match A molehill with Olympus.

_Artem._ He that's famous For honourable actions in the war, As you are, Antoninus, a proved soldier, Is fellow to a king.

_Anton._ If you love valour, As 'tis a kingly virtue, seek it out, And cherish it in a king; there it shines brightest, And yields the bravest lustre. Look on Epire, A prince, in whom it is incorporate; And let it not disgrace him that he was O'ercome by Cæsar; it was victory, To stand so long against him: had you seen him, How in one bloody scene he did discharge The parts of a commander and a soldier, Wise in direction, bold in execution; You would have said, Great Cæsar's self excepted, The world yields not his equal.

_Artem._ Yet I have heard, Encountering him alone in the head of his troop, You took him prisoner.

_K. of Epire._ 'Tis a truth, great princess: I'll not detract from valour.

_Anton._ 'Twas mere fortune; Courage had no hand in it.

_Theoph._ Did ever man Strive so against his own good?

_Sap._ Spiritless villain! How I am tortured! By the immortal gods, I now could kill him.

_Diocle._ Hold, Sapritius, hold, On our displeasure, hold!

_Harp._ Why, this would make A father mad; 'tis not to be endured; Your honour's tainted in 't.

_Sap._ By heaven, it is: I shall think of it.

_Harp._ 'Tis not to be forgotten.

_Artem._ Nay, kneel not, sir; I am no ravisher, Nor so far gone in fond affection to you, But that I can retire, my honour safe:-- Yet say, hereafter, that thou hast neglected What, but seen in possession of another, Will make thee mad with envy.

_Anton._ In her looks Revenge is written.

_Mac._ As you love your life, Study to appease her.

_Anton._ Gracious madam, hear me.

_Artem._ And be again refused?

_Anton._ The tender of My life, my service, or, since you vouchsafe it, My love, my heart, my all: and pardon me, Pardon, dread princess, that I made some scruple To leave a valley of security, To mount up to the hill of majesty, On which, the nearer Jove, the nearer lightning. What knew I, but your grace made trial of me; Durst I presume to embrace, where but to touch With an unmanner'd hand was death? The fox, When he saw first the forest's king[30], the lion, Was almost dead with fear; the second view Only a little daunted him; the third, He durst salute him boldly: pray you, apply this; And you shall find a little time will teach me To look with more familiar eyes upon you, Than duty yet allows me.

_Sap._ Well excused.

_Artem._ You may redeem all yet.

_Diocle._ And, that he may Have means and opportunity to do so, Artemia, I leave you my substitute In fair Cæsarea.

_Sap._ And here, as yourself, We will obey and serve her.

_Diocle._ Antoninus, So you prove hers, I wish no other heir; Think on 't:--be careful of your charge, Theophilus; Sapritius, be you my daughter's guardian. Your company I wish, confederate princes, In our Dalmatian wars: which finished With victory I hope, and Maximinus, Our brother and copartner in the empire, At my request won to confirm as much, The kingdoms I took from you we'll restore, And make you greater than you were before. [_Exeunt all but_ ANTONINUS _and_ MACRINUS.

_Anton._ Oh, I am lost for ever! lost, Macrinus! The anchor of the wretched, hope, forsakes me, And with one blast of Fortune all my light Of happiness is put out.

_Mac._ You are like to those That are ill only, 'cause they are too well; That, surfeiting in the excess of blessings, Call their abundance want. What could you wish, That is not fall'n upon you? honour, greatness, Respect, wealth, favour, the whole world for a dower; And with a princess, whose excelling form Exceeds her fortune.

_Anton._ Yet poison still is poison, Though drunk in gold; and all these flattering glories To me, ready to starve, a painted banquet, And no essential food. When I am scorch'd With fire, can flames in any other quench me? What is her love to me, greatness, or empire, That am slave to another, who alone Can give me ease or freedom?

_Mac._ Sir, you point at Your dotage on the scornful Dorothea: Is she, though fair, the same day to be named With best Artemia? In all their courses, Wise men purpose their ends: with sweet Artemia, There comes along pleasure, security, Usher'd by all that in this life is precious: With Dorothea (though her birth be noble, The daughter to a senator of Rome, By him left rich, yet with a private wealth, And far inferior to yours) arrives The emperor's frown, which, like a mortal plague, Speaks death is near; the princess' heavy scorn, Under which you will shrink; your father's fury, Which to resist even piety forbids:-- And but remember that she stands suspected A favourer of the Christian sect; she brings Not danger, but assured destruction with her. This truly weigh'd one smile of great Artemia Is to be cherish'd, and preferr'd before All joys in Dorothea: therefore leave her.

_Anton._ In what thou think'st thou art most wise, thou art Grossly abused, Macrinus, and most foolish. For any man to match above his rank, Is but to sell his liberty. With Artemia I still must live a servant; but enjoying Divinest Dorothea, I shall rule, Rule as becomes a husband: for the _danger_, Or call it, if you will, _assured destruction_, I slight it thus.--If, then, thou art my friend, As I dare swear thou art, and wilt not take A governor's place upon thee[31], be my helper.

_Mac._ You know I dare, and will do any thing; Put me unto the test.

_Anton._ Go, then, Macrinus, To Dorothea; tell her I have worn, In all the battles I have fought, her figure, Her figure in my heart, which, like a deity, Hath still protected me. Thou canst speak well; And of thy choicest language spare a little, To make her understand how much I love her, And how I languish for her. Bear these jewels, Sent in the way of sacrifice, not service, As to my goddess: all lets[32] thrown behind me, Or fears that may deter me, say, this morning I mean to visit her by the name of friendship:-- No words to contradict this.

_Mac._ I am yours: And, if my travail this way be ill spent, Judge not my readier will by the event. [_Exeunt._

FOOTNOTES:

[19] Perséver.] So this word was anciently written and pronounced: thus the king, in _Hamlet_:

----_but to_ perséver _In obstinate condolement_. GIFFORD.

[20] Sap. _Keep the_ ports _close._] This word, which is directly from the Latin, is so frequently used by Massinger and the writers of his time for the _gates of a town_, that it appears superfluous to produce any examples of it.--GIFFORD.

[21] _Kings_ lackeying _by his triumphant chariot._] Running by the side of it like _lackeys_ or foot-boys.--GIFFORD.

[22] _Flesh'd his maiden sword._] These words are from Shakspeare, of whose works Massinger appears to have been a great reader.

[23] _Whose power_, &c.] An imitation of the well-known line, _Divisum imperium cum Jove Cæsar habet_.--GIFFORD.

[24] K. of Epire. _We are now Slaves to thy power_, &c.] I have observed several imitations of Massinger in the dramas of Mason: there is, for instance, a striking similarity between this spirited speech, and the indignant exclamation of the brave but unfortunate Caractacus:

----"Soldier, I had arms, Had neighing steeds to whirl my iron cars, Had wealth, dominions: dost thou wonder, Roman, I fought to save them? What if Cæsar aims To lord it universal o'er the world, Shall the world tamely crouch to Cæsar's footstool?" GIFFORD.

[25] _And do 't with safety._] This is admirably expressed: the maxim, however, though just, is of the most dangerous nature; for what ambitious chief will ever allow the state to be "raised to her perfection," or that the time for using "mercy with safety" is arrived? Even Dioclesian has his exceptions,--strong ones too! for Rome was old enough in his time. There is an allusion to Virgil, in the opening of this speech:

_Res dura, et novitas regni me talia cogunt Moliri, &c._ GIFFORD.

[26] --------_as weak Perseus Did great Æmilius._] It is said that Perseus sent to desire Paulus Æmilius not to exhibit him as a spectacle to the Romans, and to spare him the indignity of being led in triumph. Æmilius replied coldly: _The favour he asks of me is in his own power; he can procure it for himself_.--COXETER.

[27] _To match where they affect not._] This does better for modern than Roman practice; and, indeed, the author was thinking more of Hamlet than Dioclesian, in this part of the dialogue.--GIFFORD.

[28] _Owes_.] i. e. _owns_.

[29] _Fair Venus' son, draw forth a leaden dart._] The idea of this double effect, to which Massinger has more than one allusion, is from Ovid:

_Filius huic Veneris; figat tuus omnia, Phoebe, Te meus arcus, ait:--Parnassi constitit arce, Eque sagittifera promsit duo tela pharetra Diversorum operum; fugat hoc, facit illud amorem. Quod facit, auratum est, et cuspide fulget acuta; Quod fugat, obtusum est, et habet sub arundine plumbum._ Met. lib. i. 470.

GIFFORD.

[30] --------_The fox, When he saw first the forest's king_, &c.] The fable is from the Greek. In a preceding line there is an allusion to the proverb, _Procul a Jove, sed procul a fulmine_.--GIFFORD.

[31] _A governor's place upon thee._] From the Latin: _ne sis mihi tutor_.--GIFFORD.

[32] ----_All lets._] i. e. _All impediments._