The Works of Aphra Behn, Vol. II
by
Aphra Behn
Part 1 out of 11
THE WORKS OF APHRA BEHN
VOL. II
EDITED BY
MONTAGUE SUMMERS
CONTENTS
ABDELAZER; OR, THE MOOR'S REVENGE
THE YOUNG KING; OR, THE MISTAKE
THE CITY HEIRESS; OR, SIR TIMOTHY TREAT-ALL
THE FEIGN'D CURTEZANS; OR, A NIGHT'S INTRIGUE
NOTES
ABDELAZER; OR, THE MOOR'S REVENGE.
ARGUMENT.
The old King of Spain, having conquered Fez and killed the Moorish
monarch, has taken the orphaned prince Abdelazer under his protection and
in time made him General. Abdelazer, though always courageous, has the
desire of revenge ever uppermost, and to gain influence, rather than from
any love, he becomes the Queen's paramour. She, being a lustful and
wicked woman, joins with the Moor in poisoning her husband, at whose
death Philip, her second son, newly returned victor from a martial
expedition, leaving his army at some distance, rushes in mad with rage
and publicly accuses his mother of adultery with Abdelazer. She is
greatly incensed, but Cardinal Mendozo, as Protector of the King,
promptly banishes her gallant. The young King Ferdinand, however, to
please Florella, the Moor's wife, whom he loves, revokes this decree.
Abdelazer, in revenge, next orders his native officer Osmin to kill
Philip and the Cardinal. They escape by night disguised as monks, whilst
Abdelazer alarms the castle with cries of treason and tells the King that
Philip and the Cardinal are plotting to murder him. Ferdinand orders
Abdelazer to follow them, intending to visit Florella during her
husband's absence. Abdelazer, fully aware of his plan, out of pride
and mischief furnishes Florella with a dagger, bidding her stab the
King if he persists in his suit. Elvira, the Queen Mother's confidante,
Watches the King enter Florella's apartment and conveys the news to her
Mistress who, with dissembled reluctance, informs Alonzo, the Moor's
brother-in-law. Florella resists the King's solicitations and produces
the dagger threatening to stab herself. At this juncture the Queen rushes
in and, feigning to think that Florella was about to attempt the King's
life, kills her. Her motive for this deed is, in reality, jealousy.
Whilst the King falls weeping at his dead mistress' feet Abdelazer enters,
and in the ensuing fight Ferdinand is slain. Philip is then proclaimed
King, but Abdelazer announcing he is a bastard, an avowal backed by the
Queen, declares himself Protector of Spain, Overpowered by his following,
The lords accept him. Alonzo, however, flies to Philip's camp with the
tidings. A battle between the two parties follows, but the Queen
treacherously detaches Mendozo, who loves her, from Philip, and although
the Moors are at first beaten back they now gain the advantage and Philip
is captured. At a general assembly of the nobles the Queen relates the
false tale of Philip's illegitimacy and asserts that the Cardinal is his
father. She privately bids Mendozo acknowledge this and so gain the
crown, but he refuses to support the lie and is promptly arrested as a
traitor. Abdelazer now brings forward the Infanta Leonora and proclaims
her Queen of Spain, He next disposes of the Queen Mother by bidding
Roderigo, a creature of his own, assassinate her forthwith. Roderigo
gains admittance disguised as a friar and stabs her, upon which
Abdelazer, to screen himself, rushes in and cuts him down. He next openly
declares his love for Leonora and is about to force her when Osmin, his
officer, enters to inform him that Alonzo, to whom Leonora is affianced,
has resisted arrest but is at last secured. Abdelazer, enraged at the
interruption, wounds Osmin in the arm. Leonora pities the blow; and the
Moorish soldier, deeply hurt at the insult, resolves to betray his
master. He accordingly goes to the prison where Philip, the Cardinal, and
Alonzo are confined, and killing his fellow Zarrack who was to have been
their executioner, sets them free. When Abdelazer enters he finds himself
entrapped. He glories, however, in his crimes, and as they set on him
kills Osmin, himself falling dead in the melee. The Cardinal is forgiven,
Leonora and Alonzo are united, whilst Philip ascends the throne.
SOURCE.
_Abdelazer; or, the Moor's Revenge_ is an alteration of the robustious
_Lust's Dominion; or, the _Lascivious Queen_, printed 12mo, 1657, and then
attributed to Marlowe, who was certainly not the author. It is now
generally identified with _The Spanish Moor's Tragedy_ by Dekker
(Haughton and Day, 1600), although, as Fleay justly says, there is 'an
under-current of pre-Shakespearean work' unlike either Dekker or Day.
There are marked crudities of form and a rough conduct of plot which
stamp it as of very early origin. Probably it was emended and pruned by
the three collaborators.
Although often keeping close to her original, Mrs. Behn has dealt with
the somewhat rude material in a very apt and masterly way: she has, to
advantage, omitted the old King, Emanuel, King of Portugal, Alvero,
father to Maria (Florella), and the two farcical friars, Crab and Cole;
she adds Elvira, and whereas in _Lust's Dominion_ the Queen at the
conclusion is left alive, declaiming:--
'I'll fly unto some solitary residence
When I'll spin out the remnant of my life
In true contrition for my past offences.'--
Mrs. Behn far more dramatically kills her Isabella. Perhaps the famous
assassination of Henri III of France by the Dominican, Jacques Clement,
gave a hint for Roderigo masqued as a monk.
The sexual passion, the predominance of which in this tragedy a recent
critic has not a little carpingly condemned, is entirely natural in such
an untamed savage as Abdelazer, whilst history affords many a parallel to
the lascivious Queen.
THEATRICAL HISTORY.
_Abdelazer; or, The Moor's Revenge_ was first produced at the Duke's
Theatre in Dorset Garden during the late autumn of 1677. It was supported
by a strong cast, and Betterton, whose Othello, Steele--writing
exquisitely in the _Tatler_--seems to have considered artistically quite
perfect, was no doubt n wonderful representative of the ferocious Afric.
The effective role of Queen Isabella fell to Mrs. Mary Lee, the first
tragedienne of the day, Mrs. Marshall, the leading lady of the King's
Company, having at this time just retired from the stage. [Footnote: Her
last role was Berenice in Crowne's heroic tragedy, _The Destruction of
Jerusalem_ (1677).] It is interesting to notice that Mrs. Barry on her
way to fame played the secondary part of Leonora.
_Abdelazer_ seems to have met with good success, and on Easter Monday,
April, 1695, the patentees, after the secession of Betterton, Mrs. Barry,
Mrs. Bracegirdle and their following to Lincoln's Inn Fields, chose the
tragedy to reopen Drury Lane. The Moor was played by George Powell, a
vigorous and passionate actor, who also spoke a new prologue written for
the nonce by Cibber, then a mere struggler in the ranks. Colley's verses
were accepted at the eleventh hour in default of better, and he tells us
how chagrined he was not to be allowed to deliver them in person. The
house was very full the first day, but on the morrow it was empty,
probably owing to the inexperience of many of the actors and a too hasty
rehearsing of the play.
On the stage _Abdelazer_ was superseded by Edward Young's _The Revenge_,
a tragedy largely borrowed in theme and design from Mrs. Behn, with
reminiscences of _Othello_. Produced at Drury Lane, 18 April, 1721, with
Mills, Booth, Wilks, Mrs. Porter and Mrs. Horton in the cast, it attained
considerable success, and Zanga, the Moor, was long a favourite part with
our greatest actors even down to the days of Kean, who excelled in it,
and Macready. _The Revenge_ is not without merit, and it stands out well
before the lean and arid tragedies of its time, but this, unfortunately,
is not much to say. It is not for a moment to be compared with the
magnificent tapestry of _Abdelazer_, woven though the latter may be in
colours strong and daring.
ABDELAZER; or, The Moor's Revenge.
PROLOGUE.
_Gallants, you have so long been absent hence,
That you have almost cool'd your Diligence;
For while we study or revive a Play,
You, like good Husbands, in the Country stay,
There frugally wear out your Summer Suit,
And in Prize Jerkin after Beagles toot;
Or, in Montero-Caps, at Feldfares shoot.
Nay, some are so obdurate in their Sin,
That they swear never to come up again,
But all their Charge of Clothes and Treat retrench,
To Gloves and Stockings for some Country Wench:
Even they, who in the Summer had Mishaps,
Send up to Town for Physick for their Claps.
The Ladies too are as resolved as they,
And having Debts unknown to them, they stay,
And with the Gain of Cheese and Poultry pay.
Even in their Visits, they from Banquets fall,
To entertain with Nuts and Bottle-Ale;
And in Discourse with Secresy report
State-News, that past a Twelve-month since at Court.
Those of them who are most refind, and gay,
Now learn the Songs of the last Summer's Play:
While the young Daughter does in private mourn,
Her Lovers in Town, and hopes not to return.
These Country Grievances too great appear:
But cruel Ladies, we have greater here;
You come not sharp, as you are wont, to Plays;
But only on the first and second Days:
This made our Poet, in her Visits, look
What new strange Courses, for your time you took,
And to her great Regret she found too soon,
Damn'd Beasts and Ombre spent the Afternoon;
So that we cannot hope to see you here
Before the little Net-work Purse be clear.
Suppose you should have Luck--
Yet sitting up so late, as I am told,
You'll lose in Beauty what you win in Gold:
And what each Lady of another says,
Will make you new Lampoons, and us new Plays.
DRAMATIS PERSONAE.
MEN.
_Ferdinand_, a young King of Spain, in love with
_Florella_. Mr. _Harris_.
_Philip_, his Brother. Mr. _Smith_.
_Akdelazer_, the Moor. Mr. _Betterton_.
_Mendozo_, Prince Cardinal, in love with the Queen. Mr. _Medburn_.
_Alonzo_, a young Nobleman of _Spain_, contracted to
_Leonora_. Mr. _Crasbie_.
_Roderigo_, a Creature to the Moor, Mr. _Norris_.
_Antonio_, |
_Sebastian_, Two Officers of _Phillip's_. | Mr. _John Lee_.
_Osmin_, | Mr. _Percivall_.
_Zarrack_, Moors and Officers to _Abdelazer_. | Mr. _Richards_.
_Ordonio_, a Courtier.
A Swain, and Shepherds.
Courtiers, Officers, Guards, Soldiers, Moors, Pages, and Attendants.
WOMEN.
_Isabella_, Queen of _Spain_, Mother to _Ferdinand_
and _Philip_, in love with _Abdelazer_. Mrs. _Lee_.
_Leonora_, her Daughter, Sister to _Ferdinand_
and _Philip_. Mrs. _Barrey_.
_Florella_, Wife to _Abdelazer_, and Sister to Mrs. _Betterton_.
_Alonzo_.
_Elvira_, Woman to the Queen. Mrs. _Osborne_.
A Nymph, and Shepherdesses.
Other Women Attendants.
SCENE _Spain_, and in the Camp.
ACT I.
SCENE I. _A rich Chamber_.
_A Table with Lights_, Abdelazer _sullenly leaning his Head
on his Hands: after a little while, still Musick plays_.
SONG.
_Love _in fantastick Triumph sat,
Whilst bleeding Hearts around him flow'd,
For whom fresh Pains he did create,
And strange Tyrannick Pow'r he shewed;
From thy bright Eyes he took his Fires,
Which round about in sport he hurl'd;
But 'twas from mine he took Desires,
Enough t'undo the amorous World.
From me he took his Sighs and Tears,
From thee his Pride and Cruelty;
From me his Languishments and Fears,
And ev'ry killing Dart from thee:
Thus thou, and I, the God have arrri'd,
And set him up a Deity;
But my poor Heart alone is harm'd,
Whilst thine the Victor is, and free_.
[_After which he rouzes, and gazes_.
_Abd_. On me this Musick lost?--this Sound on me
That hates all Softness?--What, ho, my Slaves!
_Enter_ Osmin, Zarrack.
_Osm_. My gracious Lord--
[_Enter_ Queen, Elvira.
_Qu_. My dearest _Abdelazer_--
_Abd_. Oh, are you there?--Ye Dogs, how came she in?
Did I not charge you on your Lives to watch,
That none disturb my Privacy?
_Qu_. My gentle _Abdelazer_, 'tis thy Queen,
Who 'as laid aside the Business of her State,
To wanton in the kinder Joys of Love--
Play all your sweetest Notes, such as inspire
The active Soul with new and soft Desire,
[_To_ the Musick, they play softly.
Whilst we from Eyes--thus dying, fan the Fire.
[_She sits down by him_.
_Abd_. Cease that ungrateful Noise.
[_Musick_ ceases.
_Qu_. Can ought that I command displease my Moor?
_Abd_. Away, fond Woman.
_Qu_. Nay, prithee be more kind.
_Abd_. Nay, prithee, good Queen, leave me--I am dull,
Unfit for Dalliance now.
_Qu_. Why dost thou frown?--to whom was that Curse sent?
_Abd_. To thee--
_Qu_. To me?--it cannot be--to me, sweet Moor?--
No, no, it cannot--prithee smile upon me--
Smile, whilst a thousand Cupids shall descend
And call thee Jove, and wait upon thy Smiles,
Deck thy smooth Brow with Flowers;
Whilst in my Eyes, needing no other Glass,
Thou shalt behold and wonder at thy Beauty.
_Abd_. Away, away, be gone--
_Qu_. Where hast thou learnt this Language, that can say
But those rude Words--Away, away, be gone?
Am I grown ugly now?
_Abd_. Ugly as Hell--
_Qu_. Didst thou not love me once, and swore that Heav'n
Dwelt in my Face and Eyes?
_Abd_. Thy Face and Eyes!--Baud, fetch me here a Glass,
[_To_ Elvira.
And thou shalt see the Balls of both those Eyes
Burning with Fire of Lust:
That Blood that dances in thy Cheeks so hot,
That have not I to cool it
Made an Extraction even of my Soul,
Decay'd my Youth, only to feed thy Lust?
And wou'dst thou still pursue me to my Grave?
_Qu_. All this to me, my _Abdelazer_?
_Abd_. I cannot ride through the _Castilian_ Streets,
But thousand Eyes throw killing Looks at me,
And cry--That's he that does abuse our King--
There goes the Minion of the _Spanish_ Queen,
Who, on the lazy Pleasures of his Love,
Spends the Revenues of the King of _Spain_--
This many-headed Beast your Lust has arm'd.
_Qu_. How dare you, Sir, upbraid me with my Love?
_Abd_. I will not answer thee, nor hear thee speak.
_Qu_. Not hear me speak!--Yes, and in Thunder too;
Since all my Passion, all my soft Intreaties
Can do no good upon thee,
I'll see (since thou hast banish'd all thy Love,
That Love, to which I've sacrific'd my Honour)
If thou hast any Sense of Gratitude,
For all the mighty Graces I have done thee.
_Abd_. Do;--and in thy Story too, do not leave out
How dear those mighty Graces I have purchas'd;
My blooming Youth, my healthful vigorous Youth,
Which Nature gave me for more noble Actions
Than to lie fawning at a Woman's Feet,
And pass my Hours in Idleness and Love--
If I cou'd blush, I shou'd thro all this Cloud
Send forth my Sense of Shame into my Cheeks.
_Qu_. Ingrate!
Have I for this abus'd the best of Men,
My noble Husband?
Depriving him of all the Joys of Love,
To bring them all intirely to thy Bed;
Neglected all my Vows, and sworn 'em here a-new,
Here, on thy Lips--
Exhausted Treasures that wou'd purchase Crowns,
To buy thy Smiles--to buy a gentle Look;
And when thou didst repay me--blest the Giver?
Oh, _Abdelazer_, more than this I've done--
This very Hour, the last the King can live,
Urg'd by thy Witch-craft, I his Life betray'd;
And is it thus my Bounties are repaid?
Whate'er a Crime so great deserves from Heav'n,
By _Abdelazer_ might have been forgiven: [_Weeps_.
But I will be reveng'd by penitence,
And e'er the King dies, own my black Offence--
And yet that's not enough--_Elvira_-- [_Pauses_.
Cry murder, murder, help, help.
[_She and her Women cry aloud, he is surpriz'd,
the_ Queen _falls_, _he draws a Dagger_ at Elvira.
_Elv_. Help, murder, murder!--
_Abd_. Hell, what's this?--peace, Baud--'sdeath,
They'll raise the Court upon me, and then I'm lost--
My Queen--my Goddess--Oh raise your lovely Eyes,
I have dissembled Coldness all this while;
And that Deceit was but to try thy Faith.
[_Takes her up, sets her in a Chair, then kneels_.
Look up--by Heav'n,'twas Jealousy--
Pardon your Slave--pardon your poor Adorer.
_Qu_. Thou didst upbraid me with my shameful Passion.
_Abd_. I'll tear my Tongue out for its Profanation.
_Qu_. And when I woo'd thee but to smile upon me,
Thou cry'st--Away, I'm dull, unfit for Dalliance.
_Abd_. Call back the frighted Blood into thy Cheeks,
And I'll obey the Dictates of my Love,
And smile, and kiss, and dwell for ever here--
_Enter_ Osmin hastily.
How now--why star'st thou so?
_Osm_. My Lord--the King is dead.
_Abd_. The King dead!--'Twas time then to dissemble. [_Aside_.
What means this Rudeness?--
[_One knocks_.
_Enter_ Zarrack.
_Zar_. My Lord--the Cardinal inquiring for the Queen,
The Court is in an uproar, none can find her.
_Abd_. Not find the Queen! and wou'd they search her here?
_Qu_. What shall I do? I must not here be found.
_Abd_. Oh, do not fear--no Cardinal enters here;
No King--no God, that means to be secure--
Slaves guard the Doors, and suffer none to enter,
Whilst I, my charming Queen, provide for your Security--
You know there is a Vault deep under Ground,
Into the which the busy Sun ne'er enter'd,
But all is dark, as are the Shades of Hell,
Thro which in dead of Night I oft have pass'd,
Guided by Love, to your Apartment, Madam--
They knock agen--thither, my lovely Mistress, [_Knock_.
Suffer your self to be conducted--
_Osmin_, attend the Queen--descend in haste,
[Queen, Osm. _and_ Elv. _descend the Vault_.
My Lodgings are beset.
_Zar_. I cannot guard the Lodgings longer--
Don _Ordonio_, Sir, to seek the Queen--
_Abd_. How dare they seek her here?
_Zar_. My Lord, the King has swounded twice,
And being recover'd, calls for her Majesty.
_Abd_. The King not dead!--go, _Zafrack_, and aloud
Tell Don _Ordonio_ and the Cardinal,
He that dares enter here to seek the Queen,
[_Puts his Hand to his Sword_.
Had better snatch the She from the fierce side
Of a young amorous Lion, and 'twere safer.--
Again, more knocking!--
[_Knocking_.
_Zar_. My gracious Lord, it is your Brother, Don _Alonzo_.
_Abd_. I will not have him enter--I am disorder'd.
_Zar_. My Lord, 'tis now too late.
_Enter_ Alonzo.
_Alon_. Saw you not the Queen, my Lord?
_Abd_. My Lord!
_Alon_. Was not the Queen here with you?
_Abd_. The Queen with me!
Because, Sir, I am married to your Sister,
You, like your Sister, must be jealous too:
The Queen with me! with me! a Moor! a Devil!
A Slave of _Barbary_! for so
Your gay young Courtiers christen me--But, Don,
Altho my Skin be black, within my Veins
Runs Blood as red, and royal as the best.--
My Father, Great _Abdela_, with his Life
Lost too his Crown; both most unjustly ravish'd
By Tyrant _Philip_, your old King I mean.
How many Wounds his valiant Breast receiv'd
E'er he would yield to part with Life and Empire:
Methinks I see him cover'd o'er with Blood,
Fainting amidst those numbers he had conquer'd.
I was but young, yet old enough to grieve,
Tho not revenge, or to defy my Fetters:
For then began my Slavery; and e'er since
Have seen that Diadem by this Tyrant worn,
Which crown'd the sacred Temples of my Father,
And shou'd adorn mine now--shou'd! nay, and must--
Go tell him what I say--'twill be but Death--
Go, Sir,--the Queen's not here.
_Alon_. Do not mistake me, Sir,--or if I wou'd,
I've no old King to tell--the King is dead--
And I am answer'd, Sir, to what I came for,
And so good night.
[_Exit_.
_Abd_. Now all that's brave and villain seize my Soul,
Reform each Faculty that is not ill,
And make it fit for Vengeance, noble Vengeance.
Oh glorious Word! fit only for the Gods,
For which they form'd their Thunder,
Till Man usurp'd their Power, and by Revenge
Sway'd Destiny as well as they, and took their trade of killing.
And thou, almighty Love,
Dance in a thousand forms about my Person,
That this same Queen, this easy Spanish Dame,
May be bewitch'd, and dote upon me still;
Whilst I make use of the insatiate Flame
To set all _Spain_ on fire.--
Mischief, erect thy Throne,
And sit on high; here, here upon my Head.
Let Fools fear Fate, thus I my Stars defy:
The influence of this--must raise my Glory high.
[_Pointing to his Sword.
[Exit_.
SCENE II. _A Room in the Palace_.
_Enter_ Ferdinand _weeping_, Ordonio _bearing the Crown,
followed by_ Alonzo, _leading_ Leonora _weeping_; Florella,
Roderigo, Mendozo, _met by the_ Queen _weeping_;
Elvira _and Women_.
_Qu_. What doleful Cry was that, which like the Voice
Of angry Heav'n struck thro my trembling Soul?
Nothing but horrid Shrieks, nothing but Death;
Whilst I, bowing my Knees to the cold Earth,
Drowning my Cheeks in Rivulets of Tears,
Sending up Prayers in Sighs, t' implore from Heaven
Health for the Royal Majesty of _Spain_--
All cry'd, the Majesty of _Spain_ is dead.
Whilst the sad Sound flew through the ecchoing Air,
And reach'd my frighted Soul--Inform my Fears,
Oh my _Fernando_, oh my gentle Son--
[_Weeps_.
_King_. Madam, read here the truth, if looks can shew
That which I cannot speak, and you wou'd know:
The common Fare in ev'ry face appears;
A King's great loss the publick Grief declares,
But 'tis a Father's Death that claims my Tears.
[Card. _leads in the_ Queen _attended_.
_Leon_. Ah, Sir!
If you thus grieve, who ascend by what y'ave lost,
To all the Greatness that a King can boast;
What Tributes from my Eyes and Heart are due,
Who've lost at once a King and Father too?
_King_. My _Leonora_ cannot think my Grief
Can from those empty Glories find relief;
Nature within my Soul has equal share,
And that and Love surmount my Glory there.
Had Heav'n continu'd Royal _Philip's_ Life,
And giv'n me bright _Florella_ for a Wife,
[_Bows to_ Florella.
To Crown and Scepters I had made no claim,
But ow'd my Blessings only to my Flame.
But Heav'n well knew in giving thee away, [_To_ Flor.
I had no bus'ness for another Joy. [_Weeps_.
The King, _Alanzo_, with his dying Breath,
[_Turns to_ Alon. _and_ Leon.
To you my beauteous Sister did bequeath;
And I his Generosity approve,
And think you worthy _Leonora's_ Love.
_Enter_ Card. _and_ Queen _weeping_.
_Alon_. Too gloriously my Services are paid,
In the possession of this Royal Maid,
To whom my guilty Heart durst ne'er aspire,
But rather chose to languish in its Fire.
_Enter_ Philip _in a Rage_, Antonio _and_ Sebastian.
_Phil_. I know he is not dead; what envious Powers
Durst snatch him hence? he was all great and good,
As fit to be ador'd as they above.
Where is the Body of my Royal Father?
That Body which inspir'd by's sacred Soul,
Aw'd all the Universe with ev'ry Frown,
And taught 'em all Obedience with his Smiles.
Why stand you thus distracted--Mother--Brother--
My Lords--Prince Cardinal--
Has Sorrow struck you dumb?
Is this my Welcome from the Toils of War?
When in his Bosom I shou'd find repose,
To meet it cold and pale!--Oh, guide me to him,
And with my Sighs I'll breathe new Life into't.
_King_. There's all that's left of Royal _Philip_ now,
[Phil, _goes out_.
Pay all thy Sorrow there--whilst mine alone
Are swoln too high t' admit of Lookers on.
[_Ex_. King _weeping_.
Philip _returns weeping_.
_Phil_. His Soul is fled to all Eternity;
And yet methought it did inform his Body,
That I, his darling _Philip_, was arriv'd
With Conquest on my Sword; and even in Death
Sent me his Joy in Smiles.
_Qu_. If Souls can after Death have any Sense
Of human things, his will be proud to know
That _Philip_ is a Conqueror.
_Enter_ Abdelazer.
But do not drown thy Laurels thus in Tears,
Such Tributes leave to us, thou art a Soldier.
_Phil_. Gods! this shou'd be my Mother--
_Men_. It is, great Sir, the Queen.
_Phil_. Oh, she's too foul for one or t'other Title.
_Qu_. How, Sir, do you not know me?
_Phil_. When you were just, I did,
And with a Reverence, such as we pay Heav'n,
I paid my awful Duty;--
But as you have abus'd my Royal Father,
For such a Sin the basest of your Slaves
Wou'd blush to call you Mother.
_Qu_. What means my Son?
_Phil_. Son! by Heav'n, I scorn the Title.
_Qu_. Oh Insolence!--out of my sight, rude Boy.
_Phil_. We must not part so, Madam;
I first must let you know your Sin and Shame;--
Nay, hear me calmly--for, by Heav'n, you shall--
My Father whilst he liv'd, tir'd his strong Arm
With numerous Battles 'gainst the Enemy,
Wasting his Brains in warlike Stratagems;
To bring Confusion on the faithless Moors,
Whilst you, lull'd in soft Peace at home, betray'd
His Name to everlasting Infamy;
Suffer'd his Bed to be defil'd with Lust,
Gave up your self, your Honour, and your Vows,
To wanton in yon sooty Lecher's Arms.
[_Points to_ Abd.
_Abd_. Me, dost thou mean?
_Phil_. Yes, Villain, thee, thou Hell-begotten Fiend,
'Tis thee I mean.
_Qu_. Oh most unnatural, to dishonour me!
_Phil_. That Dog you mean, that has dishonour'd you,
Dishonour'd me, these Lords, nay, and all Spain;
This Devil's he, that--
_Abd_. That--what--Oh pardon me if I throw off
All Ties of Duty:--wert thou ten King's Sons,
And I as many Souls as I have Sins,
Thus I would hazard all.
[Draws, they all run between.
_Phil_. Stand off--or I'll make way upon thy Bosom.
_Abd_. How got you, Sir, this daring?
_Phil_. From injur'd _Philip's_ Death,
Who, whilst he liv'd, unjustly cherish'd thee,
And set thee up beyond the reach of Fate;
Blind with thy brutal Valor, deaf with thy Flatteries,
Discover'd not the Treason thou didst act,
Nor none durst let him know 'em--but did he live,
I wou'd aloud proclaim them in his Ears.
_Abd_. You durst as well been damn'd.
_Phil_. Hell seize me if I want Revenge for this--
Not dare!
Arise, thou injur'd Ghost of my dead King,
And thro thy dreadful Paleness dart a Horror,
May fright this pair of Vipers from their Sins.
_Abd_. Oh insupportable! dost hear me, Boy?
_Qu_. Are ye all mute, and hear me thus upbraided?
[_To the Lords_.
_Phil_. Dare ye detain me whilst the Traitor braves me?
_Men_. Forbear, my Prince, keep in that noble Heat
That shou'd be better us'd than on a Slave.
_Abd_. You politick Cheat--
_Men. Abdelazer_--
By the Authority of my Government,
Which yet I hold over the King of _Spain_,
By Warrant of a Council from the Peers,
And (as an Unbeliever) from the Church,
I utterly deprive thee of that Greatness,
Those Offices and Trusts you hold in _Spain_.
_Abd_. Cardinal--who lent thee this Commission?
Grandees of Spain, do you consent to this?
_All_. We do.
_Alon_. What Reason for it? let his Faith be try'd.
_Men_. It needs no tryal, the Proofs are evident,
And his Religion was his Veil for Treason.
_Alon_. Why should you question his Religion, Sir?
He does profess Christianity.
_Men_. Yes, witness his Habit which he still retains
In scorn to ours--
His Principles are too as unalterable.
_Abd_. Is that the only Argument you bring?
I tell thee, Cardinal, not thy Holy Gown
Covers a Soul more sanctify'd than this
Moorish Robe.
_Phil_. Damn his Religion--he has a thousand Crimes
That will yet better justify your Sentence.
_Men_. Come not within the Court; for if you do,
Worse mischief shall ensue--you have your Sentence.
[_Ex_. Phil, _and_ Men.
_Alon_. My Brother banish'd! 'tis very sudden;
For thy sake, Sister, this must be recall'd. [_To_ Flor.
_Qu. Alonzo_, join with me, I'll to the King,
And check the Pride of this insulting Cardinal.
[_Exeunt all, except_ Abdelazer, Florella.
_Abd_. Banish'd! if I digest this Gall,
May Cowards pluck the Wreath from off my Brow,
Which I have purchas'd with so many Wounds,
And all for Spain; for _Spain_! ingrateful _Spain_!--
Oh, my _Florella_, all my Glory's vanish'd,
The Cardinal (Oh damn him) wou'd have me banish'd.
_Flor_. But, Sir, I hope you will not tamely go.
_Abd_. Tamely!--ha, ha, ha,--yes, by all means--
A very honest and religious Cardinal!
_Flor_. I wou'd not for the World you should be banish'd.
_Abd_. Not Spain, you mean--for then she leaves the King. [_Aside_.
What if I be?--Fools! not to know--All parts o' th' World
Allow enough for Villany; for I'll be brave no more.
It is a Crime--and then I can live any where--
But say I go from hence--I leave behind me
A Cardinal that will laugh--I leave behind me
A _Philip_ that will clap his Hands in sport--
But the worst Wound is this, I leave my Wrongs,
Dishonours, and my Discontents, all unreveng'd--
Leave me, _Florella_--prithee do not weep;
I love thee, love thee wondrously--go leave me--
I am not now at leisure to be fond--
Go to your Chamber--go.
_Flor_. No, to the King I'll fly,
And beg him to revenge thy Infamy. [_Ex_. Flor.
_To him_ Alonzo.
_Alon_. The Cardinal's mad to have thee banish'd Spain.
I've left the Queen in angry Contradiction,
But yet I fear the Cardinal's Reasoning.
_Abd_. This Prince's Hate proceeds from Love,
He's jealous of the Queen, and fears my Power. [_Aside_.
_Alon_. Come, rouse thy wonted Spirits, awake thy Soul,
And arm thy Justice with a brave Revenge.
_Abd_. I'll arm no Justice with a brave Revenge.
[_Sullenly_.
_Alon_. Shall they then triumph o'er thee, who were once
Proud to attend thy conqu'ring Chariot-Wheels?
_Abd_. I care not--I am a Dog, and can bear wrongs.
_Alon_. But, Sir, my Honour is concern'd with yours,
Since my lov'd Sister did become your Wife;
And if yours suffer, mine too is unsafe.
_Abd_. I cannot help it--
_Alon_. What Ice has chill'd thy Blood?
This Patience was not wont to dwell with thee.
_Abd_. 'Tis true; but now the World is chang'd you see.
Thou art too brave to know what I resolve-- [_Aside_.
No more--here comes the King with my _Florella_.
He loves her, and she swears to me she's chaste;
'Tis well, if true--well too, if it be false: [_Aside_.
I care not, 'tis Revenge
That I must sacrifice my Love and Pleasure to.
[Alon. _and_ Abd. _stand aside_.
_Enter King, _Lords, Guards passing over the Stage_,
Florella _in a suppliant posture weeping_.
_King_. Thou woo'st me to reverse thy Husband's Doom,
And I woo thee for Mercy on my self,
Why shoud'st thou sue to him for Life and Liberty,
For any other, who himself lies dying,
Imploring from thy Eyes a little Pity?
_Flor_. Oh mighty King! in whose sole Power, like Heav'n,
The Lives and Safeties of your Slaves remain,
Hear and redress my _Abdelazer's_ Wrongs.
_King_. All Lives and Safeties in my Power remain!
Mistaken charming Creature, if my Power
Be such, who kneel and bow to thee,
What must thine be,
Who hast the Sovereign Command o'er me and it?
Wou'dst thou give Life? turn but thy lovely Eyes
Upon the wretched thing that wants it,
And he will surely live, and live for ever.
Canst thou do this, and com'st to beg of me?
_Flor_. Alas, Sir, what I beg's what you alone can give,
My _Abdelazer's_ Pardon.
_King_. Pardon! can any thing ally'd to thee offend?
Thou art so sacred and so innocent,
That but to know thee, and to look on thee,
Must change even Vice to Virtue.
Oh my _Florella_!
So perfectly thou dost possess my Soul,
That ev'ry Wish of thine shall be obey'd:
Say, wou'dst thou have thy Husband share my Crown?
Do but submit to love me, and I yield it.
_Flor_. Such Love as humble Subjects owe their King.
[_Kneels, he takes her up_.
And such as I dare pay, I offer here.
_King_. I must confess it is a Price too glorious:
But, my _Florella_--
_Abd_. I'll interrupt your amorous Discourse. [_Aside_.
[Abd. _comes up to them_.
_Flor_. Sir, _Abdelazer's_ here.
_King_. His Presence never was less welcome to me;--
[_Aside_.
But, Madam, durst the Cardinal use this Insolence?
Where is your noble Husband?
_Abd_. He sees me, yet inquires for me. [_Aside_.
_Flor_. Sir, my Lord is here.
_King. Abdelazer_, I have heard with much surprize,
O' th' Injuries you've receiv'd, and mean to right you:
My Father lov'd you well, made you his General,
I think you worthy of that Honour still.
_Abd_. True--for my Wife's sake. [_Aside_.
_King_. When my Coronation is solemnized,
Be present there, and re-assume your wonted State and Place;
And see how I will check the insolent Cardinal.
_Abd_. I humbly thank my Sovereign--
[_Kneels, and kisses the_ King's _Hand_.
That he loves my Wife so well. [_Aside_.
[_Exeunt_.
_Manent_ Abdelazer, Florella.
_Flor_. Wilt thou not pay my Service with one Smile?
Have I not acted well the Suppliant's part?
_Abd_. Oh wonderfully! y'ave learnt the Art to move.
Go, leave me.
_Flor_. Still out of humour, thoughtful and displeas'd?
And why at me, my _Abdelazer_? what have I done?
_Abd_. Rarely! you cannot do amiss you are so beautiful.
So very fair--Go, get you in, I say--
[_Turns her in roughly_.
She has the art of dallying with my Soul,
Teaching it lazy softness from her Looks.
But now a nobler Passion's enter'd there,
And blows it thus--to Air--Idol Ambition,
_Florella_ must to thee a Victim fall:
Revenge,--to thee--a Cardinal and Prince:
And to my Love and Jealousy, a King--
More yet, my mighty Deities, I'll do,
None that you e'er inspir'd like me shall act;
That fawning servile Crew shall follow next,
Who with the Cardinal cry'd, banish _Abdelazer_.
_Like Eastern Monarchs I'll adorn thy Fate,
And to the Shades thou shalt descend in State.
[Exit_.
ACT II.
SCENE I. _A Chamber of State_.
_Enter the_ King _crown'd_, Philip, Mendozo, Queen, Leonora,
Florella, Elvira, Alonzo, Roderigo, Ordonio, Sebastian,
Antonio, _Officers and Guards; met by_ Abdelazer _follow'd
by_ Osmin, Zarrack, _and Moors attending. He comes in with
Pride, staring on_ Philip _and_ Mendozo, _and takes his stand
next the_ King.
_Phil_. Why stares the Devil thus, as if he meant
From his infectious Eyes to scatter Plagues,
And poison all the World? Was he not banish'd?
How dares the Traitor venture into th' Presence?--
Guards, spurn the Villain forth.
_Abd_. Who spurns the _Moor_
Were better set his foot upon the Devil--
Do, spurn me, and this Hand thus justly arm'd,
Shall like a Thunder-bolt, breaking the Clouds,
Divide his Body from his Soul--stand back--
[_To the Guards_.
Spurn _Abdelazer_!--
_Phil_. Death, shall we bear this Insolence?
_Alon_. Great Sir, I think his Sentence was unjust.
[_To the_ King.
_Men_. Sir, you're too partial to be judge in this,
And shall not give your Voice.
_Abd_. Proud Cardinal--but he shall--and give it loud.
And shall not!--who shall hinder him?
_Phil_. This--and cut his Wind-pipe too.
[_Offers to draw_.
To spoil his whisp'ring.
[Abd. _offers to draw, his Attendants do the same_.
_King_. What means this Violence?
Forbear to draw your Swords--'tis we command.
_Abd_. Sir, do me Justice, I demand no more.
[_Kneels, and offers his Sword_.
And at your Feet we lay our Weapons down.
_Men_. Sir, _Abdelazer_ has had Justice done,
And stands by me banish'd the Court of _Spain_.
_King_. How, Prince Cardinal!
From whence do you derive Authority
To banish him the Court without our leave?
_Men_. Sir, from my Care unto your royal Person,
As I'm your Governor--then for the Kingdom's Safety.
_King_. Because I was a Boy, must I be still so?
Time, Sir, has given me in that formal Ceremony,
And I am of an age to rule alone;
And from henceforth discharge you of your Care.
We know your near relation to this Crown,
And wanting Heirs, that you must fill the Throne;
Till when, Sir, I am absolute Monarch here,
And you must learn Obedience.
_Men_. Pardon my zealous Duty, which I hope
You will approve, and not recal his Banishment.
_King_. Sir, but I will; and who dares contradict
It, is a Traitor.
_Phil_. I dare the first, yet do defy the last.
_King_. My hot-brain'd Sir, I'll talk to you anon.
_Men_. Sir, I am wrong'd, and will appeal to _Rome_.
_Phil_. By Heav'n, I'll to the Camp--Brother, farewel,
When next I meet thee, it shall be in Arms,
If thou can'st get loose from thy Mistress' Chains,
Where thou ly'st drown'd in idle wanton Love.
_Abd_. Hah--his Mistress--who is't Prince _Philip_ means?
_Phil_. Thy Wife, thy Wife, proud Moor, whom thou'rt content
To sell for Honour to eternal Infamy--
Does't make thee snarl?--Bite on, whilst thou shalt see,
I go for Vengeance, and 'twill come with me.
[_Going out, turns and draws_.
_Abd_. Stay! for 'tis here already--turn, proud Boy.
[Abd. _draws_.
_King_. What mean you, _Philip_?--[_Talks to him aside_.
_Qu_. Cease, cease your most impolitick Rage. [_To_ Abd.
Is this a time to shew't?--Dear Son, you are a King,
And may allay this Tempest.
_King_. How dare you disobey my Will and Pleasure? [_To_ Abd.
_Abd_. Shall I be calm, and hear my Wife call'd Whore?
Were he great _Jove_, and arm'd with all his Lightning,
By Heav'n, I could not hold my just Resentment.
_Qu_. 'Twas in his Passion, noble _Abdelazer_--
[King _talking to_ Phil. _aside_.
Imprudently thou dost disarm thy Rage,
And giv'st the Foe a warning, e'er thou strik'st;
When with thy Smiles thou might'st securely kill.
You know the Passion that the Cardinal bears me;
His Pow'r too o'er _Philip_, which well manag'd
Will serve to ruin both: put up your Sword--
When next you draw it, teach it how to act.
_Abd_. You shame me, and command me.
_Qu_. Why all this Rage?--does it become you, Sir?
[_To_ Men. _aside_.
What is't you mean to do?
_Men_. You need not care, whilst _Abdelazer's_ safe.
_Qu_. Jealousy, upon my Life--how gay it looks!
_Men_. Madam, you want that pitying Regard
To value what I do, or what I am;
I'll therefore lay my Cardinal's Hat aside,
And in bright Arms demand my Honour back.
_Qu_. Is't thus, my Lord, you give me Proofs of Love?
Have then my Eyes lost all their wonted Power?
And can you quit the hope of gaining me,
To follow your Revenge?--go--go to fight,
Bear Arms against your Country, and your King,
All for a little worthless Honour lost.
_Men_. What is it, Madam, you would have me do?
_Qu_. Not side with _Philip_, as you hope my Grace--
Now, Sir, you know my Pleasure, think on't well.
_Men_. Madam, you know your Power o'er your Slave,
And use it too tyrannically--but dispose
The Fate of him, whose Honour, and whose Life,
Lies at your Mercy--
I'll stay and die, since 'tis your gracious Pleasure.
_King. Philip_, upon your Life,
Upon your strict Allegiance, I conjure you
To remain at Court, till I have reconcil'd you.
_Phil_. Never, Sir;
Nor can you bend my Temper to that Tameness.
_King_. 'Tis in my Power to charge you as a Prisoner;
But you're my Brother--yet remember too
I am your King--No more.
_Phil_. I will obey.
_King. Abdelazer_,
I beg you will forget your Cause of Hate
Against my Brother _Philip_, and the Cardinal;
He's young, and rash, but will be better temper'd.
_Abd_. Sir, I have done, and beg your royal Pardon.
_King_. Come, _Philip_, give him your Hand.
_Phil_. I can forgive without a Ceremony.
_King_. And to confirm ye Friends,
I invite you all to Night to banquet with me;
Pray see you give Attendance--Come, Brother,
You must along with us.
[_Exeunt all but_ Abd. Queen _and Women_.
_Qu_. Leave me--
[_To the Women, who go out_.
Now my dear Moor.
_Abd_. Madam.
_Qu_. Why dost thou answer with that cold Reserve--
Is that a Look--an Action for a Lover?
_Abd_. Ah, Madam--
_Qu_. Have I not taken off thy Banishment?
Restor'd thee to thy former State and Honours?
Nay, and heap'd new ones too, too mighty for thy Hopes;
And still to raise thee equal to this Heart,
Where thou must ever reign.
_Abd_. 'Tis true, my bounteous Mistress, all this you've done--
But--
_Qu_. But what, my _Abdelazer_?
_Abd_. I will not call it to your Memory.
_Qu_. What canst thou mean?
_Abd_. Why was the King remov'd?
_Qu_. To make thy way more easy to my Arms.
_Abd_. Was that all?
_Qu_. All!
_Abd_. Not but it is a Blessing Gods would languish for--
But as you've made it free, so make it just.
_Qu_. Thou mean'st, marry thee.
_Abd_. No, by the Gods-- [_Aside_.
Not marry thee, unless I were a King.
_Qu_. What signifies the Name to him that rules one?
_Abd_. What use has he of Life, that cannot live
Without a Ruler?
_Qu_. Thou wouldst not have me kill him.
_Abd_. Oh, by no means, not for my wretched Life!
What, kill a King!--forbid it, Heaven:
Angels stand like his Guards about his Person.
The King!
Not so many Worlds as there be Stars
Twinkling upon the embroider'd Firmament!
The King!
He loves my Wife _Florella_, shou'd he die--
I know none else durst love her.
_Qu_. And that's the Reason you wou'd send him hence.
_Abd_. I must confess, I wou'd not bear a wrong:
But do not take me for a Villain, Madam;
He is my King, and may do what he pleases.
_Qu_. 'Tis well, Sir.
_Abd_. Again that Frown, it renders thee more charming
Than any other Dress thou could'st put on.
_Qu_. Away, you do not love me.
_Abd_. Now mayst thou hate me, if this be not pretty.
_Qu_. Oh, you can flatter finely--
_Abd_. Not I, by Heaven:
Oh, that this Head were circled in a Crown,
And I were King, by Fortune, as by Birth!
And that I was, till by thy Husband's Power
I was divested in my Infancy--
Then you shou'd see, I do not flatter ye.
But I, instead of that, must see my Crown
Bandy'd from Head to Head, and tamely see it:
And in this wretched state I live, 'tis true;
But with what Joy, you, if you lov'd, might guess.
_Qu_. We need no Crowns; Love best contented is
In shady Groves, and humble Cottages,
Where when 'twould sport, it safely may retreat,
Free from the Noise and Danger of the Great;
Where Victors are ambitious of no Bays,
But what their Nymphs bestow on Holy-days;
Nor Envy can the amorous Shepherd move,
Unless against a Rival in his Love.
_Abd_. Love and Ambition are the same to me,
In either I'll no Rivals brook.
_Qu_. Nor I:
And when the King you urge me to remove,
It may be from Ambition, not from Love.
_Abd_. Those Scruples did not in your Bosom dwell,
When you a King did in a Husband kill.
_Qu_. How, Sir, dare you upbraid me with that Sin,
To which your Perjuries first drew me in?
_Abd_. You interrupt my Sense; I only meant
A Sacrifice to Love so well begun
Shou'd not Devotion want to finish it;
And if that stop to all our Joys were gone,
The envying World wou'd to our Power submit:
But Kings are sacred, and the Gods alone
Their Crimes must judge, and punish too, or none--
Yet he alone destroys his Happiness.
_Qu_. There's yet one more--
_Abd_. One more! give me his Name,
And I will turn it to a Magick Spell,
To bind him ever fast.
_Qu. Florella_.
_Abd. Florella_! Oh, I cou'd gnaw my Chains |
That humble me so low as to adore her: | [_Aside_.
But the fond Blaze must out--while I erect |
A nobler Fire more fit for my Ambition. |
--_Florella_ dies--a Victim to your Will.
I will not let you lose one single Wish,
For a poor Life, or two;
Tho I must see my Glories made a Prey,
And not demand 'em from the Ravisher;
Nor yet complain--because he is my King:
But _Philip's_ Brow no sacred Ointment deifies,
If he do wrong, stands fair for the Revenger.
_Qu. Philip_! instruct me how t' undo that Boy I hate;
The publick Infamy I have receiv'd,
I will revenge with nothing less than Death.
_Abd_. 'Tis well we can agree in our Resentments,
For I have vow'd he shall not live a day;
He has an Art to pry into our Secrets:
To all besides our Love is either hid,
Or else they dare not see--But this Prince
Has a most dangerous Spirit must be calm'd.
_Qu_. I have resolv'd his Death,
And now have waiting in my Cabinet,
Engines to carry on this mighty Work of my Revenge.
_Abd_. Leave that to me, who equally am injur'd;
You, like the Gods, need only but command,
And I will execute your sacred Will--
That done, there's none dare whisper what we do.
_Qu_. Nature, be gone, I chase thee from my Soul,
Who Love's almighty Empire does controul:
And she that will to thy dull Laws submit,
In spite of thee, betrays the Hypocrite.
No rigid Virtue shall my Soul possess,
Let Gown-men preach against the Wickedness;
Pleasures were made by Gods, and meant for us,
And not t' enjoy 'em, were ridiculous.
_Abd_. Oh perfect, great and glorious of thy Sex!
Like thy great self 'twas spoke, resolv'd and brave--
I must attend the King--where I will watch
All _Philip's_ Motions.
_Qu_. And--after that--if you will beg Admittance,
I'll give you leave to visit me to Night.
_Abd_. Madam, that Blessing now must be defer'd.
[_Leads her to the Door_.
My Wrongs and I will be retir'd to Night,
And bring forth Vengeance with the Morning's Light.
_Enter_ Osmin, Zarrack.
_Osm_. My gracious Lord.
_Abd_. Come near--and take a Secret from my Lips;
And he who keeps not silent hears his Death.--
This Night the Prince and Cardinal--do you mark me--
Are murder'd.
_Osm_. Where, Sir?
_Abd_. Here in the Court.
_Osm_. By whom, great Sir?
_Abd_. By thee--I know thou darst.
_Osm_. Whatever you command.
_Abd_. Good!--then see it be perform'd.
_Osmin_, how goes the Night?
_Osm_. About the hour of Eight,
And you're expected at the Banquet, Sir:
Prince _Philip_ storms, and swears you're with the Queen.
_Abd_. Let him storm on; the Tempest will be laid--
Where's my Wife?
_Osm_. In the Presence, Sir, with the Princess and
Other Ladies.
_Abd_. She's wondrous forward!--what the King--
(I am not jealous tho)--but he makes court to her.
--Hah, _Osmin_!
He throws out Love from Eyes all languishing;--
Come tell me,--he does sigh to her,--no matter if he do--
And fawns upon her Hand,--and kneels;--tell me, Slave!
_Osm_. Sir, I saw nothing like to Love; he only treats her
Equal to her Quality.
_Abd_. Oh, damn her Quality.
_Zar_. I came just now
From waiting on his Person to the Banquet,
And heard him ask, if he might visit her to Night,
Having something to impart to her, that concern'd his Life.
_Abd_. And so it shall, by Heav'n! [_Aside_.
_Zar_. But she deny'd, and he the more intreated--
But all in vain, Sir.
_Abd_. Go, _Osmin_, (you the Captain of my Guard of Moors)
Chuse out the best affected Officers,
To keep the Watch to Night--
Let every Guard be doubled--you may be liberal too--
And when I gave the Word, be ready all.
_Osm_. What shall the Word be?
[_Ex_. Zarrack.
_Abd_. Why--Treason--mean time make it your Business,
To watch the Prince's coming from the Banquet;
Heated with Wine, and fearless of his Person,
You'll find him easily to be attack'd.
_Osm_. Sir, do not doubt my Management nor Success.
[_Ex_. Osmin.
_Abd_. So, I thank thee, Nature, that in making me,
Thou didst design me Villain;
Hitting each Faculty for active Mischief:
Thou skilful Artist, thank thee for my Face,
It will discover nought that's hid within.
Thus arm'd for Ills,
Darkness, and Horrour, I invoke your aid;
And thou dread Night, shade all your busy Stars
In blackest Clouds,
And let my Dagger's Brightness only serve
To guide me to the Mark--and guide it so,
It may undo a Kingdom at one Blow.
[Exit.
SCENE II. _A Banqueting Hall_.
_A Banquet, under a Canopy the_ King, Leonora, Florella,
_Ladies waiting_; Philip, Mendozo, Alonzo, Ordonio,
Antonio, Sebastian, _Lords and Attendants: As soon as
the Scene draws off, they all rise, and come forward_.
_King_. My Lords, you're sad to Night; give us loud Musick--
I have a double Cause to mourn;
And Grief has taken up his dwelling here--
Beyond the Art of Love, or Wine to conquer--
'Tis true, my Father's dead--and possibly
'Tis not so decent to appear thus gay;
But Life, and Death, are equal to the wretched,
And whilst _Florella_ frowns--'tis in that Number [_To_ Flor.
I must account her Slave--_Alonzo_,
How came thy Father so bewitch'd to Valour,
(For _Abdelazer_ has no other Virtue)
To recompense it with so fair a Creature?
Was this--a Treasure t' inrich the Devil with?
_Alon_. Sir, he has many Virtues, more than Courage,
Royally born, serv'd well his King, and Country;
My Father brought him up to martial Toils,
And taught him to be brave; I hope, and good;--
Beside, he was your Royal Father's Favourite.
_King_. No, _Alonzo_, 'twas not his Love to Virtue,
But nice Obedience to his King, and Master,
Who seeing my increase of Passion for her,
To kill my Hopes, he gave her to this _Moor_.
_Alon_. She's now a virtuous Woman, Sir.
_King_. Politick Sir, who would have made her other?
Against her Will, he forc'd her to his Arms,
Whilst all the World was wondring at his Madness.
_Alon_. He did it with her Approbation, Sir.
_King_. With thine, _Florella!_ cou'dst thou be so criminal?
_Flor_. Sir, I was ever taught Obedience;
My humble Thoughts durst ne'er aspire to you,
And next to that--Death, or the Moor, or any thing.
_King_. Oh God! had I then told my Tale
So feebly, it could not gain Belief.
Oh my _Florella_! this little Faith of thine
Has quite undone thy King--_Alonzo_,
Why didst not thou forbid this fatal Marriage,
She being thy only Sister?
_Alon_. Great Sir, I did oppose it with what Violence
My Duty would permit; and wou'd have dy'd
In a just Quarrel of her dear Defence;
And, Sir, though I submitted to my Father,
The Moor and I stand on unequal Terms.
_Phil_. Come, who dares drink Confusion to this Moor?
_Ant_. That, Sir, will I.
_Sebast_. And I.
_Phil_. Page, fill my Glass, I will begin the Round,
Ye all shall pledge it--_Alonzo_, first to thee.
[_Drinks_.
_Alon_. To me, Sir!
_Phil_. Why, yes, thou lovest him--therefore--
Nay, you shall drink it, tho 'twere o'th' _Stygian_ Lake.
Take it--by Heaven, thoud'st pimp for him to my Mother--
Nay, and after that, give him another Sister.
_Alon_. 'Tis well you are my Prince.
_Phil_. I'd rather be a Prince of Curs--come pledge me--
_Alon_. Well, Sir, I'll give you way.
[_Drinks_.
_Phil_. So wou'dst thou any--though they trod on thee.
So--nay, Prince Cardinal, tho it be not decent
For one so sanctify'd to drink a Health;
Yet 'tis your Office both to damn and bless--
Come, drink and damn the Moor.
_Men_. Sir, I'm for no carousing.
_Phil_. I'm in an Humour now to be obey'd,
And must not be deny'd--But see, the Moor
_Enter_ Abdelazer, _gazes on them_.
Just come to pledge at last--Page, fill again--
_Abd_. I'll do you Reason, Prince, what'er it be.
[_Gives him the Glass_.
_Phil_. 'Twas kindly said--Confusion to the Moor.
_Abd_. Confusion to the Moor--if this vain Boy,
See the next rising Sun. [_Aside_.
_Phil_. Well done, my Lad.
_King_. _Abdelazer_, you have been missing long,
The publick Good takes up your whole Concern,
But we shall shortly ease you of that Load--
Come, let's have some Musick;
_Ordonio_, did I not call for Musick?
_Ord_. You did, Sir.
_Abd_. _Roderigo!_
_Rod_. My gracious Lord--
[Roderigo _whispers to_ Abd.
_Abd_. No more--the Prince observes us.
_Phil_. There's no good towards when you are whisp'ring.
_Ord_. The Musick you commanded, Sir, is ready.
SONG.
Nymph.
_Make haste_, Amintas, _come away,
The Sun is up and will not stay;
And oh how very short's a Lover's_ Day!
_Make haste_, Amintas, _to this Grove,
Beneath whose Shade so oft I've sat,
And heard my dear lay'd Swain repeat,
How much he_ Galatea _lov'd;
Whilst all the listening Birds around,
Sung to the Musick of the blessed Sound.
_Make haste_, Amintas, _come away,
The Sun is up and will not stay;
And oh how very short's a Lover's Day_!
Swain enters, with Shepherds and Shepherdesses, and Pipes.
_I hear thy charming Voice, my Fair,
And see, bright Nymph, thy Swain is here;
Who his Devotions had much earlier paid,
But that a Lamb of thine was stray'd;
And I the little Wanderer have brought,
That with one angry Look from thy fair Eyes,
Thou may'st the little Fugitive chastise,
Too great a Punishment for any Fault.
Come_, Galatea, _haste away,
The Sun is up and will not stay,
And oh how very short's a Lover's Day_! [Dance.
_King_. How likes _Florella_ this?
_Flor_. Sir, all Delight's so banish'd from my Soul,
I've lost the Taste of every single Joy.
_Abd_. God's! this is fine! Give me your Art of Flattery,
Or something more of this, will ruin me--
Tho I've resolv'd her Death, yet whilst she's mine,
I would not have her blown by Summer Flies.
_Phil_. Mark how he snarls upon the King!
The Cur will bite anon.
_Abd_. Come, my _Florella_, is't not Bed-time, Love?
_Flor_. I'll wait upon you, Sir.
[Going out.
_Phil_. The Moor has ta'en away, we may depart.
_Abd_. What has he ta'en away?
[_Turns about_.
_Phil_. The fine gay play-thing, that made us all so merry.
_Abd_. Was this your Sport? [To his Wife.
_King_. _Abdelazer_, keep your way--Good night, fair Creature!
_Abd_. I will obey for once.
[_Ex_. Abd. _and_ Flor.
_King_. Why this Resentment, Brother, and in publick?
_Phil_. Because he gives me Cause, and that in Publick.
And, Sir, I was not born to bear with Insolence;
I saw him dart Revenge from both his Eyes,
And bite his angry Lip between his Teeth,
To keep his Jealousy from breaking forth,
Which, when it does--stand fast, my King.
_King_. But, _Philip_, we will find a way to check him;
Till when we must dissemble--take my Counsel--Good night.
_Phil_. I cannot, nor I will not--yet good Night.
[_Exit_ King, _and all but_ Philip's _Party_.
Well, Friends, I see the King will sleep away his Anger,
And tamely see us murder'd by this Moor;
But I'll be active, Boys--
Therefore, _Antonio_, you command the Horse;
Get what more Numbers to our Cause you can:
'Tis a good Cause, and will advance our Credit.
We will awake this King out of his Lethargy of Love,
And make him absolute--Go to your Charge,
And early in the Morning I'll be with you--
[_Ex. all but_ Phil.
If all fail, Portugal shall be my Refuge,
Those whom so late I conquer'd, shall protect me--
But this Alanzo I shou'd make an Interest in;
Cou'd I but flatter--'tis a Youth that's brave.
_Enter_ Cardinal _in haste_.
_Men_. Fly, fly, my Prince, we are betray'd and lost else.
_Phil_. Betray'd and lost! Dreams, idle Coward Dreams.
_Men_. Sir, by my Holy Order, I'm in earnest,
And you must either quickly fly, or die;
'Tis so ordain'd--nor have I time to tell
By what strange Miracle I learn'd our Fate.
_Phil_. Nor care I, I will stay, and brave it.
_Men_. That, Sir, you shall not, there's no safety here,
And 'tis the Army only can secure us.
_Phil_. Where had you this Intelligence?
_Men_. I'll tell you as we go to my Apartment;
Where we must put ourselves in Holy Dress;
For so the Guards are set in every Place,
(And those all Moors, the Slaves of _Abdelazer_)
That 'tis impossible in any other Habit to escape.
Come, haste with me, and let us put 'em on.
_Phil_. I had rather stay and kill till I am weary--
Let's to the Queen's Apartment and seize this Moor;
I'm sure there the Mongrel's kennel'd.
_Men_. Sir, we lose time in talking--Come with me.
_Phil_. Where be these lousy Gaberdines?
_Men_. I will conduct you to 'em.
_Phil_. Mother--and Moor, farewel,
I'll visit you again; and if I do,
My black Infernal, I will conjure you.
[_Exeunt_.
ACT III.
SCENE I. _A Gallery in the Palace_.
_Enter_ Abdelazer _and_ Zarrack.
_Zar. Osmin_ (my Lord) by this has done his Task,
And _Philip_ is no more among the living:
Will you not rest to night?
_Abd_. Is this a time for Sleep and Idleness--dull Slaves?
_Zar_. The Bus'ness we have Order, Sir, to do,
We can without your Aid.
_Enter_ Osmin.
_Abd. Osmin_!
Thy ominous Looks presage an ill Success;
Thy Eyes no joyful News of Murders tell:
I thought I shou'd have seen thee drest in Blood--
Speak! Speak thy News--
Say that he lives, and let it be thy last.
_Osm_. Yes, Sir, he lives.
_Abd_. Lives! thou ly'st, base Coward--lives!--renounce thy Gods!
It were a Sin less dangerous--speak again.
_Osm_. Sir, _Philip_ lives.
_Abd_. Oh treacherous Slave!
_Osm_. Not by my Fault, by Heav'n!
_Abd_. By what curst Chance,
If not from thee, could he evade his Fate?
_Osm_. By some Intelligence from his good Angel.
_Abd_. From his good Devil!
Gods! must the Earth another Day at once
Bear him and me alive?
_Osm_. Another Day!--an Age for ought I know;
For, Sir, the Prince is fled, the Cardinal too.
_Abd_. Fled! fled--say'st thou?
Oh, I cou'd curse the Stars, that rule this Night:
'Tis to the Camp they're fled; the only Refuge
That Gods, or Men cou'd give 'em--
Where got you this Intelligence?
_Osm_. My Lord, inquiring for the Prince
At the Apartment of the Cardinal, (whither he went)
His Pages answer'd me, he was at his Devotions:
A lucky time (I thought) to do the Deed;
And breaking in, found only their empty Habits,
And a poor sleepy Groom, who with much threatning,
Confess'd that they were fled, in holy Robes.
_Abd_. That Case of Sanctity was first ordain'd,
To cheat the honest World:
Twas an unlucky Chance--but we are idle--
Let's see, how from this ill, we may advance a good--
[_Pauses_.
'Tis now dead time of Night, when Rapes, and Murders
Are hid beneath the horrid Veil of Darkness--
I'll ring thro all the Court, with doleful Sound
The sad Alarms of Murder--Murder--_Zarrack_,
Take up thy standing yonder--_Osmin_, thou
At the Queen's Apartment--cry out, Murder:
Whilst I, like his ill Genius, do awake the King;
Perhaps in this Disorder I may kill him. [_Aside_.
--Treason--Murder--Murder--Treason.
_Enter_ Alonzo, _and Courtiers_.
_Alon_. What dismal Crys are these?--
_Abd_. Where is the King?--Treason--Murder!
Where--is the sleeping Queen?--Arise, arise.
_Osm_. The Devil taught him all his Arts of Falshood. [_Aside_.
_Enter_ King _in a Night-Gown, with Lights_.
_King_. Who frights our quiet Slumbers with this Noise?
_Enter_ Queen _and Women, with Lights_.
_Qu_. Was it a Dream, or did I hear the Sound
Of Treason, call me from my silent Griefs?
_King_. Who rais'd this Rumour, _Abdelazer_, you?
_Abd_. I did, Great Sir.
_King_. Your Reasons.
_Abd_. Oh Sir, your Brother _Philip_, and the Cardinal,
Both animated by a Sense of Wrongs,
(And envying, Sir, the Fortune of your Slave)
Had laid a Plot this Night, to murder you:
And 'cause they knew it was my waiting Night,
They wou'd have laid the Treason, Sir, on me.
_King_. The Cardinal, and my Brother! bring them forth,
Their Lives shall answer it.
_Abd_. Sir, 'tis impossible:
For when they found their Villany discover'd,
They in two Friers Habits made escape.
_King_. That Cardinal is subtle, and ambitious,
And from him _Philip_ learnt his dangerous Principles.
_Qu_. The Ambition of the one infects the other,
And they are both too dangerous to live--
But might a Mother's Counsel be obey'd,
I wou'd advise you, send the valiant Moor
To fetch 'em back, e'er they can reach the Camp:
For thither they are fled--where they will find
A Welcome fatal to us all.
_King_. Madam, you counsel well; and, _Abdelazer_,
Make it your Care to fetch these Traitors back,
Not only for my Safety, and the Kingdom's,
But as they are your Enemies; and th' envious World
Will say, you made this story to undo 'em.
_Abd_. Sir, I'll obey; nor will I know repose,
Till I have justify'd this fatal Truth.
[Abd. _goes to the_ Queen, _and talks to her_.
_King_. Mean time I will to my _Florella's_ Lodging,
Silence, and Night, are the best Advocates [_Aside_.
To plead a Lover's Cause--_Abdelazer_--haste.
Madam, I'll wait on you to your Chamber.
_Abd_. Sir, that's my Duty.
_King_. Madam, good Night--_Alonzo_, to your rest.
[_Ex. all but_ Qu. _and_ Abd.
_Qu. Philip_ escap'd!
Oh, that I were upon some Desart Shoar,
Where I might only to the Waves and Winds
Breathe out my Sense of Rage for this Defeat.
_Abd_. Oh, 'tis no time for Rage, but Action, Madam.
_Qu_. Give me but any Hopes of blest Revenge,
And I will be as calm as happy Lovers.
_Abd_. There is a way, and is but that alone;
But such a way, as never must be nam'd.
_Qu_. How! not be nam'd! Oh, swear thou hat'st me rather,
It were a Torment equal to thy Silence.
_Abd_. I'll shew my Passion rather in that Silence.
_Qu_. Kind Torturer, what mean'st thou?
_Abd_. To shew you, Madam, I had rather live
Wrong'd and contemn'd by _Philip_,
Than have your dearer Name made infamous.
_Qu_. Heavens! dost thou mock my Rage? can any Sin
I could commit, undo my Honour more
Than his late Insolence?
Oh, name me something may revenge that Shame:
I wou'd encounter killing Plagues, or Fire,
To meet it--Come, oh quickly give me ease.
_Abd_. I dare no more reveal the guilty Secret,
Than you dare execute it when 'tis told.
_Qu_. How little I am understood by thee--
Come, tell me instantly, for I grow impatient;
You shall obey me--nay, I do command you.
_Abd_. Durst you proclaim--_Philip_ a Bastard, Madam?
_Qu_. Hah! proclaim my self--what he wou'd have me thought!
What mean'st thou?--
_Abd_. Instruct you in the way to your Revenge.
_Qu_. Upon my self thou meanest--
_Abd_. No--
He's now fled to th' Camp, where he'll be fortify'd
Beyond our Power to hurt, but by this means;
Which takes away his Hopes of being a King,
(For he'd no other Aim in taking Arms)
And leaves him open to the People's Scorn;
Whom own'd as King, Numbers wou'd assist him,
And then our Lives he may dispose,
As he has done our Honours.
_Qu_. There's Reason in thy Words: but oh my Fame!
_Abd_. Which I, by Heaven, am much more tender of,
Than my own Life or Honour; and I've a way
To save that too, which I'll at leisure tell you.
In the mean time send for your Confessor,
And with a borrow'd Penitence confess,
Their Idol _Philip_ is a Bastard;
And zealously pretend you're urg'd by Conscience,
A cheap Pretence to cozen Fools withal.
_Qu_. Revenge, although I court you with my fatal Ruin,
I must enjoy thee: there's no other way,
And I'm resolv'd upon the mighty Pleasure;
He has profan'd my purer Flame for thee,
And merits to partake the Infamy.
[_He leads her out_.
_Abd_. Now have at my young King--
I know he means to cuckold me to Night,
Whilst he believes I'll tamely step aside--
No, let _Philip_ and the Cardinal gain the Camp,
I will not hinder 'em--
I have a nobler Sacrifice to make
To my declining Honour, shall redeem it,
And pay it back with Interest--well, then in order to't,
I'll watch about the Lodgings of _Florella_,
And if I see this hot young Lover enter,
I'll save my Wife the trouble of allaying
The amorous Heat--this--will more nimbly do't,
[_Snatches out his Dagger_.
And do it once for all--
_Enter_ Florella _in her Night-Clothes_.
_Flor_. My _Abdelazer_--why in that fierce posture,
As if thy Thoughts were always bent on Death?
Why is that Dagger out?--against whom drawn?
_Abd_. Or stay,--suppose I let him see _Florella_,
And when he's high with the expected Bliss,
Then take him thus--Oh, 'twere a fine surprize!
_Flor_. My Lord--dear _Abdelazer_.
_Abd_. Or say--I made her kill him--that were yet
An Action much more worthy of my Vengeance.
_Flor_. Will you not speak to me? what have I done?
_Abd_. By Heaven, it shall be so.
_Flor_. What shall be so?
_Abd_. Hah--
_Flor_. Why dost thou dress thy Eyes in such unusual wonder?
There's nothing here that is a stranger to thee,
Or what is not intirely thine own.
_Abd_. Mine!
_Flor_. Thou canst not doubt it.
_Abd_. No,--and for a proof that thou art so,--take this Dagger.
_Flor_. Alas, Sir!--what to do?
_Abd_. To stab a Heart, _Florella_, a Heart that loves thee.
_Flor_. Heaven forbid!
_Abd_. No matter what Heaven will, I say it must--
_Flor_. What must?
_Abd_. That Dagger must enter the Heart of him
That loves thee best, _Florella_;--guess the Man.
_Flor_. What means my Moor?
Wouldst thou have me kill thy self?
_Abd_. Yes--when I love thee better than the King.
_Flor_. Ah, Sir! what mean you?
_Abd_. To have you kill this King,
When next he does pursue thee with his Love--
What, do you weep?--
By Heaven, they shall be bloody Tears then.
_Flor_. I shall deserve them--when I suffer Love
That is not fit to hear;--but for the King,
That which he pays me, is so innocent--
_Abd_. So innocent! damn thy dissembling Tongue;
Did I not see, with what fierce wishing Eyes
He gazed upon thy Face, whilst yours as wantonly
Returned, and understood the amorous Language?
_Flor_. Admit it true, that such his Passions were,
As (Heaven's my witness) I've no cause to fear;
Have not I Virtue to resist his Flame,
Without a pointed Steel?
_Abd_. Your Virtue!--Curse on the weak Defence;
Your Virtue's equal to his Innocence.
Here, take this Dagger, and if this Night he visit thee,
When he least thinks on't--send it to his Heart.
_Flor_. If you suspect me, do not leave me, Sir.
_Abd_. Oh--I'm dispatch'd away--to leave you free--
About a wonderful Affair--mean time,
I know you will be visited--but as you wish to live,
At my return let me behold him dead.--
Be sure you do't--'tis for thy Honour's safety--
I love thee so, that I can take no rest,
Till thou hast kill'd thy Image in his Breast.
--Adieu, my dear _Florella_.
[Exit_.
_Flor_. Murder my King! the Man that loves me too--
What Fiend, what Fury such an act wou'd do?
My trembling Hand wou'd not the Weapon bear,
And I should sooner strike it here--than there.
[_Pointing to her Breast_.
No! though of all I am, this Hand alone
Is what thou canst command, as being thy own;
Yet this has plighted no such cruel Vow;
No Duty binds me to obey thee 'now.
To save my King's, my Life I will expose,
No Martyr dies in a more glorious Cause.
[_Exit_.
SCENE II. _The Queen's Apartments_.
_Enter the_ Queen _in an undress alone, with a Light_.
_Qu_. Thou grateful Night, to whom all happy Lovers
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