A tragedy of Cola's furie, or, Lirenda's miserie written by Henry Burkhead, 1645.

The second Act.

Enter Athenio, Mineus, Aretas, Dora, Theodoricke, and Lentimos.

Beat a march.

Athe.

This day (deere friends and kinsmen) we must behave our selves like brave couragious Lirendeans, not regarding the politique stratagems of Cola, wherein he thinks to find us, in a foule disorder, his Machavillian plots ne're so privately contriv'd, but heaven you see, doth send us timely notice, wherefore wee'll expect him with spirits altogether void of feare; what though wee are not so well arm'd as he, nor furnisht with that plentie of ammunition, the justnesse of our cause will shield us from the spitefull fury of his invading power; be sensible of your wrongs; the infamous disgrace without respect of birth or person, how odious the name of Catholique, hath ever been unto them? a hatred there's by inheritance, the losse of your estates by a thousand damn'd inventions; beside innumerable edicts against Religion: These torments were not held sufficient in respect we somewhat yet possesse of this our native soile; wherefore they have contriv'd the last and worst of evills; to raze us from the world, No, nor leave so much as one alive, to encrease the memory of us hereafter; (a grudge sutable to hells blacke purposes.)

Reflect I pray, how neere it doth concerne us then, to venture our lives and fortunes in a noble vertuous way; that truly tends, to the safety of your wives, children and friends: Admit gentlemen of the worst may happen, what an they breake on ours; 'tis no dishonor neither our reputations blemisht in't when th'advantage of armes and numbers theirs, May not fortune as well grace our desires when all her motions are uncertaine, should wee defeate them now the world would speake our praise: Come, let's resolve to doe them more annoy, then Agamemnon, in the warres of Troy:

Lent.

The grave and learned eloquence of Roman Orators (noble Colonell) could not more perfect a description give, off those insufferable injuryes, which captivated our hearts in chaines of ice, that must again (perforce) dissolve in flames of just revenge:

Theod.

Our enemies too neere approach, else we could enlarge the subject of this conference with as many materiall circumstances, which for the present we abreviate to prosecute our right: leade on Sir, bravely guide the way heaven will, I hope, grant this our happy day:

Exunt. Alarums

Soone after the Alarums begun, Enter Cola, his weapon drawne.

Cola.

Was ever seene or heard, such bold, audacious rogues that dares upbraid my fury, have not I▪ to their confused shame and losse, caused many townes and villages to be destroyed in dreadfull flames, themselves like dismall fugitives compeld to flye, and yet they dare affront me still! O impudence! that with extracted villanie deserves a totall ruin, thy harme I seeke, and longe to glorie in soe good an action▪ motives sufficient doth enduce me to it, to hang, to racke, to kill, to burne, to spoile, untill I make this land a barren soile.

Exit. Alarums

Allarums: Enter Athenio, & Lentimos severally their weapons drawne.

Lent.

Fly Cosen fly, ther's no hope of safety else, notwithstanding a stout resistance, our men (affrighted with the unusuall sight of blood and slaughter) are fouly broken on, routed by a number crueller then famisht lions in th'Arabian desert, Cola like a demi-divell or Canniball, cryes out kill, kill, spare neither man, woman, child regard not age or sex, downe, downe with them all

Athe.

For Christ his passion, doe you once more oppose his furie, make good the trench whilst I perswade our timerous men to face about.

Exit Lent▪

As Athenio would depart Enter Celar.

Celar.

Stand traitor, perfidious traytor, stand.

Athe.

Thy foe, a loyall subject, and prove it so; on your guard Sir:

They fight.

Celar is kild, Athenio departs, then Cola Enters with Tibernus and Souldiers.

Cola.

Tibernus charge, Crambich post unto the bridge where the most number of the villens are in strife to passe, let not a mothers child escape, but see due execution on them all:

Tiber.

Your will shall be observ'd effectually

Exit Tiber▪

Hee spies Celar kil'd.

Cola.

What stout Celar kil'd? O damn'd bowitching fate: Beare hence this body, then after take the pillage of the towne for your good service.

Exeunt.

Enter Belfrida.

Belfr.

Now as I live its like to prove a mad world, a desperate time with our Citizens; an' it continue thus, where they did breake by dozens heretofore, we shall have hundreds now at a light rate i'faith; such pretty shifts and sleights are so cunningly contrived these dayes, under pretence of safetie, as shutting shops, packing up goods and sent, the

Lord knowes whither; Coine, Iewels, plate, houshold-stuffe, every thing vanisheth like superfluous clouds, to the vast center of the hollow earth; my countreymen are styled, to discontented gentlemen, well, if e're I did intend to make a fortune, now's the time to stirre my selfe, a fitter opportunitie will never offer my acceptance, ha, the mischiefes ont, I shall be reputed so, a prime promoter: tush a blast of breath no sooner blowne then gone, honesty canno•• thrive at all times, the proverb sayes, he must needs dye a begger that is knowne too just: wherefore I will scrue up my wits, to the full height of knavery, whereby I may demurely insinuate my selfe, with the good liking of Sir Carola; whom no sooner's made acquainted with my facultie, but heapes of honour will fall on me straight, with good Sir, sweet Sir, as I doe passe them by, helpe me sayes one I am condemn'd to dye, there's twentie peeces; another calls kinde Sir, remember my petition you preferre here's expedition for it; thus 'twixt em all, I'm sure to rise, whosoever chance to fall:

Enter Tibernus.

here comes the only man in credit with Sir Carola; prosperitie waite on your noble selfe Tibernus:

Tibern.

Thanks honest friend:

Belfr.

I have been since these warres desirous Sir, to doe the governor some speciall service, but since could not the happines to impart what I am sure will please and profit him.

Tiber.

Relate thy minde to me, and thou shalt have a fit reward.

Belfr.

To place my low fortunes on the pyramide of his bounty, were a praise befitting the worthy motions

of a generous soule: This did enduce my zealous love to shew, the subtill prankes of some penurious Citizens, that lately closed up in a wall, at least a thousand pound in plate and cash.

Tiber.

There's some strong hopes in this;

Aside.

Belfr.

I'le bring you likewise to each papist house, where privately are kept, trunks wholly loaden of rich apparell, coine, jewells, rings bracelets patents of the rebells lands.

Tiber.

That especially:

Belfr.

What can you thinke or name best needfull for your use, but I will straight discover?

Tiber.

Surely thou canst not misse a brave preferment;

Befr.

Vnder pretence of being bred a Papist, I shall without the least thought of suspicion conduct your guard where Priests in secret are lockt up at Masse, or in the night as they abroad doe creeping passe the street, moreover Sir, if the army be in want, or that of force you aske assistance from the townsmen where some may better spare more gold then others, let me alone to search the difference of those mens fidelitie, how able, willing, really affected, Papist above Protestant I am expert in all

Tiber.

Gracelesse villen that cares not to betray his deerest friends to them wotes not after he were hang'd:

Aside▪

I must dissemble with the knave a while for my owne end; Now trusty friend make good what thou hast said, and blesse this houre for ever:

Belfr.

Your constant servant I will still persevere.

Exeu▪

Enter Athenio, Mineus, Aretas, Dora, and Cephalon.

Mine.

Brother Athenio:

Athe.

What sayes our deere brother?

Mine.

Have you not hard of the late proclamation?

Athe.

Yes Noble Brother, I perused it over,

the treacherous modell of a rude invention, Pitho would thousands give for all our heads

Ceph.

No, there's a milder since, full of Clemencie, a generall pardon,

Athe.

To whom?

Ceph.

Them will submit to the Lords Iustices

Athe.

On what conditions?

Mine.

Perverse crueltie?

Aret.

Perpetuall slavery?

Dora.

And mortall hatred?

Athe.

Very true: these are the glorious titles every faint hearted native will revolt shall have, which from my heart I wish it him, but to explaine my owne particular intention, may to the wise perhaps seeme needles; yet he that loves his Country, or will professe the Characters of Catholiquo in's heart take notice oft, our quarrell is religious, in maintenance whereof we are already sworne without equivocation, and e're I violate that sacred oath, a thousand deaths shall one by one invade me, if floods of misery, i'le wade them o're and from its raging streames regaine the sho•••• of bless'd fidelitie.

Dora.

May all the world example take by this Lord's goodnesse;

Cepha.

Vnder favour: 'twere a folly, a most profound madnes to seeke our certaine ruin by deniall of a benefit, so conveniently proffer'd; when our wants at the most extreme: both night and day I posted hence the kingdome over, all parts my wandring thoughts conceived might best supply our wants, did I returne ought but the fruitlesse labour of a needfull journey; can Stelern now your foes▪ encrease make up two thousand compleat armes in field; your Lordships knowes this is no fable:

Aret.

Good Sir forbeate, the matter's past dispute.

Enter a Messenger.

Messeng.

An please your excellence, severall gentlemen of the Countie, are newly come in post, with some strange newes, it's feared by their sad looks.

Exit▪ Mess.

Athe.

Direct'em hither; some stragling troupers that for pillage scout abroad, makes false alaruins to afright the Countrey thus:

Enter Theodorike.

Theodorike,▪

Your newes? What, sad upon't?

Theo.

Osirus, with a powerfull army gather'd from all parts at least consisting of eight thousand foote, and horse, march hitherward; burning of townes, distroying Castles faire, all to the sword goes that his army meets, and doth intend (the which good God forbid) to make a fatall conquest of this land.

Aret.

What strange, dishonest, base device is this, to publish to the world, a generall pardon, before which time appointed is expir'd, poore harmelesse subjects kil'd, the kingdome fir'd, O faithlesse wicked Crueltie!

Enter Lentimos.

Lent.

Shift for your selves in hast, for here will soone arrive more sullen spyes, then Mercury did charme in Argo's eyes; good my Lords dispatch, one minutes stay too long may yeeld you prisoners to untimely ends:

Athe.

Deare friends, we now resemble one at point of death, that must perforce forsake, what he most deerely loved, life, wealth, faire possessions, pleasures content exchanged to sad expressions, wife laments, children their parents moane, each hath occasion then to sigh and groane; so we, distressed we, must oft among, their dolefull ditties tune a mournefull song.

Cepha.

Let them whose will stand out, I will submit to great Osirus cause its held most sit.

Aside Exeunt.

A March is beaten, then enter Osirus, Tygranes and Tibernus.

Osir.

Now through the power and helpe of heaven we are, in safe possession of their strongest holts, the foe not able to withstand our warlike troupes are fled, like men full of dispaire, griefe, regardlesse furie that we are thus strong; themselves pursued with terror of the times, and fearefull shadowes of base acted crimes, wherefore we must then cheerfully advance, not doubting but we truly shall e're long, revenge sufficiently th' Angoleans wrong.

Tygra.

You speake Sir, like your selfe, full of maturitie, the hopefull line, that guides my confidence from the most intricate labyrinth of dispaire when Adrohna was at point to perish, and plast the issue of a farre event on more then mortall comfort: that proposeth to the wicked, vice, mischiefes, paines unspeakable, joyn'd with the grim aspect of blood and terror, more deserving plagues then wilfull Egypt felt, when her miseries were at the height of all extremes

Tiber.

It needs must follow so, for in all parts they are environ'd with severe Commanders, famous for their valour, your Excellence in Stelern, and for the adjacent Provinces, men of knowne integritie:

Osir.

It is our chiefest comfort they goe on as prosperous as faire Bellona's darlings when the gods were threatned by a multitude of foolish mortalls.

Tigr.

But none with that Celeritie like yours, which farre transcend theirs went before as Sol doth Luna's spangled Orb, or some bright starre, when sable clouds doth vaile the skie.

Osir.

'Tis the noblest of your thoughts are pleased my Lord to speake our commendations greater then desert can warrant so much goodnes:

Tiber.

It cannot be denyed; your prosperous fate, fame

hath divulged it to the spacious world, with doubled Echoes of immortall praise; which makes Angolia to esteeme your actions the glory of her Northerne Clime.

Osir.

Believe me gentlemen, this will impaire your ripe judgement much, what tidings brings you from the Campe my friend?

Enter 1, Post.

1. Post.

To know your Lordships pleasure concerning a prisoner that immediately is taken:

Osir.

How, a gentleman of quality?

1. Post.

He names himselfe Lieutenant Collonell Rufus a Scot by birth, a Papist by profession.

Osir.

Let him be forthwith sent to the Lords Iustices,

Tiber.

Behold my Lord, here comes another Post,

Osir.

Now friend, thy newes?

Enter 2. Post.

2. Post.

That Lord Sileus, Bathillus, one Cephalon and Sisenna, with many other prime gentlemen are joyntly come to the Campe, in hope of a free pardon

Tigr.

A gibbet fitts them better: good my Lord;

Osir.

Patience kinde Sir, when time and place will serve each one may justly have what he deserve till then remit your censure.

2. Post.

How will your Lordship have them be disposed of?

Osir.

With a strong Convay, guard them presently unto the Castle:

2. Post.

It shall be duely done.

Exeunt Posts.

Osir.

Now we may say, Heaven favours us.

Tigr.

Nothing more certaine Sir, yet I must aske a boone:

Osir.

'Tis granted, were it my estate Tigranes:

Tigr.

No more then two full Regiments of foote, a troope or so of horse to augment my former forces, with whom I meane to wast the Kingdome over: chiefely the Northerne quarter, where most my indignations bent, untill I pull from those bold conspirators unsanctified browes

the wreath of honour, and force them to repent, crye, curse the houre, that e're they urg'd Angolias warlike power.

Osir.

There needs no language to excite thy valour, nor distrust, but thou maist soone accomplish, that pleasing service both to God and man, come then make choice thy selfe of them resolved hearts fit to waite on so brave a leader: Then you for Vlstrand, we Stelern, claspe hands, when Martiall men thus knit, their partie stands:

Exeunt. Alarums

Enter Tibernus and Souldiers.

4. Souldiers.

They call for quarter, and will yeeld the Castle if we grant it them.

Tiber.

Goe, say they shall have it, promise what ever they will demand, untill we gaine this place of strength, our losse is much already; when that is done, gentlemen, and brother souldiers, their lives shall be at each of your disposalls, as our poore countreymen hath been at theirs.

1. Sould.

Wee'll brush the••r gutts i'faith,

Tib.

You were but fools and cowards else to thinke the contrary, when heaven cryes vengeance on their sinfull heads, nature binds you effect it; were there no more provoking motions, but the slaughter of your follow souldiers here:

1. Sould.

He speaks like a true zealous Protestant:

2. Sould.

His words enflames my heart.

3. Sould.

Z'blood mine's so too:

4. Sould.

And mine is full resolved with this stiffe blade, to goare the traytors throates;

1. Sould.

My sword likewise:

2. Sould.

Mine shall not sleepe vvhen yours is dravvn.

They draw severally.

3. Sould.

This is as quickly drawne to;

4. Sould.

But this did pretty well, and shall againe, augment the number of our foes that's slaine.

Tib.

I must of force be absent now they yeld: least your pretence of being ignorant I granted quarter, might spoile the jest: you

know your charge?

1. Sould.

You need not doubt, we doe: stand; where would these traytors goe?

Enter men women and children.

Man.

Where God will guide us best.

4. Soul.

Where the divell shall your wretched soules molest?

Man.

Hold we had quarter promist us.

1. Sould.

Believe him not he lyes, kill, kill, let not a bastards

They are kild.

brat of that unhappy brood, escape your hands.

2. Sould.

Looke, yonder runs a score, lets follow, follow.

Ex∣unt.

Enter Theodoricke.

Theo.

Heaven grant they perish in the world to come, that were foule actors of this brutish Tragedie: deere friends and Countreymen, blame not my love, if I bestow the attribute of Martirs on yee, Martyrs, O Martyrs truly with good reason too, since for your faith, you sufferd thus; live then blest soules securely in eternall rest, whil'st we lament your too untimely losse; Oh that my wishes could an army raise for this poore kingdomes safetie; whereby such crueltie might be no more extended, but oh, oh, these, these wishes are in vaine when fire and sword beyond controule doth raigne Lirenda, poore Lirenda now farewell, farewell thy former pompe; all's turn'd to griefe attired in crimson robes of bloodie death that none but heavens compassive motions can subdue: cease then, O cease impatient griefe, when God is pleased, we may expect reliefe, meane time these breathlesse corps me thinks doe crave that tribute which we all bring to the grave.

Exit.

The bodies are taken off.