Polyeuctes, or, The martyr a tragedy / by Sir William Lower.

Scena Quarta.

Felix, Albin, Paulina, Stratonica.

Felix.

DAughter, thy dream hath plung'd me in strange fears Since yesterday, I doubt th' effects thereof, Which seem t'approach.

Paul.

I do beseech you, tell me What ist you feel?

Felix.

Severus is not dead.

Paul.

What evil doth his life do unto us?

Felix.

He is the Favourite Of th' Emperour Decius.

Paul.

After having saved him From the hands of his Enemies the hope Of such a rank justly might be allow'd him,

Thus Fortune to great hearts so often cruel, Resolvs her self sometimes to do them justice.

Felix.

He's comming here himself.

Paul.

What? is he comming?

Felix.

Thou shalt receive his Visit.

Paul:

That's too much; But how do you know this? Sir.

Felix.

Albin met In the adjacent field, a troup of Courtiers Attending him in crouds which shewed plainly His rank and credit, but Albinus tell her That which his People told thee.

Albin.

You know, Madam, What that great Expedition was, which made us So fortunate by his loss, where th' Emperour A Prisoner, dis••ingaged by his hand, Confirm'd again his almost conquered party; Whilst that his vertue fell amongst the number, You know the honours that he caus'd to be Done to his shadow, when his body could not Be found amongst the dead. The King of Persia Witness of his high acts, though to his damage, Caused him to be carry'd off, and brought Into his Tent, he did desire to know His face though dead, every one did lament him, Covered with wounds, though jealous of his glory. Within a while he shew'd some sign of life: This generous Monarch was o're joy'd therewith, And though o'recome, thought not of his misfortune; To honour vertue in its very Authour, He caus'd that speciall care should be tane of him; His cure was secret, and at a Months end His health was perfect, when the King, to gain him, Offer'd him dign••ties, allyance, treasures, And us'd a thousand means: when all things fail'd, After high prayse bestow'd on his refusall, He sent to Decius to propose exchange, And presently the Emperour transported With pleasure, offered to the Persian His Brother and a hundred chiefs to chuse. So came unto the Camp the valorous And brave Severus, to receive the recompence

Of his high vertue: Decius favour was The worthy price thereof: we fought again, And were surpris'd, yet this misfortune serv'd T'increase his glory, he alone restablish'd The order, and recovered the victory, So fair and plain, and by such glorious feats, That our stout Enemies offer'd us tribute, And made us peace; The Emperour express'd An infinite love unto him, and being ravish'd With the success, sent him into Armenia; He comes to bring the news into this Countrey, And by a sacrifice to render thanks Unto the Gods,

Felix

O heaven! to what estate My fortune is reduc'd!

Albin.

I learned this From one that doth belong unto his train, And hasted here, Sir, to acquaint you with it.

Felix.

Oh without doubt he comes to marry thee, Daughter, the order of a sacrifice Is a small thing to him, not worth his presence, It is a false pretence, whose cause is love.

Paul.

It may well be, he lov'd me very dearly.

Felix.

What will not he allow to his resentment? And to what point will not his anger carry A just revenge with so much power to prop it? He will destroy us, daughter.

Paul.

He's too generous.

Felix.

Thou wilt in vain flatter a wretched Father; He will destroy us, daughter. Oh regreet That kils me now, in that I loved not The naked vertue. Oh Paulina really Thou hast too much obeyed me, thy courage Was good, but thy nice duty hath betray'd thee. How thy rebellion had been favourable Unto me, how it would have priviledg'd me From a deplorable condition! If any hope rests with me, it is now No more but in the absolute power which he Gives thee upon him: Husband in my favour The love that doth possess him, and from whence My evill doth proceed, produce the remedy.

Paul.

Shall I, Shall I see such a Puissant Conqueror? And expose me unto those eyes that pierce My heart? Father, I am a Woman, and I know my weakness, I perceive my heart Already to be interested for him, And will without doubt in spight of my faith Thrust forth some sigh unworthy both of you And me, I will not see him.

Felix.

Re-assure Thy soul a little.

Paul.

He is alwayes lovely, And I am alwayes firm, in the power which His looks have had upon me, I can't answer With all my vertue, therefore I'le not see him.

Felix.

Daughter you must, or you'l betray your Father▪ And all your Family.

Paul.

It is my duty T'obey since you command, but see the perills Wherein you hazard me.

Felix.

I know thy Vertue.

Paul.

Without doubt it will vanquish, the success Is not the thing that my soul doubts, I fear This stubborn combat, and puissant troubles That makes my senses to revolt already; But since I must combat an Enemy I love, permit me t'arm against my self, And give me some time to prepare to see him.

Felix.

Without the Ports I'm going to receive him, In the mean time call home your stragling force, And think that in thy hands thou holdst our destinies,

Paul.

True, I am born to sacrifice me still▪ In serving as a victime to your will.