Juliana, or, The princess of Poland a tragicomedy, as it is acted at His Royal Highness the Duke of York's theatre / by J. Crown ...

ACT THE FIRST.

Paulina sleeping under a Tree; Joanna sitting by and singing—The Scene a Grove and Gardens.

The Song.

LO, behind a Scene of Seas, Ʋnder a Canopy of Trees, The fair new Golden World was laid; Sleeping like a naked Maid, Till alas! she was betray'd: In such shades Urania lay, Till Love discover'd out a way: And now she cries some Power above, Save me from this Tyrant Love.

Her poor heart had no defence, But its Maiden Innocence;

In each sweet retiring Eye, You might easily descry Troops of yielding Beauties flye, Leaving Rare unguarded Treasure To the Conquerors will and pleasure: And now she cries,—&c.

Now and then a stragling frown, Through the shades skipt up and down; Shooting such a piercing Dart, As would make the Tyrant smart, And preserve her Lips, and Heart. But, alas! her Empire's gone, Thrones and Temples all undone: And now she cryes—&c.

Charm aloft the stormy Winds, That may keep these Golden Mines, And let Spaniard Love be tore On some cruel Rocky Shore, Where he'l put to Sea no more; Lest poor conquer'd Beauty cry. Oh! I'm wounded! oh! I dye! And there is no power above Saves me from this Tyrant love.

Jo.

Oh cursed Duke! Africa ne're bred A Monster like thee, to forsake my Princess After th' a'dst married her, and thus entic'd her From all the Glories of her Fathers Court, To follow thee, vanquisht, wandring exile, Unhappy Victory, that brought thee captive To Muscovy, and more unhappy she To sacrifice her heart, her life, her honour, To one so false. But I shall wake her, see, She starts!— Her soul is walking in a Grove of dreams, And there some mournful Vision entertains Her sad despairing thoughts: See! see! a Ponyard, How came she by that fatal Instrument? She stabbs at something; oh! she makes me tremble, I'le snatch it from her!—

Paul.

Oh! ungrateful man!— And dost thou then deride at my misfortunes? Is this the recompence of my too fond Unfortunate love? dye in thy Mistress arms. Bleed I fall! Ha! gone! whither? where am I?

Was it a dream?

Jo.

She's had some frightful dream I see.—

Paul.

Joanna, did nothing pass that way? Yes, sure there did; 'twas Curland and his Mistress, They embrac't, and smil'd at me, and then they vanisht; See I there he stands all wrapt in white, that, that;

Jo.

Oh! the good heavens, she is grown distracted. Madam, what i'st you see?

Paul.

Look there! there! Is not that he? that tall and shining thing? He's dead, and I have wrongfully accus'd him.

Jo.

That, that's the Moonshine, nothing else in deed, A stream of light that glances through the Trees.

Paul.

see, now it vanishes.

Jo.

And now a Cloud Covers the Moon; it is no more. Come Madam, The dewey Vapours of the night are cold; The shade is melancholly, and the air unwholsome: Pray to your chamber Madam.

Paul.

Ah! never, never Was any so unfortunate as I,

weeps.

What shall I do? and whither shall I go?

Jo.

Oh! do not weep thus, you will break my heart; I hope the Duke will prove a man of honour yet, You do not know what accidents have hapned.

Paul.

No, no, he's hid in his fair Princess arms: But perjur'd man, I'le chase thee from thy bowers Of love, I'le steep, I'le steep thy joyes in blood, In thy heart-blood, I'le stab it till the poisonous Serpentine dew, drops weeping at my feet; Oh! me unfortunate, what shall I do?

weeps.

Enter Alexey running.

Jo.

Poor Lady—

Alex.

Madam;

Jo.

Whose that?

Alex.

'Tis I, the Princess, is she there?

Jo.

The Princess, blunderheaded old Souldier! Thou wilt betray us:

Paul.

Who, Count Alexey!

Alex.

Oh! Madam, I'm out of breath with running; The Duke's come.

Paul.

What is't thou say'st? the Duke:

Alex.

Madam, for certain he was seen this evening, To fling a Letter in Count Sharnofskyes Coach,

And upon this, the Troops are all alarum'd; The Cardinal sits close in his Caball. Orders are issued out to secure his friends, Chiefly, Count Sharnofsky, and the Princess, The Guards are drawing up, about the Palace: In the interim, five thousand crowns are proffer'd To any one, that will discover him.

Paul.

Did I not say, that I should hear some news? I thought my dream was a forerunner of him, This news congeals my blood; what shall we do?

Jo.

Had we not best go in?

Alex.

No, no, the Guards Are searching every house, and we being strangers Perhaps may meet with incivility.

Enter Guards with lights, and drawn swords, follow∣ed by Landlord.

Hark, they'r i'th' house already, see, they come To search the Gardens; Madam, take no notice.

Guard.

Come Sir, now we must catechife your Garden.

Land.

I, I, do Sir, my Garden's a good boy, he can say his Catechise.

Guard.

Nay ben't so joculary Sir, we have power To carry you before the Cardinal if we please.

Land.

Carry me, and my house too afore the Cardinal if you please Sir, set us but here again where you found us, and I am contented.

Guard.

Here are people; who are you Sir?

To Paul.

Paul.

A stranger Sir:

Guard.

A stranger Sir, what stranger Sir?

Paul.

A Russian Sir; a Pristaffe's son of Archangelo.

Guard.

Your name Sir!

Paul.

Basiliwich.

Jo.

I see, my Princess hath a quick invention,

Guard.

And who are these?

Paul.

My servants▪ Sir.

Guard.

'Tis well, keep in your Lodgings Sir, there must be account given of you, come to the next house.

Ex. Guards.

Land.

Go, and a good riddance on you, here's a pudder, ho! see if none of my Cups, or Silver Spoons be missing.

Paul.

Now all's over, I'le retire to my chamber, Revenge appears to me in shapes so horrid, It fright's my soul, call for a light.

Jo.

A light for my Master's Landlord,

Land.

Ho, there a light for the Gentleman,

Exit Paul. Jo. Alex.

Well, how bravely were I made now, could I but light upon the Duke! five thousand crowns! that is to say, five times ten hundred crowns! most monstrous, prodigious, Gigantique, Pedantique, unarithmetical Sum; why,

this would make me a Duke, well, I'le go to a Conjurer to find him; but hold then, the Rogue will find him for himself. But then I'le make him believe, I am a Conjurer as well as himself, and make him be glad to go half shares. But hark, I hear talking.

Enter Demetrius and Battista, a Porter with a Cloakbag.

Dem.

Never was any thing so fortunate, To hear of him just at my arrival. I••le into the town and search for him immediately.

Bat.

Hold, my Lord, are ye mad? whether do you go? To rush into a Town throng'd with arm'd men So late at night, and all the Guards about, And you a stranger too? come Sir, 'tis time We rather went somewhere to seek a lodging: All Inns, and publique houses are taken up, And for ought I see we're like to lie i'th' streets to night.

Dem.

I care not where I lye, For I cannot rest in body or soul, Until I find this most ungrateful Duke.

Land.

What do these people babling in my Garden All this while, and say never a word to me? This 'tis to let it lye unfenc't;

Dem.

Look, I see a man! And I am got into a Garden here: Whose there?

Land.

Nay, who's there, an' you go to that? Here's one that hath authority to be here.

Bat.

The Master of the house I do perceive, And by his tone a kind of Letter of Lodgings; I'le ask the Question; Sir, we are strangers, newly come to Town, Could you afford us any room in your house?

Land.

I cannot tell Sir whether I can or no; According as I like you; Bring a light here.

Dem.

Nay then w'are well enough, take up my rooms, Ne're stand agreeing with him, give him twenty Thirty, forty, a hundred crowns a week, what he Hath a mind to, I'le into Town—I grow impatient.

Exit.

Bat.

Oh! heavens, Sir, whether do you go To rush in armed crowdes so late, a stranger; Curse on all rashness, I must follow him, For fear some mischief happens to him. Landlord, look to the things, provide our rooms;

We'l return within this half hour, or never.

Ex.

Land.

Ha! gone and left their Cloak-bags with me; What kind of fellows are these? some High-way men I know by their hast: But sure I'm in a dream; is this a Cloak bag? Let's see what weather 'tis; it doth not rain Cloak-bags? Come I'le go see what's in it, ho! a light there.

Ser.

Here Sir:—

Enter a servant with a Candle.

Land.

Nay here Sir. Here's a Cloakbag dropt i' my mouth, Come let's see the Entrails of this beast. A rich Chesticore with Diamond buttons; Enough, enough, I'm satisfied, These are stollen goods as sure as I am here. And now what shall I do with this Cloakbag?

Shall I keep the Cloakbag? or shall I cry the Cloakbag? or shall I sell the Cloakbag; nay, then I may chance to stretch for the Cloakbag; so I may if I should keep the Cloakbag, if the right owner should come with an Officer, and find the Cloakbag; why then the Devil take the Cloak∣bag, for never was any one so plagued with a Cloakbag, well, if no bo∣dy comes to claim the Cloakbag, I'le sell the Cloakbag, buy Land, and marry a Lady with the Cloakbag, and then be Dub'd a Knight of the Order of the Cloakbag.

Ex.

Enter Ladislaus and Theodore. The Scene continues.

Lad.

Ungrateful men! and do they thus reward me, For all the blood I've shed in their defence, To set my head to sale, That head which once these flatt'ring Poles would cry Their State could live no more without then I.

Theo.

I wish your Highness had not flung that Letter, It seems you were discover'd—I'me amaz'd Which way.

Lad

Sharnofsky hath betrayed me? Thus had he done, had I expos'd my person Instead of a trifling paper, or had sent thee, He would have wrackt thee to discover me.

Theo.

But I'de have been torn limb from limb first.

Lad.

I doubt not thy fidelity good Theodore; I've ever found thee generous and faithful; More generous then those, whose birth and Grandeur, Obliges them to higher pretence of Honour. Good heavens, what's this world! I should have sooner

Suspected Angels then the Count or Princess:

Theod.

Good Sir, do not discompose your Soul With these suspicions of your noble friends 'Till you know more.

Lad.

My noble friends! ah, Theodore, I have no friends, my fortune, fame, and honour, Heaven, and Earth, and she whom I adore Above 'um all deserts me; nothing adheres to me But my own courage. I see the Count and she Convert the news of my escape from Moscow, By the generous kindness of the Russian Princess, Into pretences to disguise their falshood; To ruine my interests, and unite their own, To marry, and to aspire to the Crown. All Poland sees it; and the Card'nal dreads u'm Much more then me? and all this great alarum You'l find, aimes at their lives, as well as mine.

The.

Ah! do not credit Sir the common Vogue.

Lad.

Come Theodore, 'tis true; but that I've learnt How to command my passions as well as Armies; And owe more reverence to my own memory, Then after death to have my head plac'd aloft On some old Tower, to feed the greedy eyes Of my proud Enemies, this very instant Shanofsky's soul or mine, should fleet in air.

The.

Well Sir, I say no more, I only beg you Take into some house, you see what danger You'r in; the Guards are searching all about, And here we wander up and down i' th' dark, Only what sickly light the Moon will lend us. But Sir, I think we're got into a Garden.

Lad.

On the backside of a house; knock, Theodore.

Knocks, and enter Land∣lord with a light.

Land.

Who's there? well, this is not to be endur'd; Every one gets into my backside: If my Landlord will not fence it, I'le promise him I'le do't, and stop it in his Rent, well, whats the Business with you, now? more Cloakbags?

Theo.

Sir, we are strangers—newly come to Town And are in great want of Lodgings, If you could furnish us, name your own price, By this Gold we'l not refuse it you.

Gives him money.

Land.

Let's look on you, according as I like you: By this Gold you have good honest faces, I have a room for you.

Theo.

Thank you Sir, pray, what other Lodgers have you? We ask you, 'cause we would be very private.

Land.

I have none at present but some fidling women, that come from Cracow, to see the choosing of the new King, a young Gentleman and a Cloakbag.

Lad.

VVhat doth this fellow mean by this Cloakbag?

Theo.

Your Highness hath hap'ned very fortunately.

Aside to Lad.

Land.

Well, but how did you pass the Guards so late? For here's a heavy pudder about the Duke of Curland; He's come to Town it seems in disguize; And here's five thousand crowns bid for his head. Happy man be his dole that catches him; For my part, I don't expect so good luck, Five thousand Crowns and a Cloakbag are too much for one night.

The.

I perceive this fellow's none of the honestest,

Aside

I! here's a great alarum, what's the matter?

Land.

Why Sir, the Duke of Curland, look ye, you must know, VVas a great favourite of the last Kings, And he contracted him to his Daughter, And intended to marry him to her, but then it hap'ned The Muscoviters invaded us with a great army; The Duke, Sir, upon a simple quibble of Honour, Goes General of our Army against 'um, I was a Corporal under him at the same time.

Tho.

De'e hear, my Lord? pray keep your disguize close.

Land.

And thought forsooth to have come back in triumph, And married the Lady, and he was taken prisoner, And ne're comes back at all.

Lad.

That was unfortunate.

Land.

Now Sir it seems he hath given 'um the slip out of Muscovy, by the help o' the Russian Princess, and they are run away together; and here he lies lurking in Poland to fit his business; and now all the Ban and the Arrierban, are met arm'd in the field, to choose a King, he's come to Town in disguise, and so there's a heavy bussle, the Cardinal on one side, and the Princesson the t'other, and between u'm both he's got into Lobbs pound, and I am very glad on't; he's but a kind of a pittiful whiffling small-beer Duke; I ne're was drunk thrice in his house, all the time he was here. I can go into the Cardi∣nals Cellar, and tye my nose to one barrel, and my horse to another, and tope who shall tope most for a wager; and he a sneaking hide-bound Duke of a Duke, hates the sight of us true Spaniels, that will take wa∣ter at any time, dive o're head and ears in Liquor, and he would smell a red nose, as far as a Teale would Gunpowder.

Lad.

How am I tormented with this fellow?

Aside

The.

He's not to be endured.

Land.

And now he's come to Town, to be King, yes he shall be King, when I am Emperour of Morocco, or Muster-Master General of

Bautam: we'l ha' no such thin-gut Kings, that shall in half a year dye o' the Gripes, and whilest he lives, shall starve the English Beer Mer∣chants, set a Tax upon the Tap, and an Excise upon Rednoses: and there's one Count Sharnofsky, too, such another ambitious dry-chops, he hath not the grace to love good drink, and yet he hath the impudence to aime at the Crown. 'Tis true, he doth not goggle at it so plain, as Mr. Mumpsimus o' Curland doth; but he doth as I do now, he squints at it fearfully, and he hath an

Landlordsquints, and makes grim-faces.

itch at the Princess too; but I hope the Cardinal will feage 'um all; I hate such ambitious tantalizing Rascals; a loyal boy I have been from my cradle.

The.

This Villain, I could kill him.

aside

Lad.

Shall I be for ever tortur'd with this fellow?

aside.

You'r not at leasure then to shew us our Chambers Landlord.

Land.

Yes, yes; come, come:

Ser.

Ser! here's the Gentleman about the Cloakbag

Enter a servant.

Land.

Oh! Mr. Cloakbag you'r welcome Sir;

Enter Demetrius, and Battista▪

Bat.

Come Landlord will you shew us our chambers?

Lad.

One of my fellow lodgers, see if you know him Theodore.

Dem.

No news.

Theo. looks upon Dem.

Bat.

What news can you expect Sir?

Dem.

That heaven would be so just to direct me to him.

Theo.

I do not know him Sir,

aside to Lad.

And yet me thinks I've seen a face like his In Muscovy.

Lad.

Come let us to our chambers. Landlord we'l follow you.

Land.

Stay behind some body And light the Cloakbag.

Ex. Land. Lad. and Theo.

Bat.

Come good Sir, conquer your impatience, You'l find him soon enough, perhaps on a Throne; And speedily, he who in passion now Is proclaim'd Traytor, shall shortly with applause Be proclaim'd King; this is a Feavourish fit Of the State-sick Cardinal; nor doth the Duke Come hither in disguise, on no design.

Dem.

But heark thee; when they make him King o' Poland, They will not make him God of Poland, And Immortal; will they?

Bat.

No Sir, he'l be Mortal No doubt.

Dem.

If he'l be mortal, I am satisfied. Go, I am weary, light me to my chamber: I shall dream o' the Duke!

Ex.

Enter Francisca. The Scene a Room in the Palace.

Fran.

Treason. Treason, the Princess will be murder'd.

Em.

Oh Francisca, what's the matter?

Enter Emilia.

Here's a noise of Souldiers about the Palace, And every one runs shrieking up and down: Oh! my heart akes.

Fran.

Oh! there's the strangest news. The Duke's come, and sent a Letter to the Princess By Count Sharnofsky, and all the Towns alarum'd, The Guards they say are come to search the Palace, And we're afraid the wicked Cardinal Designs the Princess death.

Em.

Oh horrid Tyrant! But see, she comes.

Enter Juliana in her nightgear, with a flaming paper in her hand, followed by Hypolita, and Sharnofsky with his sword drawn.

Jul.

Ha! must I dye, for being abus'd, affronted By that false man? hath he betray'd my honour, And doth he now throw in his hand Granado's To blow my life up too? thus in the flames Thy Scrawle shall dye; and as it pines to ashes, Then wanders in the wind, so dies for ever Thy memory in my soul; and if thy image Appear but to my thoughts, but in a dream, I'le hate that dream, and I will stab that thought As I'le do thee, if e're thou dost approach me. Now call up all my scryants, bid 'um arm.

Sh.

Ha! fling a Letter, and disguise himself,

aside:

What means this mighty caution of the Dukes? Dost thou mistrust my honour? if thou dost, I may in just revenge distrust thine; And let me tell thee, if thou dost design To wrong the Princess, and surprize the Crown, I in this tempest will not fall alone, Thou shalt destroy my fortunes and thy own.

Enter a Gentleman running.

Gent.

Madam, the Guards are broke into the Palace, the Common Hall glitters with naked swords, and hither they are running in confusi∣on; escape, or you'l be murder'd; hark they 'r come, they've over∣taken me; Madam you'r lost.

Jul.

And let 'um come, I'le look the Villains dead, And let me see who dare's assassinate The yet surviving Majesty of their dead King,

Sh.

Who dares, shall fall as victimes to his shade. But see, the Count Colimsky, ha! our friends Betray us.

Enter Colimsky with his sword drawn.

Col.

Madam, for heavens sake retire With all the speed you can, your life's design'd; My Lord Grand Marshal hath Orders from the Councel To seize you both, the Troops are drawing up; News of the Dukes arrival haunts each ear, Just like a frightful Spectre; Letters Are intercepted by the Cardinal Written by you my Lord, of horrid consequence.

Sh.

By me!

Col.

By you, to Dorosensko General of the Tartars To assist you with fifty thousand men, Ten thousand Cassacques should be sure to second him, That y'ad decreed upon a time prefixt To fire the City, kill the Cardinal, Dissolve the General Diett in the Tumult, Seize the Crown.

Sh.

Monster of Villany, Thou Scarlet prodigy, Polands glaring Comet, Barbarous Idol, not content with blood, But must have Kingdoms victim'd at thy Altars! Almighty powers, I kneel, I kneel, if ever, ever One thought;

Col.

No more I do believe your innocence, And therefore stole away from the Cabal To give you intelligence, what horrid Spells Are made, what Spirits conjur'd up Against you, in our Magicians Grotto, And here I've brought a hundred resolute Young Gentlemen, whose swords shall cut the Charm, And yet secure the Princesses retreat And yours; if you'l accept their generous kindness, Then Madam hasten, let us loose no time, Each minute now is precious as the Indies.

Jul.

Pious Cardinal, my Guardian Angel, Heavenly Tyrant, little thinks my Royal Father How he hath left me to the Guardianship Of Dragons that devour me.

Col.

Oh undone! We have lost time, all, all to arms.

Noise of arms without.

Sh.

Call up the Princesses servants, arm, arm.

Enter Ossolinsky, Cassonossky, and Lubo, and Guard.

Wom.

Murder, murder.

Casso.

Now the long wish't for time o' my revenge On the old Tyrant that affronted me, Is come; but ha? Colimsky here.

Osso.

Are you there Traytor?

Col.

Are you here, cheated bubbles?

Cosso.

This too honest fellow hath prevented us:

aside.

You'l answer for this Treason to the General Diett.

Col.

With my sword in hand in th' interim My Princess shall not fall an Indian Martyr Under the Chariot wheeles of your great Pagod; Your I dol shall not have such noble victimes.

Shar.

Let us not stand disputing.

Osso. Lub.

Seize the Traytors.

Casso.

I, you may say, seize the Traytors, long enough you might have had the wit to have come with a stronger party.

[All fight, Osso. Casso. Lub. retreat pur∣sued by Sh. and Col.

Wom.

Murder, Murder.

Jul.

Oh! bloody Cardinal. Royall shade Of my great Father, hide thy glorious head, And see not my oppressions.

Enter Col. and Sh. as from victory.

Col.

Now all's clear: My Lord conveigh the Princess by a private way To the Monastery of Sancta Clara; there's a Vault Where you may lie secure for an hour or two; In th' interim I'le go place a Guard in my house, And then conduct you thither: my Gardens Lye just opposite to the Monastery, And there's a private way, where you may pass secure; And then for our greater preparations.

Ex.

Sh.

Come Madam, The tempest is begun, let's bravely through.

Jul.

Lead on my Lord, I'm none of those, who when the storm prevails, Creep to the winds, and humbly strike the Sails.