Poems and translations with the Sophy / written by the Honourable Sir John Denham, Knight of the Bath.

Scena Prima.

Enter Prince, Haly, Captains and Prisoners, Bashawes.

Prince.

Pray let these strangers find such enter∣tainment As you would have desir'd, Had but the chance of war determin'd it For them, as now for us. And you brave enemies Forget your Nation, and ungrateful Master; And know that I can set so high a price On valour, though in foes, as to reward it With trust and honour.

1. Bashaw.

Sir, your twice conquered Vassals, First by your courage, then your clemency, Here humbly vow to sacrifice their lives, (The gift of this your unexampled mercy) To your commands and service.

Prince to Haly.

I pray (my Lord) second my suit, I have already mov'd the King in private, That in our next years expedition they may have Some command.

Ha.

I shall, my Lord, And glad of the occasion. aside.

I wonder Sir, you'll leave the Court, the sphere Where all your graces in full lustre shine.

Prince.

I Haly, but the reputation Of virtuous actions past, if not kept up With an access, and fresh supply of new ones, Is lost and soon forgotten: and like Palaces, For want of habitation and repair, Dissolve to heaps of ruine.

Ha.

But can you leave, Sir, Your old indulgent Father, and forsake The embraces of so fair, so chast a Wife? And all the beauties of the Court besides, Are mad in love, and dote upon your person: And is't not better sleeping in their arms, Than in a cold Pavilion in the Camp? Where your short sleeps are broke and inter∣rupted With noises and alarms.

Prince.

Haly, Thou know'st not me, how I despise These short and empty pleasures; and how low They stand in my esteem, which every Peasant, The meanest Subject in my Fathers Empire Enjoys as fully, in as high perfection As he or I; and which are had in common By beasts as well as men: wherein they equal, If not exceed us; pleasures to which we're led Only by sence, those creatures which have least Of reason, most enjoy.

Ha.

Is not The Empire you are born to, a Scene large e∣nough

To exercise your virtues? There are virtues Civil as well as military; for the one You have given the world an ample proof al∣ready: Now exercise the other, 'tis no less To govern justly, make your Empire flourish With wholesom laws, in riches, peace & plenty, Than by the expence of wealth and bloud to make New acquisitions.

Prince.

That I was born so great, I owe to Fortune, And cannot pay that debt, till vertue set me High in example, as I am in title; Till what the world calls fortune's gifts, my acti∣ons May stile their own rewards, and those too little. Princes are then themselves, when they arise More glorious in mens thoughts than in their eyes.

Ha.

Sir, your fame Already fills the world, and what is infinite Cannot receive degrees, but will swallow All that is added; as our Caspian Sea Receives our Rivers, and yet seems not fuller: And if you tempt her more, the wind of fortune May come about, and take another point And blast your glories.

Prince.

No, My glories are past danger, they're full blown: Things that are blasted, are but in their bud; And as for fortune, I nor love, nor fear her: I am resolv'd, go Haly, flatter still your aged Ma∣ster,

Still sooth him in his pleasures, and still grow Great by those arts. Well, farewell Court, Where vice not only hath usurp't the place, But the reward, and even the name of vertue.

Ha.

Still, still, Slighted and scorn'd; yet this affront Hath stampt a noble title on my malice, And married it to Justice. The King is old, And when the Prince succeeds, I'm lost past all recovery: then I Must meet my danger, and destroy him first; But cunningly, and closely, or his son And wife, like a fierce Tygress will devour me. There's danger every way; and since 'tis so, 'Tis brave, and noble, when the falling weight Of my own ruine crushes those I hate: But how to do it, that's the work; he stands So high in reputation with the people, There's but one way, and that's to make his father The instrument, to give the name, and envy To him; but to my self the prize and glory. He's old and jealous, apt for suspitions, 'gainst which Tyrants ears Are never clos'd. The Prince is young, Fierce, and ambitious, I must bring together All these extreams, and then remove all Medi∣ums, That each may be the others object.

Enter Mirvan.

Mir.

My Lord, Now if your plots be ripe, you are befriended With opportunity; the King is melancholy, Apted for any ill impressions. Make an advantage of the Princes absence, Urge some suspected cause of his departure, Use all your art: he's coming.

Exit Mir.

Enter King.

Ha.

Sir, have you known an action of such glory Less swell'd with ostentation, or a mind Less tainted with felicity? 'Tis a rare temper in the Prince.

King.

Is it so rare to see a son so like His Father? Have not I performed actions As great, and with as great a moderation?

Ha.

I Sir, but that's forgotten. Actions o'th' last Age are like Almanacks o'th' last Year.

King.

'Tis well; but with all his conquests, what I get in Empire I lose in fame: I think my self no gainer. But am I quite forgotten?

Ha.

Sir, you know Age breeds neglect in all, and actions Remote in time, like objects Remote in place, are not beheld at half their greatness; And what is new, finds better acceptation,

Than what is good or great: yet some old men Tell Stories of you in their chimney corners.

King.

No otherwise.

Ha.

They're all so full of him: some magnifie His courage, some his wit, but all admire A greatness so familiar.

King.

Sure Haly Thou hast forgot thy self: art thou a Courtier, Or I a King? my ears are unacquainted With such bold truths; especially from thee.

Ha.

Sir, when I am call'd to't, I must speak Boldly and plainly.

King.

But with what eagerness, what circum∣stance, Unaskt, thou tak'st such pains to tell me only My son's the better man.

Ha.

Sir, where Subjects want the priviledge To speak; there Kings may have the priviledge, To live in ignorance.

King.

If 'twere a secret that concern'd my life Or Empire, then this boldness might become thee; But such nnnecessary rudeness savours Of some design. And this is such a false and squint-eyed praise, Which seeming to look upwards on his glories, Looks down uon my fears; I know thou hat'st him; And like infected persons fain wouldst rub The ulcer of thy malice upon me.

Ha.

Sir, I almost believe you speak your thoughts, But that I want the guilt to make me fear it.

King.

What mean these guilty blushes then?

Ha.

Sir, if I blush, it is because you do not, To upbraid so try'd a servant, that so often Have wak'd that you might sleep; and been expos'd To dangers for your safety.

King.

And therefore think'st Thou art so wrapt, so woven into all My trusts and counsels, that I now must suffer All thy Ambition aims at.

Ha.

Sir, if your love grows weary, And thinks you have worn me long enough, I'me willing To be left off; but he's a foolish Sea-man, That when his Ship is sinking, will not Unlade his hopes into another bottom.

King.

I understand no Allegories.

Ha.

And he's as ill a Courtier, that when His Master's old, desires not to comply With him that must succeed.

King.

But if He will not be comply'd with?

Ha.

Oh Sir, There's one sure way, and I have known it practiz'd In other States.

King.

What's that?

Ha.

To make The Fathers life the price of the sons favour, To walk upon the graves of our dead Masters

To our own security.

King starts and scratches his head.

Ha. aside.

'Tis this must take: Does this plainness please you Sir?

King.

Haly: thou know'st my nature, too too apt To these suspitions; but I hope the question Was never mov'd to thee.

Ha.

In other Kindoms, Sir.

King.

But has my Son no such design?

Ha.

Alas, You know I hate him; and should I tell you He had, you'd say it was but malice.

King.

No more of that good Haly, I know thou lov'st me: But lest the care of future safety tempt thee To forfeit present loyalty; or present loyalty Forfeit thy future safety, Ile be your reconciler: call him hither:

Ha.

Oh Sir, I wish he were within my call, or yours.

King.

Why where is he?

Ha.

He has left the Court, Sir.

King.

I like not these Excursions, why so sud∣denly?

Ha.

'Tis but a sally of youth, yet some say he's discontented.

King.

That grates my heart-strings. What should discontent him? Except the think I live too long.

Ha.

Heaven forbid: And yet I know no cause of his departure; I'me sure he's honoured, and lov'd by all; The Souldiers god, the Peoples Idol.

King.

I, Haly, The Persians still worship the rising sun. But who went with him?

Ha.

None but the Captains.

King.

The Captains? I like not that.

Ha.

Never fear it, Sir: 'Tis true, they love him but as their General, not their Prince. And though he be most forward and ambitious, 'Tis temper'd with so much humility.

King.

And so much the more dangerous; There are some that use Humility to serve their pride, and seem Humble upon their way, to be the prouder At their wisht journeys end.

Ha.

Sir, I know not What ways or ends you mean; 'tis true In popular States, or where the Princes Title Is weak, & must be propt by the peoples power; There by familiar ways 'tis necessary To win on mens affections. But none of these Can be his end.

King.

But there's another end. For if his glories rise upon the ruines Of mine, why not his greatness too?

Ha.

True Sir, Ambition is like love, impatient

Both of delays and rivals. But Nature.—

King.

But Empire.—

Ha.

I had almost forgot Sir, he has A suit to your Majesty.

King.

What is't?

Ha.

To give the Turkish prisoners some com∣mand In the next action.

King.

Nay, then 'tis too apparent, He fears my Subjects loyalty, And now must call in strangers; come deal plainly, I know thou canst discover more.

Ha.

I can discover (Sir) The depth of your great judgment in such dan∣gers.

King.

What shall I do Haly?

Ha.

Your wisdom is so great, it were pre∣sumption for me to advise.

King.

Well, we'll consider more of that, but for the present Let him with speed be sent for. Mahomet, I thank thee I have one faithful servant, honest Haly.

Exit King

Enter Mirvan.

Mir.

How did he take it?

Ha.

Swallow'd it as greedily As parched earth drinks rain. Now the first part of our design is over, His ruine; but the second, our security, Must now be thought on.

Mir.

My Lord, you are too sudden; though his fury Determine rashly, yet his colder fear Before it executes, consults with reason,

And that not satisfied with shews, or shadows, Will ask to be convinc'd by something real; Now must we frame some plot, and then disco∣ver it.

Ha.

Or intercept some Letter, which our selves Had forg'd before.

Mir.

And still admire the miracle, And thank the providence.

Ha.

Then we must draw in some body To be the publick Agent, that may stand 'Twixt us and danger, and the peoples envy.

Mir.

Who fitter than the grand Caliph? And he will set a grave religious face Upon the business.

Ha.

But if we cannot work him, For he's so full of foolish scruples; Or if he should prove false, and then betray us.

Mir.

Betray us? sure (my Lord) your fear has blinded Your understanding; for what serves the King? Will not his threats work more than our per∣swasions, While we look on, and laugh, and seem as igno∣rant As unconcern'd; and thus appearing friends To either side, on both may work our ends.

Enter Mess.

Mess.

My Lord, the Turkish Bashaws Desire access

Ha.

Admit 'em, I know their business.

Mir.

They long to hear with what success The King in their behalf.

Ha.

But now they're come, I'le make 'em do you mov'd Better than I did theirs. my business

Mir.

Leave us a while.

Ex. Mir.

Enter two Bashaws.

Ha.

My Lords, my duty and affection to the Prince, And the respects I owe to men of honour, Extort a secret from me, which yet I grieve to utter: The Prince departing, left to me the care Of your affairs, which I, as he commanded, Have recommended to the King, but with so unlookt for A success—

1. Bas.

My Lord, fear not to speak our doom, while we Fear not to hear it: we were lost before, And can be ready now to meet that fate We then expected.

Ha.

Though he that brings unwelcom news Has but a losing Office, yet he that shews Your danger first, and then your way to safety, May heal that wound he made. You know the King With jealous eyes hath ever lookt awry On his Sons actions, but the fame and glory Of the last war hath rais'd another spirit; Envy and Jealousie are twin'd together, Yet both lay hid in his dissembled smiles,

Like two concealed serpents, till I, unhappy I, Moving this question, trod upon them both, And rouz'd their sleeping angers; then casting from him His doubts, and straight confirm'd in all his fears, Decrees to you a speedy death, to his own son A close restraint: but what will follow I dare not think; you by a sudden flight may find your safety.

2 Bas.

Sir, Death and we are not such stran∣gers, That we should make dishonour, or ingratitude The price of life; it was the Princes gift, And we but wear it for his sake and service.

Ha.

Then for his sake and service Pray follow my advice: though you have lost the favour Of your unworthy Master; yet in the Provinces You lately governed, you have those depen∣dances And interests, that you may raise a power To serve the Prince: Ile give him timely notice To stand upon his guard.

1 Bas.

My Lord, we thank you, But we must give the Prince intelligence, Both when, and how to imploy us.

Ha.

If you will write, Commit it to my care and secrecy, To see it safe convey'd.

2 Bas.

We shall my Lord.

Ex.

Ha.

These men were once the Princes foes, and then

Unwillingly they made him great: but now Being his friends, shall willingly undo him; And which is more, be still his friends. What little Arts govern the world! we need not An armed enemy, or corrupted friend; When service but misplac'd, or love mistaken Performs the work: nor is this all the use I'le make of them; when once they are in Arms, Their Master shall be wrought to think these forces Rais'd against him; and this shall so endear me To him, that though dull vertue and the gods O'recome my subtle mischief, I may find A safe retreat, and may at least be sure, If not more mighty, to be more secure.

Exeunt.

Finis Actus Secundi.