Fovr nevv playes viz : The seege of Vrbin, Selindra, Love and frienship, Tragy-comedies, Pandora, a comedy / written by Sr. William Killigrew ...

THE FIFTH ACT.

Valeriana is discover'd a sleep on a Couch, with Doctors, and Ladies all asleep about her, Ormasdes rises from the ground, at the Couch side.

Ormas:

ALl Eyes are shut, all hearts can rest, but mine, I've something here, that will not let me sleep: —Tis Love, I am bewitch'd, or it is Love! That thus disturbs my body, and distracts My mind; no other passion works like this! Well then, if it be Love! where's the wonder? The wisest, bravest, and the greatest men, Have been in Love as much, or more then I; —But why then was I, thus long without it? Why did not bright Cleandras Beauty burn? Why was not this Fire kindl'd untill now? How comes Valeriana by this power? To wound me deeper, then Cleandra did! My Kind, loving heart, how comes this to passe?

Valeriana sighs and groans aloud.

Ormas:

Ha! Her spirit by that sigh informs me, That doubl'd groan, struck through my wavering soul, Oh thou Divinest power! what ere thou art! I do submit, Valerianas groans, Are all sufficient Arguments for Love! It seems, my stony heart, was proof against All charms, but deep fetch'd sighs, and dying groans; By which, 'tis now made supple, and so soft, That it is ready to take any form; That sick Valeriana shall direct; — — Great God of Love, forgive my past neglects, And now restore this Lady to her health, Then I with Insense will thy Altars load, Thy Temple with those Trophies, now adorn, Which my whole life prepar'd, for Mars and Iove. Since they allow me to submit to Love!

Valer: wakes and calls.

Valer:

Drusilla.

Ormas:

Madam, your Servants do all sleep, but I.

Valer:

I would not have wak'd you, Ormasdes.

Ormas:

You have not Madam, I have not slept yet; Pray let your Servant know what 'tis you want!

Val:

I want assurance of a thing I doubt.

Ormas:

Can I give you that assurance?

Val:

Yes.

Ormas:

And will you not lay that command on me?

Val:

Do they all sleep?

Ormas:

They do.

Val:

Ormasdes I would know, what I do fear, You are pre-ingag'd never to tell me;

Ormas:

By your fair self, I swear, I'm not ingag'd In any kind, but may, and will impart, What ever in my knowledge, you inquire.

Val:

My first doubts does still remain, that the Queen Upon assurance of my suddain death, Has won you, thus to flatter my last hours, Like glittering Sun-shine upon dying Flowers.

Ormas:

Madam, by all that's Holy, she has not: What shall I say? what do? to gain your Faith?

Val:

You have done it now; I am satisfied. And do believe all's truth, Ormasdes speaks, But I do fear this truth appears too late.

Orm:

Why Madam? have you made vowes against me? Will no repentance? nor no pennance serve, To wash away my Sins against your Sex; Will you, that Universall quarrel wed? And bring destruction on your servants head?

Val:

Vowes Ormasdes, and those against you made! Oh do not take away the Joy you gave, By such a thought; I never wish'd, nor pray'd, For blessing upon Earth, beyond your Love, Which you in charity, so amply shew, That I do doubt I dream, what I injoy.

Ormas:

Madam, you do now misjudge my passion, To call that charity, which may be love For ought I know; this so late acquaintance, With my new heart, is short, and my transports So great, it must be madnesse, if not love: For, give me leave to swear, that I will know No other Joyes then yours, nor thoughts admit, But with design to serve, and honour you.

Val:

I do now wish the Gods my life would spare, And make me worthy of Ormasdes care.

Ormas:

Madam, you speak a Language of respect To me, who merrit nothing but neglect; Your favours flow so fast, they over-whelm My heart with joyes, and raise my soul so high, It turns amazement into extacy!

Val:

I should not talk thus, if I did not see't; Tis harde for you now to hide, then shew't:

I do not fear your passion will go lesse, But doubt by death to loose, what I possesse.

Ormas:

You cannot dye Madam, I have no fear To find so great a curse, from Heav'n sent, I onely doubt I sleep! and fear to wake Lest this abundant blisse should vanquish quite, And so involve me in Eternal Night; May I presume to beg a favour yet? Which will my fancy ••ix, and so confirm My doubtfull soul 'tis real, and no dream.

Val:

You may.

Ormas:

I beg that Ring you wear; but if of price Too great for me? pardon my Avarice.

Val:

'Tis a trifle, ask something of more worth.

Ormas:

Sure nothing can of greater value be If you repent, what you now promis'd me.

Val:

You ask, what is not in my power to give! My dying Mother with this Ring, bequeath'd Her curse, if ever I did part with it! But to the man I meant to make my Lord.

Ormas.

'Tis a charm not to be dissolv'd, by me; Who dare not touch it, on the termes you name; I was ambitious to wear it Madam, But onely as your servant, not your Lord.

Val:

It never can be had, on easier termes; Ormasdes you must have this, and me together, Alive or dead, you must have both, or neither.

Ormas:

All my Limbs do tremble, at what I hear, I dare not understand the words you speak, Lest my mistakes, do give you an offence, Beyond a pardon, for such impudence.

Val:

You do not mistake me, nor can you erre! If you'l avow, this kindnesse that you shew.

Ormas:

By all our Gods, I think my flame is Love, I know no other name for what I feel, But if you doubt? propose a way to try, And as it proves, declare my destiny.

Val:

I will consider on some way to try, But must submit unto this drowsinesse, For some minutes time, 'twill take me from you! Pray Sir, command the Musick now to play.

[He steps to the Door then.]

[Musick playes a while.]

Ormas:

She has talk'd her self into a Repose, Now I will try to get a little Rest. That my tir'd fancy, may at last be fixt.

Valeriana Counterfets to sleep, Ormasdes lyes on the ground by her Couch, and while he sleeps, she puts the Ring on his finger; then the Musick ends.

Val:

So — when he calls to mind, what I have said; He can expect no more, then I now give; —Great goddesse of pure hearts, protect my fame, And this rash act, forgive; which frights me now; To such repentance, with such suddain pain, I am resolv'd to take it off again,

She offers to take it off, and cannot.

— His hand is so fast clos'd, I cannot do't; And to wake him in the attempt, is worse; Such boldnesse may a double censure get, I blush to think how rashly I begun, And now repent the folly I have done: — — His hand opens: — And now 'tis mine again,

She takes off the Ring, Musick playes; she sleeps in earnest, while the Musick is.

Oh blest accident!

[Enter the Queen, and Train.]

Queen.

Wake them not; has Ormasdes walk'd to night? From that corner, hither, in his sleep? Did any of you hear them talk ith' night?

Doctor.

Not I Madam.

First Lady.

Nor I.

Second Lady.

I heard none stirre Madam.

Ormasdes wakes, and upstarts.

Ormas:

The Queen; is it so late?

Queen.

You have had a hard Lodging my Lord.

Ormas:

I have had the happiest night Madam; And am Richer far then both the Indies;—

Ormasdes starts, and looks distractedly for something lost.

—Ha! I am undone, undone for ever!

Queen.

What look you for my Lord? what have you lost?

Ormas:

I had it now, just now, on this finger! I look for Treasure Madam, worth the World;

He Searches.

—'Twas no dream, it must be here abouts! —I beg your pardon Madam, for this search, Which does concern my life, and honour too.

Queen.

This is the strangest passion, I ere ••aw, Has your great losse, no name to know it by?

Ormas:

Yes, I have lost Valerianas Ring.

Queen.

You did but dream, see, 'tis on her Finger:

Ormas:

How! 'tis so indeed, do I not dream now? Or do the Gods us men with shadowes mock? When we do seek such great felicities, As they allow us not to have below! —What a strange height of bliss? am I fall'n from?

Qu:

Has this one night, such mutual friendship gain'd? That the prophetick Ring, could be obtain'd!

Ormas:

I know not what to say, nor what to think! I know not when I sleep, or when I wake!

Yet must believe that Ring, was mine this night; And I have lost that Treasure▪ Childishly: Some kind friend strike me hard, that I may feel I now am waking; your pardon Madam, For my disaster makes me almost mad.

Valeriana wakes.

Queen.

How have you slept Valeriana?

Val:

Very well Madam, for one so weak!

Ormas:

Did you not wake about mid-night Madam?

Val:

Not that I remember.

Ormas:

Was ever man so much abus'd in's sleep?

Val:

Ormasdes, what means your disorder'd looks?

Queen.

He finds his waking fancies, are much lesse Delightfull, then his sleeping happinesse.

Orm:

I dream't Madam, that Ring you prize so much, Was this night, by you, put on my Finger; When a thousand, thousand joyes fell on me, Which now waking, I have no name for.

Val:

My Ring Ormasdes! and on your Finger! And by me put on! 'twas a dream indeed! I hope, you do not waking, think it fit, That I should waking do so bold an act.

Ormas:

Madam, it does not become me to say I wish, what you do not allow; nor dare I tell so great a lye, as to deny, The joy I dream'd of, when I thought I saw, And did believe I felt, it once was mine.

Val:

'Tis farre from my serious thoughts Ormasdes, After such high passion, as I have shew'd, Now to raise any discontent in you, But do not lessen your esteem of me, By the acquisition of such favours, As you your self, in others would condemn! Have we not both, at first sight, done enough, To justifie, what we professe; I fear Too much on my part, did not Cleandra Own, all that she has done, on my behalf.

Ormas:

I submit, and will wish, and think, and do What the wise Queen, and you advise me to.

Queen.

Ormasdes has not lost his time I see, Nor my design for your recovery, Fall'n short! the Gods in their good time will bring You to give, and him to accept the Ring. May your new friendship never know decay, But freely both command, and both obey: —I must now leave you for an hour, or two.

Ormas: leads the Queen to the Door, and returns.

Ormas.

Madam, is this a fit time to enquire Nearcus Story? may I now desire You, to unriddle the bold claim, he makes.

Val:

You shall hereafter have it all at large, Onely know now, he us'd a violence, In shew, with such unparallel'd deceits! Such insolent demands, so cunning couch'd! His threats, with humble looks, so plain disguis'd; That at first sight, I found, I was surpriz'd; Then, to avoid his purpose, I was forc'd, To use such doubtfull words, to bring me off, His madnesse did interpret his own way; While I was safe, by what I wisely said, To farther my escape, when so afraid! Thus was Cleandras trust, and mine abus'd; A baser treachery, was never us'd.

Ormas:

You have inform'd me fully of his fact. I suddainly will find Nearcus out, And hurle such vengeance, on his curs'd head,

Aside

That all the World shall say, 'tis well he's dead.

[They carry off Valeriana.]

Exeunt omnes.

[Enter Nearcus.]

Near:

'Tis strange, I hear not of Ormasdes yet! If he oblige me really! I'm his, If not! I shall resume my first resolves, This his delay, begets more jealousies, Then my impatient burning heart, can bear.—

[Enter Ormasdes.]

Near:

—Now Sir, how have I prosper'd in your hands?

Ormas:

As you deserve.

Near:

How is that?

Ormas.

With much scorn rejected.

Near:

Is that my merrit, in your opinion?

Ormas:

In mine, as in Cleandras, and in all! Who have heard the ground of your false claim, Which the fair Princess, and her Servants tell; —A Treachery so base, an act so foul! That all do think, Nearcus has no soul.

Near:

This you dare justifie?

Ormas:

I had not dar'd to tell it else! me thinks My looks might shew, my businesse was to find You out, and now to let you know, I must Defend the Princess, in a cause so just. —Before I knew Valerianas heart, Or was at all acquainted with my own; I judg'd your cause, against her innocence. But now inform'd the right from all, I find No argument, in Justice to compell, Such a forc'd promise to Nearcus made,

Should now to Leonatus be perform'd. Your jugling Arts, and your disguised Name, With your unworthy force, ore throws your claim.

Near:

You are become a subtle Orator, Since you convers'd with Ladies; but I shall Your great Eloquence, with this steel convince; I am not to be frighted by big words, We now must try the temper of our Swords.

Ormas:

We must indeed, though I lament, my hand Should harm a man, unto the Queen aly'd.

Near:

Shall that scruple, and this good Sword once more, Teach you to call for help? as heretofore!

Ormas:

I may change your opinion, with my own.

Near:

Come then.

They Fight, Ormasdes runs him through, Disarms him.

Ormas:

Get Surgeons for Nearcus presently; My hurt is slight.

Exit Ormasdes.

Enter Surgeons, or Servants, who carry off Nearcus.

Enter the Queen, in Valerianas Chamber, with her, and attended by Old Titus, Old Nearcus, Lords and Ladies, a full Train.

Queen.

'Tis by your good nature, Valeriana, That this mans evil spirit threatens us, Had you reveal'd Nearcus treachery! His punishment had suted with his crime.

Val:

Madam, I do confesse my lenity May have imbolden'd him to higher ills, Which my just complaint, might have prevented; But then, how hard a censure should I gain? By ruining so Eminent a man! Who from his principles of honour fell, Through love to me, though I contemn'd his hopes, His passion made me pitty his distresse, So far, as his first error to forgive, In hope he might in better order live.

Queen.

You argue well, and ought to justifie Your gentle disposition, to forgive. Mercy, does a young Princess, much adorn, But I am bound to vindicate my self, My Nation suffers, if I be not just, To punish crimes like this! I break my trust; He is the first, that ever da••'d asperse The Citherean Name, by such a fact, As no past Chronicle, can parallel! I shake to think, how great your danger was!

And how much greater might have been my shame, To trust a man, who values not his fame.

Val:

Let not his faults your anger higher raise, The punishment he feels, by ill successe, Is a just doom, for his unworthinesse.

Queen.

His sentence must, to after times appear, Lest my story be blemish'd with a thought, That I did wink at such a crime as this! My people will exclaim, the Gods will frown, If such a wickednesse unpunisht passe! He must dye Valeriana, his house Be burnt, the ashes scatter'd in the Ayre, With prayers t' appease our Citherian Gods, We cannot offer a lesse Sacrifice.

Val:

For my sake, let his doom, be banishment. If I have any favour in your Eyes? Make not me guilty by that Sacrifice.

She kneels.

Queen.

Rise Madam, you shall govern as you please.

[Enter to them Ormasdes, and Young Titus.]

Queen.

Ormasdes, are you hurt, by that vil'd man?

Ormas:

It is too little, to be call'd a wound! I come now, to beg Nearcus pardon; 'Twas I that did inforce him to this fight.

Val:

And I, most wrong'd, who freely do forgive.

Queen.

The wrong was done to me Valeriana, I put you in his power, my trust, he broke; My honour, for your safety, was ingag'd! Our Nation suffers, by his Villany; The Citherean honour calls for Justice, Against so barbarous a breach of Faith; Nor was it you provok'd, but were compell'd By him to fight, for innocence aspers'd!

Ormas:

Madam, though I shall never justifie Nearcus actions; his misfortune may Admit excuse; Because humane nature Is subject to passions, which the best men Can never mannage, as they ought! how then, May Valeriana's beauty guilty be? That did excite Nearcus love; and led Him into this distraction, past his power! To mannage his own heart; (as we think best;) If so! 'tis she has turn'd him to a Beast; But when your Majesty shall call to mind, The gallant service by this Mad-man done; You will then pitty his Distraction.

[Enter to them Nearcus, brought in a Chair.]

Queen.

What means this boldnesse?

Near:

Madam, I come not to beg your pardon, But to justifie my actions, and my self; Against Ormasdes, who does now with-hold Valeriana, my betroathed Wife, Confirm'd by vows, in presence of the Gods.

Queen.

Now Ormasdes! is he fit for pardon?

Ormas:

Yes Madam, as a distracted person!

Near:

Why do you wrong my person, and my cause? To call my just Title, a distraction; Do me Justice Cleandra, or give me Death!

Queen.

You may have both your wishes in good time: Cleobulus, guard him to the Castle.

Val:

Pray Madam, let his doom be banishment, Because his Crime, went not beyond intent.

Queen.

Madam, he must thank you, for his life then; — Cleobulus, see him a close prisoner, Untill his wounds, permit his Banishment.

Near:

I do your proffer'd mercies, all refuse, And either Death, or Valeriana chuse.

Queen.

Lead him to banishment: make him obey.

Near:

Hold a little: —Cleandra look, this way, Tis Leonatus calls; he who at foyles, The young Prince your Brother slew; And fled your Fathers rage, (untill his death!) Then shelter'd by this borrow'd Name, return'd, And in Nearcus Family secur'd, By this disguise; liv'd as his only Son, Who dyed, as I return'd; —is it death yet?

Queen.

No, this insolence, shall not change your doom, Nor your confest disguise, (long known to me,) Force a punishment beyond the merrit Of that sad mishap! which I believe Was fatall accident! no purpos'd crime! Though my Father look'd on his onely Son, By your hand slain, with such revenging rage! As might his losse become, and him ingage To throw out vowes, that Justice should persue, So great a Traytor, as he then thought you; For your succession after me, became His fancies object, which encreas'd your blame. —But I, who have exactly been inform'd, Of my dead Brothers love, and yours, now must For that sad accident, to you be just,

Near:

I'le rather quit my innocence, then own— Your mercy, when you Justice do deny; Give me the fair Princesse, or give me death.

Queen.

I cannot with Justice, give you either; How can I, a free Princes will compell? Or how Ormasdes true pretence deny? Or how afford you death, for that offence, Which your unluckie hand, did act by chance.

Near:

Would I had dyed, the day of my return, Since great Cleandra dares not do me Right; But suffers false Ormasdes to possesse, What is my due; I all your mercy scorn, And will the worst of Tyranny endure.

Queen.

I have imploy'd you as my Brothers friend, Thus long, not at his Murtherer conniv'd! And untill now, by force compell'd, my face To frequent smiles, in favour of your worth, While my heart ak'd, to think what you had done! But you of late, unworthy our great Name, Have scandaliz'd the Citherean Fame, Boldly to own a Crime so great! as may insence, The World to question your first innosence! Which clearly shewes, you are for mischief built, That dar'd to entertain so base a guilt! —My mercy may prove sin, unlesse betimes, My Justice do prevent your farther crimes.

Near.

Must I be held? and baited thus to death! Be torn, and tortur'd by a Womans breath?

Queen.

See my Command obey'd Cleobulus. —I shall take order for an Equipage, Fit for your great, and shall now confine You to an Island near, from whence you may Return, if you out-live me, and mine! —Remove him hence.

Ne:

Hold a while! —curse on, curse light on you all, For this unjustice, which you mercy call; Tyrants, cruel Tyrants, your jugling Art, Lay by, and strike a Dagger through my heart; — If Ormasdes any honour have in store? He'l fight another bout upon the Shore, As I take ship; and if I chance to Dye! My soul shall then applaud thy Victory, And sing thy praise to the infernal Ghosts, That they may chuse thee Captain of their Hosts, When thou com'st down! — Let not a Ladies word Destroy, by piercing deeper then thy sword! — —Will you not answer? cruel, and unjust! Ye Gods! why put you Scepters into Womens trust? Who crushes me to raise a Cowards Name! Whom I will in the Elizium fields Defame, No honor'd Ghost of Troy, shall there own thee, The Grecian, and the Roman Souls, with me

Will trample on thy Cowards neck, with scorn, —Poor shadow of a gallant man, only born To lye in Ladies laps, perfum'd, and curl'd! —I'le Poste thee Coward, in the other World.

They force him away, on the Queens back with her Hand.

Adm:

Tis strange, that none of us should know him!

Y. Tit:

The general opinion he was drown'd, Made us not see through his disguise;

Admir:

But his strange passion does amaze me most. Ormasdes wedding, will his frenzy cure; When love does see no possibility, Desires, and hopes, will vanish by degrees.

Y. Tit:

We see dispairs, work often other wayes.

Queen.

He has disturb'd me, but I'le forget him; —Valeriana come, let us consult, The Ceremony of your Wedding-day, Ormasdes joyes, and yours, will blow away The farther thought, of Leonatus crimes.

Val:

Our Wedding Madam! I see no reason For so great a haste! now we are secure.

Or:

Madam, since you have rais'd my hopes so high! It were a sinne to doubt my destiny! Yet say, when shall my thoughts so fixt remain? That I may never think I dream again.

Val:

Ormasdes, not too fast, we must proceed With much discretion, to so great a deed! The Eyes of all this Nation, do behold Our actions, and may think my part too bold, If I again shall do; what I repent! It would deserve a double punishment; My over-hasty Love, was once my crime, I must redeem that fault, by taking time To finish, what so violent begun, Lest into greater errors, I do run; — —A year or two's delay, will adde much grace To our young Love, which Time cannot deface.

Ormas:

Why have you led me forth, with gentle gales? Into this dangerous deep? why fill'd my Sails, With such propitious winds? us would convey Me safe to my wish'd Port, the nearest way. Why do you now abstruct this happy course? As if you wish'd for storms! or something worse! Why thus forsake the Light? to sailith•• dark, As if you sought out hazzards, for this Bark, In which, you are the onely fraight, that I, Can fear to loose; by my mortality. Oh! do not then my Joyes to time betray, Lest you do ruine all, by your delay!

Queen.

How Valeriana! must this Scene of Love, Fall from its height? and now no farther move! Does your quick conquest of Ormasdes? make Him lesse worthy? when we such pris'ners take, As might our selves command! if they will serve! We cannot give them more, then they deserve; Consider well, lest you, your self destroy, If thus, you do deferre Ormasdes joy!

Val:

Madam, you, and the World too well do know, My love to him, can now no higher grow! I onely thus stand off, lest he despise, A conquest gain'd, without an enterprize. And that by injur'd Sex, hereafter may Judge of my innocence, by this delay; Honour forbids, that we in haste ingage, Rash actions often, ill events presage. Though I, (like a tall Ship that spreads her sails, When she is carried on, with prosperous gales; To her wish'd Port!) do sigh, to be delay'd, And blame the Remora, by which I'm staid.

Ormas:

Honour, and fancy, at great distance stand; You have no argument for this command, But your own nice, unnecessary thought, By which your Virtue, may become a fault! Tis true, that my neglects to Woman kind, May urge, that I should now no favour find; Till my whole life be spent, to gain a bliss, To crown my latests hours with joyes, like this! I do confesse such judgment were my due, From all the women in the World, but you;— Who have no argument, nor a pretence, Why you should prove the Rod for my offence:

Val:

Ormasdes true, I only now would prove, By some short time, the temper of your Love; And shew the World, that mine was not in hast, Though its first motion mov'd so fierce and fast! It makes me blush to think, that this great Queen, And her whole Nation, have such weaknesse seen! As all commanding Love, forc'd me to show, Oh! 'tis a bold attempt, when Women wooe!

Ormas:

What ere the vulgar think, great Princes may, The dictates of their greater souls obey; 'Tis a self-doubting sin, when you alone, Dare not avow, what Gods, and men do own.

Queen.

These cautious wayes, are onely fit for such As have suspected virtues; you are much Above the reach of Censures; — 'twas I, That woo'd him first, mine be the infamy, Who boast the active part, with the successe, And would not for the World, it had been lesse!

It does become me, now to see your hands United, as your hearts! —If my commands Be slighted! and my self not understood! When I require what's for your mutuall good, I shall repent the kindnesse, I have shown, And wish, you never had Ormasdes known.

Val:

Madam, when you command, I must submit; —But will Ormasdes waking think it fit? Now to accept this Ring? and safer keep What he desires, then when h' last did sleep; I had some pleasure, and no little pain; To put it on, and steal it off again. But now, since Gods and you, do all agree! Receive this bond of my Captivity.

Ormas:

I kiss the hand, that freely gives it now, May thunder strike me dead, when I do bow To other Earthly Power, or wish a blisse, That Heaven can give, the Gods allowing this! Ormasdes heart, shall into insence turn, And in bright flames, before this Altar burn; So long as my fair Saint, does not despise, To look upon so mean a Sacrifice— —To you great Queen, I know not what to say, How to expresse a gratitude, that may Declare the glory of your life to be A perfect pattern, for Posteritie.

Qu.

Brave Lord, your Triumphs, and your Trophies still Increase our wonder! and our Nation fill, With such Esteem, as all my people may, With Honour, keep your Wedding, Holy-day. And in our Story, after Ages show, Friendship, and Virtue, did together grow.