Theodosius, or, The force of love a tragedy, acted by Their Royal Highnesses servants, at the Duke's Theatre / written by Nat. Lee ; with the musick betwixt the acts.

THEODOSIUS: OR, THE Force of Love.

ACT I. SCENE I.

A stately Temple, which represents the Christian Religion, as in its first Magnificence: Being but lately establisht at Rome and Constanti∣nople. The Side Scenes shew the horrid Tortures, with which the Ro∣man Tyrants persecuted the Church, and the Flat Scene, which is the Limit of the Prospect, discovers an Altar richly adorn'd, before it Con∣stantine, suppos'd kneels, with Commanders about him, gazing at a bloody Cross in the Air, which being incompass'd with many Angels, offers it self to view, with these words distinctly written, (In hoc sig∣no vinces!) Instruments are heard, and many Attendants: The Mi∣nisters at Divine Service, walk busily up and down, till Atticus, the Chief of all the Priests, and Successor of St. Chrysostom, in rich Robes, comes forward with the Philosopher Leontine: The Waiters in Ranks bowing all the way before him.

A Chorus heard at distance.

Prepare, prepare! the Rites begin, Let none unhallow'd enter in, The Temple with new Glory shines, Adorn the Altars, wash the Shrines, And purge the place from Sin.

Attic.

O Leontine! was ever Morn like this, Since the Celestial Incarnation dawn'd? I think no Day since that, such Glory gave To Christian Altars, as this Morning brings.

Leont.

Great Successor of holy Chrysostom, Who now triumphs above a Saint of Honour. Next in degree to those bright Sons of Heav'n; Who never fell, nor stain'd their Orient Beams: What shall I answer? How shall I approach you Since my Conversion, which your breath inspir'd?

Attic.

To see this Day, th' Emperour of the East, Leaves all the Pleasures that the Earth can yield, That Nature can bestow, or Art invent, In his Life's spring, and bloom of gawdy years, To undergo the Penance of a Cloyster, Confin'd to narrow Rooms, and gloomy Walks, Fastings, and Exercises of Devotion, Which from his Bed at midnight must awake him, Methinks, O Leontine! is something more, Than yet Philosophy could ever reach.

Leont.

True, Atticus; you have amaz'd my reason.

Attic.

Yet more, to our Religious lasting honour, Marina and Flavilla, two young Virgins, Imperial born, cast in the fairest mould, That e're the hands of Beauty form'd for Woman; The Mirrors of our Court, where Chastity And Innocence might copy spotless Lustre; To Day with Theodosius leave the World.

Leont.

Methinks at such a glorious resignation, The Angelick Orders should at once descend, In all the Paint and Drapery of Heav'n; With charming Voices, and with lulling Strings, To give full Grace to such Triumphant Zeal.

Attic.

No, Leontine; I fear there is a fault: For when I last confess'd th' Emperour, Whether disgust and melancholy Blood, From restless Passions, urg'd not this Divorce? He only answer'd me with Sighs and lushes; 'Tis sure, his Soul is of the tenderest make: Therefore, I'll tax him strictly; but, my Friend, Why should give his Character to you, Who when his Father sent him into Persia, Were by that mighty Monarch then appointed To breed him with his Son, the Prince Varanes.

Leont.

And what will raise your Admiration, is, That two such different Tempers should agree: You know that Theodosius is compos'd Of all the softness that should make a Woman, Judgment almost like fear fore-runs his Actions; And he will poise an Injury so long,

As if he had rather pardon than revenge it: But the young Persian Prince quite opposite, So Fiery sierce, that those who view him nearly May see his haughty Soul still mounting in his Face; Yet did I study these so different Tempers, Till I at last had form'd a perfect Union, As if two Souls did but inform one Body. A friendship that may challenge all the World, And at the proof be matchless.

Attic.

I long to read This Gallant Prince, who, as you have inform'd me, Comes from his Father's Court to see our Emperour.

Leon.

So he intnded till he came to Athens; And at my homely board beheld my Daughter; Where, as Fate ordered, she who never saw The Glories of a Court, bred up to Books In Closets like a Sybil. She I say, Long since from Persia brought by me to Athens! Unskill'd in Charms, but those which Nature gave her, Wounded this scornful Prince: In short, he forc'd me To wait him thither, with deep protestations, That Moment that bereft him of the sight. Of Athenais, gave him certain Death.

Enter Varanes, and Athenais.

But see my Daughter honour'd with his presence.

Vara.

'Tis strange! O Athenais! wondrous, all Wondrous the Shrines, and wonderful the Altars! The Martyrs, though but drawn in painted Flames, Amaze me with the Image of their suff'rings: Saints Canoniz'd that dar'd with Roman Tyrants. Hermits that liv'd in Caves, and fed with Angels, By Orosmades, it is wondrous all. That bloody Cross, in yonder Azure Sky, Above the Head of kneeling Constantine; Inscrib'd about with Golden Characters: Thou shalt o'er-come in this. If it be true, I say again, by Heav'n 'tis wond'rous strange.

Athen.

O Prince, if thus Imagination stirs you A fancy rais'd from figures in dead Walls, How would the Sacred Breath of Atticus Inspire your Breast, purge all your dross away, And drive this Athenais from your Soul, To make a Virgin Room, whom yet the Mould Of your rude Fancy cannot comprehend.

Vara.

What says my Fair? Drive Athenais from me: Start me not into Frenzy, lest I rail At all Religion, and fall out with Heaven: And what is she alas! that should supplant thee? Were she the Mistress of the World, as fair As Winter Stars, or Summer setting Suns, And thou set by in Nature's plainest Dress, With that chaste modest look when first I saw thee? The Heiress of a poor Philosopher,

[Recorders ready to flourish.

I swear by all I wish, by all I love, Glory and thee, I would not lose a thought, Nor cast an Eye that way, but rush to thee, To these lov'd arms, and lose my self for ever.

Athenais.

Forbear, my Lord.

Vara.

O cruel Athenais! Why dost thou put me off, who pine to death? And thrust me from thee when I would approach thee? Can there be ought in this? Curse then thy birth-right, Thy glorious Titles and ill-suited Greatness, Since Athenais scorns thee: Take again Your ill-tim'd Honours; take 'em, take 'em Gods! And change me to some humble Villager, If so at least for toils at scorching Noon, In mowing Meadows, or in reaping Fields, At night she will but crown me with a smile, Or reach the bounty of her hand to bless me.

Athen.

When Princes speak, their Subjects should be silent, Yet with humility I would demand, Wherein appears my scorn, or my aversion? Have I not for your sake abandon'd home, Where I had vow'd to spend my calmer days? But you perhaps imagine it but little For a poor Maid to follow you abroad, Especially the Daughter of old Leontine, Yet I must tell you Prince╌

Vara.

I cannot bear Those Frowns: I have offended, but forgive me. For who, Athenais, that is toss'd With such tempestuous tydes of love as I, Can steer a steady course? Retire, my Fair,

[Recorders flourish.

Hark! the Solemnities are now beginning, And Theodosius comes: Hide, hide thy Charms, If to his clouded Eyes such Day should break, The Royal Youth who dotes to Death for Love, I fear would forfeit all his Vows to Heav'n, And six upon thy World, thy World of Beauty.

[Excunt.

Enter Theodosius leading Marina and Flavilla (all three drest in white) followed by Pulcheria.

Theo.

Farewel, Pulcheria! and I pray, no more: For all thy kind Complaints are lost upon me. Have I not sworn the World and I must part? Fate has proclaim'd it, therefore weep no more, Wound not the tenderest part of Theodosius, My yielding Soul, that would expire in Calms! Wound me not with thy Tears, and I will tell thee, Yet e're I take my last farewel for ever, The cause of all my sufferings: O, my Sister! A bleeding Heart, the stings of pointed Love, What Constitution soft as mine can bear?

Pulch.

My Lord, my Emp'rour, my dearest Brother, Why all this while did you conceal it from me?

Theo.

Because I was asham'd to own my Weakness, I knew thy sharper Wit, and stricter Wisdom Would dart Reproofs, which I could not endure Draw near, O Atticus, and mark me well, For never yet did my complaining Spirit Unlaid this weighty Secret upon him, Nor groan a syllable of her Oppression.

Attic.

Concealment was a fault; but speak at large, Make bare the Wound, and I will pour in Balm.

Theo.

'Tis folly all, and fondness╌O, remembrance! Why dost thou open thus my Wound again, And from my Heart call down those warmer drops That make me die with shame? Hear then, Pulcheria! Some few preceding days before I left The Persian Court, hunting one morning early, I lost my self and all the Company, Still wandring on as Fortune would direct me, I past a Rivulet, and alighted in The sweetest Solitude I ever saw! When streight, as if Enchantment had been there, Two charming Voices drew me 'till I came, Where divers Arbours over-lookt the River. Upon the Osier Bank two Women sate, Who, when their Song was ended, talkt to one, Who, bathing, stood far in the Chrystal stream. But, oh, what thought can paint that fair Perfection, Or give a glimpse of such a naked Glory! Not Sea-born Venus, in the Courts beneath, When the green Nymphs first kiss'd her Coral Lips,

All polisht, fair, and washt with Orient Beauty, Could in my dazling Fancy match her brightness.

Attic.

Think where you are?

Theo.

O! Sir, you must forgive me, The chaste Enthusiastick Form appears, As when I saw her; yet I swear, Pulcheria, Had cold Diana been a looker or She must have prais'd the Vertues of the Virgin, The Satyrs could not g••in, for she was veil'd: Nothing immodest, from her naked Bosom Down to her knees, the Nymph was wrapt in Lawn: But oh for me! for me, that was too much! Her Legs, her Arms, her Hands, her Neck, her Breasts, So nicely shap'd, so matchless in their Lustre! Such all-perfection, that I took whole draughts Of killing Love, and ever since have languisht With lingring surfeits of her fatal Beauty! Alas, too fatal sure! O Atticus! Forgive me, for my story now is done, The Nymph was drest, and with her two Companions, Having descry'd me, shriekt and fled away, Leaving me motionless, till Leontine, Th' Instructer of my Youth, by chance came in, And wak'd me from the wonder that entranc'd me.

Attic.

Behold, my Lord, the Man whom you have nam'd, The Harbinger of Prince Varanes here.

Theod.

O Leontine! ten thousand Welcomes meet thee! Thou Foster-Father of my tender Youth, Who rear'd the Plant, and prun'd it with such Care; How shall I look upon thee, who am fallen From all the Principles of manlier reason, By thee infus'd, to more than Woman's weakness? Now by the Majesty Divine, that aws This sacred place, I swear you must not kneel: And tell me, for I have a thousand things To ask thee; Where, where is my Godlike Friend? Is he arriv'd, and shall I see his Face, Before I am cloyster'd from the World for ever?

Leont.

He comes, my Lord, with all the expecting Joys Of a young promis'd Lover, from his Eyes Big hopes look forth, and boiling Fancy forms Nothing but Theodosius still before him; His thought, his every word, is Theodosius.

Theo.

Yet Leontine, yet answer me once more: With tremblings I demand thee. Say╌hast thou seen? Oh, has that Heav'nly form

Appear'd to thee again? Behold he's dumb: Proceed then to the Solemn last farewel; Never was Man so willing, and prepar'd.

Enter Varanes, Aranthes, Attendants.

Vara.

Where is my Friend! oh where is my belov'd, My Theodosius! point him out ye Gods, That I may press him dead betwixt my Arms; Devour him thus with over-hasty Joys, That languish at his Breast, quite out of breath, And cannot utter more.

Theo.

Thou mightiest Pleasure! And greatest Blessing, that kind Heav'n could send, To glad my parting Soul, a thousand Welcomes! O, when I look on thee, new starts of Glory Spring in my Breast, and with a backward bound I run the Race of lusty Youth again.

Vara.

By Heav'n it joys me too, when I remember Our thousand Pastimes, when we borrow'd Names; Alcides, I, and Thou, my dearest Theseus, When through the Woods, we chas'd the foaming Boar, With Hounds that open'd like Thessalian Bulls, Like Tygers flu'd, and sanded as the shoar, With Ears, and Chests, that dasht the morning Dew: Driv'n with the Sport, as Ships are tost in Storms, We ran like Winds, and matchless was our Course; Now sweeping o'er the limit of a Hill! Now with a full Career come thundring down The Precipice! and sweat along the Vale.

Theo.

O glorious time! and when the gathering Clouds Have call'd us home, say, Did we rest, my Brother? When on the Stage, to the admiring Court, We strove to represent Alcides Fury, In all that raging Heat, and pomp of Madness, With which the stately Seneca adorn'd him: So lively drawn, and painted with such horror, That we were forc'd to give it o'er; so loud The Virgins shriek'd, so fast they dy'd away.

Vara.

My Theodosius still; 'tis my lov'd Brother; And by the Gods we'll see those times agen! Why then has Rumour wrong'd thee, that reported Christian Enthusiasm had charm'd thee from us, That drawn by Priests, and work'd by Melancholy, Thou hadst laid the golden Reins of Empire down, And sworn thy self a Votary for ever?

Theo.

'Tis almost true; and had not you arriv'd,

The solemn business had by this been ended. This I have made the Empress of the East, My elder Sister: These with me retire, Devoted to the Pow'r, whom we adore.

Vara.

What Power is that that merits such Oblations? I thought the Sun more great and glorious, Than any that e're mingled with the Gods; Yet even to him my Father never offer'd More than a Hecatomb of Bulls and Horses: Now by those golden Beams, that glad the World, I swear it is too much: For one of these, But half so bright, our God would drive no more, He'd leave the darken'd Globe, and in some Cave Injoy such Charms for ever.

Attic.

My Lord, forbear! Such Language does not suit with our Devotion: Nothing prophane must dare to murmur here. Nor stain the hallow'd Beauties of the Place. Yet thus far we must yield; the Emperour Is not enough prepar'd to leave the World.

Vara.

Thus low, most Reverend of this sacred place, I kneel for Pardon, and am half converted, By your permission that my Theodosius Return to my Embraces. O my Brother! Why dost thou droop? There will be time enough For Prayer and Fasting, and Religious Vows; Let us enjoy, while yet thou art my own, All the Magnificence of Eastern Courts; I hate to walk a lazy Life away: Let's run the Race which Fate has set before us, And post to the dark Goal.

Theo.

Cruel Destiny! Why am not I thus too? O my Varanes! Why are these costly Dishes set before me? Why do these sounds of Pleasure strike my Ears? Why are these Joys brought to my sick remembrance; Who have no appetite; but am to sense, From Head to Foot, all a dead Palsie o're?

Vara.

Fear not, my Friend, all shall be well again, For I have thousand ways, and thousand stories To raise thee up to Pleasure, we'll unlock Our fastest Secrets, shed upon each other Our tender'st Cares, and quite unbarr those Doors, Which shall be shut to all Mankind beside.

Attic.

Silence and Reverence are the Temple's dues: Therefore, while we pursue the Sacred Rites,

Be these observ'd, or quit the awful place, Imperial Sisters, now twin-stars of Heaven, Answer the Successor of Chrysostom; Without least Reservation answer me; By those harmonious Rules I charg'd ye learn.

Atticus Sings.

Attic.

Canst thou, Marina, leave the World, The World that is Devotion's bane; Where Crowns are tost, and Scepters hurld, Where Lust and proud Ambition Reign?

2 Priest.

Can you your costly Robes forbear, To live with us in poor Attire? Can you from Courts to Cells repair, To sing at midnight in our Quire?

3 Priest.

Can you forget your golden Beds, Where you might sleep beyond the morn, On Mats to lay your Royal Heads, And have your beauteous Tresses shorn?

Attic.

Can you resolve to fast all Day, And weep and groan to be forgiv'n? Can you in broken slumbers pray, And by affliction merit Heav'n?

Chor.

Say, Votaries, can this be done, While we the Grace Divine implore, The World has lost, the Battel's won; And sin shall never charm ye more?

Marina

Sings.

The gate to Bliss does open stand, And all my penance is in view; The World upon the other hand Crys out, O do not bid adieu!

Yet, Sacred Sirs, in these extreams, Where Pomp and Pride their Glories tell; Where Youth and Beauty are the Themes, And plead their moving Cause so well.

If ought that's vain my thoughts possess, Or any Passions govern here, But what Divinity may bless; O may I never enter there!

Flavilla

Sings.

What! what can Pomp or Glory do; Or what can humane Charms perswade, That Mind that has a Heav'n in view, How can it be by Earth betray'd!

No Monarch full of Youth and Fame, The Joy of Eyes, and Natures Pride, Should once my thoughts from Heav'n Reclaim! Though now he woo'd me for his Bride.

Haste then, Oh haste! and take us in, For ever lock Religion's Door, Secure us from the Charms of sin, And let us see the World no more.

Attic.

Sings.

Hark! hark! behold the Heavenly Choir, They cleave the Air in bright Attire, And see his Lute each Angel brings, And hark Divinely thus he Sings! To the Pow'rs Divine, all glory be given, By Men upon Earth, and Angels in Heaven.

Scene shuts, and all the Priests with Marina, and Flav. disappear.

Pulch.

For ever gone! for ever parted from me! O Theodosius, till this cruel moment I never knew how tenderly I lov'd 'em; But on this everlasting separation, Methinks my Soul has left me, and my Time Of dissolution points me to the Grave.

Theo.

O my Varanes, does not now thy temper Bate something of its fire? dost thou not melt In meer Compassion of my Sister's Fate, And cool thy self with one relenting thought?

Vara.

Yes, my dar'd Soul rouls inward, melancholy, Which I ne'er felt before, now comes upon me; And I begin to loath all humane greatness. Oh! sigh not then, nor thy hard Fate deplore! For, 'tis resolv'd, we will be Kings no more: We'll fly all Courts, and Love shall be our guide; Love that's more worth than all the World beside, Princes are barr'd the liberty to roam. The fetter'd mind still languishes at home; In golden Bands she treads the thoughtful round, Business and Cares eternally abound. "And when for Air the Goddess would unbind, "She's clogg'd with Scepters, and to Crowns confin'd.

[Exeunt.

ACT II. SCENE I.

Enter Pulcheria, Julia, Attendants.

Pulch.

THese Packets for the Emperour Honorius; Be swift, let the Agent haste to Rome╌ I hear, my Julia, that our General Is from the Goths return'd with Conquest home.

Jul.

He is; to day I saw him in the Presence, Sharp to the Courtiers, as he ever was: Because they went not with him to the Wars. To you he bows, and sues to kiss your Hand.

Pulch.

He shall, my dearest Julia; oft I have told thee The secret of my Soul: It e'er I marry, Marcian's my Husband; he is a Man, my Julia, Whom I have study'd long, and found him perfect: Old Rome at every glance looks through his Eyes, And kindles the Beholders: Some sharp Atomes Run through his Frame, which I could wish were out. He sickens at the softness of the Emperour, And speaks too freely of our Female Court; Then sighs, comparing it with what Rome was.

Enter Marcian and Lucius.

Pulch.

Ha! Who are these that dare prophane this place With more than barb'rous Insolence?

Marc.

At your Feet, Behold I cast the scourge of these Offenders, And kneel to kiss your Hand.

Pulch.

Put up your Sword, And e'er I bid you welcome from the Wars, Be sure you clear your Honour of this rudeness; Or, Marcian, leave the Court.

Marc.

Thus then, Madam; The Emperour receiv'd me with affection, Embrac'd me for my Conquests, and retir'd; When on a sudden all the gilded Flies That buz about the Court came flutt'ring round me: This with affected Cringes, and mine'd Words, Begs me to tell my Tale of Victories; Which done, he thanks me, slips behind his Fellow, Whispers him in the Ear, then smiles and listens, While I relate my Story once again:

A third comes in, and asks me the same favour: Whereon they laugh, while I still ignorant Go on; but one behind, more impudent, Strikes on my Shoulder; then they laught out-right, But then I guessing the abuse too late, Return'd my Knight behind a box o'th Ear; Then drew, and briefly told them they were Rascals. They, laughing still, cry'd out the General's musty, Whereon I drove 'em, Madam, as you saw: This is in short the Truth, I leave the Judgment To your own Justice; if I have done ill, Sentence me, and I'll leave the Court for ever.

Pulch.

First you are welcome, Marcian, from the Wars; And still when e'er occasion calls for Arms, Heav'n send th' Emperor a General Renown'd as Marcian; as to what is past, I think the World will rather praise than censure Pulcheria, when she pardons you the Action.

Marc.

Gods! Gods! and thou great Founder of Old Rome! What is become of all that mighty Spirit, That rais'd our Empire to a pitch so high? Where is it pent? What, but Almighty Power Could thus confine it, that but some few Atoms Now run through all the East and Occident?

Pulch.

Speak calmly, Marcian╌

Marc.

Who can be temperate, That thinks as I do, Madam? Why here's a Fellow, I have seen him fight against a Troop of Vandals In your Defence, as if he lov'd to bleed: Come to my arms, my Dear! Thou canst not talk, But hast a Soul above the proudest of 'em. O, Madam, when he has been all over Blood, And hackt with Wounds that seem'd to mouth his Praises; I have seen him smile still as he pusht Death from him, And with his actions rally distant Fate.

Pulch.

He has a noble Form.

Marc.

Yet ev'n this Man, That fought so bravely in his Country's Cause, This excellent Man this Morning in the Presence, Did I see wrong'd before the Emperour, Scorn'd and despis'd because he could not cringe, Nor plant his Feet as some of them could do. One said his Cloaths were not well made, and damn'd His Taylor╌╌Another said, he look'd As if he had not lost his Maiden-head. If things are suffer'd to be thus, down all

Authority, Preeminence, Degree and Vertue. Let Rome be never mention'd, no, in the Name Of all the Gods, be she forgotten ever. Effeminate Persians, and the Lydian softness, Make all your Fights, Marcian shall out no more; For by my Arms it makes a Woman of me; And my swoln Eyes run o'er to think this worth, This fuller Honour than the whole Court holds, Should be ridiculous to Knaves and Fools; Should starve for want of what is necessary To Life's Convenience. When luxurious Bawds Are so o'er grown with Fat, and cram'd with Riot, That they can hardly walk without an Engine.

Pulch.

Why did you not inform the Emperour?

Marc.

Because he will not hear me: Alas, good Man! He flies from this bad World, and still when Wars And Dangers come, he runs to his Devotions, To your new thing, I know not what you call it, Which Constantine began.

Pulch.

How, Marcian! are not you of that Religion which the Emperour owns?

Marc.

No, Madam, if you'll see my naked thought, I am not of their Principle, that take A wrong; so far from bearing with a Foe, I would strike first, like old Rome; I wou'd forth, Elbow the neighbouring Nations round about, Invade, enlarge my Empire to the bounds Of the too narrow Universe. Yes, I own That I despise your holy Innovations. I am for the Roman Gods, for Funeral Piles, For mounting Eagles, and the fancied greatness Of our Fore-Fathers. Methinks my heated Spirit Cou'd utter things worth losing of my Head.

Pulch.

Speak freely, Marcian, for I know thee honest.

Marc.

O, Madam! long, long may the Emperour live; But, I must say, his gentle Disposition Suits not, alas, the Oriental sway: Bid him but look on Pharamond: O Gods! Awake him with the Image of that Spirit, Which, like a Pyramid revers'd, is grown Ev'n from a point to the most dreadful greatness; His very Name already shakes the World; And still in Person heading his first Squadrons, Like the first Caesar o'er the hardy Gauls, He seems another Thunderbolt of War.

Pulch.

I oft have blam'd my Brother most for this,

That to my hand he leaves the State Affairs: And how that sounds, you know╌╌

Mar.

Forgive me, Madam; I think that all the greatness of your Sex, Rome's Clelia, and the fam'd Semiramis, With all th' Amazonian Valour too, Meet in Pulcheria; yet, I say, forgive me, If with reluctance I behold a Woman Sit at the Empire's Helm, and steer the World.

Pulch.

I stand rebuk'd╌

Marc.

Mark but the growing French. The most auspicious Omen of their greatness, That I can guess, is their late Salique Law, Blest by their Priests, the Salii, and pronounc'd To stand for ever; which excludes all Women From the Imperial Crown: But, oh! I speak The least of all those infinite grievances, Which make the Subjects murmur: In the Army, Tho' I proceeded still like Hannibal, And punisht ev'ry Mutineer with Death; Yet, oh! it stabb'd me through and through the Soul To pass the Wretches Doom, because I knew With Justice they complain'd; for hard they fought, And with their Blood earn'd that forbidden Bread, Which some at Court, and great ones, though un-nam'd, Cast to their Hounds, while the poor Soldier's starv'd╌

Pulch.

Your pity too in mournful fellowship, No doubt might sooth their murmurs.

Marc.

Yes, it did, That I might put 'em once again in heart, I said 'twas true, the Emperour was to blame, Who dealt too coldly with his faithful Servants, And paid their great Arrears by second hand: I promis'd too, when we return'd to Court, Things should be mended╌ But how! oh Gods! forgive my Blood this Transport! To the Eternal Shame of Female Councils! And to the blast of Theodosius Name, Whom never Warlike Chronicle shall mention! O let me speak it with a Roman Spirit, We were receiv'd like undone Prodigals, By curst ungrateful Stewards, with cold looks; Who yet got all by those poor Wretches ruine. Like Malefactors, at the hands of Justice, I blush, I almost weep with bursting rage; If thus receiv'd, how paid our long Arrears?

Why, as intrusted Misers pay the Rights Of helpless Widows, or the Orphans Tears. O Soldier, for to thee, to Thee I speak it, Bawd's for the drudgery of Citizens Wives, Would better pay debilitated Stallions. Madam, I have said perhaps too much; if so, It matters not, for he who lies, like me, On the hard ground, is sure to fall no further.

Pulch.

I have given you patient hearing, honest Marcian! And, as far as I can see into your Temper, I speak my serious Judgment in cold Blood, With strictest Consultation on the matter; I think this seeming plain and honest, Marcian, An exquisite and most notorious Traytor.

Marc.

Ha! Traytor!

Pulch.

Yes, a most notorious Traytor.

Marc.

Your Grandfather, whose Frown could awe the World, Would not have call'd me so╌or if he had╌

Pulch.

You would have taken it╌But to the Business, Was't not enough! Oh Heaven! Thou know'st, too much! At first to own your self an Infidel, A bold Contemner, even to Blasphemy, Of that Religion which we all profess; For which your Heart's best Blood can ne'er suffice: But you must dare, with a seditious Army, Thus to conspire against the Emperour; I mention not your Impudence to me, Taxing the folly of my Government, Ev'n to my Face: Such an Irreverence, As sure no barb'rous Vandal would have urg'd; Beside your libelling all the Court, as if You had engrost the whole World's honesty: And Flatterers, Fools, Sycophants, Knaves, Such was your Language, did inhabit here.

Marc.

You wrest my honest meaning, by the Gods You do, and if you thus go on, I feel My strugling Spirit will no longer bear it.

Pulch.

I thought the meaning of all rational Men Should still be gather'd out of their Discourse; Nor are you so imprudent, without thinking, To vent such words, tho' now you fain would hide it; You find the Guilt, and bauk the Accusation: But think not you shall scape so easily! Once more I do confront you, as a Traytor; And as I am entrusted with full pow'r, Divest you, in the Name of Theodosius,

Of all your Offices, Commissions, Honours, Command you leave the Court within three Days, Loyal, plain-dealing, honest Marcian.

Marc.

Gods! Gods!

Pulch.

What now! ha! does the Traytor murmur? If in three days! mark me; 'tis I that doom thee! Rash inconsiderable Man, a Wretch beneath The Torments I cou'd execute upon thee! If after three days space thou'rt found in Court, Thou dy'st! thy head, thy head shall pay the forfeit. Farewell: now rage! now rail and curse the Court; Saucily dare to abuse the best of Princes, And let thy lawless Tongue lash all it can; Do, like a mad-man rave! deplore thy Fortune, While Pages laugh at thee. Then haste to the Army, Grow popular, and lead the multitude: Preach up thy Wrongs, and drive the giddy Beast To kick at Caesar. Nay, if thou weep'st, I am gone. O Julia! if I stay, I shall weep too. Yet 'tis but just that I the Heart should see Of him who once must Lord it over me.

[Ex. Pulcheria, &c.

Luc.

Why do you droop, Sir╌Come, no more o' this, You are and shall be still our General: Say but the Word, I'll fill the Hippodrome With Squadrons that shall make the Emp'ror tremble; We'll fire the Court about his Ears. Methinks like Junius Brutus I have watcht An Opportunity, and now it comes! Few words and I are Friends; but, noble Marcian, If yet thou art not more than General, E'er dead of Night, say Lucius is a Coward.

Marc.

I charge thee in the name of all the Gods, Come back. I charm thee by the name of Friend. All's well, and I rejoyce I am no General. But hush! within three days we must be gone, And then, my Friend, farewel to Ceremony. We'll fly to some far distant lonely Village, Forget our former state, and breed with Slaves. Sweat in the Eye of Day, and when Night comes, With bodies coursely fill'd, and vacant Souls, Sleep like the laboured Hinds, and never think; For if I think again, I shall go mad.

Enter Leontine and Athonais, &c.

Therefore no thought. But see, we are interrupted! O Court! O Emperor! yet let Death threaten,

I'll find a time. Till then be still my Soul╌ No General now! A Member of thy Country, But most corrupt, therefore to be cut off, Loyal, plain-dealing, honest Marcian! A Slave, a Traytor! O ye Eternal Gods╌

[Exeunt.

Leon.

So, Athenais! now our complement, To the young Persian Prince, is at an end, What then remains but that we take our leave, And bid him everlastingly Farewell?

Athen.

My Lord!

Leon.

I say that decency requires We should be gone, nor can you stay with Honour.

Athen.

Most true, my Lord.

Leon.

The Court is now at peace, The Emperour's Sisters are retir'd for ever, And he himself compos'd; what hinders then, But that we bid adieu to Prince Varanes?

Athen.

Ah, Sir, why will you break my heart?

Leon.

I would not; Thou art the only Comfort of my Age; Like an old Tree I stand among the storms, Thou art the only limb that I have left me:

[She kneels.

My dear green branch, and how I prize thee, Child, Heaven only knows! why dost thou kneel and weep?

Athen.

Because you are so good, and will I hope Forgive my fault, who first occasion'd it.

Leon

I charg'd thee to receive and hear the Prince.

Athen.

You did, and, Oh, my Lord! I heard too much! Too much I fear for my Eternal Quiet.

Leon.

Rise, Athenais! Credit him who bears More years than thou: Varanes ha; deceiv'd thee.

Athen.

How do we differ then? You judge the Prince Impious and base; while I take Heav'n to witness, I think him the most Vertuous of men: Therefore take heed, my Lord, how you accuse him, Before; on make the Tryal. Alas, Varanes, If thou art false, there's no such thing on Earth As solid Goodness, or substantial Honour. A thousand times, My Lord, he has sworn to give me (And I believe his Oaths) his Crown and Empire, That day I make him Master of my Heart.

Leon.

That day he'll make thee Mistress of his power, Which carries a foul name among the Vulgar. No, Athenais! let me see thee dead, Born a pale Corps, and gently laid in Earth, So I may say she's chaste, and dy'd a Virgin,

Rather than view thee with these wounded Eyes Seated upon the Throne of Isdigerdes, The blast of Common Tongues, the Nobles scorn, Thy Father's Curse; that is, the Prince's Whore.

Athen.

O horrid supposition! how I detest it! Be witness Heav'n, that sees my secret thoughts! Have I for this, my Lord, been taught by you The nicest Justice, and severest Vertue, To fear no Death, to know the end of Life, And with a long search discern the highest good? No, Athenais! when the Day beholds thee So scandalously rais'd, Pride cast the down, The scorn of Honour, and the People's prey! No, cruel Leontine, not to redeem That aged Head from the descending Axe, Not tho' I saw thy trembling Body rackt, Thy wrinckles about thee fill'd with Blood, Would I for Empire, to the Man I love, Be made the object of unlawful Pleasure.

Leon.

O greatly said, and by the Blood which warms me, Which runs as rich as any Athens holds, It would improve the Vertue of the World, If every Day a thousand Votaries, And thousand Virgins came from far to hear thee!

Athen.

Look down ye pow'rs, take notice we obey The rigid Principles ye have infus'd; Yet oh my noble Father! to convince you, Since you will have it so, propose a Marriage; Tho with the thought I am covered o're with Blushes, Not that I doubt the Prince, that were to doubt The Heavens themselves. I know he is all truth: But modesty╌ The Virgins troublesome and constant guest, That, that alone forbids╌

Leon.

I wish to Heav'n There prove no greater bar to my belief: Behold the Prince, I will retire a while, And, when occasion calls, come to thy aid.

[Ex. L

Enter Varanes, and Aranthes.

Vara.

To fix her on the Throne, to me, seems little, Were I a God, yet would I raise her higher. This is the nature of thy Prince: But oh! As to the World thy judgment soars above me, And I am dar'd with this Gigantick Honour;

Glory forbids her prospect to a Crown, Nor must she gaze that way; my haughty Soul, That day when she ascends the Throne of Cyrus, Will leave my Body pale, and to the Stars Retire in Blushes, lost, quite lost for ever,

Aran.

What do you purpose then?

Vara.

I know not what, But see she comes, the glory of my arms, The only business of my instant thought, My Souls best Joy, and all my true repose. I swear I cannot bear these strange desires, These strong impulses which will shortly leave me Dead at thy Feet╌

Athen.

What have you found, my Lord, In me so harsh or cruel, that you fear To speak your griefs?

Vara.

First let me kneel and swear, And on thy hand seal my Religious Vow, Streight let the breath of Gods blow me from Earth, Swept from the Book of Fame, forgotten ever, If I prefer thee not, O Athenais, To all the Persian greatness!

Athen.

I believe you! For I have heard you swear as much before.

Vara.

Hast thou? O why then did I swear again? But that my Love knew nothing worthier of thee, And could no better way express my Passion.

Athen.

O rise, my Lord╌

Vara.

I will do every thing Which Athenais bids: If there be more In Nature to convince thee of my Love, Whisper it, oh some God, into my Ear! And on her Breasts thus to her listning Soul I'll breath th'Inspiration! Wilt thou not speak? What but one sigh, no more! Can that suffice For all my vast expence of Prodigal Love? O Athenais! What shall I say or do, To gain the thing I wish?

Athen.

What's that, my Lord?

Vara.

Thus to approach thee still! thus to behold thee╌ Yet there is more╌

Athen.

My Lord, I dare not hear you.

Vara.

Why dost thou frown at what thou dost not know 'Tis an imagination which ne'er pierc'd thee; Yet as 'tis ravishing, 'tis full of Honour.

Athen.

I must not doubt you, Sir: But oh I tremble

To think if Isdigerdes should behold you, Should hear you thus protesting to a Maid Of no Degree, but Vertue, in the World╌

Vara.

No more of this, no more; for I disdain All Pomp when thou art by; far be the noise Of Kings and Courts from us, whose gentle Souls Our kinder Stars have steer'd another way. Free as the Forest-Birds, we'll pair together, Without remembring who our Fathers were; Fly to the Arbors, Grots, and flow'ry Meads, And in soft murmurs interchange our Souls. Together drink the Chrystal of the stream, Or taste the yellow Fruit which Autumn yields, And when the Golden Evening calls us home, Wing to our Downy Nest, and sleep till Morn.

Athen.

Ah Prince! no more! Forbear, forbear to charm me, Since I am doom'd to leave you, Sir, for ever.

Vara.

Hold, Athenais╌

Athen.

I know your Royal Temper, And that high Honour reigns within your Breast, Which would disdain to wast so many hours With one of humble blood compar'd to you: Unless strong passion sway'd your thoughts to love her, Therefore receive, oh Prince! and take it kindly, For none on Earth but you could win it from me, Receive the gift of my Eternal Love. 'Tis all I can bestow, nor is it little, For sure a heart so coldly chaste as mine, No Charms but yours, my Lord, could e'er have warm'd!

Vara.

Well have you made amends by this last comfort, For the cold Dart you shot at me before, For this last Goodness? (Oh, my Athenais!) (For now, methinks, I ought to call you mine!) I empty all my Soul in thanks before you: Yet oh! one Fear remains, like Death it chills me; Why my relenting Love did talk of parting!

Athen.

Look there, and cease your wonder, I have sworn To obey my Father and he calls me hence╌

Enter Leontine.

Vara.

Ha, Leontine! by which of all my Actions Have I so deeply injur'd thee, to merit The smartest wound revenge could form to end me?

Leon.

Answer me now, O Prince! for vertue prompts me, And honesty will dally now no longer,

What can the end of all this Passion be, Glory requires this strict accompt, and asks What you intend at last to Athenais?

Vara.

How, Leontine!

Leon.

You saw her, Sir, at Athens; said you lov'd her, I charg'd her humbly to receive the Honour, And hear your Passion: Has she not, Sir, obey'd me?

Vara.

She has, I thank the Gods! but whither wouldst thou?

Leon.

Having resolv'd to visit Theodosius, You swore you would not go without my Daughter, Whereon I gave command that she should follow.

Vara.

Yes, Leontine, my old Remembrancer, Most learn'd of all Philosophers, you did.

Leon.

Thus long she has attended, you have seen her, Sounded her Vertues and her Imperfections; Therefore, dread Sir, forgive this bolder Charge, Which Honour sounds, and now let me demand you╌

Vara.

Now help, Aranthes, or I am dasht for ever.

Aran.

Whatever happens, Sir, disdain the Marriage.

Leon.

Can your high thoughts so far forget themselves, To admit this humble Virgin for your Bride?

Vara.

Ha!

Athen.

He blushes, Gods! and stammers at the question.

Leon.

Why do you walk, and chafe your self, my Lord? The business is not much.

Vara.

How, Leontine! Not much; I know that she deserves a Crown; Yet 'tis to Reason much, tho' not to Love? And sure the World would blush to see the Daughter Of a Philosopher on the Throne of Cyrus.

Athen.

Undone for ever!

Leon.

Is this your answer, Sir?

Vara.

Why dost thou urge me thus, and push me to The very brink of Glory? where, alas! I look and tremble at the vast Descent: Yet even there, to the vast bottom, down My rash Adventurer Love would have me leap, And grasp my Athenais with my Ruine.

Leon.

'Tis well, my Lord╌

Vara.

Why dost thou thus provoke me, I thought that Persia's Court had store of Honour To satisfie the height of thy Ambition. Besides, old Man, my Love is too well grown, To want a Tutor for his good Behaviour; What he will do, he will do of himself, And not be taught by you╌

Leon.

I know he will not! Fond Tears away; I know, I know he will not; But he would buy with his Old Man's Preferment, My Daughter for your Whore.

Vara.

Away, I say, my Soul disdains the Motion!

Leon.

The Motion of a Marriage; yes, I see it; Your angry looks and haughty words betray it: I found it at the first; I thank you, Sir, You have at last rewarded your old Tutor For all his Cares, his Watchings, Services; Yet, let me tell you, Sir, this humble Maid, This Daughter of a poor Philosopher, Shall, if she please, be seated on a Throne As high as that of th' Immortal Cyrus.

Vara.

I think that Age and deep Philosophy Have crackt thy Brain: Farewel, old Leontine, Retire to rest, and when this brawling Humour Is rockt asleep, I'll meet my Athenais, And clear the accounts of Love, which thou hast blotted.

Leon.

Old Leontine! perhaps I am mad indeed. But, hold my Heart, and let that solid Vertue, Which I so long ador'd, still keep the Reins. O Athenais! But I will not chide thee, Fate is in all our Actions, and, methinks, At least a Father judges so; it has Rebuk'd thee smartly for thy Easiness: There is a kind of mournful Eloquence In thy dumb grief, which shames all clamorous sorrow.

Athen.

Alas! my Breast is full of Death; methinks I fear ev'n you╌

Leon.

Why should'st thou fear thy Father?

Athen.

Because you have the Figure of a Man! Is there, O speak, a possibility To be forgiven?

Leon.

Thy Father does forgive thee, And Honour will; but on this hard Condition, Never to see him more╌

Athen.

See him! Oh Heavens!

Leon.

Unless it be, my Daughter, to upbraid him: Not tho' he should repent and streight return, Nay proffer thee his Crown╌No more of that. Honour too cries revenge, revenge thy Wrongs, Revenge thy self, revenge thy injur'd Father. For 'tis Revenge so wise, so glorious too, As all the World shall praise╌

Athen.

O give me leave,

For yet I am all tenderness, the Woman, The weak, the mild, the fond, the coward Woman, Dares not look forth; but runs about my Breast, And visits all the warmer Mansions there, Where she so oft has harbour'd false Varanes. Cruel Varanes! false forsworn Varanes!

Leon.

Is this forgetting him? is this the Course Which Honour bids thee take?

Athen.

Ah, Sir, allow A little time for Love to make his way; Hardly he won the place, and many sighs, And many tears, and thousand Oaths it cost him. And oh I find he will not be dislodged Without a Groan at parting hence for ever. No, no! he vows he will not yet be raz'd Without whole Floods of Grief at his farewel, Which thus I sacrifice! and oh I swear, Had he proved true, I would as easily Have empty'd all my Blood, and dy'd to serve him, As now I shed these drops, or vent these sighs, To shew how well, how perfectly I lov'd him.

Leon.

No Woman sure, but thou, so low in Fortune, Therefore the nobler is thy fair Example, Would thus have griev'd, because a Prince ador'd her; Nor will it be believ'd in after-times, That there was ever such a Maid in being; Yet do I advise, preserve thy Vertue; And since he does disdain thee for his Bride, Scorn thou to be╌

Athen.

Hold, Sir, oh hold, forbear. For my nice Soul abhors the very sound; Yet with the shame of that, and the desire Of an Immortal Name, I am inspir'd! All kinder Thoughts are fled for ever from me, All Tenderness, as if I ne'er had lov'd, Has left my Bosom colder than the Grave.

Leon.

On, Athenais! on, 'tis bright before thee, Pursue the Track, and thou shalt be a Star:

Athen.

O, Leontine, I swear, my noble Father, That I will starve e'er once forego my Vertue; And thus let's joyn to contradict the World, That Empire could not tempt a poor old Man, To sell his Prince the Honour of his Daughter; And she, too, match'd the Spirit of her Father; Tho' humbly born, and yet more humbly bred; She for her Fame refus'd a Royal Bed;

Who, tho' she lov'd, yet did put off the Hour, Nor could her Vertue be betray'd by Pow'r. "Patterns like these will guilty Courts improve, "And teach the Fair to blush at Conscious Love: "Then let all Maids for Honour come in view, "If any Maid can more for Glory do.

ACT III. SCENE I.

Enter Varanes and Aranthes.

Vara

COme to my Arms, my faithful, dear Aranth Soft Counsellor, Companion of my Youth; If I had longer been alone, most sure, With the Distraction that surrounds my Heart, My Hand would have rebelled against his Master, And done a Murder here.

Aranth.

The Gods forbid.

Vara.

I swear, I press thee with as hearty Joy, As ever fearful Bride embrac'd her Man, When from a Dream of Death she wak'd and found Her Lover safe, and sleeping by her side.

Aranth.

The Cause, my Lord?

Vara.

Early thou know'st last Night I went to rest; But long, my Friend, e'er Slumber clos'd my Eyes; Long was the Combat fought, 'twixt Love and Glory; The Fever of my Passion burnt me up, My Pangs grew stronger, and my Rack was doubled; My Bed was all a-float with the cold drops That mortal Pain wrang from my lab'ring Limbs; My Groans more deep than others dying Gasps: Therefore, I charge thee, haste to her Apartment; I do conjure thee tell her, tell her all My Fears can urge, or Fondness can invent: Tell her how I repent, say any thing; For any thing I'll do to quench my Fires: Say, I will marry her now on the instant: Say all that I would say; yet in the end My Love shall make it more than Gods can utter.

Aranth.

My Lord! both Leontine and she are'gone From their Apartment╌

Vara.

Ha! gone, sayst thou! whither?

Aranth.

That was my whole Employment all this day: But, Sir, I grieve to speak it, they have left

SONG after the Second ACT.

〈♫〉〈♫〉 Sad as Death at dead of night the fair complaining Caelia sat, but 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 one poor Lamp was all her light, while thus she rea╌son'd 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 with her Fate; Why should Man such Tri╌umphs gain, and 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 purchace Joys that gives us pain. Ah! what Glory; ah what Glory 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 can en╌sue, a help╌less Vir╌gin to un╌do. 〈♫〉〈♫〉

〈♫〉〈♫〉 Curse the Night then, Curse the Hour when first he drew thee 〈♫〉〈♫〉 to his arms, when vir╌tue was be-tray'd by pow-er, and 〈♫〉〈♫〉 yield╌ed to un╌law╌ful Charms, when Love approach'd with 〈♫〉〈♫〉 all his Fires arm'd with hopes and strong de-sires, sighs and tears, & 〈♫〉〈♫〉 ev'ry wile with which the Men, with which the Men the Maids be- 〈♫〉〈♫〉 guile, with which the Men, with which the Men the Maids beguile.

SONG after the Second ACT.

〈♫〉〈♫〉 Dream no more of Plea-sures past, since all thy tor-ments are to 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 come; the se╌cret is made known at last, and end╌less shame is 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 now thy Doom; The false for╌sworn a╌las is gone, and 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 left thee to de-spair a╌lone. Who that hears of Caelia's pain, will 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 e╌ver trust, will e╌ver trust a Man a╌gain. 〈♫〉〈♫〉

Chorus. 〈♫〉〈♫〉 The false for-sworn a╌las is gone, and left thee to de╌spair a╌lone. 〈♫〉〈♫〉 The false for-sworn a╌las is gone, and left thee to de╌spair 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 a╌lone. Who that hears of Caelia's pain, will e╌ver 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Who that hears of Caelia's pain, will e╌ver 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 trust, will e╌ver trust a Man a╌gain. 〈♫〉〈♫〉 trust, will e╌ver trust a Man a╌gain: 〈♫〉〈♫〉

No track behind for Care to find 'em out; Nor is it possible╌

Vara.

It is, it shall; I'll struggle with impossibilities, To find my Athenais: Not the Walls Of Athens, nor of Thebes, shall hide her from me: I'll bring the Force of all my Fathers Arms, And lay 'em waste, but I'll redeem my Love. O, Leontine! morose old Leontine, Thou meer Philosopher! O cruel Sage, Who for one hasty word, one Cholerick doubt, Hast turn'd the Scale; though in the sacred Balance My Life, my Glory, and my Empire hung.

Aranth.

Most sure, my Lord, they are retir'd to Athens, I will send Post to Night╌

Vara.

No, no, Aranthes, Prepare my Chariots, for I'll go in Person; I swear 'till now, 'till I began to fear Some other might enjoy my Athenais, I swear, I did not know how much I lov'd her; But let's away, I'll to the Emperour, Thou to the hasty management of my business; Prepare, to day I'll go, to day I'll find her: No more; I'll take my leave of Theodosius, And meet thee on the Hippodrome: away, Let the wild hurry of thy Masters Love, Make quick thy apprehension: Haste, and leave me.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.

Pulcheria, Atticus, Leontine, Votaries leading Athenais in procession after her Baptism, to be confirm'd.

Atticus

Sings.

O, Chrysostom! look down and see, An Off'ring worthy Heav'n and thee! So rich the Victim, bright and fair, That she on Earth appears a Star.

Chor.

Endosia is the Virgin's Name, And after-times shall sing her Fame.

Atticus

Sings.

Lead her, Votaries, lead her in, Her holy Birth does now begin.

1 Votary.

In humble Weeds, but clean Array, Your hours shall sweetly pass away;

And, when the Rites Divine are past, To pleasant Gardens you shall haste.

2 Votary.

Where many a flowry Bed we have, That Emblem still to each a Grave: And when within the Stream we look, With Tears we use to swell the Brook: But oh, when in the liquid Glass, Our Heav'n appears, we sigh to pass!

Chor.

For Heav'n alone we are design'd, And all things bring our Heav'n to mind.

Athen.

O Princes! O most worthy of the World,

[Kneels.

That is submitted by its Emperour, To your most wise and providential sway: What Greek or Roman Eloquence can paint The Rapture and Devotion of my Soul! I am adopted yours; you are my Goddess, That have new-form'd, new-moulded my Conceptions, And by the plat-form of a Work Divine, New-fram'd, new-built me to your own desires; Thrown all the Lumber of my Passions out, And made my heart a Mansion of perfection; Clean as an Anchorite's Grot, or Votary's Cell, And spotless as the Glories of his steps Whom we far off adore!

Pulch.

Rise, Eudosia, And let me fold my Christian in my Arms, With this dear pledge of an Eternal Love I Seal thee, O Eudosia! mine for ever. Accept, blest Charge, the Vows of my Affection; For by the sacred Friendship that I give thee, I think that Heav'n by Miracle did send thee, To ease my Cares, to help me in my Councils, To be my Sister, partner in my Bed; And equally, through my whole Course of Life, To be the better part of thy Pulcheria, And share my Griefs and Joys.

Athen.

No, Madam, no; Excuse the Cares that this sad Wretch must bring you; O rather let me leave the World for ever; Or if I must partake your Royal Secrets, If you resolve to load me with such Honour, Let it be far from Cities, far from Courts, Where I may fly all human Conversation; Where I may never see, nor hear, nor name, Nor think, nor dream, O Heav'n If possible,

Of Mankind more.

Pulch.

What now, in Tears, Eudosia?

Athen.

Far from the guilt of Palaces! O send me! Drive me! O drive me from the Traytor Man: So I might 'scape that Monster, let me dwell In Lyons haunts, or in some Tyger's Den; Place me on some steep, craggy, ruin'd Rock, That bellies out, just dropping in the Ocean; Bury me in the hollow of its Womb; Where, starving on my cold and flinty Bed, I may from far, with giddy apprehension, See infinite Fathoms down the rumbling deep! Yet not ev'n there, in that vast whirl of Death, Can there be found so terrible a ruin, As Man: false Man, smiling destructive Man.

Pulch.

Then thou hast lov'd, Eudosia, or my Sister; Still nearer to my heart, so much the dearer; Because our Fates are like, and hand in hand Our Fortunes lead us through the Maze of Life: I am glad that thou hast lov'd; nay, lov'd with Danger; Since thou hast 'scap'd the ruin╌╌Methinks it lightens The weight of my Calamities, that thou (In all things else so perfect and Divine,) Art yet a-kin to my Infirmity, And bear'st thy part in Love's melodious ill: Love that like bane perfum'd infects the mind, That sad delight that Charms all woman-kind.

Athen.

Yes, Madam, I confess, that Love has charm'd me But never shall again. No, I renounce him; Inspire me all the wrongs of abus'd Women, All you that have been cozen'd by false Men: See what a strict Example I will make; But for the Perjuries of one I will revenge ye For all that's past, that's present, and to come.

Pulch.

O thou far more than the most Masculine Vertue! Where our Astraea; where, O drowning brightness, Where hast thou been so long? Let me again Protest my Admiration and my Love; Let me declare aloud, while thou art here, While such clear Vertue shines within our Circle, Vice shall no more appear within the Palace, But hide her dazled Eyes, and this be call'd The holy Court: But lo, the Emperour comes:

Enter Theodosius, and Attendants:

Beauty, like thine, may drive that Form away

That has so long entranc'd his Soul╌My Lord╌

Theod.

If yet, alas! I might but hope to see her; But, oh forgive me Heav'n! this wilder start, That thus would reach impossibility: No, no, I never must behold her more, As well my Atticus might raise the Dead, As Leontine should charm that Form in view.

Pulch.

My Lord, I come to give your grief a Cure, With purer Flames to draw that cruel Fire That tortur'd you so long╌Behold this Virgin╌ The Daughter of your Tutor Leontine.

Theo.

Ha!

Pulch.

She is your Sisters Charge, and made a Christian, And Athenais is Eudosia now; Be sure a fairer never grac'd Religion, And for her Vertue she transcends Example.

Theod.

O all ye blest above how can this be? Am I awake, or is this possible?

[Athen. Kneels

Pulch.

She kneels, my Lord, will you not go and raise her?

Theod.

Nay, do thou raise her, for I am rooted here; Yet if laborious Love and Melancholy Have not o'recome me, and quite turn'd me mad, It must be she! that naked dazling sweetness: The very Figure of that morning Star, That dropping Pearls, and shedding dewy Beams, Fled from the greedy Waves when I approach'd: Answer me, Leontine, am I distracted? Or is this true? by thee in all encounters I will be rul'd, in Temperance and Wildness, When Reason clashes with extravagance; But speak╌

Leon.

'Tis true, my Lord, this is my Daughter, Whom I conceal'd in Persia from all Eyes But yours, when chance directed you that way.

Theo.

He says, 'tis true: Why then this heartless Carriage? O? were I proof against the Darts of Love, And cold to Beauty as the Marble-Lover That lies without a thought upon his Tomb; Would not this glorious dawn of Life run through me, And waken Death it self╌Why am I slow then? What hinders now but in spight of Rules I burst through all the bands of Death that hold me,

[He kneels.

And fly with such a hast to that Appearance, As bury'd Saints shall make at the last Summons?

Athen.

The Emperour at my Feet; O Sir! forgive me,

Drown me not thus with everlasting shame; Both Heav'n and Earth must blush at such a view? Nor can I bear it longer╌

Leon.

My Lord, she is unworthy╌

Theo.

Ha! what say'st thou, Leontine! Unworthy! O thou Atheist to perfection! All that the blooming Earth could send forth fair; All that the gawdy Heav'ns could drop down glorious! Unworthy say'st thou! Wert thou not her Father, I swear I would revenge╌But hast, and tell me, For love like mine will bear no second thought, Can all the Honours of the Orient, Thus sacrific'd with the most pure Affection, With spotless thoughts and languishing desires, Obtain, O Leontine, (the Crown at last) To thee, I speak, thy Daughter to my Bride?

Leon.

My Lord, the Honour bears such estimation, It calls the Blood into my aged Cheeks, And quite o'er-whelms my Daughter with Confusion; Who with her Body prostrate on the Earth Ought to adore you for the proffer'd Glory.

Theo.

Let me embrace, and thank thee: O kind Heav'n! O Atticus! Pulcheria! O my Father! Was ever change like mine? Run through the Streets; Who waits there? Run, and lowd as Fame can speak, With Trumpet-sounds proclaim your Emperor's joy. And as of old, on the great Festival Of her they call the Mother of the Gods; Let all work cease, at least an Oaken Garland Crown each Plebeian Head: Let sprightly Bowls Be doal'd about, and the toss'd Cymbals sound: Tell 'em their much lamented Theodosius By Miracle is brought from Death to Life: His Melancholy's gone, and now once more He shall appear at the State's Helm again; Nor fear a Wrack while this bright Star direct us; For while she shines, no Sands, no cowring Rocks Shall lie unseen, but I will cut my way Secure as Neptune through the highest stream, And to the Port in safety steer the World.

Athen.

Alas, my Lord, consider my Extraction, With all my other Wants╌

Theo.

Peace, Empress, peace! No more the Daughter of old Leontine. A Christian now, and Partner of the East.

Athen.

My Father has dispos'd me, you command me;

What can I answer then but my Obedience?

Theo.

Attend her, dear Pulcheria; and, oh tell her, To Morrow, if she please, I will be happy.

[Ex. Pulch. and Athen.

O why so long should I my Joys delay? Time imp thy Wings, let not thy Minutes stay, But to a moment change the tedious day. The day! 'twill be an Age before to Morrow: An Age, a Death, a vast Eternity, Where we shall cold, and past Enjoyment lie.

Enter Varanes and Aranthes:

Vara.

O, Theodosius!

Theo.

Ha! my Brother here! Why dost thou come to make my Bliss run o'er? What is there more to wish? Fortune can find No flaw in such a glut of happiness, To let one Misery in╌O, my Varanes! Thou that of late didst seem to walk on Clouds, Now give a loose, let go the slackned Reins, Let us drive down the Precipice of Joy, As if that all the Winds of Heav'n were for us.

Vara.

My Lord, I am glad to find the Gale is turn'd, And give you Joy of this auspicious Fortune. Plough on your way, with all your Streamers out: With all your glorious Flags and Streamers ride Triumphant on╌And leave me to the Waves, The Sands, the Winds, the Rocks, the sure destruction And ready Gulphs that gape to swallow me.

Theo.

It was thy Hand that drew me from the Grave, Who had been dead by this time to Ambition, To Crowns, to Titles, and my slighted Greatness. But still as if each work of thine deserv'd The smile of Heav'n╌thy Theodosius met With something dearer than his Diadem, With all that's worth a wish, that's worth a life; I met with that which made me leave the world.

Vara.

And I, O turn of Chance! O cursed Fortune! Have lost at once all that could make me happy. O ye too partial Powers! But now no more The Gods, my dear, my most lov'd Theodosius, Double all those Joys that thou hast met upon thee; For sure thou art most worthy, worthy more Than Jove in all his Prodigality Can e'er bestow in Blessings on Mankind! And oh, methinks, my Soul is strangely mov'd,

Takes it the more unkindly of her Stars, That thou and I cannot be blest together: For I must leave thee, Friend! this night must leave thee, To go in doubtful search of what perhaps I ne'er shall find: if so my cruel Fate Has order'd it: Why then farewel for ever, For I shall never, never see thee more.

Theo.

How sensible my tender Soul is grown Of what you utter! O my gallant Friend! O Brother! O Varanes! Do not judge By what I speak? for Sighs will interrupt me; Judge by my Tears, judge by these strict Embraces, And by my last Resolve: Tho' I have met With what in silence I so long ador'd, Tho' in the Rapture of protesting Joys, I had set down to morrow for my Nuptials; And Atticus to Night prepares the Temple. Yet my Varanes, I will rob my Soul Of all her Health, of my Imperial Bride, And wander with thee in the search of that On which thy Life depends╌

Vara.

If this I suffer, Conclude me then begotten of a Hind, And bred in Wilds: No, Theodosius, no; I charge thee by our Friendship, and conjure thee By all the Gods, to mention this no more: Perhaps, dear Friend, I shall be sooner here Than you expect, or I my self imagine: What most I grieve, is that I cannot wait To see your Nuptials: Yet my Soul is with you, And all my Adorations to your Bride.

Theo.

What, my Varanes, will you be so cruel As not to see my Bride before you go? Or are you angry at your Rival's Charms, Who has already ravisht half my Heart, That once was all your own?

Vara.

You know I am disorder'd! My melancholy will not suit her blest Condition.

[Exit. Theo.

And the Gods know, since thou, my Athenais, Art fled from these sick Eyes, all other Women To my pall'd Soul seem like the Ghost of Beauty, And haunt my memory with the loss of thee.

Enter Athenais, Theodosius Leading her.

Theo.

Behold, my Lord, the occasion of my Joy.

Vara.

O ye immortal Gods! Aranthes! oh! Look there, and wonder: Ha! is't possible?

Athen.

My Lord, the Emperour says you are his Friend, He charges me to use my Interest, And beg of you to stay, at least so long As our Espousals will be solemnizing; I told him I was honour'd once to know you; But that so slightly, as I could not warrant The grant of any thing that I should ask you╌

Vara.

O Heaven! and Earth! O Athenais! why, VVhy dost thou use me thus? Had I the VVorld, Thou know'st it should be thine.

Athen.

I know not that╌ But yet, to make sure work, one half of it Is mine already, Sir, without your giving. My Lord, the Prince is obstinate, his Glory Scorns to be mov'd by the weak Breath of Woman; He is all Heroe, bent for higher Game; Therefore, 'tis nobler, Sir, to let him go: If not for him, my Lord, yet for my self, I must intreat the Favour to retire.

[Exit. Athen. &c.

Vara.

Death! and Despair! Confusion! Hell and Furies!

Theo.

Heav'n guard thy Health, and still preserve thy Vertue. VVhat should this mean? I fear the Consequence, For 'tis too plain they know each other well.

Vara.

Undone! Aranthes! lost, undone for ever, I see my Doom, I read it with broad Eyes, As plain as if I saw the Book of Fate: Yet I will muster all my Spirits up, Digest my Griefs, swallow the rising Passions. Yes, I will stand this Shock of all the Gods VVell as I can, and struggle for my Life.

Theo.

You muse, my Lord: and if you'll give me leave To judge your thoughts, they seem employ'd at present About my Bride: I guess you know her too.

Vara.

His Bride! O Gods! give me a moments Patience! I must confess the sight of Athenais, VVhere I so little did expect to see her, So grac'd and so adorn'd, did raise my wonder; But what exceeds all admiration, is That you should talk of making her your Bride; 'Tis such a blind effect of monstrous Fortune, That tho' I well remember you affirm'd it, I cannot yet believe╌

Theo.

Then now believe me: By all the Pow'rs Divine, I will espouse her.

Vara.

Ha! I shall leap the bounds, Come, come, my Lord. By all these Pow'rs you nam'd, I say you must not.

Theo.

I say, I will; and who shall bar my pleasure? Yet more, I speak the Judgment of my Soul, Weigh but with Fortune Merit in the Balance, And Athenais loses by the Marriage.

Vara.

Relentless Fates! malicious cruel Pow'rs! O for what Crime do you thus rack your Creature? Sir, I must tell you this unkingly meanness Suits the Profession of an Anchorite well, But in an Oriental Emperour It gives offence; nor can you without Scandal, Without the notion of a groveling Spirit, Espouse the Daughter of old Leontine, Whose utmost Glory is to have been my Tutor.

Theo.

He has so well acquitted that Employment, Breeding you up to such a gallant height Of full perfection, and imperial greatness, That ev'n for this respect, if for no other, I will esteem him worthy while I live.

Vara.

My Lord, you'll pardon me a little Freedom? For I must boldly urge in such a Cause, Who-ever slatters you, tho' ne'er so near Related to your Blood, should be suspected.

Theo,

If Friendship would admit a cold Suspicion, After what I have heard, and seen to day, Of all Mankind I should suspect Varanes.

Vara.

He has stung me to the Heart; my Groans will choke me, Unless my strugling Passion gets a vent. Out with it then╌I can no more dissemble╌ Yes, yes, my Lord, since you reduce me to The last necessity, I must confess it; I must avow my Flame for Athenais. I am all Fire! my Passion eats me up, It grows incorporate with my flesh and Blood! My Pangs redouble, now they cleave my heart! O Athenais! O Eudosia╌oh╌ Though plain as day I see my own destruction, Yet to my death, and oh, let all the Gods Bear Witness! I swear I will adore thee.

Theo.

Alas! Varanes. Which of us two the Heav'ns Have mark'd for death is yet above the Stars; But while we live let us preserve our Friendship Sacred and just, as we have ever done. This only Mean in two such hard Extreams Remains for both: To morrow you shall see her,

With all advantage, in her own Apartment; Take your own time, say all you can to gain her, If you can win her, lead her into Persia; If not, consent that I espouse her here.

Vara.

Still worse and worse! O Theodosius! oh, I cannot speak for sighs, my death is seal'd By this last sweetness; had you been less good, I might have hop'd; but now my Doom's at hand. Go then, and take her, take her to the Temple: The Gods too give you joy. O Athenais! Why does thy Image mock my Foolish sorrow? O Theodosius, do not see my Tears: Away, and leave me! leave me to the Grave.

Theo.

Farewel; let's leave the Issue to the Heav'ns, I will prepare your way with all that Honour Can urge in your behalf, tho' to my Ruine.

[Ex. Theod.

Vara.

O I could tear my Limbs, and eat my Elesh; Fool that I was, fond, proud, vain-glorious Fool! Damn'd be all Courts, and treble damn'd Ambition: Blasted be thy remembrance! Curses on thee, And plagues on plagues fall on those Fools that seek thee.

Aranth.

Have comfort, Sir╌

Vara.

Away, and leave me, Villain; Traytor, who wrought me first to my destruction╌ Yet stay and help me, help me to curse my pride, Help me to wish that I had ne'er been Royal, That I had never heard the name of Cyrus, That my first Brawl in Court had been my last. O that I had been born some happy Swain, And never known a life so great, so vain! Where I extreams might not be forc'd to choose, And blest with some mean Wife, no Crown could lose: Where the dearer Partner of my little state With all her smiling Off-spring at the Gate, Blessing my Labours, might my coming wait. Where in our humble Beds all safe might ly, And not in cursed Courts for Glory dy.╌

[Exeunt.

SONG.

1.

Hail to the Mirtle Shade, All hail to the Nymphs of the Fields; Kings would not here invade Those pleasures that virtue yields.

SONG after the Third ACT.

〈♫〉〈♫〉 Hail to the Myrtle shade, all Hail to the Nymphs of the Fields, 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Kings will not her in-vade, tho Vir╌tue all free╌dom yields. 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Beauty here opens her arms to soften the languishing mind, and 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Phillis un╌locks her Charms, ah Phillis! ah! why so kind? 〈♫〉〈♫〉

Chorus. 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Beauty here opens her Arms to soften the languishing mind, and 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Beauty here opens her Arms to soften the languishing mind, and 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Phillis un locks her Charms; ah! Phillis! ah! why so kind? ah 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Phillis un locks her Charms; ah Phillis! ah! why so kind? ah 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Phil╌lis! ah! why so kind? 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Phil╌lis! ah! why so kind? 〈♫〉〈♫〉

Chor.

Beauty here opens her Arms, To soften the languishing mind; And Phillis unlocks her Charms; Ah Phillis! ah why so kind?

2.

Phillis, thou Soul of Love, Thou joy of the Neighb'ring Swains; Phillis that Crowns the Grove, And Phillis that guilds the Plains.

Chor.

Phillis, that ne'er had the skill, To paint, to patch, and be fine; Yet Phillis whose Eyes can kill, Whom Nature hath made Divine.

3.

Phillis, whose charming Song, Makes labour and pains a delight; Phillis that makes the day young, And shortens the live-long night.

Chor.

Phillis, whose lips like May, Still laughs at the sweets that they bring; Where Love never knows decay, But sets with Eternal Spring.

ACT IV. SCENE II.

Enter Marcian, and Lucius at a distance.

Marc.

THE General of the Oriental Armies, Was a Commission large as Fate could give: 'Tis gone: why what care I: O Fortune, Fortune! Thou laughing Empress of this busie World, Marcian defies thee now╌ Why what a thing is a discarded Favourite? He who but now tho' longing to retire, Cou'd not for busie Waiters be alone, Throng'd in his Chamber, haunted to his Closet With a full Croud, and an Eternal Court; When once the Favour of his Prince is turn'd, Shun'd as a Ghost, the clouded Man appears; And all the gaudy worshippers forsake him; So fares it now with me where-e'er I come, As if I were another Cataline. The Courtiers rise, and no man will sit near me, As if the Plague were on me all men fly me:

O Lucius! Lucius! if thou leav'st me too, I think, I swear I think I cou'd not bear it; But, like a Slave, my Spirit broke with Suffering, Should on these Coward Knees fall down and beg, Once to be great again╌

Luc.

Forbid it, Heav'n! That e'er the noble Marcian condescend To ask of any, but the Immortal Gods; Nay, I avow, if yet your Spirit dare, Spight of the Court, you shall be great as Caesar.

Mar.

No, Lucius, no; the Gods repel that humour. Yet since we are alone, and must ere long Leave this bad Court; let us, like Veterans, Speak out╌Thou saist, alas! as great as Caesar: But where's his Greatness? Where is his ambition? If any Sparks of Vertue yet remain In this poor Figure of the Roman Glory; I say, if any be, how dim they shine, Compar'd with what his great Fore-Fathers were? How should he lighten then, or awe the World, Whose Soul in Courts is but a Lambent-fire, And scarce, O Rome! a Glow-worm in the Field: Soft, Young, Religious, God-like qualities, For one that should recover the lost Empire: And wade through Seas of Blood, and walk o'er Mountains Of slaughter'd Bodies to immortal Honour.

Luc.

Poor heart! he pin'd a-while ago for Love.

Marc.

And for his Mistress vow'd to leave the World; But some new chance it seems has chang'd his Mind. A Marriage! but to whom or whence she came, None knows: but yet a Marriage is proclaim'd, Pageants prepar'd; the Arches are adorn'd; The Statues Crown'd; the Hippodrome does groan Beneath the Burden of the mounted Warriors; The Theatre is open'd too, where he And the hot Persian mean to act their Follies. Gods! Gods! Is this the Image of our Caesars? Is this the Model of our Romulus? O why so poorly have you stampt Rome's glory! Not Rome's but yours! is this Man fit to bear it? This waxen Portraicture of Majesty! Which every warmer Passion does melt down, And makes him fonder than a Woman's longing!

Luc.

Thus much I know to the eternal shame Of the Imperial Blood; this upstart Empress, This fine new Queen is sprung from abject Parents;

Nay, basely born! but that's all one to him, He likes and loves, and therefore marries her.

Marc.

Shall I not speak? Shall I not tell him of it? I feel this big-swollen throbbing Roman Spirit Will burst, unless I utter what I ought.

Enter Pulcheria with a Paper in her hand, and Julia.

Marc.

Pulcheria here! why she's the Scourge of Marcian; I tremble too when ever she approaches, And my Heart dances an unusual measure; Spite of my self I blush and cannot stir While she is here╌What, Lucius, can this mean? 'Tis said Calphurnia had the heart of Caesar: Augustus doted on the subtle Livia: Why then should I not worship that fair Anger? Oh didst thou mark her when her Fury lightned, She seem'd all Goddess; nay, her Frowns became her, There was a Beauty in her very Wildness. Were I a Man born great as our first Founder, Sprung from the Blood Divine: But I am cast Beyond all possibility of Hope.

Pulch.

Come hither, Marcian! read this Paper o'er, And mark the strange neglect of Theodosius: He signs what-e'er I bring; perhaps you have heard To morrow he intends to wed a Maid of Athens, New-made a Christian, and new-nam'd Eudosia; VVhom he more dearly prizes than his Empire: Yet in this Paper he hath set his Hand, And seal'd it too with th'Imperial Signet, That she should lose her Head to morrow morning.

Marc.

'Tis not for me to judge; yet this seems strange╌

Pulch.

I know he rather would commit a murder On his own Person, than permit a Vein Of her to bleed; yet, Marcian, what might follow, If I were envious of this Virgins Honour, By his rash passing whatsoever I offer╌╌ VVithout a view╌ha, but I had forgot! Julia, let's haste from this infectious Person╌ I had forgot that Marcian was a Traytor; Yet by the Pow'rs Divine, I swear 'tis pity, That one so form'd by Nature for all Honour, All Titles, Greatness, Dignities Imperial, The noblest Person, and the bravest Courage, Should not be honest: Julia, is't not pity?╌ O Marcian, Marcian! I could weep to think Vertue should lose it self as thine has done.

Repent, rash Man, if yet 'tis not too late, And mend thy Errors; so farewel for ever.

[Ex. Pulch. Jul.

Marc.

Farewel for ever! no, Madam, ere I go, I am resolv'd to speak, and you shall hear me: Then, if you please, take off this Traytor's Head? End my Commission and my Life together.

Luc.

Perhaps you'll laugh at what I am going to say; But by your Life, my Lord, I think 'tis true: Pulcheria loves this Traytor! Did you mark her? At first she had forgot your Banishment; Makes you her Counsellor, and tells her Secrets, As to a Friend; nay, leaves them in your Hand, And says, 'tis pity that you are not honest, With such Description of your Gallantry, As none but Love could make: Then taking leave, Through the dark Lashes of her darting Eyes, Methought she shot her Soul at every Glance; Still looking back, as if she had a mind That you should know she left her Heart behind her.

Marc.

Alas! thou dost not know her, nor do I! Nor can the Wit of all Mankind conceive her; But let's away. This Paper is of use.

Luc.

I guess your purpose; He is a Boy, and as a Boy you'll use him. There is no other way.

Marc.

Yes, if he be not Quite dead with sleep, for ever lost to Honour, Marcian with this shall rouze him. O, my Lucius! Methinks the Ghosts of the great Theodosius, And thundering Constantine appear before me: They charge me as a Soldier to chastise him, To lash him with keen words from lazy Love, And shew him how they trod the paths of honour.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.

Theodosius lying on a Couch, with two Boys drest like Cupids singing to him as he sleeps.

SONG.

Happy day! ah happy day, That Caesar's Beams did first display, So peaceful was the happy day. The Gods themselves did all look down, The Royal Infant's Birth to Crown, So pleas'd, they searce did on the guilty frown.

Happy day! ah happy day! And oh thrice happy hour, That made such Goodness Master of such Pow'r. For thus the Gods declare to Men, No day like this shall ever come agen.

Enter Marcian with an Order.

Theo.

Ha! what rash thing art thou, who set'st so small A value on thy Life, thus to presume Against the fatal Orders I have given, Thus to entrench on Caesar's solitude, And urge me to thy ruine?

Marc.

Mighty Caesar, I have transgrest, and for my Pardon bow To thee, as to the Gods when I offend: Nor can I doubt your Mercy, when you know The nature of my Crime. I am Commission'd From all the Earth to give thee thanks and praises, Thou Darling of Mankind! whose Conqu'ring Arms Already drown the Glory of great Julius, Whose deeper reach in Laws and Policy, Makes wise Augustus envy thee in Heav'n? What mean the Fates by such prodigious Vertue? When scarce the manly Down yet shades thy Face, With Conquest thus to over-run the World, And make Barbarians tremble? O, ye Gods! Should Destiny now end thee in the Bloom, Methinks I see thee mourn'd above the loss Of lov'd Germanicus, thy Funerals Like his, are solemniz'd with Tears and Blood.

Theo.

How, Marcian!

Marc.

Yes, the raging Multitude, Like Torrents, set no bound to their mad grief; Shave their Wives Heads, and tear off their own Hair; With wild Despair they bring their Infants out, To brawl their Parents sorrow in the Streets; Trade is no more, all Courts of Justice stopt; With Stones they dash the Windows of their Temples, Pull down their Altars; break their Houshold Gods; And still the Universal Groan is this, Constantinople's lost, our Empire's ruin'd: Since he is gone, that Father of his Country; Since he is dead, O Life, where is thy Pleasure? O Rome! Oh conquer'd World, where is thy Glory?

Theo.

I know thee well, thy Custom and thy Manners;

Thou dost upbraid me; but no more of this, Not for thy Life╌

Marc.

What's Life without my Honour? Could you transform your self into a Gorgon, Or make that beardless Face like Jupiter's, I would be heard in spight of all your Thunder: O pow'r of Guilt, you fear to stand the Test Which Vertue brings; like Sores your Vices shake Before this Roman-healer. But, by the Gods, Before I go I'll rip the Malady, And let the Venom flow before your Eyes. This is a Debt to the great Theodosius, The Grand-father of your Illustrious Blood; And then farewell for ever.

Theo.

Presuming Marcian! What canst thou urge against my Innocence? Through the whole Course of all my harmless Youth, Ev'n to this hour, I cannot call to mind One wicked act which I have done to shame me.

Marc.

This may be true: yet if you give the sway To other Hands, and your poor Subjects suffer, Your negligence to them is as the Cause. O Theodosius credit me, who know The World, and hear how Soldiers censure Kings; In after-times, if thus you should go on, Your Memory by Warriers will be scorn'd, As much as Nero or Caligula loath'd; They will despise your sloth, and backward case, More than they hate the others Cruelty. And what a thing, ye Gods, is scorn or pity? Heap on me, Heav'n, the hate of all Mankind; Load me with Malice, Envy, Detestation: Let me be horrid to all apprehension, And the World shun me, so I escape but Scorn.

Theo.

Prithee, no more!

Marc.

Nay, when the Legions make Comparisons; And say, thus cruel Nero once resolv'd On Galba's Insurrection, for Revenge, To give all France as Plunder to the Arms, To poison the whole Senate at a Feast; To burn the City, turn the wild Beasts out; Bears, Lions, Tigers, on the Multitude; That so obstructing those that quench'd the Fire, He might at once destroy Rebellious Rome.

Theo.

O cruelty! why tell'st thou me of this? Am I of such a barbarous bloody temper?

Marc.

Yet some will say, this shew'd he had a spirit, However fierce, avenging, and pernicious, That savour'd of a Roman; but for you, What can your partial Sycophants invent, To make you room among the Emperours? Whose utmost is the smallest part of Nero; A pretty Player, one that can act a Heroe, And never be one. O ye immortal Gods, Is this the old Caesarian Majesty? Now, in the name of our great Romulus, Why sing you not, and siddle too as he did? Why have you not, like Nero, a Phenascus? One to take care of your Coelestial Voice? Lie on your Back, my Lord, and on your Stomach Lay a thin Plate of Lead, abstain from Fruits; And when the Business of the Stage is done, Retire with your loose Friends, to costly Banquets, While the lean Army groans upon the Ground.

Theo.

Leave me, I say, lest I chastise thee: Hence, be gone, I say╌

Marc.

Not till you have heard me out╌ Build too, like him, a Palace lin'd with Gold, As long and large as that to the Esquiline: Inclose a Pool too in it, like the Sea, And at the Empires cost let Navies meet: Adorn your starry Chambers too with Gems, Contrive the plated Ceilings to turn round, With Pipes to cast Ambrosian Oils upon you: Consume with his prodigious Vanity, In meer Perfumes and Odorous Distillations, Of Sisterces at once 400 Millions, Let naked Virgins wait you at your Table, And wanton Cupids dance and clap their Wings, No matter what becomes of the poor Soldier; So they perform the Drudgery they are sit for; Why let 'em starve for want of their Arrears, Drop as they go, and lie like Dogs in Ditches.

Theo.

Come, you are a Traytor!

Marc.

Go too, you are a Boy╌ Or by the Gods╌

Theo.

If Arrogance, like this, And to the Emperour's Face, should 'scape unpunish'd, I'll write my self a Coward; die then, Villain, A Death too glorious for so bad a Man, By Theodosius's hand.

[Marcian disarms him, but is wounded.

Marc.

Now, Sir, where are you?

What, in the name of all our Roman Spirits, Now charms my Hand from giving thee thy Fate? Has he not cut me off from all my Honours? Torn my Commissions, sham'd me to the Earth, Banisht the Court, a Vagabond for ever? Does not the Soldier hourly ask it from me? Sigh their own wrongs, and beg me to revenge 'em? What hinders now, but that I mount the Throne? And make to that this purple Youth my Footstool? The Armies court me, and my Countries Cause: The Injuries of Rome and Greece perswade me. Shew but this Roman Blood which he has drawn, They'll make me Emperour whether I will or no: Did not for less than this the latter Brutus, Because he thought Rome wrong'd, in Person, head, Against his Friend, a black Conspiracy? And stab the Majesty of all the World?

Theo.

Act as you please, I am within your Power.

Marc.

Did not the former Brutus, for the Crime Of Sextus, drive old Tarquin from his Kingdom? And shall this Prince too, by permitting others To act their wicked Wills and lawless Pleasures, Ravish from the Empire its dear Health, Well-being, Happiness, and ancient Glory, Go on in this dishonourable rest? Shall he, I say, dream on, while the starv'd Troops Lie cold and waking in the Winter Camp; And like pin'd Birds, for want of sustenance, Feed on the Haws and Berries of the Fields! O temper! temper me! ye gracious Gods! Give to my Hand forbearance, to my Heart Its constant Loyalty! I would but shake him, Rouze him a little from this death of Honour, And shew him what he should be.

Theo.

You accuse me, As if I were some Monster, most unheard of: First, as the Ruin of the Army, then Of taking your Commission: But, by Heav'n, I swear, O Marcian! this I never did, Nor ere intended it: Nor say I this To alter thy stern usage; for with what Thou hast said, and done, and brought to my remembrance, I grow already weary of my life,

Marc.

My Lord, I take your word: you do not know The wounds which rage within your Country's Bowels: The horrid usage of the suff'ring Soldier:

But why will not our Theodosius know, If you intrust the Government to others That act these Crimes; who but your selfs to blame? Be witness, ye Gods! of my plain dealing, Of Marcian's honesty, how-e'er degraded: I thank you for my banishment! but alas! My loss is little to what soon will follow; Reflect but on your self and your own Joys: Let not this Lethargy for ever hold you! 'Twas rumour'd through the City that you lov'd: That your Espousals should be solemniz'd; When on a sudden here you send your Orders That this bright Favourite, the lov'd Eudosia, Should lose her Head.

Theo:

O Heav'n, and Earth! What say'st thou, That I have seal'd the death of my Eudosia?

Marc.

'Tis your own Hand and Signet: Yet I swear, Tho' you have giv'n to Female hands your sway, And therefore I, as well as the whole Army, For ever ought to curse all Woman-kind; Yet when the Virgin came, as she was doom'd, And on the Scaffold, for that purpose rais'd, Without the walls appear'd before the Army!

Theo.

What, on a Scaffold! ha, before the Army!

Marc.

How quickly was the Tide of Fury turn'd! To soft Compassion and relenting Tears: But when the Axe Sever'd the brightest Beauty of the Earth From that fair Body, had you heard the groan, Which like a peal of distant Thunder, ran Through all the armed Host, you would have thought, By the immediate Darkness that fell round us, Whole Nature was concern'd at such a Suff'ring, And all the Gods were angry.

Theo.

O Pulcheria! Cruel ambitious Sister, this must be Thy doing. O support me, noble Marcian! Now, now's the time, if thou dar'st strike; behold I offer thee my Breast, with my last Breath, I'll thank thee too, if now thou draw'st my Blood. Were I to live, thy Councel shall direct me; But 'tis too late╌

[He swoons.

Marc.

He faints! what, hoa there, Lucius!

[Enter Lucius.

My Lord, the Emperour, Eudosia lives; She's here, or will be in a minute, moment, Quick as a thought she calls you to the Temple. O Lucius, help╌I have gone too far; but see,

He breaths again╌Eudosia has awak'd him.

Theo.

Did you not name Eudosia?

Marc.

Yes, she lives; I did but feign the story of her Death, To find how near you plac'd her to your Heart: And may the Gods rain all their Plagues upon me, If ever I rebuke you thus again: Yet 'tis most certain, that you sign'd her death, Not knowing what the wise Pulcberia offer'd, Who left it in my Hand to startle you: But by my Life and Fame, I did not think It would have toucht your Life. O pardon me, Dear Prince, my Lord, my Emp'rour! Royal Master! Droop not because I utter'd some rash words, And was a mad Man╌by th'immortal Gods! I love you as my Soul: what e'er I said, My thoughts were otherwise; believe these Tears Which do not use to flow; all shall be well: I swear that there are Seeds in that sweet Temper, To attone for all the Crimes in this bad Age.

Theo.

I thank thee first for my Eudosia's Life. What, but my Love, could have call'd back that Life Which thou hast made me hate? But oh, methought 'Twas hard, dear Marcian, very hard from thee, From him I ever reverenc'd as my Father, To hear so harsh a Message╌but no more: We are Friends: Thy hand; Nay, if thou wilt not rise, And let me told my Arms about thy Neck, I'll not believe thy Love! In this forgive me. First let me wed Eudosia, and we'll out; We will, my General, and make amends For all that's past: Glory and Arms ye call, And Marcian leads me on╌

Marc.

Let her not rest then, Espouse her straight; I'll strike you at a heat; May this great humour get large growth within you, And be encourag'd by the emboldning Gods, O what a sight will this be to the Soldier, To see me bring you drest in shining Armour, To head the shouting Squadrons╌O ye Gods! Methinks I hear the echoing Cries of Joy; The sound of Trumpets, and the beat of Drums. I see each starving Soldier bound from Earth, As is some God by Miracle had rais'd him, And with beholding you grow fat again. Nothing but gazing Eyes, and opening Mouths;

Cheeks red with Joy, and lifted Hands about you: Some wiping the glad Tears that trickle down With broken Io's, and with sobbing Raptures, Crying to Arms: He's come! our Emp'rour's come To win the World. Why is not this far better Than lolling in a Lady's lap, and sleeping, Fasting, or praying? Come, come, you shall be merry: And for Eudosia, she is yours already: Marcian has said it, Sir, she shall be yours.

Theo.

O Marcian! oh my Brother! Father! all: Thou best of Friends, most faithful Counsellor, I'll find a Match for thee too e'er I rest, To make thee love me. For when thou art with me I'm strong and well; but when thou art gone, I am nothing.

Enter Athenais, meeting Theodosius.

Theo.

Alas! Eudosia, tell me what to say; For my full Heart can scarce bring forth a word Of that which I have sworn to see perform'd.

Athen.

I am perfectly obedient to your pleasure.

Theo.

Well, then I come to tell thee, that Varanes Of all mankind is nearest to my Heart; I love him, dear Eudosia; and to prove That Love on trial, all my Blood's too little; Ev'n thee, if I were sure to die this moment, (As Heav'n alone can tell how far my Fate Is off!) O thou my Soul's most tender Joy, With my last Breath I would bequeath him thee.

Athen.

Then you are pleas'd, my Lord, to yield me to him.

Theo.

No, my Eudosia; no, I will not yield thee, While I have Life; for Worlds I will not yield thee: Yet, thus far I am engag'd to let thee know, He loves thee, Athenais, more than ever. He languishes, despairs, and dies like me; And I have past my word that he shall see thee.

Athen.

Ah, Sir, what have you done against your self, And me? Why have you past your fatal word? Why will you trust me, who am now afraid To trust my self? Why do you leave me naked To an assault, who had made proof my Vertue, With this sure Guard, never to see him more. For, oh with trembling Agonies I speak it, I cannot see a Prince, whom once I lov'd, Bath'd in his Grief, and gasping at my Feet, In all the violent Trances of Despair, Without a sorrow, that perhaps may end me.

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Theo.

O ye severer Pow'rs! too cruel Fate! Did ever Love tread such a maze before? Yet, Athenais, still I trust thy Vertue; But if thy bleeding Heart cannot refrain, Give, give thy self away; yet still remember, That moment Theodosius is no more.╌

[Ex. Theo. with Attic. Pulc. Leon.

Athen.

Now glory! now, if ever thou didst work In Woman's Mind, assist me╌Oh my Heart, Why dost thou throb, as if thou wer't a breaking? Down, down, I say, think on thy Injuries, Thy wrongs! thy wrongs. 'Tis well my Eyes are dry, And all within my Bosom now is still.

Enter Varanes, leaning on Aranthes.

Ha! is this he! or is't Varanes Ghost? He looks as if he had bespoke his Grave, Trembling and pale; I must not dare to view him; For oh I feel his melancholy here, And fear I shall too soon partake his sickness!

Vara.

Thus to the angry Gods offending Mortals, Made sensible by some severe Affliction, How all their Crimes are registred in Heav'n, In that nice Court, how no rash word escapes, But ev'n extravagant Thoughts are all set down: Thus the poor penitents with Fear approach The Reverend Shrines, and thus for Mercy bow;

[Kneels.

Thus melting too, they wash the hallowed Earth, And groan to be forgiven╌ O Empress! O Eudosia! such you are now, These are your Titles, and I must not dare Ever to call you Athenais more.

Athen.

Rise, rise, my Lord, let me intreat you rise, I will not hear you in that humble Posture: Rise, or I must withdraw╌The World will blush For you and me, should it behold a Prince, Sprung from Immortal Cyrus, on his Knees Before the Daughter of a poor Philosopher.

Vara.

'Tis just, you righteous Gods! my Doom is just; Nor will I strive to deprecate her Anger. If possible, I'll aggravate my Crimes, That she may rage till she has broke my heart: For all I now desire, and let the Gods, Those cruel Gods that joyn to my undoing, Be Witnesses to this unnatural Wish,

Is to fall dead without a Wound before her.

Athen.

O ye known sounds! But I must steel my Soul. Methinks these Robes, my Delia, are too heavy.

Vara.

Not worth a word, a look, nor one regard! Is then the Nature of my Fault so hainous, That when I come to take my eternal leave, You'll not vouchsafe to view me? This is scorn, Which the fair Soul of gentle Athenais, Wou'd ne'er have harbour'd╌ O, for the sake of him, whom you ere-long Shall hold as fast as now your Wishes form him, Give me a patient hearing; for however I talk of Death, and seem to loath my Life, I would deliberate with my Fate a while, With snatching Glances eye thee to the last; Pause o'er a loss like that of Athenais, And parley with my ruine.

Athen.

Speak, my Lord; To hear you is the Emperor's Command; And for that Cause I readily obey.

Vara.

The Emperour, the Emperour's Command And for that Cause she readily obeys. I thank you, Madam, that on any terms You condescend to hear me╌ Know then, Eudosia. Ah, rather let me call thee: By the lov'd Name of Athenais still; That Name that I so often have invok'd! And which was once auspicious to my Vows; So oft at Midnight sigh'd amongst the Groves, The Rivers murmur and the Echo's burden, Which every Bird could sing, and Wind did bear! By that dear Name, I make this Protestation, By all that's good on Earth, or blest in Heav'n, I swear I love thee more, far more than ever, With conscious Blushes too! Here, help me, Gods! Help me to tell her, tho' to my Confusion, And everlasting Shame; yet I must tell her, I lay the Persian Crown before her Feet.

Athen.

My Lord, I thank you, and to express those thanks, As nobly as you offer 'em, I return The gift you make; nor will I now upbraid you With the Example of the Emp'rour; Not but I know 'tis that that draws you on, Thus to descend beneath your Majesty; And swell the Daughter of a poor Philosopher With hopes of being great.

Vara.

Ah, Madam! ah, you wrong me; by the Gods I had repented e'er I knew the Emp'rour╌

Athen.

You find perhaps, too late, that Athenais, However slighted for her Birth and Fortune, Has something in her Person, and her Vertue, Worth the Regard of Emperours themselves; And, to return the Complement you gave My Father, Leontine, that poor Philosopher, Whose utmost Glory is to have been your Tutor: I here protest, by Vertue, and by Glory, I swear by Heav'n and all the Pow'rs Divine, The abandon'd Daughter of that poor old Man Shall ne'er be seated on the Throne of Cyrus:

Vara.

O Death to all my Hopes! what hast thou sworn? To turn me wild! Ah cursed Throne of Cyrus, Would thou hadst been o'erturn'd and laid in Dust, His Crown too Thunder-struck. My Father, all The Persian Race, like poor Darius, ruin'd, Blotted, and swept for ever from the World; When first Ambition blasted thy Remembrance╌

Athen.

O Heav'n! I had forgot the base Affront Offer'd by this proud Man! a Wrong so great, It is remov'd beyond all hope of Mercy: He had design'd to bribe my Father's Vertue, And by unlawful means╌ Fly from my sight, left I become a Fury╌ And break those Rules of Temperance I propos'd; Fly, fly, Varanes! fly this sacred place Where Vertue and Religion are profess'd: This City will not harbour Insidels, Traytors to Chastity, licentious Princes; Be gone, I say, thou canst not here be safe, Fly to Imperial Libertines abroad; In foreign Courts thou'lt find a thousand Beauties That will comply for Gold, for Gold they'll weep, For Gold be fond as Athenais was; And charm thee still as if they lov'd indeed. Thou'lt find enough Companions too for Riot: Luxuriant all, and Royal as thy self, Tho' thy loud Vices should resound to Heav'n. Art thou not gone yet?

Vara.

No, I am charm'd to hear you: O from my Soul I do confess my self The very blot of Honour; I am more black Than thou, in all thy Heat of just Revenge, With all thy glorious Eloquence, canst make me.

Athen.

Away, Varanes.

Vara.

Yes, Madam, I am going╌ Nay, by the Gods, I do not ask thee pardon: Nor while I live will I implore thy mercy: But when I am dead, if as thou dost return, With happy Theodosius from the Temple, If as thou go'st in Triumph through the streets, Thou chance to meet the cold Varanes there, Born by his Friends to his Eternal home; Stop then, O Athenais! and behold me; Say as thou hang'st about the Emp'rour's Neck, Alas! my Lord, this sight is worth our pity; If to those pitying words, thou add a Tear, Or give one parting groan╌If possible, If the good Gods will grant my Soul the freedom, I'll leave my Shrowd, and wake from Death to thank thee.

Athen.

He shakes my resolution from the Bottom: My bleeding Heart too speaks in his behalf, And says my Vertue has been too severe.

Vara.

Farewell! O Empress: No, Athenais, now I will not call thee by that tender Name, Since cold despair begins to freeze my Bosom, And all my Pow'rs are now resolv'd on Death. 'Tis said, that from my Youth I have been rash, Cholerick, and hot, but let the Gods now judge By my last wish, if ever patient Man Did calmly bear so great a loss as mine; Since 'tis so doom'd, by Fate you must be wedded, For your own Peace, when I am laid in Earth, Forget that e're Varanes had a Being; Turn all your Soul to Theodosius Bosom: Continue Gods their Days, and make 'em long: Lucina wait upon their fruitful Hymen, And many Children, beauteous as the Mother, And pious as the Father, make 'em smile.

Athen.

O Heav'ns!

Vara.

Farewell╌I'll trouble you no more: The malady that's lodg'd within grows stronger; I feel the shock of my approaching Fate: My heart too trembles at his distant march; Nor can I utter more, if you shoul'd ask me. Thy arm, Aranthes! O farewell for ever╌╌

Athen.

Varanes, stay, and ere you go for ever, Let me unfold my heart.

Vara.

O Athenais! What further cruelty hast thou in store

To add to what I suffer?

Athen.

Since it is doom'd That we must part, let's part as Lovers shou'd, As those that have lov'd long, and lov'd well.

Vara.

Art thou so good! O Athenais, oh!

Athen.

First from my Soul I pity and forgive you; I pardon you that hasty little Errour, Which yet has been the cause of both our Ruins. And let this sorrow witness for my Heart, How eagerly I wish it had not been, And since I cannot keep it, take it all. Take all the Love, O Prince, I ever bore you: Or, if 'tis possible, I'll give you more; Your noble Carriage forces this confession: I rage! I burn! I bleed! I die for Love: I am distracted with this World of Passion.

Vara.

Gods! cruel Gods! take notice I forgive you.

Athen.

Alas! my Lord! my weaker tender Sex Has not your manly Patience; cannot curb This Fury in; therefore I let it loose; Spite of my rigid Duty, I will speak With all the dearness of a dying Lover, Farewell most lovely, and most lov'd of Men; Why comes this dying paleness o'er thy Face? Why wander thus thy Eyes? Why dost thou bend As if the fatal weight of Death were on thee?

Vara.

Speak yet a little more; For, by the Gods! And as I prize those blessed happy moments, I swear, O Athenais! all is well! O never better!

Athen.

I doubt thee, dear Varanes; Yet, if thou dy'st, I shall not long be from thee. Once more farewell, and take these last Embraces, Oh! I could crush him to my Heart! Farewel; And as a dying pledge of my last Love, Take this, which all thy Pray'rs could never Charm; What have I done? oh lead me, lead me, Delia! Ah, Prince farewell! Angels protect and guard thee.

Vara.

Turn back! O Athenais! and behold me! Hear my last words, and then farewell for ever: Thou hast undone me more by this confession: You say, you swear, you love me more than ever; Yet, I must see you marry'd to another: Can there be any Plague or Hell like this? O Athenais! Whither shall I turn me? You have brought me back to life; but, oh, what life?

SONG after the Fourth ACT.

〈♫〉〈♫〉 Ah Cru╌el Bloo╌dy Fate, what canst thou now do more? A╌las 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 'tis now too late Philander to re-store. Why should the Heav'nly 〈♫〉〈♫〉 〈♫〉〈♫〉 Powers perswade poor Mortals to believe that they guard us here, or re╌ward us there, yet all our Joys deceive. 〈♫〉〈♫〉

2.

Her Ponyard then she took, And held it in her Hand, And with a dying look, Cry'd, thus I Fate command. Philander! Ah my Love, I come To meet thy Shade below! Ah! I come, she cry'd, With a Wound so wide, There needs no second blow.

3.

In Purple Waves her Blood, Ran streaming down the Floor, Unmov'd she saw the Flood, And blest the Dying Hour Philander! Ah Philander! still The bleeding Phillis cry'd; She wept a while, And she forc'd a smile, Then clos'd her Eyes, and dy'd.

FINIS.

To a life more terrible than a thousand deaths; Like one that had been buried in a Trance, With racking starts, he wakes and gazes round, Forc'd by despair his whirling Limbs to wound, And bellow like a Spirit under ground. Still urg'd by Fate, to turn, to toss, and rave, Tormented, dash'd, and broken in the Grave.

[Exeunt.

ACT V. SCENE I.

Athenais drest in Imperial Robes, and Crown'd: A Table with a Bowl of Poison.

Athen.

A Midnight Marriage! must I to the Temple Thus, at the Murderers hour? 'Tis wond'rous strange! But so thou say'st my Father has commanded; And that's Almighty Reason.

Delia.

Th' Emperour in compassion to the Prince, Who would, perhaps, fly to extravagance, If he in publick should resolve to espouse you, Contriv'd by this close Marriage to deceive him.

Athen.

Go fetch thy Lute, and sing those Lines I gave thee; So, now I am alone, yet my Soul shakes; For where this dreadful Draught may carry me, The Heav'ns can only tell; yet I am resolv'd To drink it off in spite of Consequence, Whisper him, O some Angel! what I am doing; By sympathy of Soul let him too tremble, To hear my wondrous Faith, my wondrous Love, Whose Spirit not content with an Ovation, Of ling'ring Fate, with Triumph thus resolv'd: Thus in the rapid Chariot of the Soul; To mount and dare as never Woman dar'd: 'Tis done, haste, Delia, haste! come bring thy Lute,

[Drinks.

And sing my waftage to immortal Joys, Methinks I cannot but smile at my own bravery, Thus from my lowest Fortune rais'd to Empire, Crown'd and adorn'd! worshipt by half the Earth, While a young Monarch dies for my Embraces: Yet now to wave the Glories of the World, O my Varanes! tho' my Births unequal, My Vertue sure has richly recompenc'd, And quite out-gone Example!

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SONG.

1.

Ab Cruel bloody Fate, What oanst thou now do more? Alas, 'tis all too late, Philander to restore: Why should the Heavenly Powers perswade Poor Mortals to believe, That they guard us here, And reward us there, Yet all our Joys deceive?

2.

Her Ponyard then she took, And held it in her Hand; And with a dying look, Cry'd, thus I Fate commmand: Philander! ah my Love I come, To meet thy shade below; Ah, I come, she cry'd, With a Wound so wide, There needs no second Blow:

3.

In Purple Waves her Blood Ran streaming down the Floor, Unmov'd she saw the Flood, And blest her dying hour: Philander! ah, Philander! still The bleeding Phillis cry'd, She wept a while, And forc'd a smile; Then clos'd her Eyes and dy'd.

Enter Pulcheria.

Pulch.

How fares my dear Eudosia? ha, thou look'st, Or, else the Tapers cheat my sight, like one That's fitter for thy Tomb than Caesar's Bed; A fatal Sorrow dims thy shaded Eyes, And in despite of all thy Ornaments, Thou seem'st to me the Ghost of Athenais.

Athen.

And what's the punishment, my dear Pulcheria? What Torments are allotted those sad Spirits, Who groaning with the burden of Despair; No longer will endure the Cares of Life, But boldly set themselves at liberty, Through the dark Caves of Death to wander on,

Like wilded Travellers without a Guide, Eternal Rovers in the gloomy Maze, Where scarce the Twi-light of an Infant Moon, By a faint Glimmer checkering through the Trees, Reflects to dismal view the walking Ghosts, And never hope to reach the blessed Fields?

Pulch.

No more o' that, Atticus shall resolve thee; But see, he waits thee from the Emperour; Thy Father too attends.

Enter Leontine, Atticus, &c.

Leont.

Come, Athenais! Ha, what now in Tears? O fall of Honour, but no more I charge thee, I charge thee, as thou ever hop'st my Blessing, Or fear'st my Curse, to banish from thy Soul All Thoughts, if possible, the Memory Of that ungrateful Prince that has undone thee. Attend me to the Temple on this Instant, To make the Emperour thine, this Night to wed him, And lie within his Arms.

Athen.

Yes, Sir, I'll go╌ Let me but dry my Eyes, and I will go; Eudosia, this unhappy Bride shall go, Thus like a Victim crown'd and doom'd to bleed, I'll wait you to the Altar, wed the Emperour, And if he pleases, lie within his Arms.

Leont.

Thou art my Child agen.

Athen.

But do not, Sir, imagine that any Charms, Or Threatnings shall compel me Never to think of poor Varanes more: No, my Varanes: No╌ While I have Breath, I will remember thee: To thee alone I will my Thoughts consine, And all my Meditations shall be thine: The Image of thy Woes my Soul shall fill, Fate and my End, and thy Remembrance still; As in some Pop'lar Shade the Nightingale, With piercing Moans does her lost Young bewail, Which the rough Hind, observing as they lay Warm in their Downy Nest, had stoln away, But she in mournful Sounds does still complain, Sings all the Night, tho' all her Songs are vain, And still renews her miserable strain: So my Varanes, 'till my Death comes on, Shall sad Eudosia thy dear Loss bemoan.

[Ex. Athenais, Atticus.

SCENE II.

Enter Varanes.

Vraa.

'Tis Night, dead Night, and weary Nature lies So fast, as if she never were to rise: No breath of Wind now whispers through the Trees; No noise at Land, nor murmur in the Seas; Lean Wolves forget to howl at Night's pale Noon; No wakeful Dogs bark at the silent Moon: Nor 'bay the Ghosts that glide with Horror by, To view the Caverns where their Bodies lie, The Ravens perch, and no Presages give; Nor to the Windows of the dying cleave. The Owls forget to scream, no midnight sound Calls drowsie Echo from the hollow ground; In Vaults the walking Fires extinguisht lie; The Stars, Heav'ns Centry, wink and seem to die. Such universal Silence spreads below, Through the vast Shades where I am doom'd to go; Nor shall I need a Violence to wound: The Storm is here that drives me on the Ground, Sure means to make the Soul and Body part, A burning Fever, and a broken Heart. What, hoa, Aranthes!

[Enter Aranthes.

I sent thee to the Apartment of Athenais! I sent thee, did I not, to be admitted?

Aran.

You did, my Lord; but oh I fear to give you an account.

Vara.

Alas! Aranthes, I am got on the other side Of this bad World; and now am past all fear. O ye avenging Gods, is there a Plague Among your hoarded Bolts and heaps of Vengeance Beyond the mighty Loss of Athenais? 'Tis contradiction, speak, then speak, Aranthes. For all misfortunes, if compar'd with that, Will make Varanes smile╌

Aranth.

My Lord, the Empress, Crown'd and adorn'd with the Imperial Robes, At this dead time of Night with silent Pomp, As they design'd from all to keep it secret, But chiefly sure from you; I say the Empress Is now conducted by the General.

Atticus and her Father, to the Temple, There to espouse th' Emperor, Theodosius.

Vara.

Say'st thou? is't certain! hah.

Arant.

Most certain, Sir, I saw 'em in procession.

Vara.

Give me thy Sword, malicious Fate! O Fortune! O giddy Chance! O turn of Love and Greatness! Marry'd! she has kept her Promise now indeed; And oh her pointed Fame and nice Revenge, Have reach'd their end. No Aranthes! no! I will not stay the lazy Execution Of a slow Fever: Give me thy Hand, and swear By all the Love and Duty that thou ow'st me, To observe the last Commands that I shall give thee; Stir not against my purpose, as thou fear'st My Anger and Disdain; Nor dare to oppose me With troublesome unnecessary formal Reasons; For what my Thought has doom'd, my Hand shall seal. I charge thee hold it stedfast to my Heart, Fixt as the Fate that throws me on the Point. Tho' I have liv'd a Persian, I will fall As fair, as fearless, and as full resolv'd As any Greek or Roman of 'em all.

Aranth.

What you command is terrible but sacred, And to atone for this too cruel Duty, My Lord, I'll follow you╌╌╌

Vara.

I charge thee not! But when I am dead take the attending Slaves, And bear me, with my Blood distilling down, Streight to the Temple; lay me, O Aranthes! Lay my cold Coarse at Athenais's Feet, And say, O why, why, do my Eyes run o'er! Say with my latest Gasp I groan'd for Pardon. Just here my Friend, hold fast, and fix the Sword; I feel the Artery, where the Life-Blood lies; It heaves against the Point╌╌Now, O ye Gods, If for the greatly wretched you have room, Prepare my place, for dauntless lo I come! The force of Love thus makes the Mortal Wound, And Athenais sends me to the Ground.

[Kills himself.

SCENE III. The outward part of the Temple.

Enter Pulcheria and Julia at one Door, Marcian and Lucius at another.

Pulch.

Look Julia, see the pensive Marcian comes; 'Tis to my wish, I must no longer lose him, Lest he should leave the Court indeed: he looks As if some mighty secret work'd within him, And labour'd for a Vent; inspire me Woman, That what my Soul desires above the World, May seem impos'd and forc'd on my Affections╌

Luc.

I say she loves you, and she stays to hear it From your own Mouth: Now, in the Name of all The Gods at once, my Lord, why are you silent? Take heed, Sir, mark your opportunity; For if the Woman lays it in your way, And you over-see it, she is lost for ever.

Marc.

Madam, I come to take my eternal leave; Your Doom has banisht me, and I obey: The Court and I shake Hands, and now we part, Never to see each other more; the Court Where I was born, and bred a Gentleman: No more, till your Illustrious Bounty rais'd me, And drew the Earth-born Vapour to the Clouds: But, as the Gods ordain'd it, I have lost, I know not how, through Ignorance, your Grace: And now the Exhalation of my Glory Is quite consum'd and vanisht into Air.

Pulch.

Proceed, Sir╌╌

Marc.

Yet let those Gods that doom'd me to displease you, Be Witnesses how much I honour you╌ Thus, worshipping, I swear by your bright self, I leave this infamous Court with more content Than Fools and Flatterers seek it. But, oh Heaven! I cannot go if still your hate pursues me; Yes, I declare it is impossible, To go to Banishment without your Pardon.

Pulch.

You have it, Marcian; is there ought beside, That you would speak, for I am free to hear?

Marc.

Since I shall never see you more, what hinders But my last words should here protest the Truth? Know then, Imperial Princess, matchless Woman, Since first you cast your Eyes upon my meanness, Ev'n till you rais'd me to my envy'd height,

I have in secret lov'd you╌

Pulch.

Is this Marcian?

Marc.

You frown! but I am still prepar'd for all; I say I lov'd you, and I love you still, More than my Life, and equal to my Glory; Methinks the warring Spirit that inspires This Frame, the very Genius of old Rome! That makes me talk without the fear of Death, And drives my daring Soul to acts of Honour. Flames in your Eyes! our Thoughts too are a-kin, Ambitious, fierce, and burn alike for Glory: Now, by the Gods, I lov'd you in your Fury, In all the Thunder that quite riv'd my hopes, I lov'd you most, ev'n when you did destroy me. Madam, I've spoke my heart, and cou'd say more, But that I see it grieves you, your high Blood Frets at the Arrogance and sawcy Pride Of this bold Vagabond: may the Gods forgive me: Farewell; a worthier General may succeed me; But none more faithful to the Emperour's Interest, Than him you are pleas'd to call the Traytor, Marcian.

Pulch.

Come back, you have subtilly play'd your part indeed; For first, th' Emperour whom you lately school'd, Restores you your Commission; next commands you, As you're a Subject not to leave the Court, Next, but oh Heav'n! which way shall I express His cruel Pleasure, he that is so mild In all things else, yet obstinate in this, Spite of my Tears, my Birth, and my Disdain, Commands me, as I dread his high Displeasure, O Marcian! to receive you as my Husband.

Marc.

Ha, Lucius! what, what does my Fate intend?

Luc.

Pursue her, Sir, 'tis as I said, she yields, And rages that you follow her no faster!

Pulch.

Is then at last my great Authority, And my intrusted Pow'r, declin'd to this? Yet oh my Fate, what way can I avoid it! He charg'd me streight to wait him to the Temple; And there resolve! oh Marcian! on this Marriage. Now generous Soldier, as you're truly noble; O help me forth, lost in this Labyrinth; Help me to loose this more than Gordian Knot, And make me and your self for ever happy.

Marc.

Madam, I'll speak as briefly as I can, And as a Soldier ought, the only way To help this Knot is yet to tye it faster.

Since then the Emperor has resolv'd you mine, For which I will for ever thank the Gods, And make this Holy-day throughout my Life, I take him at his word, and claim his promise; The Empire of the World shall not redeem you. Nay, weep not, Madam, though my out side's rough, Yet, by those Eyes, your Soldier has a Heart Compassionate and tender as a Virgins, Ev'n now it bleeds to see those falling Sorrows, Perhaps this Grief may move the Emperour To a Repentance! Come then to the Tryal; For by my Arms, my Life, and dearer Honour, If you go back when given me by his Hand, In distant Wars my Fate I will deplore, And Marcian's Name shall ne'er be heard of more.

[Exeunt.

SCENE, the Temple.

Theodosius, Athenais, Atticus joyning their hands╌Marcian, Pulcheria, Lucius, Julia, Delia, &c. Leontine.

Attic.

The more than Gordian knot is ty'd, Which Death's strong Arm shall ne'er divide; For when to bliss ye wafted are, Your Spirits shall be wedded there. Waters are lost, and Fires will die; But Love alone can Fate defie.

Enter Aranthes with the Body of Varanes.

Arant.

Where is the Empress? Where shall I find Eudosia? By Fate I am sent to tell that cruel Beauty, She has rob'd the World of Fame; her Eyes have giv'n A blast to the big Blossom of the War; Behold him there nipt in his flowry Morn, Compell'd to break his promise of a Day; A Day that Conquest would have made her Boast; Behold her Lawrel wither'd to the Root, Canker'd and kill'd by Athenais scorn.

Athen.

Dead! dead, Varanes!

Theo.

O ye Eternal Pow'rs That guide the World! why do you shock our Reason, With acts like these that lay our Thoughts in dust? Forgive me Heav'n this start, or elevate Imagination more, and make it nothing. Alas! alas, Varanes! But speak, Aranthes,

The manner of his Fate: Groans choke my words; But speak, and we will answer thee with Tears.

Arant.

His Fever would, no doubt, by this have done What some few minutes past his Sword perform'd, He heard from me your progress to the Temple, How you design'd at midnight to deceive him, By a Clandestine Marriage: But, my Lord, Had you beheld his Racks at my Relation; Or had your Empress seen him in those Torments, When from his dying Eyes, swoln to the Brim, The big round drops rowl'd down his manly Face; When from his hallowed Breast a murmuring Croud Of groans rush'd forth, and echo'd, All is well: Then had you seen him! O ye cruel Gods! Rush on the Sword I held against his Breast, And dye it to the Hilts, with these last words╌ Bear me to Athenais╌

Athen.

Give me way, my Lord, I have most strictly kept my promise with you, I am your Bride, and you can ask no more, Or if you did, I am past the power to give: But here! oh here! on his cold bloody Breast, Thus let me breath my last.

Theo.

O Empress, what, what can this transport mean? Are these our Nuptials! these my promis'd Joys?

Athen:

Forgive me, Sir, this last respect I apy These sad remains╌And oh thou mighty Spiit, If yet thou art not mingled with the Stars, Look down and hear the wretched Athenais, When thou shalt know, before I gave consent To this indecent Marriage, I had taken Into my Veins a cold and deadly Draught, Which soon would render me, alas, unfit For the warm Joys of an Imperial Lover, And make me ever thine! yet keep my word With Theodosius. Wilt thou not forgive me?

Theo.

Poison'd to free thee from the Emperor! Oh, Athenais! thou hast done a deed That tears my Heart! what have I done against thee, That thou should'st brand me thus with Infamy And everlasting shame! Thou might'st have made, Thy choice without this cruel act of Death, I left thee to thy will? and in requital Thou hast murder'd all my Fame╌

Athen.

O pardon me! I lay my dying Body at your Feet,

And beg, my Lord, with my last sighs intreat you To impute the fault, if 'tis a fault, to love; And the ingratitude of Athenais, To her too cruel Stars: Remember too, I begg'd you would not let me see the Prince, Presaging what has happen'd; yet my word, As to our Nuptials was inviolable.

Theo.

Ha! she is going! see her languishing Eyes Draw in their Beams; the sleep of death is on her.

Athen.

Farewell, my Lord! alas! alas, Varanes, To embrace thee now is not immodesty; Or if it were, I think my bleeding Heart, Would make me criminal in Death to clasp thee, Break all the tender niceties of Honour, To fold thee thus, and warm thee into Life, For oh what Man, like him, cou'd Woman move! O Prince belov'd! O Spirit most divine! Thus by my Death, I give thee all my Love, And seal my Soul and Body ever thine╌

[Dies.

Theo.

O Marcian! O Pulcheria! did not the Power, Whom we adore plant all his Thunder-bolts Against Self-murderers, I would perish too: But as I am, I swear to leave the Empire: To thee, my Sister, I bequeath the World; And yet a gift more great the Gallant Marcian! On then my Friend, now shew thy Roman Spirit: As to her Sex, fair Athenais was, Be thou to thine a Pattern of true Honour, Thus we'll atone for all the present Crimes, That yet it may be said in after-times, No Age with such Examples cou'd compare, So Great, so Good, so Vertuous, and so Fair!

[Ex. Omnes.

FINIS.