Love and war a tragedy / written by Tho. Meriton.

Act 4. Scen. 1.

Aberden, Hollarro, Fafrisius, Buzarain, Never∣mo, Orestes, Sisterus.

Aber.

WElcome once more unto Bruzantia's Land, My Lords, we lost not one but Yernom••y, Without discredit of the sword, or pelts, The flashes of their thunder-roaring Canons, Bred but a night not overcame the fight. They fainted as their sword aimd at our heads; Saying dame nature forgot the Deities; Fortune was turn'd a fool, they car'd not ••or't, When their rag'd Army was torn by discord, No Empire took their will, time chid their folly, Because they did dismember counsell skill; Experience hang a Flag to shew the woe That would pursue the evicted Army. Amazed all stood at distance, intending To give a shout and fly; but grief mounting Upon the soaring wings of utter'd speech; Did stop and cease both anger and the cry, Conspiring then again to win the Ile, Which was turn'd frustrate to the purpose, and We took the Lord, the which my Queen shall have In grateful sense.

Holl.

Your Princely grace, and sacred Majesty, May dazle the lustre of a glorious fire Foundation of mildnesse strives against the stream,

If it seek a revenge within the gates, Or flowry bank of your resigned will; Mercy the sister of a peacefull time, Sav'd millions from the sparks and darts of death, Which by the worthy motions of your will Was carried on, or otherwise sharp and Keen swords had made no standard there, But sent pale death as Captain of the Fort.

Faf.

The Darts strove in the air, even then to chuse Whether to fall or fly; their feeblenesse Did so surprise their force; yet valiant you; My sacred Leige, stuck to the glittering Arms, Holding both sword and shaft to work a sign Of manhood, courage, degree and title; And passing fenced foords, to captivate These Lords we have, they trembl' within The Ring of fear, knowing no side Where passage makes escape; the Swan did Sing not half so many notes, as hollowing cryes And bloody screeks did make a harmony; Well, 'tis fortune, not the fates did work this Bold attempt.

Aber.

You speak still like you selves, which Lords And Princes are: what say you captives?

Orest.

Our soul and bodies are desolate of peace, Yet let your Queen and men be filld with wrath, We'l choose no spoiled gain, but truth to Celerinus.

Sist.

Yea, King, its so; though we be captives now, Time changes, and in them our manner doo; Though furies tear my body, yet my soul Shall stand for Celerinus, King of all Numenia; and your Queen's wrath are Pearls To us, because we dye not guilty.

Aber.

My lov's no worse to you, since truth rebounds With hope, you shall have hence my favour.

Orest.

No favour we crave.

Sist.

We desire no favour.

Ner.

The ancient freedom that we did possesse, Strikes a perpetuall fame unto your name, A full ripe plumed bird should be the guide And messenger to over-fly the world,

And mount up to the skies, to let them know; Your excellency.

Faf.

'Tis, 'tis most true.

Aber.

The day grows on, my Queen expects me now, The harmless will of her known genius, Flames in a lake of longing sighs for me, Proceed and be the buckets to quench it; But since the day consumes, I'le send for her, My Lord Nevermo, conduct the Queen to presence.

N••v.

My Liege, I go.

Exit Nevermo.

Aber.

Come Captives, here must be your doom, She'l have your lives if you were twenty more, But yet my favour goes with you.

Orest.

I thank your Majesty.

Sist.

Great King, all glory wait on you; But I am conduc'd by willingnesse to dye.

Orest.

So I am, since I am an exile.

Aber.

You are, stay, here's the Queen.