Edgar, or the English monarch an heroick tragedy. By Mr. Thomas Rymer, servant to Their Majesties.
Rymer, Thomas, 1641-1713.
Page 13
ACT II.
SCENE I. Garden.
Lewis and Kenneth.
Lewis.
THE Sentence which for my late Bonds was sign'd,
Did me in fair Editha's presence find.
Her nearer Beams did on my Senses beat,
Whilst sick and panting with excessive Heat,
A thousand amorous Thoughts roll'd in my head,
And Cares by Love-disordered Fancy bred.
And there I gave my Liberty for lost,
Fearless of harm from any other Coast.
Ken.
Thought he, You tame to an Affront would stand,
Whom Love had chaf'd and heated to his hand.
Lew.
But scarce had I in Prison set my Foot,
When a new Sentence came to fetch me out:
From Ethelwold it came,—
Tells me, in Field I for th' Affront must pay,
And he resent it this more generous way.
Ken.
To's Power that sullen Complement was due;
And this Respect to's Honour, and to you.
Lew.
With Power turn'd giddy, insolent he grows;
But scarce (I fear) enough of Honour knows.
Howe're, an edge on my Revenge to set,
He will it thus with Provocations whet.
Arm'd at all points we must the Combat try:
In all I with the Challenger comply.
Ken.
The Turnament gave rise to your Dispute,
And he your Cause with proper Arms would suit.
Exeunt severally.
SCENE II.
Edgar solus.
Edg.
How slow is Time to a Love-tortur'd mind?
The lazie Hour flaggs heavily behind,
Page 14Not yet arriv'd. How pressing are these Fires?
I am devour'd by my too keen Desires.
Is this to be a King? Whom Men obey,
Shall over him a brutish Passion sway?
We who controll the greatest Tyrant Law,
With a stern Nod too-busie Justice awe,
Whilst we our vast Prerogatives extoll,
This name of Weakness, Woman, humbles all.
What Power hath he, who Slave is to a Frown?
Or is he Sovereign whom a Smile can crown?
I'm still my self, nor is it yet too late,
Nor yet the path too headlong for retreat.
We, too-unsafe, with these soft Dangers play—
I go—yet something in me bids me stay—
I'll stay—and, Vertue, I thine aid implore—
No—foolish Heart, I'll hazard thee no more.
Who wast her Conquest when untouch'd and sound,
Shalt not be trusted, now I know thy Wound.
Is going off, meets
SCENE III.
Ethelwold.
Ethelw.
'Tis well—I take him whilst his Passion boils:
No Lover's eyes can e're descry my Toils.
Aside.
Th' unwary Youth shall leap into the Net,
And on new Game discharge his wanton Heat.
The Arms shall cover him, but not defend.
One well-plac'd Blow shall all my Troubles end.
The work is easie—
Edg.
How—Ethelwold—hold—one thing e're you go,
Which to my Curiosity I owe.
The Woman whom I at my Landing found
With you, her Eyes in melting Sorrow drown'd,
Who is she?—
Ethelw.
—One design'd to serve the Queen;
But Bashfulness forbids her to be seen.
She sought a Hiding-place when us you met,
And—I stept in, to hinder her retreat.
Page 15
Edg.
Prevail with her at Court some time to stay,
And soon that Modesty will wear away.
Is she related to you?—
Ethelw.
—That agree,
My Carriage else would look too rudely free.
But I too long am held from her Defence.
Pardon, dread Sir, with a just Heat dispense
On her behalf—I hear the Horses neigh,
And clanck of Arms upbraiding my delay.
Edg.
What Arms? what barbarous Danger threatens her?
What Enemies can so much Beauty fear?
Ethelw.
When Beauty darts the strongest influence,
On Honour's side most weak is the defence.
Edg.
Her Honour question'd?—
Ethelw.
—Nothing can be true,
Bolts from a mouth that also injures you.
Edg.
How me? —
Ethelw.
—'Tis he who in Disguise, so late,
To Fortune, at the Justs, was most in debt.
He says, t' encounter you was his design,
Which your request oblig'd him to decline.
Edg.
Madness on him doth, with his Pride, increase:
The man wants Brain to bear his good Success.
From him she could deserve no Injurie:
Aspersing her, th' Affront was aim'd at me;
In her he touches my most tender part.
Aside.
She claims my Arms, who challenges my Heart.
Where is the place?—
Ethelw.
—With silent Feet we range
Single, unseen, to steal a cold Revenge.
But in broad day, with Trumpets sound, the rage
Of Armies must for injur'd Kings engage.
Edg.
I Armies 'gainst a publick Foe would bring:
This quarrel is with Edgar, not the King.
Ethelw.
I gave the Challenge, now the Cause is mine.
Edg.
Your Arguments must to my will resign;
My Arm this Quarrel every way demands,
Nor can I trust the Cause in other hands.
On horse the fight—the Casque my Face will hide,
So better he will my Revenge abide.
Page 16And if my better fortune makes him bow,
He may believe the Combate was with you.
The Arms? the Horse? —
Ethelw.
—Without that door they wait.
Beyond the Elms was our appointment set.
But 'tis not fit—
Edg.
Leave me—and stir not hence.
Ex. Edg.
SCENE IV.
Ethelw. solus.
Ethel.
Small Crimes we start at when we first begin,
But stop at nothing when our hands are in.
The blackest Treason now to me's no more,
Then was the least Disloyal thought before.
Love, that blind Guide, first led me from the way:
I farther going, farther go astray.
These Paths we enter with a tender Foot,
By every Thorn and every Scruple cut;
Thus our first Steps: we after boldly tread,
Grown hard, and brawny, and all sense is dead.
Thus from small Errours in the birth and seed,
Are Prodigies and horrid Monsters bred.
Having once past the Lines of Fit and Just,
All farther Law and Reason's writ in Dust:
All farther are but Cyphers to the Summe.
I've a new world of Wickedness to come.
Free in my Choice and will, I first begun:
But now, by dire Necessity dragg'd on,
So far advanc'd, the Danger's to be slack:
On Precipices there's no looking back.
Offers to go. Meets
SCENE V.
Ethelgede and Alfrid.
This way he past—'mongst the dark Shades that Face
To Alfr.
Yields a fair Light, his Royall Steps to trace.
You at the first encounter reach'd his Heart,
And for your Breast there wanted not a Dart.
Page 17His Wounds he doth not unrevenged mourn;
For every Shaft, was made a just Return.
Alfr.
Lately, my Lord, before our Marriage-vow,
Soft were your Looks, and gentle was your Brow,
And melting Words did all with Sweetness flow:
Now, Storms and Troubles in your Eyes I reade,
And in your Face no peacefull Colours spread:
And from your Tongue mysterious Language breaks,
Which nought to me, or but your Anger, speaks.
Ethel.
We to a fair Appearance rashly wed,
And never see the loathsome Serpent hid.
What you call Mysterie, I might reveal:
Those Mysteries you understand too well.
Exit Ethelw.
Ethelg.
You wept—the King was mov'd at your Distress:
So bright a Nymph, how could a King doe less?
Hence 'tis presum'd that your Design prevails:
An Inference that's, like your Beautie, false.
Alfr.
Let not my Vertue share in the Disgrace,
However out of Favour is my Face.
But if my Heart could, like my Face, be seen,
Your Brow to me might still remain serene.
Ethelg.
The King intended you his Royal Bride,
Till Ethelwold your Beautie's Charms bely'd.
Perswaded this—you hugg the glittering Dream,
And now set up to play your After-game.
Editha never did such things suggest,
Nor into her Caball the new Designer list?
Alfr.
The King's intent I scruple not to own,
From Ethelwold, not from Editha known.
But for the rest, your Highness what inclines
To judge of me as fit for Court-designs?
Ethelg.
Oh, none so proper, so compleatly fit,
Where Malice makes the Instrument, not Wit.
How close soe're they hatch within your Breast,
I'll find them out, or shall destroy the Nest.
Exeunt as frighted, Edg. and Lew. appearing with drawn Swords.
Page 18
SCENE VI.
Edgar and Lewis appear within the Scene, and advance to the Stage.
Lew.
When your rais'd Visour did your Face betray,
And I perceiv'd 'twas at your Feet I lay,
That chance my flying spirits did recall,
And then I seem'd to triumph in my Fall.
And with warm heart I thank'd the Heavenly powers,
Since yet no Arms e're vanquish'd me but yours.
But what most deep my troubled heart have pierc't,
Are those false Rumours Ethelwold disperst:
They wound me still—
Edg.
—I cannot but confide,
And trust your words, having your Valour try'd.
Lying, a low and recreant Mind declares,
For every man will speak the Truth who dares.
Nor doth the Armour, try'd, appear of proof.
Lew.
That, that alone is evidence enough
'Gainst him, in stead of having Safety thence:
'Twas your Address defended your Defence.
He comes —
Edg.
My Guards too to his party drawn—
Lew.
Yet in your Cause you shall not die alone.
The Life you gave shall be as freely spent.
Edg.
Rule your brave Heat, till sure of their intent.
SCENE VII.
Enter Ethelwold, Guards.
Are these our Guards? or your confederate Crew?
To Ethelw.
Intend you Force, or would vain Fraud pursue?
Ethelw.
Death in no form so terrible appears,
Kneeling presents his Sword.
As doth that Face which your Displeasure bears.
How can I see, and how sustain that Brow,
At me which never levell'd Frown till now?
I am condemn'd; I know what Doubts infest;
I see the black inextricable Mist,
Page 19Which round my labouring Innocence is spred:
And yet the worst, your Ear is from me fled.
Edg.
My Ear is not to your Defence refus'd,
Yet must not be by a vain Cant abus'd.
With less Regret I others Treason hear,
To Ethelwold.
Then but, in you, the least Suspicion bear.
In all important Pleasures, you had part,
Sharing at once my Kingdom and my Heart.
How many Nobles did his Piques displace,
Who, now retir'd, live murmuring in Disgrace?
Wilmott his place, nor Cavendish had lost,
If I in ought could Ethelwold have crost.
As Earth Heav'ns Favours, these ours entertain;
Send back unwholsome Vapours for our Rain.
Thus men to whom Prosperity is stale,
Despise that Heav'n whence they deriv'd it all.
Puft up, and grown by long Indulgence proud,
That makes them Atheists, which should make them good.
Friendship is amongst Equals onely fixt,
And Kindnesses reciprocally mixt.
Whilst still on us the Counterfeit impose,
The Regall State no reall Friendship knows.
All Friendship here is in vile Flattery lost.
A Friend's a Jewel that no Crown can boast.
But tax not my proceedings as unkind,
To Ethelwold.
If you, till I know farther, be confin'd.
Ethelg.
'Tis the Queen's Father you to prison send.
Enter Queen, Alfrid. The Guards take off Ethelwold. The Queen steps in and releases him.
Edg.
And more then all Relation, 'tis my Friend.
Ethelg.
This ominous on our Nuptiall-day must be.
Edg.
'Tis ominous, but to our Enemie.
But think not that with Rigour I proceed:
For if your Heart is troubled, mine doth bleed.
Exeunt Queen, &c.
SCENE VIII.
Again in Tears? whence springs this fatall Grief?
Can I? can all my Kingdoms give relief?
To Alfr.
This sight alone would all my Joys controul.
How every Drop falls bitter on my Soul!
Edgar.
Recall him—had the bloud of Kings been spilt,
Those Tears would purge and expiate the Guilt.
Behold the Wretch through your Compassion free'd.
Ethelwold is brought back.
Yet more then he, ('lass!) I your pity need.
My Soul enthrall'd—and Senses all restrain'd—
My Tongue sticks fast—my very Words are chain'd—
A Fire within devours me: yet must I
To you alone, to you who kill me, fly,—
And onely there expect my Remedie—
Alfr.
If I may answer Language thus obscure,
I cannot own the faculty to cure
Those Pains and that Distemper you endure.
Edg.
Love is my Pain, my sole Distemper Love:
But answer this, and all my Griefs remove.
Alfr.
My humble state cannot this Honour bear,
Nor understand what now I seem to hear.
Howe're, your Trouble since within you find,
Vertue's the onely Physick for the Mind.
Edg.
Whate're Distemper does the Mind infest,
First from the Body is deriv'd the Pest.
And for the Cure no other method's known;
The Cure begins where the Disease begun.
Alfr.
You in a heat too rashly that prefer,
Which cooler thoughts would instantly abhor.
And, for a seeming Ill, your vain Relief
A reall turns, and more outrageous Grief.
Edg.
We two shall meet, yet not from Vertue stray;
Though to my Joys dark and unknown's the way.
Something Divine, some Inspiration fills,
And my fir'd Breast a sacred Fury swells.
By Love, or some more gentle Muse, possest,
I prophesie my self, in your Embraces, blest.
Alfr.
This would sound sweet, where a Belief might rise:
My Heart is deaf t' Impossibilities.
You by firm Bands from these Desires are ty'd,
To Edg.
And me no weaker Obstacles divide.
Such Difficulties, ne're to be surpast,
And rigid Bars, by Fate betwixt us cast;
Page 21Law, Justice, Honour, all oppose this Love:
And there's no Faith that may such Rocks remove.
Edg.
I know the Rampires that obstruct my Will;
Yet with more rage does the wild Torrent swell.
Ye Powers, what have you done?—in this true Blessing crost,
On me are all your splendid Trifles lost.
King of the Isles, and of whole Albion crown'd,
And Master far of the vast Seas around,
Thus great I reign, if in her Favour blest:
But that deny'd, no Sweets of Power I taste;
Wretched, forlorn, in Woods condemn'd to pine,
Exil'd, where no kind Ray of Heav'n can shine.
Alfr.
I cannot make your days more clear or bright,
Nor to the Sun, a Glo-worm, promise Light.
No humane Excellence that strange power can claim,
Nor you for me these great Idea's frame.
Edg.
What is all Power, if it to Love must bow?
Or what, indeed, is all of Heav'n we know,
But Love? All Happiness in Love alone
Is plac'd; 'tis there the Blessed fix their Throne.
Ethelw.
Furies! must I a tame Spectatour stand?
Did he for this from Prison me remand?
Aside.
Am I from a less painfull Rack releast,
Thus to be tortur'd? Howsoe're disgrac't,
To Edg.
Howe're obnoxious judg'd, yet Truth is bold.
The Breath that marry'd you is yet scarce cold,
And yet your Actions threaten a Divorce.
A Tyrant's Sword the Gordian Knot may force.
Your Royall Grace was taught another Law—
Edg.
Of which you shall the Rigour undergo—
Take—take the Traitour hence—must you upbraid—
Walks a turn.
You check my will —
Bring back the Duke—How did I urge a Crime,
Which I before, so late, had pardon'd him?
I own the Truth that he declar'd, I own
I have some rash impetuous Transports shown.
They sprang from no approv'd or certain Cause;
For, without Thought, a sudden Passion rose,
Boisterous, and high, no place for Reason left;
All helpless ran 'fore the fierce Storm adrift.
Page 22But Reason now makes head, at th' helm employ'd;
And my Desires to the vow'd Port will guide.
I moving towards my Queen—as on the Sea,
Think the fair Land behind goes back from me—
Whether the Foot—goes forward, or beguiles
My sense—I'm sure the stubborn Heart recoils.
Exit.
SCENE IX.
Alfrid sola.
How shall I the obscure nice Track discern?
Or where this high undaunted Conduct learn?
A silent Shame weighs down my face, and I,
As guilty, from who-e're approaches fly.
Exit.
SCENE X.
Lewis and Editha.
Lew.
Your Eyes, that make the proudest Victours bow,
To Editha turning from him.
And shake the Lawrells on their haughty Brow,
Behold us, as unworthy of your Charms,
Who could submit to any other Arms.
Editha.
Oft is a King pufft with undue Success,
When Flatterers, his Courage to caress,
Unforc'd are beaten.—
Lewis.
—Edgar's close Disguise
Left here no room for that unjust Surmise.
But 'tis more Glory by his hands to fall,
Then in a meaner Crowd to conquer all:
And what-e're Praise to Edgar's Arms is due,
Fate brought me to be vanquish't first by you.
Editha.
The Victour with small Triumph would be grac't,
Except with him more Courage you profest.
But you pursue your Libertie too far:
With me your onely safe Discourse is War.
Lew.
War I might with less fear and danger move:
But all are here the certain Spoils of Love.
Love sways my Tongue—
Lew.
But Love, how-e're industriously hid,
Breaks out, in all our Looks and Actions read.
Editha.
More easily smallest Cyphers some discern,
Then others largest Characters can learn.
But do not rashly to my Rank commit
What never was for our perusall fit:
Lest that unlicens'd to your Ruine turn,
And juster Flames your wretched Labours burn.
Lew.
Who want your real and unquestion'd Worth,
May glory that Queens travell'd at their Birth.
What wants in Heart, in their proud Veins does flow:
And Bloud they boast, their Vertue ebbing low.
Others in this, as Equalls, may contest;
Whilst you'r alone and matchless in the rest.
If Royall Lineage authorize a Flame,
You cannot then our just Ambition blame.
The man for whom I'm bold to mention Love,
Is from a Crown at most but one Remove.
Editha.
Who is not King, holds but a Subject's place.
From Crowns the very first Remove is base.
Lewis.
But were he King, and of a Throne possest,—
Edith.
That, onely, were no Title to my Breast.
Were he so great, and your Supposal true,
He then might claim a Liberty to sue,
And at my Feet his Royaltie depose,
Whilst I shall weigh the Merits of his Cause.
But if you wish a prosperous Embassie,
Let me my Love first on his Picture trie.
Then blazon the renown'd Originall,
Proclaim his Sovereign Titles then—
Lew.
—I shall
Obey, and trace the method you command:
For to the Eyes Love his first Shafts must send.
Exit Lewis.
Edith.
Whilst a rash Flame was in his Breast surmis'd,
I 'gainst his Folly a just Anger pois'd.
I coveted a cause to seem severe,
And too much wish'd what I did vainly fear.
Page 24Too mean and humble for that brave Offence,
He onely is ambitious for his Prince—
Intreat the Stranger back—I will explore
His Breast, and search all the dark Volume o're,
To Women who go off.
To learn the Secret out. He from a King
Might Confidence and free Expressions bring—
Looks so engag'd—and Words so nicely turn'd,—
Lewis returns.
Prove—he his own (a nearer Passion) mourn'd.
Is your own Heart secure, whilst 'tis alledg'd,
To Lewis.
Your Cares are on another score engag'd?
Symptoms appear, as though your self endure
Some Pain. Declare, is your own Heart secure?
Lew.
Surpriz'd it pants, and trembles to be search't,
Amongst so many blazing Beauties scorch't.
Edi.
Many may spread a harmless lambent blaze,
And all, without the flashy Meteor plays,
And (till in one contracted) hath no force.
'Tis onely a particular can pierce.
To me reveal that Fair particular.
Sometimes it may be Prudence to declare.
However, Courage often better speeds:
Cold Prudence thinking stands, whilst Courage vaults to deeds.
Lew.
Climbing too high, from an ignoble Root,
Courage turn'd rank, doth into Rashness shoot.
Edi.
In happy Climates, by a warmer Sun,
To a new height Plants, without fault, may run.
But to be plain—you know your self esteem'd—
Lew.
Alas!—
Edi.
Confess—and venture to be blam'd.
Lew.
My Courage starts—Love is a Crime reveal'd.
Edi.
But, undiscover'd, can a Wound be heal'd?
Lew.
These Favours daunt me more, then when her Brow
Did with the hottest Indignation glow.
Aside.
Much more this sudden Floud doth me confound,
Then by Despair when lately run a-ground.
Fears press my Hopes, and Hopes confront my Fears,
Most in the dark, when most the Light appears.
Edi.
Considerate and slow, why this Delay?
Love on stretch'd wings impatient speeds his way.
Edi.
Suspect no Pale, or nicer Distance set:
In the mid space two equall Flames will meet.
But I mistake your Breast—Love reigns not there.
What is it thus that clogs your Tongue?—
Lew.
—Despair.
Edi.
Some Hopes, I thought, from my Indulgence sent,
Might bloom, and strow the way to your Content.
A Princess woes in vain—
Turns from him.
Lew.
—Too wretched I,
And ill-proportion'd for the mighty Joy
That rounds mine ear! what Dream deludes my sense?
Edi.
No Colour may excuse your long Suspence.
Gunilda appears and enters.
Yet more t' upbraid your Incredulity,
What was declar'd, her Hand shall ratifie.
Lew.
Oh happy day!—
Edi.
—Gunilda, lend your Hand—
Gives him Gunil∣da's hand.
Thus I perform —
Exit.
SCENE XI.
Lew.
—How all amaz'd I stand!—
Gun.
Confus'd and stupid I!—
Lew.
—And she is gone
E're her Intent, her dark Intent, is known.
And I, in Justice, scruple to receive
What she might want Authority to give.
Gun.
Few, when once seis'd, will their Possession quit,
And nicely weigh the equitable Right.
Your Eyes a fairer Purchace had design'd.
Lew.
My Eyes, my every Faculty is blind.
In a dead Sea perplext I float, nor know
I on what Shore m' abandon'd Thoughts to throw.
Gun.
All here to flatter your Desires agree:
Where can your Hopes design a calmer Sea?
Nor lies the Haven far remote. But you,
I fear, a rash forbidden Course pursue.
And 'gainst us, as Confederates, brings War.
Till known what Course the Stranger aims to take,
With Kenneth I some Breach must find, or make.
SCENE XII.
Enter Kenneth.
Ken.
Guilty again—condemn'd so late before—
She in my Friend do's a new Love explore.
False—false—a second time—But rashly I
Aside.
Unchain a Thought that out to Rage would flie.
Here I shall Homage pay with less regret,
To her.
Since here are all my centred Wishes met.
My Glory—my Gunilda—here is found.
Gun.
Your Triumph drives on an ill-chosen ground.
What Glory, or what Mistress yours is made
By Deeds so mean?—
Ken.
—What Fact would you upbraid?
Gun.
Your Royall name no base Submissions blot,
The Pageantry—and painted Oar forgot—
I saw you not with red-swoln Fingers row,
And o're vile Labour hang your sweating Brow.
I nothing can reproach—
Ken.
—I Lewis fear,
And a false Friend in your Reproaches hear.
Blinded by him, my Actions you deface,
And in my room an odious Image place.
Him my Revenge shall instantly pursue.
Exit.
SCENE XIII.
Gunilda.
I chuse, repent, refuse, and chuse agen:
This Pulse beats Love, the next a cold Disdain.
I contradict, before I fully speak;
And e're half bent, my Resolutions break.
Each fair Design I ruine in the bud:
Then, onely what I had condemn'd, think good.
Page 27No sooner in my Breast a Thought can rise,
But others spring and catch it as it flies.
So hot my Head, what-ever enters there
But whizzes, and straight vanishes to Air.
If ought more tough to an Opinion grows,
Away that Bubble the first Whisper blows.
My Soul is perfect Discord; Chance, not Skill,
My Choice, and but the Shadow of a Will.
Dreams are more real: to that Point I sail;
But veer again with the next breathing Gale,
Whilst a new Calenture my Sense do's mock:
For every Course I steer presents a Rock.
