Psyche a tragedy / written by Tho. Shadwell.

ACT I. (Book 1)

The Scene is a very deep Walk in the midst of a mighty Wood, through which is seen a Pro∣spect of a very pleasant Country.

Enter Psyche and two Ladies.

Psyc.

HOw charming are these Meads and Groves! The Scene of Innocence and Artless Loves; Where Interest no discord moves. No stormy passions can the mind invade, No Sacred Trust is violated here.

1. Lad.

Man does not here his own kind fear, Traps are for Wolves and Foxes made, And Toyls for Beasts, not Men, are laid; Man is not here by Man betray'd.

2. Lad.

Here no man's ruine is with baseness sought, For in this happy place no Court-like Arts are taught.

Psyc.

How pleasant is this undisturb'd retreat, With harmless Joys and Rural Sports, Free from tumultuous Cares that trouble Courts, And all the Factions which disturb the Great.

1. Lad.

How vain their gaudy Pomp and Show, To which the cheated Vulgar bow! Their Splendor and their perish'ng Pride, Their shining Revels, their adult'rate Joys, When in the midst of all this pomp and noise,

In their unquiet minds still anxious thoughts reside.

2. Lad.

Their Triumphs are disturb'd with fears, Their Joys allay'd with griefs and cares: Envy and pride possess each breast, And guilty dreams distract their rest.

Psyc.

From sleep to dang'rous Arts they 'wake; To undermine each other all mean ways they take. Each strives who shall his Monarch lead, Though at the price of his own Father's head: Nor care they how much they their Prince misguide, To serve their Lust, their Avarice, and Pride.

1. Lad.

Yet there the Mighty are not prosp'rous long, Though ne'r so cunning, ne'r so strong; Though ne'r so much indear'd to th' Crown: Fresh Favourites succeed and pull them down.

Psyc.

As a black Cloud which the bright Sun exhales, Swell'd and opprest with its own weight, Down to the Earth rent with fierce Lightning falls. So splendid Fav'rites in their envi'd height, Big with the swellings of their Pride and Pow'r, Do seldom scape the dismal hour, When by some new-rais'd Meteors torn, They from the highest pinacle of fate, Fall to the most dejected state, And from the Idols of the world become the scorn. These Troubles in my Father's Court I've seen, And ne'r can wish to be a Queen.

1. Lad.

Cannot so many pow'rful Princes move Psyche's obdurate heart to Love?

2. Lad.

Not one who can a Prince in Greece be call'd, Who is not by your Eyes enthrall'd: Each Prince great Psyche does adore, And pity from her heart implore.

1. Lad.

But you with all their charms unmov'd remain, And smile when every Captive shakes his Chain.

Psych.

Not all the Pomp of Courts can ere remove Me from the Pleasures of the quiet Grove: Each pretty Nymph to me her Tribute yields

Of all the fragrant Treasure of the Fields. Garlands and Wreaths they bring From the sweet bosome of the Spring. And with their rural Numbers sing my Praise, In soft delights passing their quiet days. Princes in all the Calms of Peace, Have no such pow'rful Charms as these. Shall I for Courts abandon this soft life, For splendid Beggery, and for smiling strife?

[A Symphony of Recorders and soft Musick.

What Harmony is this which fills the Air? And does my Senses charm?

2. Lad.

Some Entertainment your poor Swains prepare, Which they each day perform.

Enter Pan with his Followers, and Sings in Recitative.

Pan sings.

Great Psyche, Goddess of each Field and Grove, Whom every Prince and every God does love: To your all-commanding hand Pan yields his Sovereign Command: For you the Satyrs and the Fawns Shall nimbly trip it or the Lawns. For you the Shepherds Pipe and Sing, And with their Nymphs Dance in a Ring: Fruits shall they bring, and pretty Garlands weave, And shall the Meads of all their Sweets bereave: Vertumnus and Flora their Tribute shall pay, And to Psyche shall dedicate this happy day. The Sylvans and Dryads shall Dance all around, And Psyche dread Queen of this Place shall be Crown'd. My Lov'd Syrinx and Eccho shall sing and shall play, And to Psyche shall dedicate this happy day.

Chor.

And Pan, who before all here did command, Now resigns all his Empire to Psyche's fair hand.

They all kneel and sing the Chorus.

[While the following Symphony's playing, Pan Crowns her with a Garland, his Attendants present her with Fruits, Flowers, &c.

A short Symphony of Rustick Musick, representing the Cries and Notes of Birds. Then an Entry Danc'd by Four Sylvans and Four Dryads to Rustick Musick. At the end of the Dance, the Dryads upon their knees present Psyche with Fruits and Flowers; and the Sylvans present her with Wreathes of Lawrel, Myrtle and Cyprus. Then Exeunt Sylv. & Dryads. Then a short Symphony of Rustick Musick, representing an Eccho. The Dryads and Sylvans presenting their Offerings.

One sings.

1. Voice.

Great Psyche shall find no such pleasure as here

Eccho.

no such pleasure as here as here.

2. Voices.

Where her dutiful Subjects shall all stand in awe

Eccho.

shall all stand in awe in awe.

3. Voices.

Her Frowns and her Smiles shall give us all Law

Eccho.

shall give us all Law all Law.

4. Voices.

And from us of Rebellion she need have no fear

Eccho.

she need have no fear no fear.

Voices, Flajolets, Violins, Cornets, Sackbuts, Hoa-boys: All joyn in Chorus.

[Here the Singers mingle with the Dancers.

Chor.

How happy are those that inhabit this place, Where a sigh is ne'r heard, where no falshood we meet, Where each single heart agrees with the face. No Climate was ever so calm and so sweet.

Eccho.

was ever so calm and so sweet. so calm and so sweet so sweet.

1. Voice.

To beauteous Psyche all devotion is due.

Eccho.

all devotion is due is due.

2. Voices.

Our humble Offerings she will not despise

Eccho.

she will not despise despise.

3. Voices.

Since the Tribute is offer'd from hearts that are true

Eccho.

from hearts that are true are true.

4. Voices.

From hearts all devoted to Psyche's bright Eyes

Eccho.

to Psyche's bright Eyes bright Eyes.

Chor.

How happy are those, &c.

[They Dance.

Psyc.

Oh happy Solitude! Oh sweet Retreat! Free from the noise and troubles of the Great! Not all the wealth of all the world shall charm Me from this calm retirement here, Where I enjoy all pleasure, know no fear, No Joy can here surprise, nor Danger can alarm.

Enter Four Women, personating Ambition, Power, Plenty and Peace.

What new unwelcome Guests are these, That wou'd invade my peace?

Amb.

We come t'invite you from your vicious ease, To Courts, where glorious Actions are perform'd. Leave lazy Groves, for active Palaces, Where you by great Ambition may be warm'd; By me to noble thoughts may be inflam'd, To think of Ruling Kings, not silly Swains, Each day your Beauty a new Captive gains, And in all Courts no other Beauty's nam'd.

Power.

I from your solitude do you invite, And I am she for whom all Monarchs fight, Power, Mankind's supreme delight. Fair Psyche to the Court, come follow me, Numbers of Tributary Kings shall kneel to thee. What e'r can be within the prospect of thy Thought, Shall instantly to thee by humble Slaves be brought.

Plenty.

Psyche, this lonely Desart quit,

The Scene of homelinese and poverty: A splendid Palace does your state befit, Where you •…•…ll be adorn'd by me, Thy life shall be but one continu'd Feast, And every Prince shall be thy Guest: All Delicates I'll find for thy content, Which Luxury inspir'd by Wit can e'r invent.

Peace.

And I to Crown all these, Will give you everlasting Peace; Peace, That no Fiends shall ever harm, Nor the mad Tumults of Mankind allarm: My Olive still shall flourish where you are, For Peace should always wait upon the Fair.

Psyc.

Happy are they who know Ambition least. I'm onely safe and quiet, while my breast Is not with base Ambitious thoughts opprest, Too turbulent to let poor Mortals rest. O'r all my Tyrant Passions Pow'r I have, And scorn that Pow'r which can but rule a Slave. The use of mighty Riches is but small; Besides I nothing coveting, have All. Peace, with such vain Companions never dwells, She's onely safe in humble Groves and Cells,

Envy with Six Furies arise, at which Ambition, Power, Plenty, and Peace run away affrighted.

1. Lad.

What dreadful Vision does distract our sight! Do not these Fiends your mighty mind surprise?

Psyc.

Their ugly shapes bring wonder to my eyes, But nothing can my constant mind affright.

Envy sings.

Envy 'gainst Psyche such black storms shall raise, As all her pow'rful beams shall ne'r dispel: Beyond her strength shall be her suffering; Her to the greatest misery I'll bring, And e'r I've done, I'll send her down to Hell.

1. Fury.

In Hell too late she shall relent, And all her arrogance repent.

2. Fury.

We Furies will torment your Soul, And you shall weep and houl.

1. Fury.

And at the sight of ev'ry Snake Tremble and quake.

2. Fury.

There you shall mourn eternally, And to the quick shall feel each lash we give▪

1. Fury.

There you shall always wish to die, And yet in spight of you shall always live.

Chor. of all.

There you shall always, &c.

[Envy and Furies sink.

2. Lad.

What horrid words are these we hear? I am almost dissolv'd with fear: Can Envy this sweet dwelling find.

1 Lad.

Envy the greatest Bane to all Mankind. What dreadful Fate does she foretel? What Prophesie is this? The Gods will sure do much amiss, Should they permit you to be snatch'd to Hell.

Psyc.

Fate! do thy worst, thou ne'r shalt trouble me, The Innocent within themselves are free: Envy, I can be valiant against thee.

Enter Prince Nicander.

2. Lad.

But see the Prince Nicander does appear: Industrious Love pursues you every where.

Nican.

Madam, I to this Solitude am come, Humbly from you to hear my latest doom.

Psyc.

The first command which I did give, Was, that you should not see me here:

The next command you will receive, Much harsher will to you appear.

Nican.

How long, fair Psyche, shall I sigh in vain? How long of scorn and cruelty complain? Your eyes enough have wounded me, You need not add your cruelty. You against me too many Weapons chuse, Who am defenceless against each you use:

Psyc.

Shall no conceal'd retirement keep me free From Loves vexatious importunity? I in my Father's Court too long endur'd The ill which I by absence thought t' have cur'd?

Nican.

Planets, that cause our Fates, cannot be long obscur'd, Though Comets vanish from our sense, When they've disperss'd their fatal Influence And nothing but the sad effects remain, Yet Stars that govern us, wou'd hide themselves in vain. The momentary Clouds must soon be past. Which wou'd their brightness overcast.

Psyc.

Why should Nicander thus pursue in vain Her, o'r whose mind he can no Conquest gain: For though my Body thus abroad you see, My Mind shall stay within and keep its privacy.

Nican.

Blame not the passion you yourself create, Which is to me resistless as my Fate: Can Psyche own such cruelties, As vainly Priests impute to Deities? To punish the Affections they inspire, As if they'd kindle to put out a fire. If from the Gods we any gifts receive, Our Appetites of Nature they must give. Let Priests for Self-denial then contend, If we 'gainst Nature go, we Heav'n offend, Who made that Nature to pursue its end. Natures desires Heav'ns known prescriptions are, Of greater certainty than others far: Priests Inspirations may but Dreams be found, Th'effects of Vapours or of Spleens unsound:

But Nature cannot err in her own way, And though Priests may, she cannot lead astray.

Psyc.

Nature the Gods first uncorrupted made, But to corruption 'twas by Man betray'd; Which when so much exorbitant they found, What first they had made free, they justly bound.

Nican.

If Nature be not what the Gods first meant, Then pow'rful Man defeated Heavens intent. If the Gods Engine of the World must be Mended by them, how did they then foresee? Must Men, like Clocks, be alter'd to go right? Or though wound up by Nature, must stand still? Must we against our own affections fight, And quite against the Bias bend the will?

Psyc.

Against your self y'have pleaded all this time; If not to follow Nature be a crime, Mine so averse to Love by Heav'n is made, She above all by me shall be obey'd.

Enter Polynices.

Nican.

Nature incites all humane kind to love; Who deny that, unnatural must prove. How, Polynices, my great Rival here! This is the onely way I him can fear: His Arms are far less dreadful then his Love.

Psyc.

Sir, what could your injurious kindness move, Thus to disturb the quiet of my life? In vain, great Princes, is your am'rous strife.

Polyn.

If I were singular, you might think me rude: But I can many dang'rous Rivals find. A violent passion makes me thus intrude. Be but to me as you're to others, kind; Let not my death alone be here design'd. Too fatal was the first surprise I suffer'd by your conqu'ring Eyes: Your pow'rful Charms no Mortal can resist, I in an instant lov'd, and never can desist.

Nican.

Such violent and sudden love Perhaps must soon remove: 'Tis frail as an abortive Birth, And as it soon approach'd, it soon may fly As when too early flowers come forth, From the first moment of their birth they die. Mine by degrees did to perfection grow, And is too strong to be resisted now.

Polyn.

That which I have for that illustrious face, Is Sympathy, not lazy Love The Steel the Loadstone does as soon embrace, And of it self will ne'r remove.

Nican.

The Steel you speak of may be snatch'd from thence With very little violence.

Polyn.

Who shall commit that violence on me?

Nican.

He who before has conquer'd thee: Thou didst my Empire, dost my Love invade? My Love shall be my onely aid. And I again thy Conqueror can be.

Polyn.

I was by Fortune then betray'd, But now by Love am much more pow'rful made. Oh that the way for Psyche to be wone, Were for me to possess thy Throne, I wou'd believ't already done: And when with ease I'ad triumph'd o'r thee, Thou on thy knees should'st beg her Love for me.

Nican.

Did not her Sacred presence guard thy life, This fatal place should soon decide our strife: I on thy conquer'd neck would tread, And make thee forfeit soon thy useless head. I'd put an end now to your Love and you: And when perhaps I'd nothing else to do, I might vouchsafe to take your petty Kingdom too.

Polyn.

Should my death soon ensue, Which never can be caus'd by you, It might to you some bold presumptions give, You dare not think such thoughts while yet I live.

For what thou hast already said, Shouldst thou escape me with thy head, Yet I will soon depopulate thy Land, And leave thee none but Beasts for thy command; Or may be, if thou fall'st into my hand, I openly will thee in triumph lead: Thy Cities into Desarts I will turn, And thou in Chains shalt tamely see 'em burn.

Nican.

Gods—

Psyc.

Princes, let your untimely discord cease, If my esteem you'd gain, conclude a peace. Each to the other must become a friend: Though Rivals, yet you must agree; You but for something in the Clouds contend, If thus you think to conquer me.

Polyn.

So absolute is your command, That I my Rival will embrace; Your will no Lover can withstand. I can do any thing but give my Rival place.

Nican.

Your Voice may still the fury of the Winds, Or calm the most distemper'd minds: Wild Beasts at your command in peace would be, When you make Rivals thus agree.

[They embrace:

Psyc.

I ne'r can value Birth or State, 'Tis virtue must my heart obtain: You may each other emulate In glorious actions; but must quit all hate, Ere either of you my esteem can gain. The next command I give, must be, Not to invade my privacy. Princes, farewel, you must not follow me.

Nican.

So sacred are the dread commands you give, From you my death I humbly wou'd receive. For I can scarce hear this and live.

Polyn.

Your breath mens minds to any thing may move, When you make Rivals one another love.

[Exit Psyche.

But see! her envious Sisters do appear, Whose anger less then love we fear.

As they are going off in haste, Enter Cidippe and Aglaura.

Cid.

Great Princes whither do you fly so fast?

Aglau.

'Tis to their Idol Psyche by their haste.

Cid.

What Prince-like virtue can you find In her poor and groveling mind?

Aglau.

Heav'n did her Soul for Cottages create, And for some vulgar purpose did design: Her mind's too narrow for a Prince's state, She has no virtues which in Courts may shine.

Cidip.

Her beauty like her mind is vulgar too. Like the dull off spring of some Village Pair, She might perhaps some Shepherds heart subdue, But should, poor •…•…hing, of Princes looks despair.

Aglau.

A thousand times more charms they here might find, Beauty, that's fit to attract great Princes eyes. But silly Love, forsooth, hath struck them blind; For could they see, they would their Love despise.

Nican.

Farewell Such blasphemies we must not hear Against the Goddess we adore.

Poly

So beautiful to us she does appear, That none shall ever charm us more.

[Exeunt Nicander & Polynices.

Cidip.

Blasted be her Beauty, and her charms accurst, That must our ruine bring; I am almost with envy burst, To see each day she can command a King.

Aglau.

And whilst she lives, we can no Lovers have: Oh that her Cradle had become her Grave!

Cid.

She by each Prince is Idoliz'd, Whilst our neglected Beauties may grow old, And not be sought by them she has despis'd.

Aglau.

Oh that I live to hear this story told. This Theme has made my anger bold. I on her Beauty will revenge our Cause.

We are not safe whilst breath she draws. Her an Example of Revenge I'll make.

Cidip.

Must we be thus neglected for her sake? Venus! redress the wrongs which she has done: She may in time insnare your Son. She such an Idol by Mankind is made. Your pow'r no more will be obey'd; Your Sacred Beauty they'l neglect, Your Deity will have no more respect.

Aglau.

No Incense more will on your Altars smoke, No Victims more will burn, Each Prince her Worshipper will turn. Let this your great Divinity provoke; Revenge your self, and take our part, Punish her stubborn heart, And by your utmost fury let her smart.

[A Symphony of soft Musick.

Cidip.

What Divine Harmony is this we hear! Such never yet approach'd my Ear!

[Venus descends in her Chariot, drawn with Doves.

Aglau.

See Venus Chariot hovering in the Air; The Goddess sure has heard our pray'r.

Venus sings.

With kindness I your pray'rs receive, And to your hopes success will give. I have with anger seen Mankind adore Your Sister's beauty, and her scorn deplore. Which they shall do no more. For their Idolatry I'll so resent, As shall your wishes to the full content. Your Father is with Psyche now, And to Apollo's Oracle they'll go. Her Destiny to know. Iby the God of Wit shall be obey'd, For Wit to Beauty still is subject made. He'll so resent your cause and mine, That you will not repine, But will applaud the Oracle's Design.

Cidip.

Great Goddess, we our thanks return, We after this no more shall mourn.

Aglau.

Your Sacred pow'r for ever we'll obey, And to your Altars our whole Worship pay.

[Venus ascends with soft Musick.

Enter Theander with his Followers, and Psyche with two Ladies.

Thean.

Daughters, no more you shall contend, This happy day your strife shall end: The Oracle shall ease you of your care; We to the Temple will repair, And Psyche will obey, What e'r the Delphick God shall say. And— What e'r Apollo shall command, shall be, I swear by all the Gods, perform'd by me.

Psyc.

And on my knees I make this solemn vow, To his Decree I will devoutly bow. Let his commands be what they will, I chearfully will them fulfill.

Thean.

Let's to Apollo's Temple then repair, And seek the God with Sacrifice and Pray'r.

[Exeunt omnes.