Don Sebastian, King of Portugal a tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal / written by Mr. Dryden.

ACT IV.

Scene 1. Benducar's Pallace in the Castle of Alcazar.

Bend.

MY future Fate, the colour of my life,

Solus.

My all depends on this important hour: This hour my Lott is weighing in the Scales, And Heav'n, perhaps, is doubting what to do. Almeyda and a Crown, have push'd me forward; 'Tis fix'd, the Tyrant must not ravish her: He and Sebastian stand betwixt my hopes; He most; and therefore first to be dispatch'd. These and a thousand things are to be done In the short compass of this rowling Night, And nothing yet perform'd, None of my Emissaries yet return'd.

Enter Haly— First Servant.

Oh Haly, thou hast held me long in pain. What hast thou learnt of Dorax? is he dead?

Haly,

Two hours I warily have watch'd his Palace; All doors are shut, no Servant peeps abroad; Some Officers with striding hast pass'd in, While others outward went on quick dispatch; Sometimes hush'd silence seem'd to reign within; Then Cries confus'd, and a joint clamour follow'd; Then Lights went gliding by, from room to room, And shot like thwarting Meteors cross the house: Not daring farther to enquire: I came With speed, to bring you this imperfect news.

Bend.

Hence I conclude him either dead or dying: His mournful Friends, summon'd to take their leaves, Are throng'd about his Couch, and sit in Council, What those Caballing Captains may design, I must prevent, By being first in Action. To Muley Zeydan fly with speed, desire him To take my last instructions; tell th' importance And hast his presence here.

Exit Haly.

How has this Poison lost its wonted way? It shou'd have burnt its passage, not have linger'd In the blind Labyrinths and crooked turnings Of human Composition; now it moves Like a slow Fire that works against the Wind, As if his stronger Stars had interpos'd.

Enter Hamet.

Well Hamet, are our Friends the Rabble rais'd? From Mustafa, what Message?

Hamet,

What you wish: The streets are thicker in this noon of Night: Than at the Mid-day Sun: a drowzy horrour Sits on their Eyes, like fear not well awake, All crowd in heaps, as at a Night Alarm The Bees drive out upon each others backs, T' imboss their Hives in clusters; all ask news: Their busie Captain runs the weary round To whisper Orders; and commanding silence Makes not noise cease; but deafens it to murmurs.

Bend.

Night wasts apace: when, when will he appear?

Hamet,

He only waits your Summons.

Bend.

Hast their coming. Let secrecy and silence be enjoin'd In their close march: what news from the Lieutenant?

Hamet,

I left him at the Gate, firm to your Interest, T' admit the Townsmen at their first appearance.

Bend.

Thus far 'tis well: go hasten Mustafa.

Exit Ham.

Enter Orchan the Third Servant.

O, Orchan, did I think thy diligence Wou'd lag behind the rest? what from the Mufti?

Orchan,

I sought him round his Palace; made enquiry Of all the Slaves: in short, I us'd your name And urg'd th' importance home; but had for answer That since the shut of Evening none had seen him.

Bend.

O the curst fate of all Conspiracies! They move on many Springs, if one but fail The restiff Machine stops. — In an ill hour he's absent; 'Tis the first time, and sure will be the last That e'er a Mufti was not in the way, When Tumult and Rebellion shou'd be broach'd. Stay by me; thou art resolute and faithful; I have Employment worthy of thy Arm.

Walks.

Enter Muley Zeydan.

Muley Zeyd.

You see me come impatient of my hopes, And eager as the Courser for the Race: Is all in readiness?

Bend.

All but the Mufti.

Mul. Zeyd.

We must go on without him.

Bend.

True we must; For 'tis ill stopping in the full Career, How e'er the leap be dangerous and wide.

Orchan

looking out.

I see the blaze of Torches from afar; And hear the trampling of thick beating feet; This way they move.

Bend.

No doubt the Emperour. We must not be surpriz'd in Conference. Trust to my management the Tyrants death;

And hast your self to join with Mustafa. The Officer who guards the Gate is yours; When you have gain'd that Pass, divide your Force; Your self in Person head one chosen half, And march t' oppress the Faction in Consult With dying Dorax: Fate has driv'n 'em all Into the Net: you must be bold and sudden: Spare none, and if you find him strugling yet With pangs of Death, trust not his rowling Eyes And heaving gasps; for Poison may be false, The home-thrust of a friendly Sword is sure.

Mul. Zeyd.

Doubt not my Conduct: they shall be surpriz'd; Mercy may wait without the Gate one Night, At Morn I'll take her in.—

Bend.

Here lies your way, You meet your Brother there.

Mul. Zeyd.

May we ne'er meet: For, like the Twins of Leda, when I mount He gallops down the Skies.—

Exit Muley Zeyd.

Bend.

He comes: now Heart Be rib'd with Iron for this one attempt: Set ope thy Sluces, send the vigorous bloud Through every active Limb for my relief: Then, take thy rest within thy quiet Cell, For thou shalt drum no more.

Enter Muley Moluch and Guards attending him.

Mul. Mol.

What news of our Affairs, and what of Dorax? Is he no more? say that, and make me happy.

Bend.

May all your Enemies be like that Dog, Whose parting Soul is lab'ring at the Lips.

Mul. Mol.

The People, are they rais'd?

Bend.

And Marshall'd too; Just ready for the March.

Mul. Mol.

Then I'm at ease.

Bend.

The Night is yours, the glitt'ring Hoast of Heav'n Shines but for you; but most the Star of Love, That twinckles you to fair Almeyda's Bed. Oh there's a joy, to melt in her embrace, Dissolve in pleasures; And make the gods curse Immortality, That so they cou'd not dye. But haste, and make 'em yours.

Mul. Mol.

I will; and yet A kind of weight hangs heavy at my Heart; My flagging Soul flyes under her own pitch; Like Fowl in air too damp, and lugs along, As if she were a body in a body, And not a mounting substance made of Fire. My Senses too are dull and stupifi'd, Their edge rebated; sure some ill approaches, And some kind Spirit knocks softly at my Soul, To tell me Fate's at hand.

Bend.

Mere Fancies all. Your Soul has been beforehand with your Body, And drunk so deep a Draught of promis'd bliss, She slumbers o'er the Cup; no danger's near, But of a Surfeit at too full a Feast.

Mul. Mol.

It may be so; it looks so like the Dream That overtook me at my waking hour This Morn; and Dreams they say are then divine, When all the balmy Vapors are exhal'd, And some o'er-pow'ring God continues sleep. 'Twas then methought Almeyda, smiling, came Attended with a Train of all her Race, Whom in the rage of Empire I had murther'd. But now, no longer Foes, they gave me Joy Of my new Conquest, and with helping hands Heav'd me into our Holy Prophet's arms, Who bore me in a purple Cloud to Heav'n.

Bend.

Good Omen, Sir, I wish you in that Heaven▪ Your Dream portends you. Which presages death.—

Aside.

Mul. Mol.

Thou too wert there; And thou methought didst push me from below, With thy full force to Paradise.

Bend.

Yet better.

Mul. Mol.

Ha! What's that grizly Fellow that attends thee?

Bend.

Why ask you Sir?

Mul. Mol.

For he was in my Dream; And help'd to heave me up.

Bend.

With Pray'rs and Wishes; For I dare swear him honest.

Mul. Mol.

That may be; But yet he looks Damnation.

Bend.

You forget, The Face wou'd please you better: Do you love, And can you thus forbear?

Mul. Mol.

I'll head my People; Then think of dalliance, when the danger's o'er. My warlike Spirits work now another way; And my Soul's tun'd to Trumpets.

Bend.

You debase your self, To think of mixing with th' ignoble Herd. Let such perform the fervile Work of War, Such who have no Almeyda to enjoy. What shall the People know their God-like Prince Skulk'd in a nightly Skirmish? Stole a Conquest, Headed a Rabble, and profan'd his Person, Shoulder'd with Filth, born in a tide of Ordure, And stifled with their rank offensive Sweat?

Mul. Mol.

I am off again: I will not prostitute The Regal Dignity so far, to head 'em.

Bend.

There spoke a King. Dismiss your Guards to be employ'd elsewhere In ruder Combats: You will want no Seconds In those Alarms you seek.

Mul. Mol.

Go joyn the Crowd;

to the Guards.

Benducar; thou shalt lead 'em, in my place.

Exeunt Guards.

The God of Love once more has shot his Fires

Into my Soul; and my whole Heart receives him. Almeyda now returns with all her Charms; I feel her as she glides along my Veins, And dances in my Blood: So when our Prophet Had long been ham'ring in his lonely Cell, Some dull, insipid, tedious Paradise, A brisk Arabian Girl came tripping by; Passing she cast at him a side-long glance, And look'd behind in hopes to be pursu'd: He took the hint, embrac'd the flying Fair; And having found his Heav'n, he fix'd it there.

Exit Mul. Mol.

Bend.

That Paradise thou never shalt possess. His death is easie now, his Guards are gone; And I can sin but once to seize the Throne. All after Acts are sanctify'd by pow'r.

Orchan.

Command my Sword and Life.

Bend.

I thank thee Orchan, And shall reward thy Faith: This Master Key Frees every Lock, and leads us to his Person: And shou'd we miss our blow, as Heav'n forbid, Secures retreat: Leave open all behind us; And first set wide the Mufti's Garden Gate, Which is his private passage to the Palace. For there our Mutineers appoint to meet, And thence we may have aid. Now sleep ye Stars That silently o'erwatch the fate of Kings; Be all propitious Influences barr'd, And none but murd'rous Planets mount the Guard.

Exit with Orcha·

A Night Scene of the Mufti's Garden.

Enter the Mufti alone, in a Slave's habit, like that of Antonio.

Mufti,

This 'tis to have a sound Head-piece; by this I h•••••• got to be chief of my Religion; that is, honestly speaking 〈◊〉〈◊〉 teach others what I neither know nor believe my self. F••••

what's Mahomet to me, but that I get by him? Now for my Policy of this night: I have mew'd up my suspected Spouse in her Chamber. No more Embassies to that lusty young Stallion of a Gardiner. Next my habit of a Slave; I have made my self as like him as I can, all but his youth and vigor; which when I had, I pass'd my time as well as any of my Holy Predecessors. Now walking under the Windows of my Serag∣lio, if Johayma look out, she will certainly take me for Anto∣nio, and call to me; and by that I shall know what Concupis∣cence is working in her; she cannot come down to commit Iniquity, there's my safety; but if she peep, if she put her Nose abroad, there's demonstration of her pious Will: And I'll not make the first precedent for a Church-man to forgive Injuries.

Enter Morayma running to him with a Casket in her hand, and embracing him.

Mor.

Now I can embrace you with a good Conscience; here are the Pearls and Jewels, here's my Father.

Muf.

I am indeed thy Father; but how the Devil didst thou know me in this disguise? And what Pearls and Jewels dost thou mean?

Mor.

going back,—

What have I done, and what will now become of me!

Muf.

Art thou mad, Morayma?

Mor.

I think you'll make me so.

Muf.

Why, what have I done to thee? Recollect thy self, and speak sense to me.

Mor.

Then give me leave to tell you, you are the worst of Fathers.

Muf.

Did I think I had begotten such a Monster? Proceed my dutiful Child, proceed, proceed.

Mor.

You have been raking together a mass of Wealth, by indirect and wicked means; the Spoils of Orphans are in these Jewels, and the Tears of Widows in these Pearls.

Muf.

Thou amazest me!

Mor.

I wou'd do so. This Casket is loaded with your Sins; 'tis the Cargo of Rapines, Simony, and Extortions; the Ini∣quity of thirty Years Muftiship, converted into Diamonds.

Muf.

Wou'd some rich rayling Rogue would say as much to me, that I might squeeze his Purse for scandal.

Mor.

No Sir, you get more by pious Fools than Raylers, when you insinuate into their Families, manage their Fortunes while they live, and beggar their Heirs by getting Legacies when they dye. And do you think I'll be the receiver of your Theft? I discharge my Conscience of it: Here take again your filthy Mammon, and restore it you had best to the true Owners.

Muf.

I am finely documented by my own Daughter.

Mor.

And a great credit for me to be so: Do but think how decent a Habit you have on, and how becoming your Function to be disguis'd like a Slave, and eyes-dropping un∣der the Womens Windows, to be saluted, as you deserve it richly, with a Piss-pot: If I had not known you casually by your shambling gate, and a certain reverend awkardness that is natural to all of your Function, here you had been expos'd to the laughter of your own Servants; who have been in search of you through your whole Seraglio, peep∣ing under every Petticoat to find you.

Muf.

Prithee Child reproach me no more of human Failings; they are but a little of the pitch and spots of the World that are still sticking on me; but I hope to scour 'em out in time: I am better at bottom than thou think'st; I am not the Man thou tak'st me for.

Mor.

No, to my sorrow Sir you are not.

Muf.

It was a very odd beginning, tho methought, to see thee come running in upon me with such a warm embrace; prithee what was the meaning of that violent hot Hug?

Mor.

I am sure I meant nothing by it, but the zeal and affection which I bear to the Man of the World, whom I may love lawfully.

Muf.

But thou wilt not teach me at this age the nature of a close Embrace?

Mor.

No indeed; for my Mother in Law complains, that you are past teaching: But if you mistook my innocent Embrace for Sin, I wish heartily it had been given where it wou'd have been more acceptable.

Muf.

Why, this is as it shou'd be now: Take the Trea∣sure again, it can never be put into better hands.

Mor.

Yes, to my knowledg but it might. I have confess'd my Soul to you, if you can understand me rightly; I never disobey'd you till this night, and now since through the vio∣lence of my Passion, I have been so unfortunate, I humbly beg your pardon, your blessing, and your leave, that upon the first opportunity, I may go for ever from your sight; for Heaven knows, I never desire to see you more.

Muf.

Wiping his Eyes.

Thou mak'st me weep at thy un∣kindness; indeed dear Daughter we will not part.

Mor.

Indeed dear Daddy but we will.

Muf.

Why if I have been a little pilfering, or so, I take it bitterly of thee to tell me of it; since it was to make thee rich; and I hope a Man may make bold with his own Soul, without offence to his own Child: Here take the jewels again, take'em I charge thee upon thy Obedience.

Mor.

Well then, in vertue of Obedience I will take 'em; but on my Soul, I had rather they were in a better hand.

Muf.

Meaning mine, I know it.

Mor.

Meaning his whom I love better than my life.

Muf.

That's me again.

Mor.

I wou'd have you think so.

Muf.

How thy good nature works upon me; well I can do no less than venture damning for thee, and I may put fair for it, if the Rabble be order'd to rise to Night.

Enter Antonio in an Affrican rich habit.

Ant.

What do you mean my Dear, to stand talking in this suspicious place, just underneath Johayma's Window? (to the Mufti) You are well met Comerade, I know you are the friend of our flight? are the horses ready at the postern gate?

Muf.

Antonio, and in disguise! now I begin to smell a rat.

Ant.

And I another, that out-stinks it; false Morayma, hast thou thus betray'd me to thy Father!

Mor.

Alas, I was betray'd my self: He came disguis'd like you, and I poor Innocent ran into his hands.

Muf.

In good time you did so; I laid a trap for a Bitch Fox, and a worse Vermine has caught himself in it: you wou'd fain break loose now, though you left a limb behind you; but I am yet in my own Territories and in call of Company, that's my comfort.

Antonio,

taking him by the throat.

No; I have a trick left to put thee past thy squeeking: I have giv'n thee the quinzey; that ungracious tongue shall Preach no more false Doctrin.

Mor.

What do you mean? you will not throttle him? con∣sider he's my Father.

Ant.

Prithee let us provide first for our own safety; if I do not consider him, he will consider us with a vengeance afterwards.

Mor.

You may threaten him for crying out, but for my sake give him back a little cranny of his Wind-pipe, and some part of Speech.

Ant.

Not so much as one single Interjection: Come away Father-in-Law, this is no place for Dialogues, when you are in the Mosque you talk by hours, and there no Man must in∣terrupt you; this is but like for like, good Father-in-Law; now I am in the Pulpit 'tis your turn to hold your tongue.

He struggles.

Nay if you will be hanging back, I shall take care you shall hang forward.

(Pulls him along the Stage; with his Sword at his reins.)

Mor.

T'other way to the Arbour with him; and make hast before we are discover'd.

Ant.

If I only bind and gag him there, he may commend me hereafter for civil usage; he deserves not so much favour by any action of his life.

Mor.

Yes, pray bate him one, for begetting your Mistress.

Ant.

I wou'd, if he had not thought more of thy Mother than of thee; once more come along in silence, my Pythago∣rean Father-in-Law.

Joh.

At the Balcony. — A Bird in a Cage may peep at least; though she must not fly; what bustle's there beneath my Win∣dow? Antonio by all my hopes, I know him by his habit; but what makes that Woman with him, and a Friend, a Sword drawn, and hasting hence? this is no time for silence: Who's within, call there, where are the Servants, why Omar, Abedin, Hassan and the rest, make hast and run into the Garden; there are Thieves and Villains; arm all the Family, and stop 'em.

Antonio

turning back.

O that Schriech Owl at the Window! we shall be pursu'd immediatly; which way shall we take?

Morayma

(giving him the Casket.)

'Tis impossible to escape them; for the way to our Horses lyes back again by the House; and then we shall meet 'em full in the teeth; here take these Jewels; thou may'st leap the Walls and get away.

Ant.

And what will become of thee then poor kind Soul?

Mor.

I must take my fortune; when you are got safe into your own Country, I hope you will bestow a sigh on the me∣mory of her who lov'd you!

Ant.

It makes me mad, to think how many a good night will be lost betwixt us! take back thy Jewels; 'tis an empty Casket without thee; besides I shou'd never leap well with the weight of all thy Fathers sins about me, thou and they had been a bargain.

Mor.

Prithee take 'em, 'twill help me to be reveng'd on him.

Ant.

No; they'll serve to make thy peace with him.

Mor.

I hear 'em coming; shift for your self at least; re∣member I am yours for ever.

(Servants crying this way, this way, behind the Scenes.)

Ant.

And I but the empty shadow of my self without thee! farewel Father-in-Law, that shou'd have been, if I had not been curst in my Mothers belly — Now which way fortune. —

(Runs amazedly backwards and forwards.)

Servants within. Follow, follow, yonder are the Villains.

Ant.

O here's a gate open; but it leads into the Castle; yet I must venture it.

Going out.

(A shout behind the Scenes where Antonio is going out)

Ant.

There's the Rabble in a Mutiny; what is the Devil up at Midnight! — however 'tis good herding in a Crowd.

Runs out.

(Mufti runs to Morayma and lays hold on her, then snatches away the Casket.)

Muf.

Now, to do things in order, first I seize upon the Bag, and then upon the Baggage: for thou art but my flesh and blood, but these are my Life and Soul.

Mor.

Then let me follow my flesh and blood, and keep to your self your Life and Soul.

Muf.

Both or none; come away to durance.

Mor.

Well, if it must be so, agreed; for I have another trick to play you; and thank your self for what shall follow.

Enter Servants.

Joh.

From above. One of them took through the private way into the Castle; follow him be sure, for these are yours already.

Mor.

Help here quickly Omar Abedin; I have hold on the Villain that stole my jewels; but 'tis a lusty Rogue, and he will prove too strong for me; what, help I say, do you not know your Masters Daughter?

Muf.

Now if I cry out they will know my voice; and then I am disgrac'd for ever: O thou art a venomous Cock∣atrice!

Mor.

Of your own begetting.

The Servants seize him.

First Servant.

What a glorious deliverance have you had Madam from this bloody-minded Christian!

Mor.

Give me back my Jewels, and carry this notorious Malefactor to be punish'd by my Father.

I'll hunt the other dry-foot.

(Takes the Jewels and runs out after Antonio at the same Passage.)

First Servant.

I long to be handselling his hide, before we bring him to my Master.

Second Servant.

Hang him, for an old Covetous Hypocrite: he deserves a worse punishment himself for keeping us so hardly.

First Servant.

Ay, wou'd he were in this Villains place; thus I wou'd lay him on, and thus.

Beats him.

Second Servant.

And thus wou'd I revenge my self of my last beating,

(He beats him too, and then the rest.)

Muf.

Oh, oh, oh!

First Servant.

Now supposing you were the Mufti, Sir, —

Beats him again.

Muf.

The Devil's in that supposing Rascal; I can bear no more; and I am the Mufti: Now suppose your selves my Servants, and hold your hands; an anointed halter take you all.

First Servant.

My Master! you will pardon the excess of our zeal for you, Sir, indeed we all took you for a Villain, and so we us'd you.

Mufti.

Ay so I feel you did; my back and sides are abun∣dant testimonies of your zeal. Run Rogues, and bring me back my Jewels, and my Fugitive Daughter: run I say.

(They run to the Gate and the first Servant runs back again.)

First Servant.

Sir, the Castle is in a most terrible combu∣stion; you may hear 'em hither.

Muf.

'Tis a laudable commotion: The voice of the Mobile is the voice of Heaven. I must retire a little, to strip me of the Slave, and to assume the Mufti; and then I will return: for the piety of the People must be encouraged; that they may help me to recover my Jewels, and my Daughter.

Exit Mufti and Servants.

Scene changes to the Castle-yard, and discovers Antonio Musta∣fa, and the Rabble shouting, they come forward.

Ant.

And so at length, as I inform'd you, I escap'd out of his covetous clutches; and now fly to your illustrious feet for my protection.

Must.

Thou shalt have it, and now defie the Mufti. 'Tis the first Petition that has been made to me since my exaltation to Tumult; in this second Night of the Month Abib, and in the year of the Hegyra; the Lord knows what year; but 'tis no matter; for when I am settled, the Learned are bound to find it out for me: for I am resolv'd to date my Authority over the Rabble, like other Monarchs.

Ant.

I have always had a longing to be yours again; though I cou'd not compass it before, and had design'd you a Casket of my Masters jewels too; for I knew the Custom, and wou'd not have appear'd before a Great Person, as you are, without a present: But he has defrauded my good intentions, and base∣ly robb'd you of 'em, 'tis a prize worth a Million of Crowns, and you carry your Letters of mark about you.

Must.

I shall make bold with his Treasure, for the support of my New Government.

The People gather about him.

What do these vile Ragga-muffins so near our Person? your sa∣vour is offensive to us; bear back there, and make room for ho∣nest Men to approach us; these fools and knaves are always im∣pudently

crowding next to Princes, and keeping off the more deserving, bear back I say.

They make a wider Circle.

That's dutifully done; now shout to show your Loyalty.

(A great shout.)

Hear'st thou that, Slave Antonio? these obstre∣perous Villains shout, and know not for what they make a noise. You shall see me manage 'em, that you may judge what ignorant Beasts they are. For whom do you shout now? who's to Live and Reign? tell me that the wisest of you.

First Rabble.

Even who you please Captain.

Must.

La you there; I told you so.

Second Rabble.

We are not bound to know who is to Live and Reign; our business is only to rise upon command, and plunder.

Third Rabble.

Ay, the Richest of both Parties; for they are our Enemies.

Must.

This last Fellow is a little more sensible than the rest; he has enter'd somewhat into the merits of the Cause.

First Rabble.

If a poor Man may speak his mind, I think, Captain, that your self are the fittest to Live and Reign, I mean not over, but next and immediatly under the People; and thereupon I say, A Mustafa, A Mustafa.

(All Cry)

A Mustafa, A Mustafa.

Must.

I must confess the sound is pleasing, and tickles the ears of my Ambition; but alas good People, it must not be: I am contented to be a poor simple Vice-Roy; but Prince Mu∣ley-Zeydan is to be the Man: I shall take care to instruct him in the arts of Government; and in his duty to us all: and therefore mark my Cry: A Muley-Zeydan, A Muley-Zeydan.

(All Cry)

A Muley-Zeydan, A Muley-Zeydan.

Must.

You see Slave Antonio, what I might have been.

Antonio.

I observe your Modesty.

Must.

But for a foolish promise I made once to my Lord Benducar, to set up any one he pleas'd.

(Re-enter the Mufti with his Servants.)

Ant.

Here's the Old Hypocrite again; now stand your ground, and bate him not an inch. Remember the Jewels, the Rich and Glorious Jewels; they are destin'd to be yours, by virtue of Prerogative.

Must.

Let me alone to pick a quarrel, I have an old grudge to him upon thy account.

Mufti,

(making up to the Mobile.)

Good People, here you are met together.

First Rabble.

Ay, we know that without your telling, but why are we met together, Doctor? for that's it which no body here can tell.

Second Rabble.

Why to see one another in the Dark; and to make Holy-day at Midnight.

Muf.

You are met, as becomes good Musulmen; to settle the Nation; for I must tell you, that though your Tyrant is a lawful Emperor, yet your lawful Emperor is but a Tyrant.

Ant.

What stuff he talks!

Must.

'Tis excellent fine matter indeed, Slave Antonio; he has a rare tongue; Oh, he wou'd move a Rock of Elephant!

Ant.

Aside.

What a Block have I to work upon,

To him.

But still remember the Jewels, Sir, the Jewels.

Must.

Nay that's true on t'other side: the Jewels must be mine; but he has a pure fine way of talking; my Conscience goes along with him, but the Jewels have set my heart against him.

Muf.

That your Emperor is a Tyrant is most manifest; for you were born to be Turks, but he has play'd the Turk with you; and is taking your Religion away.

Second Rabble.

We find that in our decay of Trade; I have seen for these hunder'd years, that Religion and Trade always go together.

Mufti.

He is now upon the point of Marrying himself, without your Sovereign consent; and what are the effects of Marriage?

Third Rabble.

A scoulding, domineering Wife, if she prove honest; and if a Whore, a fine gawdy Minx, that robs our Counters every Night, and then goes out, and spends it upon our Cuckold-makers.

Mufti.

No, the natural effects of Marriage are Children: Now on whom wou'd he beget these Children? Even upon a Christian! Oh horrible; how can you believe me, though I am ready to swear it upon the Alcoran! Yes, true Believ∣ers, you may believe me, that he is going to beget a Race of Misbelievers.

Must.

That's fine, in earnest; I cannot forbear hearkening to his enchanting Tongue.

Ant.

But yet remember.—

Must.

Ay, Ay, the Jewels! Now again I hate him; but yet my Conscience makes me listen to him.

Mufti,

Therefore to conclude all, Believers, pluck up your Hearts, and pluck down the Tyrant: Remember the Courage of your Ancestors; remember the Majesty of the People; re∣member your selves, your Wives and Children; and lastly, above all, remember your Religion, and our holy Mahomet; all these require your timous assistance; shall I say they beg it? No, they claim it of you, by all the nearest and dearest Tyes of these three P's Self-Preservation, our Property, and our Pro∣phet. Now answer me with an unanimous chearful Cry, and follow me, who am your Leader to a glorious Deliverance.

(All cry, A Mufti, A Mufti, and are following him off the Stage.)

Ant.

Now you see what comes of your foolish Qualms of Conscience: The Jewels are lost, and they are all leaving you.

Must.

What am I forsaken of my Subjects? Wou'd the Rogue purloin my liege People from me! I charge you in my own Name come back ye Deserters; and hear me speak.

1st. Rabble,

What will he come with his Balderdash, after the Mufti's eloquent Oration?

2d. Rabble,

He's our Captain, lawfully pick'd up, and elected upon a Stall; we will hear him.

Omnes,

Speak Captain, for we will hear you.

Must.

Do you remember the glorious Rapines and Robbe∣ries you have committed? Your breaking open and gutting of Houses, your rummaging of Cellars, your demolishing of Christian Temples, and bearing off in triumph the superstitious Plate and Pictures, the Ornaments of their wicked Altars, when all rich Moveables were sentenc'd for idolatrous, and all that was idolatrous was seiz'd? Answer first for your remem∣brance, of all these sweetnesses of Mutiny; for upon those Grounds I shall proceed.

Omnes,

Yes we do remember, we do remember.

Must.

Then make much of your retentive Faculties. And who led you to those Hony-Combs? Your Mufti? No, Be∣lievers, he only preach'd you up to it; but durst not lead you; he was but your Counsellor, but I was your Captain; he only lood you, but 'twas I that led you.

Omnes,

That's true, that's true.

Ant.

There you were with him for his Figures.

Must.

I think I was, Slave Antonio. Alas I was ignorant of my own Talent.—Say then, Believers, will you have a Captain for your Mufti? Or a Mufti for your Captain? And further to instruct you how to Cry, Will you have a Mufti, or no Mufti?

Omnes,

No Mufti, no Mufti.

Must.

That I laid in for'em, Slave Antonio.—

Do I then spet upon your Faces? Do I discourage Rebellion, Mutiny, Rapine, and Plundering? You may think I do, Believers, but Heaven forbid: No, I encourage you to all these laudable Undertakings; you shall plunder, you shall pull down the Go∣vernment; but you shall do this upon my Authority, and not by his wicked Instigation.

3d. Rabble,

Nay, when his turn is serv'd, he may preach up Loyalty again, and Restitution, that he might have another Snack among us.

1st. Rabble,

He may indeed; for 'tis but his saying 'tis Sin, and then we must restore; and therefore I wou'd have a new Re∣ligion,

where half the Commandments shou'd be taken away, the rest mollifi'd and there shou'd be little or no Sin remain∣ing.

Omnes,

Another Religion, a new Religion, another Reli∣gion.

Must.

And that may easily be done, with the help of a little Inspiration: For I must tell you, I have a Pigeon at home, of Mahomet's own breed; and when I have learnt her to pick Pease out of my Ear, rest satisfi'd 'till then, and you shall have another. But now I think on't, I am inspir'd already, that 'tis no Sin to depose the Mufti.

Ant.

And good reason; for when Kings and Queens are to be discarded, what shou'd Knaves do any longer in the pack?

Omnes,

He is depos'd, he is depos'd, he is depos'd.

Must.

Nay, if he and his Clergy will needs be preaching up Rebellion, and giving us their Blessing, 'tis but justice they shou'd have the first fruits of it.—Slave Antonio, take him into custody; and dost thou hear, Boy, be sure to secure the little transitory Box of Jewels: If he be obstinate, put a civil Question to him upon the Rack, and he squeaks I warrant him.

Ant.

seizing the Mufti.

Come my quondam Master, you and I must change Qualities.

Mufti.

I hope you will not be so barbarous to torture me, we may preach Suffering to others, but alas, holy Flesh is too well pamper'd to endure Martyrdom.

Must.

Now, late Mufti, not forgetting my first Quarrel to you, we will enter our selves with the Plunder of your Palace: 'tis good to sanctifie a Work and begin a God's name.

1st. Rabble,

Our Prophet let the Devil alone with the last Mob.

Mob.

But he takes care of this himself.

As they are going out enter Benducar leading Almeyda: He with a Sword in one hand; Benducar's Slave follows with Muly-Moluch's Head upon a Spear.

Must.

Not so much hast Masters; come back again: you are so bent upon mischief, that you take a man upon the first word of Plunder. Here's a sight for you: the Emperour is come upon his head to visit you.

[Bowing]

Most Noble Emperour, now I hope you will not hit us in the teeth, that we have pull'd you down, for we can tell you to your face, that we have exalt∣ed you.

[They all shout.]

Benducar

to Almeyda apart.

Think what I am, and what your self may be, In being mine: refuse not proffer'd Love that brings a Crown.

Almeyda

to him

I have resolv'd, And these shall know my thoughts.

Bend.

to her.

On that I build.—

(He comes up to the Rabble.)

Joy to the People for the Tyrants Death! Oppression, Rapine, Banishment and Bloud Are now no more; but speechless as that tongue That lyes for ever still. How is my grief divided with my joy, When I must own I kill'd him! bid me speak, For not to bid me, is to disallow What for your sakes is done.

Mustafa.

In the name of the People we command you speak: But that pretty Lady shall speak first; for we have taken some∣what of a likeing to her Person, be not afraid Lady to speak to these rude Ragga-muffians: there's nothing shall offend you, unless it be their stink, and please you.

Making a Legg.

Almeyda.

Why shou'd I fear to speak who am your Queen? My peacefull Father sway'd the Scepter long; And you enjoy'd the Blessings of his Reign, While you deserv'd the name of Affricans. Then not commanded, but commanding you, Fearless I speak: know me for what I am.

Bend.

How she assumes! I like not this beginning.

aside

Almeyda.

I was not born so base, to flatter Crowds, And move your pitty by a whining tale: Your Tyrant would have forc'd me to his Bed; But in th' attempt of that foul brutal Act, These Loyall Slaves secur'd me by his Death.

Pointing to Ben.

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Bend.

Makes she no more of me then of a Slave?

aside.

Madam, I thought I had instructed you

to Alm.

To frame a Speech more suiting to the times: The Circumstances of that dire design, Your own despair, my unexpected ayd, my Life endanger'd by his bold defence, And after all, his Death, and your Deliv'rance, Were themes that ought not to be slighted o're.

Mustafa.

She might have pass'd over all your petty busi∣nesses and no great matter: But the Raising of my Rabble is an Exploit of consequence; and not to be mumbled up in silence for all her pertness.

Almeyda.

When force invades the gift of Nature, Life, The eldest Law of nature bids defend: And if in that defence, a Tyrant fall, his Death's his Crime not ours: Suffice it that he's Dead: all wrongs dye with him; When he can wrong no more I pardon him: Thus I absolve my self; and him excuse, Who sav'd my life, and honour; but praise neither.

Benducar.

'Tis cheap to pardon, whom you would not pay; But what speak I of payment and reward? Ungratefull Woman, you are yet no Queen; Nor more than a proud haughty Christian slave: As such I seize my right.

going to lay hold on her.

Almyda

drawing a Dagger

Dare not to approach me; Now Affricans, He shows himself to you; to me he stood Confest before, and own'd his Insolence T'espouse my person, and assume the Crown, Claym'd in my Right: for this he slew your Tyrant; Oh no, he only chang'd him for a worse; Imbas'd your Slavery by his own vileness, And loaded you with more ignoble bonds: Then think me not ungratefull, not to share, Th' Imperial Crown with a presuming Traytor. He says I am a Christian; true I am, But yet no Slave: If Christians can be thought, Unfit to govern those of other Faith,

'Tis left for you to judge.

Benducar.

I have not patience; she consumes the time In Idle talk, and owns her false Belief: Seize her by force, and bear her hence unheard.

Almeyda to the People.

No, let me rather dye your sacrifice Than live his Tryumph; I throw my self into my Peoples armes; As you are Men compassionate my wrongs, And as good men Protect me.

Antonio aside

Something must be done to save her.

To Mustafa.

This is all address'd to you Sir: She singled you out with her eye, as Commander in chief of the Mobility.

Mustafa.

Think'st thou so Slave Antonio?

Antonio.

Most certainly Sir; and you cannot in honour but protect her, Now look to your hits, and make your fortune.

Mustafa.

Methought indeed she cast a kind leer towards me: Our Prophet was but just such another Scoundrell as I am, till he rais'd himself to power, and consequently to Holyness, by marrying his masters Widow: I am resolved I'le put forward for my self: for why should I be my Lord Benducars Fool and Slave, when I may be my own fool and his Master?

Benducar.

Take her into possession, Mustafa.

Mustafa.

That's better Counsell than you meant it: Yes I do take her into possession, and into protection too: what say you, Masters, will you stand by me?

Omnes.

One and all; One and all.

Benducar.

Hast thou betray'd me Traytor? Mufti speak & mind 'em of Religion.

Mufti shakes his head.

Mustafa.

Alas the poor Gentleman has gotten a cold, with a Sermon of two hours long, and a prayer of four: and be∣sides, if he durst speak, mankind is grown wiser at this time of day, than to cut one anothers throats about Religion. Our Mufti is a Green coat, and the Christians is a black coat; and we must wisely go together by the ears, whether green or black shall sweep our spoils.

Drums within and shouts.

Benducar.

Now we shall see whose numbers will prevail: The Conquering Troups of Muley Zeydan, come To crush Rebellion, and espouse my Cause.

Mustafa.

We will have a fair Tryall of Skill for't, I can tell him that. When we have dispatch'd with Muley Zeydan, your Lordship shall march in equall proportions of your body, to the four gates of the City: and every Tower shall have a Quarter of you,

Antonio draws them up and takes Almeyda by the hand

Shouts again and Drums.

Enter Dorax and Sebastian attended by Affrican Soldiers and Por∣tugueses. (Almeyda and Sebastian run into each others armes and both speak together.

Seb. and Alm.

My Sebastian! My Almeyda!

Alm.

Do you then live?

Seb.

And live to love thee ever.

Bend.

How! Dorax and Sebastian still alive! The Moors and Christians joyn'd! I thank thee Prophet.

Dorax.

The Citadell is ours; and Muley Zeydan Safe under Guard, but as becomes a Prince. Lay down your armes: such base Plebeian bloud Would only stain the brightness of my Sword, And blunt it for some nobler work behind.

Must.

I suppose you may put it up without offence to any man here present? For my part, I have been Loyall to my Soveraign Lady: though that Villain Benducar, and that Hy∣pocrite the Mufti, would have corrupted me; but if those two scape publick Justice, then I and all my late honest Sub∣jects here, deserve hanging.

Benducar

[to Dorax.]

I'm sure I did my part to poyson thee, What Saint soe're has Sodder'd thee again. A Dose less hot had burst through ribs of Iron.

Muf.

Not knowing that, I poyson'd him once more, And drench'd him with a draught so deadly cold That, had'st not thou prevented, had congeal'd The channell of his bloud, and froze him dry.

Bend.

Thou interposing Fool, to mangle mischief, And think to mend the perfect work of Hell.

Dorax.

Thus, when Heaven pleases, double poysons cure. I will not tax thee of Ingratitude

To me thy Friend, who hast betray'd thy Prince: Death he deserv'd indeed, but not from thee. But fate it seems reserv'd the worst of men To end the worst of Tyrants. Go bear him to his fate. And send him to attend his Masters Ghost. Let some secure my other poys'ning Friend, Whose double dilligence preserv'd my life.

Ant.

You are fall'n into good hands, Father in law; your sparkling Jewells, and Morayma's eyes may prove a better bail than you deserve.

Muf.

The best that can come of me, in this condition; is to have my life begg'd first, and then to be begg'd for a Fool afterwards.

Exit Antonio with the Mufti, and at the same time Benducar is carry'd off.

Dorax

to Mustafa.

You and your hungry herd depart untouch'd; For Justice can not stoop so low, to reach The groveling sin of Crowds: but curst be they Who trust revenge with such mad Instruments, Whose blindfold bus'ness is but to destroy: And like the fire Commission'd by the Winds, Begins on sheds, but rouling in a round, On Pallaces returns. Away ye skum, That still rise upmost when the Nation boyls: Ye mungrill work of Heaven, with humane shapes, Not to be damn'd, or sav'd, but breath, and perish, That have but just enough of sence, to know The masters voice, when rated, to depart.

Exeunt Mustafa and Rabble.

Almeyda

kneeling to him

With gratitude as low, as knees can pay To those blest holy Fires, our Guardian Angells, Receive these thanks; till Altars can be rais'd.

Dorax

raising her up

Arise fair Excellence, and pay no thanks, Till time discover what I have deserv'd.

Seb.

More then reward can answer. If Portugall and Spain were joyn'd to Affrique,

And the main Ocean crusted into Land, If Universall Monarchy were mine, Here should the gift be plac'd.

Dorax.

And from some hands I shou'd refuse that gift: Be not too prodigall of Promises; But stint your bounty to one only grant, Which I can ask with honour.

Seb.

What I am Is but thy gift, make what thou canst of me. Secure of no Repulse.

Dorax

to Sebastian:

Dismiss your Train.

To Almeyda.

You, Madam, please one moment to retire.

Sebastian signes to the Portugneses to go off. Almeyda bowing to him, goes off also: The Affricans follow her.

Dorax To the Captain of his Guard.

With you one word in private.

Goes out with the Captain.

Sebastian

Solus.

Reserv'd behaviour, open Nobleness, A long misterious Track of a storn bounty. But now the hand of Fate is on the Curtain, And draws the Scene to sight.

Re-enter Dorax, having taken off his Turbant and put on a Peruque Hat and Crevat.

Dorax.

Now do you know me?

Seb.

Thou shouldst be Alonzo.

Dorax.

So you shou'd be Sebastian: But when Sebastian ceas'd to be himself, I ceas'd to be Alonzo.

Seb.

As in a Dream. I see thee here, and scarce believe mine eyes.

Dorax.

Is it so strange to find me, where my wrongs, And your Inhumane Tyranny have sent me? Think not you dream: or, if you did, my Injuries Shall call so loud, that Lethargy should wake; And Death should give you back to answer me. A Thousand Nights have brush'd their balmy wings Over these eyes, but ever when they clos'd, Your Tyrant Image forc'd 'em ope again, And dry'd the dewes they brought.

The long expected hour is come at length, By manly Vengence to redeem my fame; And that once clear'd, eternall sleep is welcome.

Sebast.

I have not yet forgot I am a King▪ Whose Royall Office is redress of Wrongs: If I have wrong'd thee, charge me face to face; I have not yet forgot I am a Soldier.

Dorax.

'Tis the first Justice thou hast ever done me. Then, though I loath this Womans War of tongues, Yet shall my Cause of Vengeance first be clear And, Honour, be thou Judge.

Sebast.

Honour be friend us both. Beware, I warn thee yet, to tell thy griefs In terms becoming Majesty to hear: I warn thee thus, because I know thy temper Is Insolent and haughty to Superiours: How often hast thou brav'd my peacefull Court, Fill'd it with noisy brawls, and windy boasts; And, with past service, nauseously repeated, Reproach'd ev'n me thy Prince?

Dorax.

And well I might, when you forgot reward, The part of Heav'n in Kings: for punishment▪ Is Hangmans work, and drudgery for Devils. I must and will reproach thee with my service, Tyrant, (it irks me so to call my Prince. But just resentment and hard usage coyn'd Th' unwilling word; and grating as it is Take it, for 'tis thy due.

Sebast.

How Tyrant?

Dorax

Tyrant.

Sebast.

Traytour? that name thou canst not Eccho back That Robe of Infamy, that Circumcision Ill hid beneath that Robe, proclaim thee Traytor: And, if a Name More foul than Traytor be, 'tis Renegade.

Dorax.

If I'm a Traytor, think and blush, thou Tyrant, Whose Injuries betray'd me into treason. Effac'd my Loyalty, unhing'd my Faith,

And hurryed me from hopes of Heaven to Hell. All these, and all my yet unfinish'd Crimes, When I shall rise to plead before the Saints, I charge on thee, to make thy damning sure.

Sebast.

Thy old presumptuous Arrogance again, That bred my first dislike, and then my loathing. Once more be warn'd, and know me for thy King.

Dorax.

Too well I know thee; but for King no more: This is not Lisbonne, nor the Circle this, Where, like a Statue, thou hast stood besieg'd, By Sycophants and Fools, the growth of Courts: Where thy gull'd eyes, in all the gawdy round, Met nothing but a lye in every face; And the gross flattery of a gaping Crowd, Envious who first should catch, and first applaud. The Stuff of Royall Nonsence: when I spoke, My honest homely words were carp'd, and censur'd, For want of Courtly Stile: related Actions, Though modestly reported, pass'd for boasts: Secure of Merit if I ask'd reward, Thy hungry Minions thought their rights invaded, And the bread snatch'd from Pimps and Parasits. Enriquez answer'd, with a ready lye, To save his King's, the boon was begg'd before.

Sebast.

What sayst thou of Enriquez? now by Heaven Thou mov'st me more by barely naming him, Than all thy foul unmanner'd scurril taunts.

Dorax.

And therefore 'twas to gaul thee, that I nam'd him: That thing, that nothing, but a cringe and smile; That Woman, but more dawb'd; or if a man, Corrupted to a Woman: thy Man Mistress.

Sebast.

All false as Hell or thou.

Dorax.

Yes; full as false As that I serv'd thee fifteen hard Campaignes, And pitch'd thy Standard in these Forreign Fields: By me thy greatness grew; thy years grew with it, But thy Ingratitude outgrew 'em both.

Sebast.

I see to what thou tend'st, but tell me first

If those great Acts were done alone for me; If love produc'd not some, and pride the rest?

Dorax.

Why Love does all that's noble here below; But all th' advantage of that love was thine. For, coming fraughted back, in either hand With Palm and Olive, Victory and Peace, I was indeed prepar'd to ask my own: (For Violante's vows were mine before:) Thy malice had prevention, ere I spoke: And ask'd me Violante for Enriquez.

Seb.

I meant thee a reward of greater worth:

Dor.

Where justice wanted, could reward be hop'd? Could the robb'd Passenger expect a bounty, From those rapacious hands who stript him first?

Seb.

He had my promise, e're I knew thy love,

Dor.

My Services deserv'd thou should'st revoke it.

Seb.

Thy Insolence had cancell'd all thy Service: To violate my Laws, even in my Court, Sacred to peace, and safe from all affronts; E'ven to my face, as done in my despight, Under the wing of awfull Majesty To strike the man I lov'd!

Dor.

Even in the face of Heaven, a place more Sacred, Would I have struck the man, who propt by power, Would Seize my right, and rob me of my Love: But, for a blow provok'd by thy Injustice, The hasty product of a just despair, When he refus'd to meet me in the field, That thou shoud'st make a Cowards Cause thy own!

Seb.

He durst; nay more desir'd and begg'd with tears, To meet thy Challenge fairly: 'twas thy fault ••o make it publique; but my duty, then, To interpose; on pain of my displeasure, Betwixt your Swords,

Dor.

On pain of Infamy He should have disobey'd.

Seb.

Th' Indignity thou didst, was ment to me; Thy gloomy eyes were cast on me, with scorn,

As who should say the blow was there intended; But that thou didst not dare to lift thy hands Against Annointed power: so was I forc'd To do a Soveraign justice to my self; And spurn thee from my presence.

Dor.

Thou hast dar'd To tell me, what I durst not tell my self: I durst not think that I was spurn'd, and live; And live to hear it boasted to my face. All my long Avarice of honour lost, Heap'd up in Youth, and hoarded up for Age; Has honours Fountain then suck'd back the stream? He has; and hooting Boys, may dry shod pass, And gather pebbles from the naked Foord. Give me my Love, my Honour; give 'em back:— Give me revenge; while I have breath to ask it.—

Seb.

Now, by this honour'd Order which I wear, More gladly would I give, than thou dar'st ask it: Nor shall the Sacred Character of King Be urg'd, to shield me from thy bold appeal. If I have injur'd thee, that makes us equall: The wrong, if done, debas'd me down to thee. But thou hast charg'd me with Ingratitude: Hast thou not charg'd me; speak?

Dor.

Thou know'st I have: If thou disown'st that Imputation, draw, And prove my Charge a lye.

Seb.

No; to disprove that lye, I must not draw: Be conscious to thy worth, and tell thy Soul What thou hast done this day in my defence: To fight thee, after this, what were it else, Than owning that Ingratitude thou urgest? That Isthmus stands betwixt two rushing Seas; Which, mounting, view each other from afar; And strive in vain to meet.

Dor.

I'le cut that Isthmus. Thou know'st I meant not to preserve thy Life, But to reprieve it, for my own revenge.

I sav'd thee out of honourable malice: Now draw; I should be loath to think thou dar'st not: Beware of such another vile excuse.

Seb.

O patience Heaven!

Dor.

Beware of Patience too; That's a Suspicious word: it had been proper Before thy foot had spurn'd me; now 'tis base: Yet, to disarm thee of thy last defence, I have thy Oath for my security: The only boon I begg'd was this fair Combat: Fight or be Perjur'd now; that's all thy choice.

Sebas.

[drawing:]

Now I can thank thee as thou wouldst be thank'd: Never was vow of honour better pay'd, If my true Sword but hold, than this shall be. The sprightly Bridegroom, on his Wedding Night, More gladly enters not the lists of Love. Why 'tis enjoyment to be summon'd thus. Go: bear my Message to Henriquez Ghost; And say his Master and his Friend reveng'd him.

Dor.

His Ghost! then is my hated Rivall dead?

Seb.

The question is beside our present purpose; Thou seest me ready; we delay too long.

Dor.

A minute is not much in eithers Life, When their's but one betwixt us; throw it in, And give it him of us, who is to fall.

Sebast.

He's dead: make hast, and thou mayst yet o're take him.

Dor.

When I was hasty, thou delay'st me longer. I prethee let me hedge one moment more Into thy promise; for thy life preserv'd: Be kind: and tell me how that Rivall dy'd, Whose Death next thine I wish'd.

Seb.

If it would please thee thou should'st never know: But thou, like Jealousy, enquir'st a truth, Which, found, will torture thee: He dy'd in Fight: Fought next my person; as in Consort fought: Kept pace for pace, and blow for every blow; Save when he heav'd his Shield in my defence; And on his naked side receiv'd my wound. Then, when he could no more, he fell at once:

But rowl'd his falling body cross their way; And made a Bulwark of it for his Prince▪

Dor.

I never can forgive him such a death!

Seb.

I prophecy'd thy proud Soul could not bear it. Now, judge thy self, who best deserv'd my Love. I knew you both; (and durst I say) as Heaven Foreknew among the shining Angell host Who would stand firm, who fall.

Dor.

Had he been tempted so, so had he fall'n; And so, had I been favour'd, had I stood.

Seb.

What had been is unknown; what is appears: Confess he justly was preferr'd to thee.

Dor.

Had I been born with his indulgent Stars, My fortune had been his, and his been mine. O, worse than Hell! what Glory have I lost, And what has he acquir'd, by such a death! I should have fallen by Sebastians side; My Corps had been the Bulwark of my King. His glorious end was a patch'd work of fate, Ill sorted with a soft effeminate life: It suited better with my life than his So to have dy'd: mine had been of a peice, Spent in your service, dying at your feet.

Seb.

The more effeminate and soft his life, The more his fame, to struggle to the field, And meet his glorious fate: Confess, proud Spirit, (For I will have it from thy very mouth) That better he deserv'd my love than thou.

Dor.

O, whether would you drive me! I must grant, Yes I must grant, but with a swelling Soul, Henriquez had your Love with more desert: For you he fought, and dy'd; I fought against you; Through all the mazes of the bloudy field, Hunted your Sacred life; which that I miss'd Was the propitious errour of my fate, Not of my Soul; my Soul's a Regicide.

Seb.

Thou might'st have given it a more gentle name:

[more calmly.]

Thou mean'st to kill a Tyrant, not a King:

Speak didst thou not, Alonzo?

Dor.

Can I speak! Alas, I cannot answer to Alonzo: No, Dorax cannot answer to Alonzo: Alonzo was too kind a name for me. Then, when I fought and conquer'd with your Armes, In that blest Age I was the man you nam'd: Till rage and pride debas'd me into Dorax; And lost like Lucifer, my name above.

Seb.

Yet, twice this day I ow'd my life to Dorax.

Dor.

I sav'd you but to kill you; there's my grief.

Seb.

Nay, if thou can'st be griev'd, thou can'st repent: Thou coud'st not be a Villain, though thou woud'st: Thou own'st too much, in owning thou hast err'd; And I too little, who provok'd thy Crime.

Dor.

O stop this headlong Torrent of your goodness: It comes too fast upon a feeble Soul, Half drown'd in tears, before; spare my confusion: For pitty spare, and say not, first, you err'd. For yet I have not dar'd, through guilt and shame,

[Falls at his feet]

To throw my self beneath your Royall feet. Now spurn this Rebell, this proud Renegade: 'Tis just you should, nor will I more complain.

Seb.

Indeed thou shoud'st not ask forgiveness first,

taking him up.

But thou preventst me still, in all that's noble. Yet I will raise thee up with better news: Thy Violante's heart was ever thine; Compell'd to wed, because she was my Ward, Her Soul was absent when she gave her hand: Nor could my threats, or his pursuing Courtship, Effect the Consummation of his Love: So, still indulging tears, she pines for thee, A Widdow and a Maid.

Dor.

Have I been cursing Heav'n while Heav'n blest me! I shall run mad with extasy of joy: What, in one moment, to be reconcil'd To Heaven, and to my King, and to my Love! But pitty is my Friend, and stops me short,

For my unhappy Rivall: poor Henriquez!

Seb.

Art thou so generous too, to Pitty him? Nay, then I was unjust to love him better.

Embrac∣ing him.

Here let me ever hold thee in my arms: And all our quarrells be but such as these, Who shall love best, and closest shall embrace: Be what Enriquez was; be my Alonzo.

Dor.

What, my Alonzo sayd you? my Alonzo! Let my tears thank you; for I cannot speak: And if I cou'd, Words were not made to vent such thoughts as mine.

Seb.

Thou canst not speak, and I can ne're be silent. Some Strange reverse of Fate must, sure attend This vast profusion, this extravagance Of Heaven, to bless me thus. 'Tis Gold so pure It cannot bear the Stamp, without allay. Be kind, ye Powers, and take but half away: With ease the gifts of Fortune I resign; But, let my Love, and Friend, be ever mine.

Exeunt