The Abdicated prince, or, The adventures of four years a tragi-comedy, as it was lately acted at the court at Alba Regalis by several persons of great quality.

ACT II.

SCENE I.

Enter Remarquo solus.

Rem.

SO so! we are like to have warm work on't e'faith; this late Scene of Mirth and Joy for our new King and Queen may probably prove like the last blaze of a Candle spent in the socket: Young Philodemus they say is Landed in the West with a trusty Troop of Myrmidons, and sets up for the Christian Religion: Ha, ha, this Religion is the most quarrel∣some thing in the World. There has not been a War in Europe this many Ages, but Religion still came in for a share; and Hea∣ven knows, they that make most pother about it have commonly least to do with it: Well, what the event may be I cannot di∣vine; but it is certain, this young Prince carries a great stroke in the Peoples Hearts, though in reality, he is but Na∣tural Son to the late King; and has no more right to the Crown of Hungary, than I have to be King of Poland; however this good may come of his Enterprize, that if he escapes, though he be vanquished, he'll serve for a bridle to the exorbitant humour of our haughty ill-designing Queen, and to correct the weak∣ness of an obstinate bigotted King. I have heard part of her de∣signs; and how to advance the Pagan Religion in Hungary, she would not scruple to expose her Husbands Honour, her own Chastity, or the Kingdoms Welfare and Peace; but let her drive on, I have a reserve in store for her, that will make her Minions scratch, her self chafe, and Cullidada tremble; that will make him turn his tune of Obedience without Reserve, and be

glad if his People will then take their own again and be quiet: But stay, here he comes with his Pious Chancellor and Con∣fessor; he has Fire in his Eyes, and sullen Rage in his Face; he has heard of Monumora's Landing: I'll hush, up in a corner, and hear their Conference.

Enter King, Barbarossa, Pietro, Philanax, with Guards and Attendance.

K.

Well, 'tis no more than what he has threatned, and I ex∣pected; but what numbers has he with him?

Pie.

'Tis certain he brought not an hundred with him, but in two days he's increased to three thousand, you may see now the Faith and Loyalty of Christians.

Ph.

Pietro, abuse not the principle of Christianity, for the evil practices of a few misguided Creatures.

K.

You speak very tenderly of them Philanax, thou seemest unwilling to call them what they are, Rebels.

Bar.

Well, from this time forward farewel Christianity; they shall lose a Pillar of me.

Phil.

[Aside]

O my Conscience, a Caterpillar both in Church and State.

Bar.

Well I shall have the handling of some of them, I'll put a Collar mark on them.

K.

Have you given Orders for raising the Militia? What Troops are gone down? Detach half of my own Guards, and make what haste you can to meet them: I hear they talk big, I'll soon try whether Rebels Hearts are as good as their Tongues.

Pie.

Do you hear Philanax, the King says you must give no quarter: Sir,

[he whispers the King,]

you may lop them off now with Conscience and Honour, (as they have it in their Language) all that are in Arms shall fall of course, and Barbarossa, by a fetch of Law, will bring in the rest for Abettors.

Bar.

Nay, nay, I reckon I shall come in for the gleanings: Well my Teeth water to be amongst them.

Enter Messenger.

M.

God Save our Sovereign Lord the King.

K.

Prithee tell me of saving when the Enemy's beat. What News from the Rebels?

M.

Why an't please your Majesty, they are all there toge∣ther.

K.

Prithee where together, how many are they, what do they do, and where's my Army? Speak to all this.

M.

Why then an't please your Majesty, they are like a swarm of Bees; I'll warrant you they are at least a Thousand: No, no, I mistake, they are more a huge deal; for I saw them, and they reach'd from one end of our great Lane to th'other, and they all swore, they'd fight up to the Ears in Blood for the Chri∣stan Religion.

[Exit Messenger.

Pie.

This is the Christian Passive Obedience, Sir.

Bar.

Yes, yes, when they want an opportunity to get into Active Rebellion, why then they are all for Passive Obedience: But let but some fawning Nobleman, that can pull off his Hat to the Rabble, and shake hands with the Country Gentry at a Horse Race; let him I say but repair to the Market-Cross of some disaffected Town, and make an harangue of Liberty and Propery, and the Christian Religion, and e'faith they'll change their Tune in a moment, and like negligent School-boys when they have got into a new Lesson, they presently forget the old one.

K.

Well Pietro, when this brush is over, I'll read 'em a Le∣cture of Pagan instruction:

Bar.

And I'll see them put it in practice.

Phil.

Sir, let not ill insinuating Tongues, So far prevail upon your Royal Heart, To make you think your Christians can be false. I saw your Troops when marching 'gainst your Foe; And saw on every Face the stamps of Loyalty. Such vigorous briskness in their Eyes was seen,

As when the Bridegroom hastens to his Joys: And as they march'd and turn'd through every street, In loud and oft repeated Acclamations, They cry'd, (which by the joyful People was return'd) Let our great Cullidada Live and Reign, And let his Rebels perish.

K.

Well Philanax, I know thou speakst thy Love; but late experience, to my cost, has shewn your Christians love and sen∣timents of me.

Pie.

Yes Sir, they shew'd their Zealous Loyalty, when with unheard of Impudence they stood disputing your Succession to the Throne.

Bar.

Yes, yes Sir, do but trust them as your Father did, and they'll make you a Glorious Prince: Sir Philanax, you do ill I must tell, to plead thus for a company of Rebels; let me tell you Sir, I have had many a one Whipt and Fined unmerci∣fully for less words than these: Come Sir let's have no pleading for Rebels.

Phi.

Sir, when I plead 'tis for the innocent, and let the guilty suffer.

Bar.

Sir, guilty or innocent, 'tis all one for that; if the King has a mind to punish them, 'tis ill Manners to argue against it.

Phi.

Sir I am silent. O! Poor Hungaria, thou art like to thrive under such a dispenser of Justice.

[Aside.]

Ex. Phil.

Enter second Messenger.

M.

Great Sir, the Enemy in a vast Body are on their march, and design, without delay, for Alba Regalis.

K.

How far's our Army from them?

M.

Seven Leagues.

K.

Pietro then make haste, send to our General; Bid him, with all the speed he can, advance And give them Battle: We must stop their progress, Or they'll gather like a rowling Snow-ball.

[Ex. Pie. Mess.

K.

Barbarossa you must also speed, And prepare a Proclamation of Pardon To all that shall return to their Duty Within five days. I must for show put on the meek Lambs skin, But soon they'll feell I'me Lyon all within.

[Ex K. Bar.

Manet

Remarquo solus.

Rem.

Certainly never Man took such pains to win a King∣dom, as this unhappy Prince does to lose one: He has taken up∣on him to be the Father of his People; yet has sworn in his Heart to ruine and destroy them: He has Apostatized from his Faith, and made a sale of his Honour; and as it was said of him before his coming to the Crown That he never broke his word: So since his accession we may say, to our sorrow, That he never kept it. His people set him up, though excluded by Law, and chose rather to be guided by their love to his Family, than by the reasonable Rules of even necessary Politicks; they generously fixed all their thoughts on the King, and never dis∣puted the Errours of the Pagan; and how well they are likely to be paid for their kindness, the Queen and Pietro have too late∣ly declared. Well, they may be as extravagant as they please, but 'e fack the Reckoning must be paid one day.

Sure-footed Vengeance, though he moves not fast, Will catch th' unwary Criminal at last.

[Ex Remarq.

SCENE II. The Duke of Monumora's Out-Guards.

Enter Country-Man.

First Centinel.

Who comes there, stand, what are you?

Countryman.

A poor Countryman that has left his Wife and seven Children, to come and fight with his Highnesses Grace for the Chursten Religion, God bless him.

Cent.

Prithee speak, are you for the Christian Duke of Mo∣numora, or the Pagan King of Hungaria?

Countr.

Udsbud he would fight for ne'r a Pagan King in Chur∣stendom, so he would'nt, as long as he could heave a Bill to his Shoulders: No, no, he would have no saying Prayers to the Twelve Apostles, and twenty more beside. No, no, the good Wife would never let'n live in quiet, if I dud'nt fight for Prince Philodemy and the Chursten Religion.

Cent.

Thou art one of us I see, come on; what Arms hast thou brought with thee?

Coun.

Slid h' has both Arms and Ammunition; Law ye, here's a good tough brown Bill, and the best white Loaf Joan e'r made in all her Life.

Cent.

That's one sort of Ammunition indeed: Come honest Brother, pass; you are in the direct way to the Main-Guard, and so good morrow.

Enter second Countryman.

Cent.

Who comes there? stand, stand or I'll fire, stand I say.

Coun.

What a Fool he was to make a Maun stand tull the Pa∣gan Rogues come and knockn o'the head: Udsbud ler'n go to the Chursten Camp, and help young Philodemy to thrash those Pagan Dogs: A murrain on 'em hoo can't abide 'um.

Cent.

Advance, advance Brother; what Arms have you brought with you?

Count.

By my faith Maun as good a Scith as e'r mov'd Hay; udsbud hoo wull so maule their shanks, hoo wull warrant the Pagan Rogues for coming into the West Country these twonty Years again.

Cent.

Well Brother you know the way, I wish you a good Joruney.

Enter a Country Maid crying and running.

Ma.

Alack, alack, my poor Jonny; alack, alack, why wud he go to be kill'd by the ugly Pagans.

Cent.

Hey day what have we hear, a young Dove that has lost her Mate, and now she's a cooing after him. Well what want you, whether are you travelling so early.

M.

Alack, did hoo see my poor Jonny away here?

Cent.

What a like man was he?

M.

Ah hoo's Jonny was aruddy like Maun, and hoo told me, hoo lov'd me dearly.

Cent.

Come give me a good kiss, and I'll—

[While the Centinel offers to kiss the Maid, Trumpets sound, and Drums beat; at which he starts

Cent.

Troop off. troop off, my little Doxy, Mars cannot be in Conjunction with Venus, this time.

Drums and Trumpets again. Enter Philodemus, Officers and Souldiers on one side, the Rable on the other.

First of the Rabble.

Look, look, do's hoo see? Which is Prince Philodemy?

Second.

Why you tall Maun with the Nose: Oh! Hoo's so like his Father.

Third.

Why did hoo's know his Father?

Second.

No, know'n what then, hoo's sure he must be like his Father he's so handsome.

Sould.

Gentlemen, keep silence while the Prince speaks.

[The Prince beckens with his Hand, and pulls of his Hat

Philod.

Gentlemen,

First Rab.

Did ever hoo hear such a civil, well bred Prince; why hoo call'd us all Gentlemen at the very first word: Well, hoo shall have my Vote to be King.

Philod.

I am come here to fight for the Christian Religion; and I hope you'll all stick by me.

Omnes.

Yes, yes, we'll all fight for the Chursten Religion, and Prince Philodemy.

Philod.

Do ye love your Wives?

Rab.

Yes, yes, we love our Wives as long as we can stand.

First Rab.

No, no, I don't love my Wife; for I caught her a mowing with Jacob in the Barn, so I don't love my Wife, but I love the Chursten Religion and young Philodemy.

Philod

And you would not have them taken away and ra∣vished by the cruel Pagans.

Omnes.

Udsbud, No, hoo's have many a broken head first.

Second Rab.

Udsfish an they ravish my Wife, hoo would sub poena 'm into the Bishops Court, and let'n take what follows.

Philod.

And you would not have your Children murthered be∣fore your Faces?

Omnes.

Ah lack, no no.

[here they fall a wouling.

Fourth. Rab.

Alack, I would not have my Tommy kill'd for the best Cow in my Landlords stall; ah Neighbour, you know his God mother would almost cry her Eyes out for him.

Philod.

Well Gentlemen, if you have a value for your Wives, your Children and Estates; if you wish well to the Christian Re∣ligion, as Establish'd by Law; if you would keep your Churches undefiled with the Heathenish Idolatry of the Pagans, and your Daughters with their Beastly Lusts; why then Gentlemen stick close by me, and I shall endeavour to preserve you in your Reli∣gion, your Laws, your Liberties, and over and above reward every one of you for your kindness and love to me: Therefore Gentlemen, if you do resolve to espouse this Cause with me, let us be resolute and valiant, and oppose our Enemies to the utmost drop of our Blood: We shall not have many of these opportu∣nities to do our selves good, therefore we must strike now or

never; and indeed if we gain this, we need fear no more, our Enemies will never stand again, no they will run like Hares be∣fore us.

First Rable,

Run away says he? Will they so? Udsbud then I'll be after them full drive; I always lov'd an Enemy that would run away without any more ado: Oh! I fight like a Lyon always when they run away.

Philod.

Pray Gentlemen bring what Fire Arms you can with you, and I'll take care to have you Regimented and well discipli∣ned; and so I bid you heartily farewel.

Second Rab.

But heark you me, I pray your

[the D. is going.

Worship one word with you before you go.

Philod.

Speak Friend.

Rab.

Mun we be all Officers?

Offic.

Oh! yes, yes, all Officers.

[Ex. D. cum suis.

Third Rab.

Why then heark you me neighbour, I'll be a Collonel; and look ye me, because you are my friend, you shall be,

[he scratches]

what do'n you call that is the next Maun af∣ter me,

Fourth Rob.

Pugh, pugh, I'll be the place of a Justice, law ye now.

Fifth Rab.

Why hoo's a Fool, we mu'n be all Collonels or Captains; why there never is any Iustice in the Kings Army:

Sixth Rab.

Come, come, lets us make our selves ready for these Pagan Rogues, and so let us pray,

[ownes]

God bless the Chursten Religion and Prince Philodemy.

[Exeum Rable.

SCENE III. The Scene changes to Alba Regalis.

Enter Barbarossa, Pietro

Bar.

No News from the Camp yet Pietro.

Pie,

The King has not a word but that the Rebels increase dai∣ly: He has sent other strict orders to the General to fight them without delay.

Enter Remarquo.

Bar.

'Twas a desperate attempt of the Duke of Monumora's to invade a Kingdom at time of peace with so small a handful of Men.

He had certainly great hopes of Friends in the Country, and I begin to fear the worst.

B.

Well, you and I must follow the same fate; we must stick close together.

Rem.

I hope to see you close hang together.

[aside.]

My Lord your Servant.

Bar.

Honest Remarquo how goes it: Well I have considred your affair, and design you a kindness assoon as this Plaugy busi∣ness of the West is over.

R.

My good Lord, your Servant thanks you; perhaps his own business may be over by that time.

[Aside.

Pie.

Well Remarquo what News from the Rebels; I have not been at Court to day.

Rem.

Now will I heat 'um:

[aside]

Why Sir, matters appear to be much more dangerous than we thought at first: The Country comes in strangely to them; they all cry up for the Chursten Religion, and Prince Philodemus, whom they now call King.

[Barbarossa startles.

B

Good lack Remarquo; but is it so?

Rem.

He has put out a Proclamation of Pardon to all that will submit, with some few exceptions only; and I think he has had the Confidence to put in your Lordship and this Gentleman more for two.

[Bar. fumes and muses.

Bar.

Udslife this is very hard, to fall thus from the very prick of preferment; this must not be.

[Aside.]

[He muses and looks hard at Pietro.]

And is the Reverend Pietro. excepted too, 'tis unjust: Let me see, I must contrive some way or other to save my bacon;

[aside]

what if I should betray Pietro into the Dukes hands:

[aside]

Nay, King Queen, all should go if I could save but Barbarossa, the great Barbarossa: I'd assoon hang as go to my old trade of Petryfogging again.

[Aside.

Enter Messenger.

M.

My Lord the King commands both your attendance.

[Ex Barb. Piet.

Rem.

Oh! The tortures of a guilty Conscience. See how he fum'd and trembled at my News: The sound of a Post-boys horn's as troblesom To him as that of a Passing-Bell: And there's not a Messenger comes from the Camp, But he fancies he has a present of a Halter to make him. Well, he has been the boldest Sinner that ever Hungary knew:

For whereas most Vices covet to lurk under the disguise of Ver∣tues, he has made it his sole business to expose his bare faced; as if it was not sufficient for the World to know, without they saw him commit them.

Yes Barbarossa I will do this right, What e'r thou art, thou art no Hypocrite.

[Ex Remarque

Scene the Camps.

Enter the Duke of Monumora, leading his Army over the Stage.

Duke

Halt; give the Word softly.

Sold.

Halt, halt.

Duke.

Gentlemen we must march with all the silence imagina∣ble; the Night favours us, and we may take them knapping. When we come upon them, we must fall on without any good morrows; one hours good work and the day is our own: Bill∣men succeed the Shot, and fall on pell mell; 'twill be time e∣nough to give Quarter at Sun-rise, when we can know who and who's together. Now march.

Sold.

March, march

[Exeunt.

Noise of Drums, Trumpets, shouts, cryes of Dying Men, clashing of Swords, &c

Enter Officer with Souldiers re-treating.

Offi.

Stand, stand, and charge the Rogues; some Villian betray∣ed us; they were prepared for us: Come, come, charge; flying wont save us.

[They beat the Enemy back

Enter Duke of Monumora.

D.

Here Collonel, take your Regiment of Firelocks; line those Hedges; I'll stand the Body. Where's the Horse? Here speed to the Horse, bid them charge their Flanks: Charge them home brave boys. They fly, they fly.

[They beat the Enemy off again.

Enter Soldier.

Sir provide for your self: Retreat assoon as you can; you are betrayed: The General of the Horse is march'd off without striking a stroak: The Enemy are pouring in upon us, and 'twill be impossible to stand.

[The Duke stands amazed.

Offic.

Dear Sir make off, you'll be surrounded in a moment.

D.

VVe have time enough to damn that Villian first, Let him by Woman, Man, and God be curst.

Ex Duke

Drums, Trumpets, Shouts Acclamations of Victory Enter a few Soulders of the Dukes, crying Quarter, Quarter, Pursued by Officer and Souldiers

Offi.

Down with them, down with the Rebels.

D. Sol.

Quarter, Quarter, Noble Collonel, spare our Lives.

Offi.

Down with your Arms then,

[They through them down]

though you had as good be knock'd o'the head as hang'd. Here takes the Rogues, tye them together, and drive'um before you.

[Souldier, Tye um.

Sol.

Come march you Rebelly Dogs.

Enter the Kings Army with Drums Beating, Colours flying, Trum∣pets sounding, leading their Prisners with them: The General meets them.

Gen.

Gentlemen you have behaved your selves bravely; the King has ordered his Thanks to you, and will take care to reward you.

Soldiers

shout,

Long Live Culledada King of Hungary.

Gen.

Here you Collonel, detach a Regiment of Horse, and two of foot, and scowr about the adjacent Countries for Monu∣mora; he can't be got far; the King gives Five Hundred Pound to them that take him.

[Exeunt Omnes.

Enter

Duke of Monumora

solus in disguise.

And art thou then that Glorious Monumora?

[looking on himself.

Whose Praise fill'd every Tongue, touch'd every Heart: Whose beck commanded the obsequious croud; Whose Name, (like that of Hannibal to Rome) Did make the proud Hungarian Monarch tremble: Sure thou mistak'st thy self, and by some trick Of wild Enchantment, thou art here deluded. Who waits there? No Attendance? Call my Guards, How fares the Army? come lets charge the Flanck. Bring up the Horse: So ho! bring up the Horse! Now by the Gods the Villain flyes: Oh! See the Villian Now Monumora thou hast time to see

[He groans.

The slippery, weak Foundation of thy Greatness: That Airy Phantome of a Diadem, Which thou with so much eager fondness strove. To grasp, which cost thee some whole toilsome Years, That rob'd thee of thy Pleasure all the day, Thy Nights of Sleep and necessary Rest: Thou hast seen it now in one poor minute vanish. One Sun has seen thee rise a hopeful Monarch.

And shew'd thee Mountains of solid Gold: The next has with an envious hand withdrawn, (As new sueceeding Kings are wont to do) All that his Predecessors gave before Not yet five hours, and thou wer't great and good: The Christians Hope, the Pagans Four and Torror, Hungaria's great Defender, King, and Darling: Now, poor forsaken Caitiff, Villain Rebel. Such Fortune is thy vast unlimited Power, That canst as 'twere unite even Contradictions. In thee alone 'tis placed, to Carse or Bless, Nor Cause, nor Man, is good without success.

The End of the Second ACT.