Chapter IX: Part 9

_Lisi._ What heretofore could happen to mankind
Was with much pain to climb to heaven, but in
_Sophias_ marriage of all Queens the best,
Heaven will come down to earth, to make me blest. [_Exe._

_Actus Secundus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Arcadius _and_ Polydora.

_Pol._ Indeed you shall not go.

_Arc._ Whither?

_Pol._ To travel,
I know you see me, but to take your leave,
But I must never yield to such an absence.

_Arc._ I prethee leave thy fears, I am commanded
To th' contrary, I wonot leave thee now.

_Pol._ Commanded? by whom?

_Arc._ The Queen.

_Pol._ I am very glad, for trust me, I could think
Of thy departure with no comfort, thou
Art all the joy I have, half of my soul,
But I must thank the Queen now for thy company,
I prethee, what could make thee so desirous
To be abroad?

_Arc._ Only to get an appetite
To thee _Polidora_.

_Pol._ Then you must provoke it.

_Arc._ Nay, prethee do not so mistake thy servant.

_Pol._ Perhaps you surfeit with my Love.

_Arc._ Thy love?

_Pol._ Although I have no beauty to compare
With the best faces, I have a heart above
All competition.

_Arc._ Thou art jealous now,
Come let me take the kiss I gave thee last,
I am so confident of thee, no Lip
Has ravisht it from thine; I prethee come
To Court.

_Pol._ For what?

_Arc._ There is the throne for beauty.

_Pol._ 'Tis safer dwelling here.

_Arc._ There's none will hurt,
Or dare but think an ill to _Polydora_,
The greatest will be proud to honor thee.
Thy luster wants the admiration here:
There thou wot shine indeed, and strike a reverence
Into the gazer.

_Pol._ You can flatter too.

_Arc._ No praise of thee can be thought so, thy virtue
Will deserve all, I must confess, we Courtiers
Do oftentimes commend to shew our Art,
There is necessity sometimes to say,
This Madam breaths _Arabian_ Gumms,
Amber and Cassia; though while we are praising,
We wish we had no nostrils to take in
Th' offensive steam of her corrupted Lungs.
Nay, some will swear they love their Mistriss,
Would hazard lives and fortunes, to preserve
One of her hairs brighter than _Berinices_;
Or young _Apollo's_, and yet after this,
A favour from another toy would tempt him
To laugh, while the officious hangman whips
Her head off.

_Pol._ Fine men.

_Arc._ I am none of these,
Nay, there are women _Polidora_, too
That can do pretty well at flatteries;
Make men believe they dote, will languish for 'em,
Can kiss a Jewel out of one, and dally
A carcanet of Diamonds from another,
Weep into th' bosome, of a third, and make
Him drop as many Pearls; they count it nothing
To talk a reasonable heir within ten days
Out of his whole Estate, and make him mad
He has no more wealth to consume.

_Pol._ You'll teach me
To think I may be flattered in your promises,
Since you live where this Art is most profest.

_Arc._ I dare not be so wicked _Polidora_,
The Infant errors of the Court I may
Be guilty of, but never to abuse
So rare a goodness, nor indeed did ever
Converse with any of those shames of Court,
To practise for base ends; be confident
My heart is full of thine, and I so deeply
Carry the figure of my _Polydora_,
It is not in the power of time or distance
To cancel it, by all that's blest I love thee:
Love thee above all women, dare invoke
A curse when I forsake thee.

_Pol._ Let it be some
Gentle one.

_Arc._ Teach me an oath I prethee,
One strong enough to bind, if thou dost find
Any suspition of my faith, or else
Direct me in some horrid imprecation:
When I forsake thee for the love of other
Women, may heaven reward my apostacy
To blast my greatest happiness on earth,
And make all joys abortive.

_Pol._ Revoke these hasty syllables, they carry
Too great a penalty for breach of Love
To me, I am not worth thy suffering,
You do not know, what beauty may invite
Your change, what happiness may tempt your eye
And heart together.

_Arc._ Should all the graces of your sex conspire
In one, and she should court [me], with a Dowry,
Able to buy a Kingdom, when I give
My heart from _Polidora_.

_Pol._ I suspect not,
And to requite thy constancy, I swear.

_Arc._ 'Twere sin to let thee waste thy breath
I have assurance of thy noble thoughts.

_Enter a Servant._

_Serv._ My Lord, your Uncle hath been every where
I' th' Court inquiring for you, his looks speak
Some earnest cause.

_Arc._ I am more acquainted with
Thy virtue, than to imagine thou wilt not
Excuse me now, one kiss dismisses him
Whose heart shall wait on _Polidora_ prethee
Let me not wish for thy return too often,
My Father.

_Enter_ Nestorius, _and a servant_.

_Nes._ I met _Arcadius_ in strange haste, he told me
He had been with thee.

_Pol._ Some affair too soon
Ravish'd him hence, his Uncle sent for him
You came now from Court: how looks the Queen
This golden morning?

_Nes._ Like a Bride, her soul
Is all on mirth, her eyes have quick'ning fires,
Able to strike a spring into the earth,
In winter.

_Pol._ Then _Lisimachus_ can have
No frost in's blood, that lives so near her beams.

_Nes._ His politick Father the Protector smiles too,
Resolve to see the ceremony of the Queen
'Twill be a day of state.

_Pol._ I am not well.

_Nes._ How! not well? retire then, I must return
My attendance is expected, _Polidora_,
Be careful of thy health.

_Pol._ It will concern me. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Arcadius, _and_ Macarius.

_Arc._ You amaze me, Sir.

_Mac._ Dear Nephew, if thou respect thy safety
My honor, or my age, remove thy self,
Thy life's in danger.

_Arc._ Mine? who's my enemy?

_Mac._ Take horse, and instantly forsake the City,
Or else within some unsuspected dwelling,
Obscure thy self, stay not to know the reason.

_Arc._ Sir, I beseech your pardon, which i' th' number
Of my offences unto any, should
Provoke this dishonourable flight?

_Mac._ I would, when I petition'd for thy stay,
I had pleaded for thy banishment, thou knowst not
What threatens thee.

_Arc._ I would desire to know it,
I am in no conspiracy of treason,
Have ravish'd no mans Mistriss, not so much
As given the lye to any, what should mean
Your strange and violent fears, I will [n]ot stir
Until you make me sensible I have lost
My innocence.

_Mac._ I must not live to see
Thy body full of wounds, it were less sin
To rip thy Fathers Marble, and fetch from
The reverend vault, his ashes, and disperse them
By some rude winds, where none should ever find
The sacred dust: it was his Legacy,
The breath he mingled with his prayers to Heaven
I [sh]ould preserve _Arcadius_, whose fate
He prophesied in death, would need protection,
Thou wot disturb his ghost, and call it to
Affright my dreams, if thou refuse to obey me.

_Arc._ You more inflame me, to enquire the cause
Of your distraction, and you'll arm me better
Than any coward flight by acquainting me
Whose malice aims to kill me, good Sir tell me.

_Mac._ Then prayers and tears assist me.

_Arc._ Sir.

_Mac._ _Arcadius_,
Thou art a rash young man, witness the spirit
Of him that trusted me so much, I bleed,
Till I prevent this mischief. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Philocles, Lisander.

_Arc._ Ha, keep off.

_Phi._ What mean you, Sir?

_Lis._ We are your friends.

_Arc._ I know your faces, but
Am not secure, I would not be betraid.

_Lis._ You wrong our hearts, who truly honor you.

_Arc._ They say I must be kill'd.

_Phi._ By whom?

_Arc._ I know not, nor wou'd I part with life so tamely.

_Phi._ We dare engage ours in your quarrel, hide
Your sword, it may beget suspition,
It's enough to question you.

_Arc._ I am confident;
Pray pardon me, come, I despise all danger:
Yet a dear friend of mine, my Uncle told me
He would not see my body full of wounds.

_Lis._ Your Uncle, this is strange.

_Arc._ Yes, my honest Uncle,
If my unlucky Stars have pointed me
So dire a fate.

_Phi._ There is some strange mistake in't.

_Enter_ Antigonus.

_Ant._ _Arcadius_, the Queen would speak with you,
You must make haste.

_Ar[c]._ Though to my death, I flie
Upon her summons I give up my breath
Then willingly, if she command it from me.

_Phi._ This does a little trouble me.

_Lis._ I know not
What to imagine, something is the ground
Of this perplexity, but I hope there is not
Any such danger as he apprehends.

_Enter_ Queen, Lisimachus, Macarius, Eubulus, Seleucus,
Arcadius, _Ladies, Attendants and Gent._

_Qu._ We have already granted to _Seleucus_
And they shall try their valour, if _Arcadius_
Have spirit in him to accept the challenge,
Our Royal word is past.

_Phi._ This is strange.

_Eub._ Madam, my son knew not what he ask'd,
And you were cruel to consent so soon.

_Mac._ Wherein have I offended, to be rob'd
At once, of all the wealth I have, _Arcadius_
Is part of me.

_Eub._ _Seleucus's_ life and mine
Are twisted on one thred, both stand or fall
Together, hath the service for my Countrey
Deserved but this reward, to be sent weeping
To my eternal home? Was't not enough
When I was young, to lose my bloud in wars,
But the poor remnant that is scarcely warm
And faintly creeping through my wither'd veins
Must be let out to make you sport.

_Mac._ How can
We, that shall this morn see the sacred oyl,
Fall on your Virgin tresses, hope for any
Protection hereafter, when this day
You sacrifice the blood of them that pray for you.
_Arcadius_, I prethee speak thy self,
It is for thee I plead.

_Eub._ _Seleucus_, kneel
And say thou hast repented thy rash suit;
If e'er I see thee fight, I be thus wounded,
How will the least drop forc'd from thy veins,
Afflict my heart.

_Mac._ Why, that's good;
_Arcadius_, speak to her; hear him Madam.

_Arc._ If you call back this honor you have done me
I shall repent I live, doe not perswade me:
_Seleucus_, thou art a noble enemy,
And I will love thy soul, though I despair
Our bodies friendly conversation:
I would we were to tugg upon some cliffe,
Or like two prodigies i'th' air, our conflict
Might generally be gaz'd at, and our bloud
Appease our grandsires ashes.

_Mac._ I am undone.

_Sel._ Madam, my father says I have offended,
If so, I beg your pardon, but beseech you
For your own glory, call not back your word.

_Eub._ They are both mad.

_Qu._ No more, we have resolv'd,
And since their courage is so nobly flam'd,
This morning we'll behold the Champions
Within the List, be not afraid, their strife
Will stretch so far as death, so soon as we
Are Crown'd, prepare your selves, _Seleucus_. [_Kisses her hand._

_Sel._ I have receiv'd another life in this high favour,
And may lose what nature gave me.

_Qu._ _Arcadius_, to encourage thy young valour,
We give thee our Fathers sword.
Command it from our Armory; _Lisimachus_,
To our Coronation. [_Exeunt._

_Sel._ I'll forfeit
My head for a rebellion, than suffer it. [_Exit._

_Arc._ I am circled with confusions, I'll do somewhat
My brains and friends assist me. [_Exit._

_Phi._ But do you think they'll fight indeed?

_Lis._ Perhaps
Her Majesty will see a bout or two.
And yet 'tis wondrous strange, such spectacles
Are rare i'th' Court, and they were to skirmish naked
Before her, then there might be some excuse.
There is gimcracks in't, the Queen is wise
Above her years.

_Phi._ _Macarius_ is perplex'd.

_Enter_ Eubulus.

_Lis._ I cannot blame him, but my Lord _Eubulus_
Returns, they are both troubled, 'las good men,
But our duties are expected, we forget. [_Ex._ Phil. Lis.

_Eub._ I must resolve, and yet things are not ripe,
My brains upon the torture.

_Mac._ This may quit
The hazard of his person, whose least drop
Of blood, is worth more than our families.
My Lord _Eubulus_, I have thought a way
To stay the young mens desperate proceedings,
It is our cause they fight, let us beseech
The Queen, to grant us two the priviledge
Of Duel, rather than expose their lives
To eithers fury; it were pity they
Should run upon so black a destiny,
We are both old, and may be spar'd, a pair
Of fruitless trees, mossie, and wither'd trunks,
That fill up too much room.

_Eub._ Most willingly,
And I will praise her charity to allow it;
I have not yet forg[o]t to use a sword,
Let's lose no time, by this act, she will licence
Our souls to leave our bodies but a day,
Perhaps an hour the sooner; they may live
To do her better service, and be friends
When we are dead, and yet I have no hope
This will be granted, curse upon our faction.

_Mac._ If she deny us--

_Eub._ What?

_Mac._ I wou'd do somewhat--

_Eub._ There's something o' th' suddain struck upon
My imagination that may secure us.

_Mac._ Name it, if no dishonor wait upon't
To preserve them, I'll accept any danger.

_Eub._ There is no other way, and yet my heart
Would be excus'd, but 'tis to save his life.

_Mac._ Speak it _Eubulus_.

_Eub._ In your ear I shall,
It sha'not make a noise if you refuse it.

_Mac._ Hum? though it stir my bloud, I'll meet _Arcadius_,
If this preserve thee not, I must unseal
Another mistery. [_Exit._

_Enter Queen_, Lisimachus, Cassander, Charilla, Lisander,
Philocles, Antigonus.

_Qu._ We owe to all your loves, and will deserve
At least by our endeavours, that none may
This day repent their prayers, my Lord Protector.

_Cas._ Madam, I have no
Such Title now, and am blest to lose
That name so happily: I was but trusted
With a glorious burden.

_Qu._ You have prov'd
Your self our faithful Counsellor, and must still
Protect our growing state: a Kingdoms Scepter
Weighs down a womans arm, this Crown sits heavy
Upon my brow already, and we know
There's something more than mettal in this wreath,
Of shining glory, but your faith, and counsel,
That are familiar with mysteries,
And depths of state, have power to make us fit
For such a bearing, in which both you shall
Doe loyal service, and reward your Duties.

_Cas._ Heaven preserve your Highness.

_Qu._ But yet my Lords and Gentlemen, let none
Mistake me, that because I urge your wisdoms,
I shall grow careless, and impose on you
The managing of this great Province, no,
We will be active too, and as we are
In dignity above your persons, so,
The greatest portion of the difficulties
We call to us, you in your several places
Relieving us with your experience,
Observing in your best directions
All modesty, and distance; for although
We are but young, no action shall forfeit
Our royal priviledge, or encourage any
Too unreverent boldness; as it will become
Our honor to consult, e'r we determine
Of the most necessary things of state,
So we are sensible of a check,
But in a brow, that saucily controuls
Our action, presuming on our years
As few, or frailty of our sex; that head
Is not secure, that dares our power or justice.

_Phi._ She has a brave spirit, look how the Protector
Grows pale already.

_Qu._ But I speak to you
Are perfect in obedience, and may spare
This Theme, yet 'twas no immat[eriall]
Part of our character, since I desire
All should take notice, I have studied
The knowledge of my self, by which I shall
Better distinguish of your worth and persons
In your relations to us.

_Lis._ This language
Is but a threatening to some body.

_Qu._ But we miss some, that use not to absent
Their duties from us, where's _Macarius_?

_Cas._ Retir'd to grieve, your Majesty hath given
Consent, _Arcadius_ should enter the List
To day with young _Seleucus._

_Qu._ We purpose

_Enter Gentleman._

They shall proceed, what's he?

_Phil._ A Gentleman belonging to _Seleucus_ that gives notice
He is prepar'd, and waits your royal pleasure.

_Qu._ He was compos'd for action, give notice
To _Arcadius_, and admit the challenger:
Let other Princes boast their gaudy tilting,
And mockery of battles, but our triumph
Is celebrated with true noble valour.

_Enter_ Seleucus, Arcadius, _at several doors, their Pages
before them, bearing their Targets_.

Two young men spirited enough to have
Two kingdoms staked upon their swords, _Lisimachus_
Do not they excellently become their arms?
'Twere pity but they should do something more
Then wave their plumes. [_A shout within._
What noise is that?

_Enter_ Macarius, _and_ Eubulus.

_Mac._ The peoples joy to know us reconcil'd,
Is added to the jubile of the day,
We have no more a faction but one heart,
Peace flow in every bosom.

_Eub._ Throw away
These instruments of death, and like two friends
Embrace by our example.

_Qu._ This unfein'd?

_Mac._ By our duties to your self, dear Madam
Command them not advance, our houses from
This minute are incorporated; happy day
Our eyes at which before revenge look'd forth,
May clear suspition, oh my _Arcadius_!

_Eub._ We have found a nearer way to friendship, Madam,
Than by exposing them to fight for us.

_Qu._ If this be faithful, our desires are blest.
We had no thought to waste, but reconcile
Your bloud this way, and we did prophesie
This happy chance, spring into eithers bosom,
_Arcadius_ and _Seleucus_, what can now
Be added to this days felicity?
Yes, there is something, is there not my Lord?
While we are Virgin Queen.

_Cas._ Ha, that string
Doth promise Musick.

_Qu._ I am yet my Lords
Your single joy, and when I look upon,
What I have took, to manage the great care
Of this most flourishing kingdom, I incline
To think I shall do justice to my self,
If I choose one, whose strength and virtue may
Assist my undertaking, think you Lords,
A Husband would not help?

_Lis._ No question, Madam,
And he that [you purpose to make] so blest
Must needs be worthy of our humblest duty,
It is the general vote.

_Qu._ We will not then
Trouble Ambassadors to treat with any
Princes abroad, within our own dominion,
Fruitful in honor, we shall make our choice;
And that we may not keep you over long
In th[e] imagination, from this circle, we
Have purpose to elect; one, whom I shall
Salute a King and Husband.

_Lisa._ Now my Lord _Lisimachus_.

_Que._ Nor shall we in this action be accus'd
Of rashness, since the man we shall declare
Deserving our affection, hath been early
In our opinion, which had reason first
To guide it, and his known nobility
Long marry'd to our thoughts, will justifie
Our fair election.

_Phi._ _Lisimachus_ blushes.

_Cas._ Direct our duties, Madam, to pray for him.

_Que._ _Arcadius_, you see from whence we come,
Pray lead us back, you may ascend. [_She comes from the State._

_Cas._ How's this? o're-reach'd?

_Arc._ Madam, be charitable to your humblest creature,
Doe not reward the heart, that falls in duty
Beneath your feet, with making me the burden
Of the Court-mirth, a mockery for Pages,
'Twere Treason in me but to think you meane thus.

_Que._ _Arcadius_, you must refuse my love,
Or shame this Kingdom.

_Phi._ Is the wind in that corner?

_Cas._ I shall run mad _Lisimachus_.

_Lisi._ Sir, contain your self.

_Sel._ Is this to be believ'd?

_Mac._ What dream is this?

_Phi._ He kisses her, now by this day I am glad on't.

_Lisa._ Mark the Protector.

_Ant._ Let him fret his heart-strings.

_Que._ Is the day cloudy on the sudden?

_Arc._ Gentlemen,
It was not my ambition, I durst never
Aspire so high in thought, but since her Majesty
Hath pleas'd to call me to this honor, I
Will study to be worthy of her grace,
By whom I live.

_Que._ The Church to morrow shall
Confirme our marriage, noble _Lisimachus_;
We'll find out other wayes to recompence
Your love to us, set forward, come _Arcadius_.

_Mac._ It must be so, and yet let me consider.

_Cas._ He insults already, policy assist me,
To break his neck.

_Lisi._ Who would trust Woman?
Lost in a pair of minutes, lost, how bright
A morning rose, but now, [and now] 'tis night? [_Exeunt._

_Actus Tertius. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Polidora, _and a Servant_.

_Pol._ Oh where shall Virgins look for faith hereafter?
If he prove false, after so many vowes?
And yet if I consider, he was tempted
Above the strength of a young Lover, two
Such glorious courting his acceptance, were
Able to make disloyalty no sin,
At least not seem a fault, a Lady first,
Whose very looks would thaw a man more frozen
Than the _Alps_, quicken a soul more dead than Winter,
Add to her beauty and perfection,
That she's a Queen, and brings with her a Kingdom
Able to make a great mind forfeit Heaven.
What could the frailty of _Arcadius_
Suggest, to unspirit him so much, as not
To fly to her embraces, you were present
When she declar'd her self.

_Ser._ Yes Madam.

_Pol._ Tell me,
Did not he make a pause, when the fair Queen
A full temptation stood him?

_Ser._ Very little
My judgment could distinguish, she did no sooner
Propound, but he accepted.

_Pol._ That was ill,
He might with honor stand one or two minutes,
Me thinks it should have startled him a little,
To have rememberd me, I have deserv'd
At least a cold thought, well, pray give it him.

_Ser._ I shall.

_Pol._ When?

_Ser._ Instantly.

_Pol._ Not so,
But take a time when his joy swels him most,
When his delights are high and ravishing,
When you perceive his Soul dance in his eyes,
When she that must be his hath drest her beauty,
With all her pride, and sends a thousand _Cupids_
To call him to the tasting of her lip;
Then give him this, and tell him, while I live,
I'll pray for him.

_Ser._ I shall. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Cassander, _and_ Lisimachus.

_Cas._ There is no way but death.

_Lisi._ That's black, and horrid,
Consider, Sir, it was her sin, not his;
I cannot accuse him, what man could carry
A heart so frozen, not to melt at such
A glorious flame? Who could not fly to such
A happiness?

_Cas._ Have you ambition
To be a tame fool? see so vast an injury
And not revenge it? make me not suspect
Thy Mother for this sufferance, my Son.

_Lis._ Pray hear me, Sir.

_Cas._ Hear a patient gull,
A property, thou hast no blood of mine,
If this affront provoke thee not, how canst
Be charitable to thy self, and let him live
To glory in thy shame? Nor is he innocent;
He had before crept slily into her bosome,
And practised thy dishonor.

_Lisi._ You begin to stir me, Sir.

_Cas._ How else could she be guilty
Of such contempt of thee? and in the eye
Of all the Kingdom, they conspir'd this stain,
When they had cunning meetings, shall thy love
And blooming hopes be scatter'd thus, and _Lisimachus_
Stand idle gazer?

_Lisi._ What, Sir, will his death
Advantage us, if she be false to me?
So irreligious, and to touch her person--
Pause, we may be observed.

_Enter_ Philocles, _and_ Lisander.

_Lisa._ 'Tis the Protector
And his son.

_Phi._ Alas, poor Gentleman, I pitty
His neglect, but am not sorry for his Father.
['Tis] a strange turne.

_Lisa._ The whirligigs of Women.

_Phi._ Your Graces servant.

_Cas._ I am yours Gentlemen,
And should be happy to deserve your loves.

_Phi._ Now he can flatter.

_Lisa._ In't Sir, to inlarge your sufferings, I have
A heart doth wish
The Q[u]een had known better to reward
Your love and merit.

[_Lisi._] If you would express
Your love to me, pray do not mention it,
I must obey my fate.

_Phi._ She will be married
To t'other Gentleman for certain then?

_Cas._ I hope you'll wish 'em joy.

_Phi._ Indeed I will, Sir.

_Lisa._ Your Graces servant. [_Exit._

_Cas._ We are grown
Ridiculous, the pastime of the Court:
Here comes another.

_Enter_ Seleucus.

_Sel._ Where's your Son, my Lord?

_Cas._ Like a neglected servant of his Mistress.

_Sel._ I would ask him a question.

_Cas._ What?

_Sel._ Whether the Queen,
As 'tis reported, lov'd him, he can tell
Whether she promis'd what they talke of, marriage.

_Cas._ I can resolve you that, Sir.

_Sel._ She did promise?

_Cas._ Yes.

_Sel._ Then shee's a Woman, and your Son;

_Cas._ What?

_Sel._ Not worthy his blood, and expectation,
If he be calme.

_Cas._ There's no opposing destiny.

_Sel._ I would cut the Throat.

_Cas._ Whose throat?

_Sel._ The destinies, that's all, your pardon, Sir,
I am _Seleucus_ still, a poor shadow
Oth' World, a walking picture, it concerns
Not me, I am forgotten by my stars.

_Cas._ The Queen, with more discretion, might ha chosen Thee.

_Sel._ Whom?

_Cas._ Thee, _Seleucus_.

_Sel._ Me? I cannot dance, and frisk with due activity,
My body is lead, I have too much phlegme, what should
I do with a Kingdome? no, _Arcadius_
Becomes the cushion, and can please, yet setting
Aside the trick that Ladies of Blood look at,
Another Man might make a shift to weare
Rich Clothes, sit in the chair of state, and nod,
Dare venture on discourse, that does not trench
On compliment, and think the study of Armes
And Arts, more commendable in a Gentleman,
Than any Galliard.

_Cas._ _Arcadius_,
And you, were reconcil'd.

_Sel._ We? yes, oh yes,
But 'tis not manners now to say we are friends,
At our equality there had been reason,
But now subjection is the word.

_Cas._ They are not
Yet married.

_Sel._ I'll make no Oath upon't,
My Lord _Lisimachus_,
A word, you'll not be angry if I love you,
May not a Batchellor be made a Cuckold?

_Lisi._ How, Sir?

_Cas._ _Lisimachus_, this Gentleman
Is worth our embrace, hee's spirited,
And may be useful.

_Sel._ Hark you, can you tell
Where's the best Dancing-master? and you mean
To rise at Court, practise to caper, farewel
The noble science, that makes work for cutlers,
It will be out of fashion to weare swords,
Masques, and devices welcome, I salute you,
Is it not pitty any division
Should be heard out of Musick? Oh 'twill be
An excellent age of crotchets; and of Canters.
Buy Captains, that like fools will spend your blood
Out of your Country, you will be of less
Use than your feathers, if you return unman'd
You shall be beaten soon to a new march,
When you shall think it a discretion
To sell your glorious buffes to buy fine pumps,
And pantables, this is I hope no treason.

_Enter_ Arcadius _leading the_ Queen, Charia, Eubulus, Lisander,
Philocles, Polidora, _servant_.

_Cas._ Wot stay _Lisimachus_?

_Lisi._ Yes, Sir,
And shew a patience above her injury.

_Arc._ This honor is too much, Madam, assume
Your place, and let _Arcadius_ waite still:
'Tis happiness enough to be your servant.

_Cas._ Now he dissembles.

_Que._ Sir, you must sit.

_Arc._ I am obedient.

_Que._ This is not Musick
Sprightly enough, it feeds the soul with melancholy.
How sayes _Arcadius_?

_Arc._ Give me leave to think
There is no harmony but in your voice,
And not an accent of your heavenly tongue,
But strikes me into rapture, I incline
To think, the tale of _Orpheus_ no fable,
'Tis possible he might inchant the Rocks,
And charme the Forrest, soften hell, hell it self,
With his commanding Lute, it is no miracle
To what you work, whose very breath conveyes
The hearer into Heaven, how at your lips,
Day-winds gather Perfumes, proudly glide away,
To disperse sweetness round about the world.

_Sel._ Fine stuff.

_Que._ You cannot flatter.

_Arc._ Not, if I should say,
Nature had plac'd you here the creatures wonder,
And her own spring, from which all excellence
On Earth's deriv'd, and copyed forth, and when
The character of fair, and good in others
Is quite worne out, and lost, looking on you
It is supply'd, and you alone made mortal
To feed, and keep alive all beauty.

_Sel._ Ha, ha, Can you indure it Gentlemen?

_Lisa._ What do you meane?

_Sel._ Nay, ask him what he meanes, mine is a down
Right laugh.

_Que._ Well, Sir, proceed.

_Arc._ At such bright eyes the stars do light themselves,
At such a forehead Swans renew their white,
From such a lip the morning gathers blushes.

_Sel._ The morning is more modest than thy praises,
What a thing does he make her?

_Arc._ And when you flie to Heaven and leave this world
No longer maintenance of goodness from you:
Then Poetry shall lose all use with us,
And be no more, since nothing in your absence
Is left, that can be worthy of a Verse.

_Sel._ Ha, ha.

_Que._ Whose that?

_Sel._ 'Twas I, Madam.

_Arc._ _Seleucus?_

_Cas._ Ha?

_Sel._ Yes, Sir, 'twas I that laugh'd.

_Arc._ At what?

_Sel._ At nothing.

_Lisa._ Contain your self, _Seleucus_.

_Eub._ Are you mad?

_Que._ Have you ambition to be punish'd, Sir?

_Sel._ I need not, 'twas punishment
Enough to hear him make an Idol of you, he left
Out the commendation of your patience, I was a little
Mov'd in my nature, to hear his Rodomontados, and
Make a monster of his Mistress, which I pitty'd first,
But seeing him proceed, I guest he brought you
Mirth with his inventions, and so made bold to laugh at it.

_Que._ You are sawcy,
We'll place you where you sha'not be so merry,
Take him away.

_Lisa._ Submit your self.

_Arc._ Let me plead for his pardon.

_Sel._ I wo'd not owe my life so poorly, beg thy own,
When you are King you cannot bribe your destiny.

_Eub._ Good Madam hear me, I fear he is distracted,
Brave boy, thou should'st be Master of a soul
Like his: thy honors more concern'd.

_Sel._ 'Tis charity,
A way wo' mee, 'boy Madam?

_Cas._ He has a daring spirit. [_Ex._ Sel. Eub. Cas.

_Arc._ These, and a thousand more affronts I must
Expect: your favors draw them all upon me;
In my first state I had no enemies,
I was secure, while I did grow beneath
This expectation, humble valleys thrive with
Their bosomes full of flowers, when the Hills melt
With lightning, and rough anger of the clouds,
Let me retire.

_Que._ And can _Arcadius_
At such a breath be mov'd, I had opinion
Your courage durst have stood a tempest for
Our love, can you for this incline to leave
What other Princes should in vain have sued for?
How many Lovers are in _Epire_ now
Would throw themselves on danger, not expect
One enemy, but empty their own veins,
And think the loss of all their blood rewarded,
To have one smile of us when they are dying?
And shall this murmur shake you?

_Arc._ Not dear Madam,
My life is such a poor despised thing,
In value your least graces, that
To lose it were to make my self a victory,
It is not for my self, I fear: the envy
Of others cannot fasten wound in me
Greater, than that your goodness should be check'd
So daringly.

_Que._ Let not those thoughts afflict thee,
While we have power to correct the offences,
_Arcadius_ be mine, this shall confirm it.

_Arc._ I shall forget,
And lose my way to heaven, that touch had been
Enough to have restor'd me, and infus'd
A spirit of a more celestial nature,
After the tedious absence of my soul,
Oh bless me not too much, one smile a day
Would stretch my life to mortality;
Poets that wrap divinity in tales,
Look here, and give your coppies forth of angels,
What blessing can remain?

_Que._ Our Marriage.

_Arc._ Place then some horrors in the way
For me, not you, to pass, the journeys end
Holds out such glories to me, I should think
Hell but a poor degree of suffering for it,
What's that, some petition? a Letter to me.
_You had a Polidora, ha, that's all._
Ith' minu[t]e when my vessels new lanch'd forth,
With all my pride, and silken wings about me
I strike upon a Rock: What power can save me?
You had a _Polidora_; there's a name
Kill'd with grief, I can so soon forget her.

_Ser._ She did impose on me this service, Sir,
And while she lives she sayes, shee'll pray for you.

_Arc._ She lives,
That's well, and yet 'twere better, for my fame,
And honor, she were dead; What fate hath plac'd me
Upon this fearful precipice?

_Ser._ He's troubled.

_Arc._ I must resolve, my faith is violated
Already, yet poor loving _Polidora_
Will pray for me, she sayes, to think she can
Render me hated to my self, and every
Thought's a tormentor, let me then be just.

_Que._ _Arcadius._

_Arc._ That voice prevailes agen, oh _Polidora_,
Thou must forgive _Arcadius_, I dare not
Turn rebel to a Princess, I shall love
Thy vertue, but a Kingdom has a charme
To excuse our f[r]ailty, dearest Madam.

_Que._ Now set forward.

_Arc._ To perfect all our joyes.

_Enter_ Macarius, _and a_ Bishop, Casander.

_Mac._ I'll fright their glories.

_Cas._ By what means?

_Mac._ Observe.

_Arc._ Our good Unckle, welcome.

_Que._ My Lord _Macarius_, we did want your person,
There's something in our joyes wherein you share.

_Mac._ This you intend your highness wedding day.

_Que._ We are going.

_Mac._ Save you labor
I have brought a Priest to meet you.

_Arc._ Reverend Father.

_Que._ Meet us, Why?

_Mac._ To tell you, that you must not Marry.

_Cas._ Didst thou hear that, _Lisimachus_?

_Lisi._ And wonder what will follow.

_Que._ We must not marry.

_Bish._ Madam, 'tis a rule
First made in heaven, and I must needs declare
You and _Arcadius_ must tie no knot
Of Man and Wife.

_Arc._ Is my Unckle mad?

_Que._ Joy has transported him,
Or age has made him dote, _Macarius_
Provoke us not too much, you will presume
Above our mercy.

_Mac._ I'll discharge my duty,
Could your frown strike me dead, my Lord, you know
Whose character this is.

_Cas._ It is _Theodosius_,
Your graces Father.

_Bis._ I am subscribed a witness.

_Phi._ Upon my life 'tis his.

_Mac._ Fear not, I'll cross this Match.

_Cas._ I'll bless thee for't.

_Arc._ Unckle, d'ee know what you do, or what we are
Going to finish? you will not break the neck of my glorious
Fortune, now my foots ith' stirrup, and mounting,
Throw me over the saddle? I hope you'll let one
Be a King, Madam, 'tis as you say,
My Unckle is something craz'd, there's a worm
In's brain, but I beseech you pardon him, he is
Not the first of your counsel, that has talk'd
Idly, d'ee hear my Lord Bishop, I hope
You have more Religion than to joyn with him
To undoe me.

_Bis._ Not I Sir, but I am commanded by oath,
And conscience to speak truth.

_Arc._ If your truth should do me any harm, I shall never
Be in charity with a Croziers staffe, look too't.

_Que._ My youngest Brother.

_Cas._ Worse and worse, my brains. [_Exit._

_Mac._ Deliver['d] to me an Infant with this writing,
To which this reverend Father is a witness.

_Lisa._ This he whom we so long thought dead, a childe?

_Que._ But what should make my Father to trust him
To your concealment? give abroad his death, and bury
An empty coffin?

_Mac._ A jealousie he had
Upon _Cassander_, whose ambitious brain
He fear'd would make no conscience to depose
His son, to make _Lisimachus_ King of _Epire_.

_Que._ He made no scruple to expose me then
To any danger?

_Mac._ He secur'd you, Madam,
By an early Engagement of your affection
To _Lisimachus_, exempt this testimony,
Had he been _Arcadius_, and my Nephew,
I needed not obtrude him on the state,
Your love and marriage had made him King
Without my trouble, and sav'd that ambition,
There was necessity to open now
His birth, and title.

_Phi._ _Demetrius_ alive.

_Arc._ What riddles are these, Whom do they talk of?

_Omn._ Congratulate your return to life, and honor,
And as becomes us, with one voice salute you,
_Demetrius_ King of _Epire_.

_Mac._ I am no Uncle, Sir, this is your Sister,
I should have suffer'd incest to have kept you
Longer ith' dark: love, and be happy both,
My trust is now discharg'd.

_Lisa._ And we rejoyce.

_Arc._ But do not mock me, Gentlemen,
May I be bold upon your words to say
I am Prince _Theodosius_ Son?

_Mac._ The King.

_Arc._ You'll justifie it?
Sister, I am very glad to see you.

_Sop._ I am to find a brother, and resign my glory,
My triumph is my shame. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Cassander.

_Cas._ Thine ear _Lisimachus_.

_Arc._ Gentlemen I owe
Unto your loves, as large acknowledgment
As to my birth, for this great honor, and
My study shall be equal to be thought
Worthy of both.

_Cas._ Thou art turn'd Marble.

_Lisi._ There will be the less charge for my Monument.

_Cas._ This must not be, sit fast young King. [_Exit._

_Lisi._ Your sister, Sir, is gone.

_Arc._ My sister should have been my Bride, that name
Puts me in mind of _Polidora_, ha?
_Lisander, Philocles_, Gentlemen,
If you will have me think your hearts allow me
_Theodosius_ son, oh quickly snatch some wings,
Express it in your haste to _Polidora_,
Tell her what title is new dropt from heaven
To make her rich; onely created for me:
Give her the ceremony of my Queen,
With all the state that may become our Bride,
Attend her to this throne; Are you not there?
Yet stay, 'tis too much pride to send for her,
Wee'll go our self, no honor is enough
For _Polidora_, to redeem our fault,
Salute her gently from me, and, upon
Your knee, present her with this Diadem,
'Tis our first gift, tell her _Demetrius_ follows
To be her guest, and give himself a servant
To her chast bosome, bid her stretch her heart
To meet me, I am lost in joy and wonder. [_Exeunt Omnes._

_Actus Quartus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Cassander, Eubulus, Soldier.

_Cas._ Where's the Captain of the Castle?

_Sol._ Hee'll attend your honors presently.

_Cas._ Give him knowledge we expect him.

_Sol._ I shall, my Lord. [_Exit._

_Cas._ He is my creature, fear not,
And shall run any course that we propound.

_Eub._ My Lord, I like the substance of your plot,
'Tis promising, but matters of this consequence
Are not so easily perfect, and it does
Concern our heads to build upon secure
Principles, though _Seleucus_, I confess,
Carry a high, and daring spirit in him,
'Tis hard to thrust upon the state new setled
Any impostor, and we know not yet
Whether hee'll undertake to play the Prince;
Or if he should accept it, with what cunning
He can behave himself.

_Cas._ My Lord, affairs
Of such a glorious nature, are half finish'd,
When they begin with confidence.

_Eub._ Admit
He want no art, [n]or courage, it must rest
Upon the people to receive his title,
And with what danger their uncertain breath
May flatter ours, _Demetrius_ scarcely warm
In the Kings seat, I may suspect.

_Cas._ That reason
Makes for our part, for if it be so probable,
That young _Demetrius_ should be living, Why
May not we work them to believe, _Leonatus_,
The eldest son was, by some trick, preserv'd,
And now would claim his own: there were two sons,
Who in their Fathers life we supposed dead,
May not we find a circumstance to make
This seem as clear as t'other, let the vulgar
Be once possest, wee'll carry _Epire_ from
_Demetrius_, and the World.

_Eub._ I could be pleas'd
To see my Son a King.

_Enter_ Poleanus.

The Captain's here.

_Pol._ I waite your Lordships pleasure.

_Cas._ We come to visit your late prisoner:
I will not doubt, but you intreat him fairly,
He will deserve it for himself, and you
Be fortunate in any occasion,
To have exprest your service.

_Pol._ Sir, the knowledge
Of my honorable Lord his Father, will
Instruct me to behave my self with all
Respects becoming me, to such a son.

_Cas._ These things will least
Oblige you, but how bears he his restraint?

_Pol._ As one whose soul's above it.

_Eub._ Patiently?

_Pol._ With contempt rather of the great command
Which made him prisoner, he will talke sometimes
So strangely to himself.

_Eub._ Hee's here.

_Enter_ Seleucus.

_Sel._ Why was I born to be a subject? 'tis
Soon answer'd, sure my Father was no Prince,
That's all: the same ingredients use to make
A Man, as active, though not royal blood
Went to my composition, and I
Was gotten with as good a will perhaps,
And my birth cost my Mother as much sorrow,
As I had been born an Emperor.

_Cas._ While I look
Upon him, something in his face presents
A King indeed.

_Eub._ He does resemble much
_Theodosius_ too.

_Cas._ Whose son we would pretend him,
This will advance our plot.

_Sel._ 'Tis but a name,
And mere opinion, that prefers one man
Above another, I'll imagine then
I am a Prince, or some brave thing on Earth,
And see what follows: but it must not be,
My single voice will carry it, the name
Of King must be attended with a troop
Of acclamations, on whose ayrie wings
He mounts, and once exalted, threatens Heaven,
And all the stars: how to acquire this noise,
And be the thing I talke of, men have rise[n]
From a more cheap nobility to Empires,
From dark originals, and sordid blood,
Nay some that had no fathers, sons of the earth,
And flying people, have aspir'd to Kingdoms,
Made nations tremble, and have practis'd frowns
To awe the world, their memory is glorious,
And I would hug them in their shades, but what's
All this to me, that am I know not what,
And less in expectation?

_Pol._ Are you serious?

_Cas._ Will you assist, and run a fate with us.

_Pol._ Command my life, I owe it to your favor.

_Sel._ _Arcadius_ was once as far from being
As I, and had we not so cunningly
Been reconcil'd, or one, or both had gone
To seek our fortunes in another world;
What's the device now? If my death be next,
The summons shall not make me once look pale.

_Cas._ Chide your too vain suspitions, we bring
A life, and liberty, with what else can make
Thy ambition happy, th'ast a glorious flame,
We come to advance it.

_Sel._ How?

_Cas._ Have but a will,
And be what thy own thoughts dare prompt thee to,
A King.

_Sel._ You do not mock me Gentlemen?
You are my Father, Sir.

_Eub._ This minute shall
Declare it, my _Seleucus_, our hearts swell'd
With joy, with duty rather, oh my boy!

_Sel._ What's the mistery?

_Pol._ You must be a King.

_Cas._ _Seleucus_, stay, thou art too incredulous,
Let not our faith, and study to exalt thee,
Be so rewarded.

_Eub._ I pronounce thee King,
Unless thy spirit be turn'd coward, and
Thou faint to accept it.

_Sel._ King of what?

_Cas._ Of _Epire_.

_Sel._ Although the Queen, since she sent me hither,
Were gone to Heaven I know not how,
That title could devolve to me.

_Cas._ We have
No Queen, since he that should have married her,
Is prov'd her youngest brother, and now King
In his own title.

_Sel._ Thank you Gentlemen,
There's hope for me.

_Cas._ Why, you dare fight with him
And need be, for the Kingdom.

_Sel._ With _Arcadius_?
If you'll make stakes, my life against his crown,
I'll fight with him, and you, and your fine Son,
And all the Courtiers one after another.

_Cas._ 'Two'not come to that.

_Sel._ I am of your Lordships mind, so fare you well.

_Cas._ Yet stay and hear--

_Sel._ What? that you have betray'd me:
Do, tell your King, my life is grown a burden,
And I'll confess, and make your souls look pale,
To see how nimble mine shall leap this battlement
Of flesh, and dying, laugh at your poor malice.

_Omnes._ No more, long live _Leonatus_ King of _Epire_.

_Sel._ _Leonatus_, Who's that?

_Cas._ Be bold, and be a King, our brains have been
Working to raise you to this height, here are
None but friends, dare you but call your self
_Leonatus_, and but justifie with confidence
What we'll proclaime you, if we do not bring
The Crown to your head, we [w]ill forfeit ours.

_Eub._ The state is in distraction, _Arcadius_
Is prov'd a King, there was an elder brother,
If you dare but pronounce, you are the same,
Forget you are my son.

_Pol._ These are no trifles, Sir, all is plotted,
To assure your greatness; if you will be wise,
And take the faire occasion that's presented.

_Sel._ _Arcadius_, you say, is lawful King,
And now to depose him, you would make me
An elder brother, is't not so?

_Cas._ Most right.

_Sel._ Nay, right or wrong, if this be your true meaning.

_Omnes._ Upon our lives.

_Sel._ I'll venture mine, but with your pardon,
Whose brain was this? from whom took this plot life?

_Eub._ My Lord _Cassander_.

_Sel._ And you are of his mind? and you? and think
This may be done?

_Eub._ The destinies shall not cross us, if you have
Spirit to undertake it.

_Sel._ Undertake it?
I am not us'd to compliment, I'll owe
My life to you, my fortunes to your Lordship,
Compose me as you please, and when y'ave made
Me what you promise, you shall both divide
Me equally: one word, my Lord, I had rather
Live in the prison still, than be a propency
To advance his politick ends.

_Eub._ Have no suspition.

_Cas._ So, so, I see _Demetrius_ heels already
Trip'd up, and I'll dispatch him out oth' way,
Which gone, I can depose this at my leasure,
Being an Impostor, then my Son stands fair,
And may piece with the Princess, we lose time,
What think you, if we first surprize the Court?
While you command the Castle, we shall curbe
All opposition.

_Eub._ Let's proclaim him first,
I have some faction, the people love me,
They gain'd to us, wee'll fall upon the Court.

_Cas._ Unless _Demetrius_ yield himself, he bleeds.

_Sel._ Who dares call treason sin, when it succeeds? [_Exeunt Omnes._

_Enter_ Sophia, _and_ Charilla.

_Cha._ Madam, you are too passionate, and lose
The greatness of your soul, with the expence
Of too much grief, for that which providence
Hath eas'd you of, the burden of a state
Above your tender bearing.

_Sop._ Thour't a fool,
And canst not reach the spirit of a Lady,
Born great as I was, and made onely less
By a too cruel destiny, above
Our tender bearing: What goes richer to
The composition of Man, than ours?
Our soul as free, and spatious; our heart's
As great, our will as large, each thought as active,
And in this onely Man more proud than we,
That would have us less capable of Empire,
But search the stories, and the name of Queen
Shines bright with glory, and some precedents
Above Mans imitation.

_Cha._ I grant it
For the honor of our sex, nor have you, Madam,
By any weakness, forfeited command,
He that succeeds, in justice, was before you,
And you have gain'd more, in a royal brother,
Than you could lose by your resign of _Epire_.

_Sop._ This I allow _Charilla,_ I ha done;
'Tis not the thought I am depos'd afflicts me,
At the same time I feel a joy to know
My Brother living: no, there is another
Wound in me above cure.

_Cha_. Virtue forbid.

_Sop_. Canst find me out a Surgeon for that?

_Cha_. For what?

_Sop_. My bleeding fame.

_Cha_. Oh do not injure
Your own clear innocence.

_Sop_. Do not flatter me,
I have been guilty of an act, will make
All love in women question'd, is not that
A blot upon a Virgins name? my birth
Cannot extenuate my shame, I am
Become the stain of _Epire_.

_Cha._ 'Tis but
Your own opinion, Madam, which presents
Something to fright your self, which cannot
Be in the same shape so horrid to our sense.

_Sop_. Thou wod'st, but canst not appear ignorant:
Did not the Court, nay, the whole Kingdom, take
Notice, I lov'd _Lisimachus?_

_Cha._ True, Madam.

_Sop._ No, I was false,
Though counsel'd by my Father to affect him,
I had my politick ends upon _Cassander_,
To be absolute Queen, flattering his son with hopes
Of love and marriage, when that very day
I blush to think I wrong'd _Lisimachus_,
That noble Gentleman, but heaven punish'd me;
For though to know _Demetrius_ was a blessing,
Yet who will not impute it my dishonor.

_Cha._ Madam, you yet may recompence _Lisimachus_,
If you affect him now, you were not false
To him, whom then you lov'd not, if you can
Find any gentle passion in your soul
To entertain his thought, no doubt his heart,
Though sad retains a noble will to meet it,
His love was firm to you, and cannot be
Unrooted with one storme.

_Sop._ He will not sure
Trust any language from her tongue that mock'd him,
Although my soul doth weep for't, and is punish'd
To love him above the world.

_Enter_ Lisimachus.

_Cha._ Hee's here
As fate would have him reconcil'd, be free,
And speak your thoughts.

_Lisi._ If, Madam, I appear
Too bold, your charity will sign my pardon:
I heard you were not well, which made me haste
To pay the duty of an humble visit.

_Sop._ You do not mock me, Sir.

_Lisi._ I am confident
You think me not so lost to manners, in
The knowledge of your person, to bring with me
Such rudeness, I have nothing to present,
But a heart full of wishes for your health,
And what else may be added to your happiness.

_Sop._ I thought you had been sensible.

_Lisi._ How Madam?

_Sop._ A man of understanding, can you spend
One prayer for me, remembring the dishonor
I have done _Lisimachus_?

_Lisi._ Nothing can deface that part of my
Religion in me, not to pray for you.

_Sop._ It is not then impossible you may
Forgive me too, indeed I have a soul
Is full of penitence, and something else,
If blushing would allow to give't a name.

_Lisi._ What Madam?

_Sop._ Love, a love that should redeem
My past offence, and make me white again.

_Lisi_. I hope no sadness can possess your thoughts
For me, I am not worthy of this sorrow,
But if you mean it any satisfaction
For what your will hath made me suffer, 'tis
But a strange overflow of Charity,
To keep me still alive, be your self Madam,
And let no cause of mine, be guilty of
This rape upon your eyes, my name's not worth
The least of all your tears.

_Sop._ You think 'em counterfeit.

_Lisi._ Although I may
Suspect a Womans smile hereafter, yet
I would believe their wet eyes, and if this
Be what you promise, for my sake, I have
But one reply.

_Sop._ I waite it.

_Lisi._ I have now
Another Mistress.

_Sop._ Stay.

_Lisi._ To whom I have made
Since your revolt from me, a new chaste vow,
Which not the second malice of my fate
Shall violate, and she deserves it, Madam,
Even for that wherein you are excellent,
Beauty, in which she shines equal to you
Her vertue, if she but maintain what now
She is Mistress of, beyond all competition,
So rich it cannot know to be improv'd,
At least in my esteem, I may offend,
But truth shall justifie, I have not flatter'd her,
I beg your pardon, and to leave, my duty
Upon your hand, all that is good flow in you. [_Exit._

_Sop._ Did he not say, _Charilla_, that he had
Another Mistress?

_Cha._ Such a sound, methought,
Came from him.

_Sop._ Let's remove, here's too much ayre,
The sad note multiplies.

_Cha._ Take courage, Madam,
And my advice, he has another Mistress,
If he have twenty, be you wise, and cross him
With entertaining twice as many servants,
And when he sees your humor he'll return.
And sue for any Livery, grieve for this.

_Sop._ It must be she, 'tis _Polidora_ has
Taken his heart, she live my rival,
How does the thought inflame me!

_Cha. Polidora?_

_Sop._ And yet she does but justly, and he too;
I would have rob'd her of _Arcadius_ heart,
And they will both have this revenge on me,
But something will rebel. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Demetrius, Philocles, Lisander.

_De._ The house is desolate, none comes forth to meet us,
Shee's slow to entertain us: _Philocles,_
I prethee tell me, did she weare no cloud
Upon her brow, was't freely that she said
We should be welcome.

_Phi._ To my apprehension,
Yet 'tis my wonder she appears not.

_Lisa._ She, nor any other,
Sure there's some conceit
To excuse it.

_Dem._ Stay, Who's this? observe what follows?

_Phi._ Fortune? some maske to entertain you, Sir.

_Enter Fortune crown'd, attended with Youth, Health, and
Pleasure._