Chapter III: Act I: SCENE I. A rich Chamber

_A Table with Lights_, Abdelazer _sullenly leaning his Head
on his Hands: after a little while, still Musick plays_.

SONG.

_Love _in fantastick Triumph sat,
Whilst bleeding Hearts around him flow’d,
For whom fresh Pains he did create,
And strange Tyrannick Pow’r he shewed;
From thy bright Eyes he took his Fires,
Which round about in sport he hurl’d;
But ‘twas from mine he took Desires,
Enough t’undo the amorous World.

From me he took his Sighs and Tears,
From thee his Pride and Cruelty;
From me his Languishments and Fears,
And ev’ry killing Dart from thee:
Thus thou, and I, the God have arrri’d,
And set him up a Deity;
But my poor Heart alone is harm’d,
Whilst thine the Victor is, and free_.

[_After which he rouzes, and gazes_.

_Abd_. On me this Musick lost?--this Sound on me That hates all Softness?--What, ho, my Slaves!

_Enter_ Osmin, Zarrack.

_Osm_. My gracious Lord--

[_Enter_ Queen, Elvira.

_Qu_. My dearest _Abdelazer_--

_Abd_. Oh, are you there?--Ye Dogs, how came she in? Did I not charge you on your Lives to watch, That none disturb my Privacy?

_Qu_. My gentle _Abdelazer_, ‘tis thy Queen, Who ‘as laid aside the Business of her State, To wanton in the kinder Joys of Love-- Play all your sweetest Notes, such as inspire The active Soul with new and soft Desire, [_To_ the Musick, they play softly. Whilst we from Eyes--thus dying, fan the Fire. [_She sits down by him_.

_Abd_. Cease that ungrateful Noise.
[_Musick_ ceases.

_Qu_. Can ought that I command displease my Moor?

_Abd_. Away, fond Woman.

_Qu_. Nay, prithee be more kind.

_Abd_. Nay, prithee, good Queen, leave me--I am dull, Unfit for Dalliance now.

_Qu_. Why dost thou frown?--to whom was that Curse sent?

_Abd_. To thee--

_Qu_. To me?--it cannot be--to me, sweet Moor?-- No, no, it cannot--prithee smile upon me-- Smile, whilst a thousand Cupids shall descend And call thee Jove, and wait upon thy Smiles, Deck thy smooth Brow with Flowers; Whilst in my Eyes, needing no other Glass, Thou shalt behold and wonder at thy Beauty.

_Abd_. Away, away, be gone--

_Qu_. Where hast thou learnt this Language, that can say But those rude Words--Away, away, be gone? Am I grown ugly now?

_Abd_. Ugly as Hell--

_Qu_. Didst thou not love me once, and swore that Heav’n Dwelt in my Face and Eyes?

_Abd_. Thy Face and Eyes!--Baud, fetch me here a Glass, [_To_ Elvira. And thou shalt see the Balls of both those Eyes Burning with Fire of Lust: That Blood that dances in thy Cheeks so hot, That have not I to cool it Made an Extraction even of my Soul, Decay’d my Youth, only to feed thy Lust? And wou’dst thou still pursue me to my Grave?

_Qu_. All this to me, my _Abdelazer_?

_Abd_. I cannot ride through the _Castilian_ Streets, But thousand Eyes throw killing Looks at me, And cry--That’s he that does abuse our King-- There goes the Minion of the _Spanish_ Queen, Who, on the lazy Pleasures of his Love, Spends the Revenues of the King of _Spain_-- This many-headed Beast your Lust has arm’d.

_Qu_. How dare you, Sir, upbraid me with my Love?

_Abd_. I will not answer thee, nor hear thee speak.

_Qu_. Not hear me speak!--Yes, and in Thunder too; Since all my Passion, all my soft Intreaties Can do no good upon thee, I’ll see (since thou hast banish’d all thy Love, That Love, to which I’ve sacrific’d my Honour) If thou hast any Sense of Gratitude, For all the mighty Graces I have done thee.

_Abd_. Do;--and in thy Story too, do not leave out How dear those mighty Graces I have purchas’d; My blooming Youth, my healthful vigorous Youth, Which Nature gave me for more noble Actions Than to lie fawning at a Woman’s Feet, And pass my Hours in Idleness and Love-- If I cou’d blush, I shou’d thro all this Cloud Send forth my Sense of Shame into my Cheeks.

_Qu_. Ingrate! Have I for this abus’d the best of Men, My noble Husband? Depriving him of all the Joys of Love, To bring them all intirely to thy Bed; Neglected all my Vows, and sworn ‘em here a-new, Here, on thy Lips-- Exhausted Treasures that wou’d purchase Crowns, To buy thy Smiles--to buy a gentle Look; And when thou didst repay me--blest the Giver? Oh, _Abdelazer_, more than this I’ve done-- This very Hour, the last the King can live, Urg’d by thy Witch-craft, I his Life betray’d; And is it thus my Bounties are repaid? Whate’er a Crime so great deserves from Heav’n, By _Abdelazer_ might have been forgiven: [_Weeps_. But I will be reveng’d by penitence, And e’er the King dies, own my black Offence-- And yet that’s not enough--_Elvira_-- [_Pauses_. Cry murder, murder, help, help.

[_She and her Women cry aloud, he is surpriz’d,
the_ Queen _falls_, _he draws a Dagger_ at Elvira.

_Elv_. Help, murder, murder!--

_Abd_. Hell, what’s this?--peace, Baud--’sdeath, They’ll raise the Court upon me, and then I’m lost-- My Queen--my Goddess--Oh raise your lovely Eyes, I have dissembled Coldness all this while; And that Deceit was but to try thy Faith. [_Takes her up, sets her in a Chair, then kneels_. Look up--by Heav’n,’.was Jealousy-- Pardon your Slave--pardon your poor Adorer.

_Qu_. Thou didst upbraid me with my shameful Passion.

_Abd_. I’ll tear my Tongue out for its Profanation.

_Qu_. And when I woo’d thee but to smile upon me, Thou cry’st--Away, I’m dull, unfit for Dalliance.

_Abd_. Call back the frighted Blood into thy Cheeks, And I’ll obey the Dictates of my Love, And smile, and kiss, and dwell for ever here-- _Enter_ Osmin hastily. How now--why star’st thou so?

_Osm_. My Lord--the King is dead.

_Abd_. The King dead!--’Twas time then to dissemble. [_Aside_. What means this Rudeness?-- [_One knocks_.

_Enter_ Zarrack.

_Zar_. My Lord--the Cardinal inquiring for the Queen, The Court is in an uproar, none can find her.

_Abd_. Not find the Queen! and wou’d they search her here?

_Qu_. What shall I do? I must not here be found.

_Abd_. Oh, do not fear--no Cardinal enters here; No King--no God, that means to be secure-- Slaves guard the Doors, and suffer none to enter, Whilst I, my charming Queen, provide for your Security-- You know there is a Vault deep under Ground, Into the which the busy Sun ne’er enter’d, But all is dark, as are the Shades of Hell, Thro which in dead of Night I oft have pass’d, Guided by Love, to your Apartment, Madam-- They knock agen--thither, my lovely Mistress, [_Knock_. Suffer your self to be conducted--

_Osmin_, attend the Queen--descend in haste, [Queen, Osm. _and_ Elv. _descend the Vault_. My Lodgings are beset.

_Zar_. I cannot guard the Lodgings longer-- Don _Ordonio_, Sir, to seek the Queen--

_Abd_. How dare they seek her here?

_Zar_. My Lord, the King has swounded twice, And being recover’d, calls for her Majesty.

_Abd_. The King not dead!--go, _Zafrack_, and aloud Tell Don _Ordonio_ and the Cardinal, He that dares enter here to seek the Queen, [_Puts his Hand to his Sword_. Had better snatch the She from the fierce side Of a young amorous Lion, and ‘twere safer.-- Again, more knocking!-- [_Knocking_.

_Zar_. My gracious Lord, it is your Brother, Don _Alonzo_.

_Abd_. I will not have him enter--I am disorder’d.

_Zar_. My Lord, ‘tis now too late.
_Enter_ Alonzo.

_Alon_. Saw you not the Queen, my Lord?

_Abd_. My Lord!

_Alon_. Was not the Queen here with you?

_Abd_. The Queen with me! Because, Sir, I am married to your Sister, You, like your Sister, must be jealous too: The Queen with me! with me! a Moor! a Devil! A Slave of _Barbary_! for so Your gay young Courtiers christen me--But, Don, Altho my Skin be black, within my Veins Runs Blood as red, and royal as the best.-- My Father, Great _Abdela_, with his Life Lost too his Crown; both most unjustly ravish’d By Tyrant _Philip_, your old King I mean. How many Wounds his valiant Breast receiv’d E’er he would yield to part with Life and Empire: Methinks I see him cover’d o’er with Blood, Fainting amidst those numbers he had conquer’d. I was but young, yet old enough to grieve, Tho not revenge, or to defy my Fetters: For then began my Slavery; and e’er since Have seen that Diadem by this Tyrant worn, Which crown’d the sacred Temples of my Father, And shou’d adorn mine now--shou’d! nay, and must-- Go tell him what I say--’twill be but Death-- Go, Sir,--the Queen’s not here.

_Alon_. Do not mistake me, Sir,--or if I wou’d, I’ve no old King to tell--the King is dead-- And I am answer’d, Sir, to what I came for, And so good night. [_Exit_.

_Abd_. Now all that’s brave and villain seize my Soul, Reform each Faculty that is not ill, And make it fit for Vengeance, noble Vengeance. Oh glorious Word! fit only for the Gods, For which they form’d their Thunder, Till Man usurp’d their Power, and by Revenge Sway’d Destiny as well as they, and took their trade of killing. And thou, almighty Love, Dance in a thousand forms about my Person, That this same Queen, this easy Spanish Dame, May be bewitch’d, and dote upon me still; Whilst I make use of the insatiate Flame To set all _Spain_ on fire.-- Mischief, erect thy Throne, And sit on high; here, here upon my Head. Let Fools fear Fate, thus I my Stars defy: The influence of this--must raise my Glory high. [_Pointing to his Sword.

[Exit_.

SCENE II. _A Room in the Palace_.

_Enter_ Ferdinand _weeping_, Ordonio _bearing the Crown,
followed by_ Alonzo, _leading_ Leonora _weeping_; Florella,
Roderigo, Mendozo, _met by the_ Queen _weeping_;
Elvira _and Women_.

_Qu_. What doleful Cry was that, which like the Voice Of angry Heav’n struck thro my trembling Soul? Nothing but horrid Shrieks, nothing but Death; Whilst I, bowing my Knees to the cold Earth, Drowning my Cheeks in Rivulets of Tears, Sending up Prayers in Sighs, t’ implore from Heaven Health for the Royal Majesty of _Spain_-- All cry’d, the Majesty of _Spain_ is dead. Whilst the sad Sound flew through the ecchoing Air, And reach’d my frighted Soul--Inform my Fears, Oh my _Fernando_, oh my gentle Son-- [_Weeps_.

_King_. Madam, read here the truth, if looks can shew That which I cannot speak, and you wou’d know: The common Fare in ev’ry face appears; A King’s great loss the publick Grief declares, But ‘tis a Father’s Death that claims my Tears. [Card. _leads in the_ Queen _attended_.

_Leon_. Ah, Sir! If you thus grieve, who ascend by what y’ave lost, To all the Greatness that a King can boast; What Tributes from my Eyes and Heart are due, Who’ve lost at once a King and Father too?

_King_. My _Leonora_ cannot think my Grief Can from those empty Glories find relief; Nature within my Soul has equal share, And that and Love surmount my Glory there. Had Heav’n continu’d Royal _Philip’s_ Life, And giv’n me bright _Florella_ for a Wife, [_Bows to_ Florella. To Crown and Scepters I had made no claim, But ow’d my Blessings only to my Flame. But Heav’n well knew in giving thee away, [_To_ Flor. I had no bus’ness for another Joy. [_Weeps_. The King, _Alanzo_, with his dying Breath, [_Turns to_ Alon. _and_ Leon. To you my beauteous Sister did bequeath; And I his Generosity approve, And think you worthy _Leonora’s_ Love.

_Enter_ Card. _and_ Queen _weeping_.

_Alon_. Too gloriously my Services are paid, In the possession of this Royal Maid, To whom my guilty Heart durst ne’er aspire, But rather chose to languish in its Fire.

_Enter_ Philip _in a Rage_, Antonio _and_ Sebastian.

_Phil_. I know he is not dead; what envious Powers Durst snatch him hence? he was all great and good, As fit to be ador’d as they above. Where is the Body of my Royal Father? That Body which inspir’d by’s sacred Soul, Aw’d all the Universe with ev’ry Frown, And taught ‘em all Obedience with his Smiles. Why stand you thus distracted--Mother--Brother-- My Lords--Prince Cardinal-- Has Sorrow struck you dumb? Is this my Welcome from the Toils of War? When in his Bosom I shou’d find repose, To meet it cold and pale!--Oh, guide me to him, And with my Sighs I’ll breathe new Life into’t.

_King_. There’s all that’s left of Royal _Philip_ now, [Phil, _goes out_. Pay all thy Sorrow there--whilst mine alone Are swoln too high t’ admit of Lookers on. [_Ex_. King _weeping_.

Philip _returns weeping_.

_Phil_. His Soul is fled to all Eternity; And yet methought it did inform his Body, That I, his darling _Philip_, was arriv’d With Conquest on my Sword; and even in Death Sent me his Joy in Smiles.

_Qu_. If Souls can after Death have any Sense Of human things, his will be proud to know That _Philip_ is a Conqueror. _Enter_ Abdelazer. But do not drown thy Laurels thus in Tears, Such Tributes leave to us, thou art a Soldier.

_Phil_. Gods! this shou’d be my Mother--

_Men_. It is, great Sir, the Queen.

_Phil_. Oh, she’s too foul for one or t’other Title.

_Qu_. How, Sir, do you not know me?

_Phil_. When you were just, I did, And with a Reverence, such as we pay Heav’n, I paid my awful Duty;-- But as you have abus’d my Royal Father, For such a Sin the basest of your Slaves Wou’d blush to call you Mother.

_Qu_. What means my Son?

_Phil_. Son! by Heav’n, I scorn the Title.

_Qu_. Oh Insolence!--out of my sight, rude Boy.

_Phil_. We must not part so, Madam; I first must let you know your Sin and Shame;-- Nay, hear me calmly--for, by Heav’n, you shall-- My Father whilst he liv’d, tir’d his strong Arm With numerous Battles ‘gainst the Enemy, Wasting his Brains in warlike Stratagems; To bring Confusion on the faithless Moors, Whilst you, lull’d in soft Peace at home, betray’d His Name to everlasting Infamy; Suffer’d his Bed to be defil’d with Lust, Gave up your self, your Honour, and your Vows, To wanton in yon sooty Lecher’s Arms. [_Points to_ Abd.

_Abd_. Me, dost thou mean?

_Phil_. Yes, Villain, thee, thou Hell-begotten Fiend, ’.is thee I mean.

_Qu_. Oh most unnatural, to dishonour me!

_Phil_. That Dog you mean, that has dishonour’d you, Dishonour’d me, these Lords, nay, and all Spain; This Devil’s he, that--

_Abd_. That--what--Oh pardon me if I throw off All Ties of Duty:--wert thou ten King’s Sons, And I as many Souls as I have Sins, Thus I would hazard all. [Draws, they all run between.

_Phil_. Stand off--or I’ll make way upon thy Bosom.

_Abd_. How got you, Sir, this daring?

_Phil_. From injur’d _Philip’s_ Death, Who, whilst he liv’d, unjustly cherish’d thee, And set thee up beyond the reach of Fate; Blind with thy brutal Valor, deaf with thy Flatteries, Discover’d not the Treason thou didst act, Nor none durst let him know ‘em--but did he live, I wou’d aloud proclaim them in his Ears.

_Abd_. You durst as well been damn’d.

_Phil_. Hell seize me if I want Revenge for this-- Not dare! Arise, thou injur’d Ghost of my dead King, And thro thy dreadful Paleness dart a Horror, May fright this pair of Vipers from their Sins.

_Abd_. Oh insupportable! dost hear me, Boy?

_Qu_. Are ye all mute, and hear me thus upbraided?
[_To the Lords_.

_Phil_. Dare ye detain me whilst the Traitor braves me?

_Men_. Forbear, my Prince, keep in that noble Heat That shou’d be better us’d than on a Slave.

_Abd_. You politick Cheat--

_Men. Abdelazer_-- By the Authority of my Government, Which yet I hold over the King of _Spain_, By Warrant of a Council from the Peers, And (as an Unbeliever) from the Church, I utterly deprive thee of that Greatness, Those Offices and Trusts you hold in _Spain_.

_Abd_. Cardinal--who lent thee this Commission? Grandees of Spain, do you consent to this?

_All_. We do.

_Alon_. What Reason for it? let his Faith be try’d.

_Men_. It needs no tryal, the Proofs are evident, And his Religion was his Veil for Treason.

_Alon_. Why should you question his Religion, Sir? He does profess Christianity.

_Men_. Yes, witness his Habit which he still retains In scorn to ours-- His Principles are too as unalterable.

_Abd_. Is that the only Argument you bring? I tell thee, Cardinal, not thy Holy Gown Covers a Soul more sanctify’d than this Moorish Robe.

_Phil_. Damn his Religion--he has a thousand Crimes That will yet better justify your Sentence.

_Men_. Come not within the Court; for if you do, Worse mischief shall ensue--you have your Sentence. [_Ex_. Phil, _and_ Men.

_Alon_. My Brother banish’d! ‘tis very sudden; For thy sake, Sister, this must be recall’d. [_To_ Flor.

_Qu. Alonzo_, join with me, I’ll to the King, And check the Pride of this insulting Cardinal. [_Exeunt all, except_ Abdelazer, Florella.

_Abd_. Banish’d! if I digest this Gall, May Cowards pluck the Wreath from off my Brow, Which I have purchas’d with so many Wounds, And all for Spain; for _Spain_! ingrateful _Spain_!-- Oh, my _Florella_, all my Glory’s vanish’d, The Cardinal (Oh damn him) wou’d have me banish’d.

_Flor_. But, Sir, I hope you will not tamely go.

_Abd_. Tamely!--ha, ha, ha,--yes, by all means-- A very honest and religious Cardinal!

_Flor_. I wou’d not for the World you should be banish’d.

_Abd_. Not Spain, you mean--for then she leaves the King. [_Aside_. What if I be?--Fools! not to know--All parts o’ th’ World Allow enough for Villany; for I’ll be brave no more. It is a Crime--and then I can live any where-- But say I go from hence--I leave behind me A Cardinal that will laugh--I leave behind me A _Philip_ that will clap his Hands in sport-- But the worst Wound is this, I leave my Wrongs, Dishonours, and my Discontents, all unreveng’d-- Leave me, _Florella_--prithee do not weep; I love thee, love thee wondrously--go leave me-- I am not now at leisure to be fond-- Go to your Chamber--go.

_Flor_. No, to the King I’ll fly, And beg him to revenge thy Infamy. [_Ex_. Flor. _To him_ Alonzo.

_Alon_. The Cardinal’s mad to have thee banish’d Spain. I’ve left the Queen in angry Contradiction, But yet I fear the Cardinal’s Reasoning.

_Abd_. This Prince’s Hate proceeds from Love, He’s jealous of the Queen, and fears my Power. [_Aside_.

_Alon_. Come, rouse thy wonted Spirits, awake thy Soul, And arm thy Justice with a brave Revenge.

_Abd_. I’ll arm no Justice with a brave Revenge.
[_Sullenly_.

_Alon_. Shall they then triumph o’er thee, who were once Proud to attend thy conqu’ring Chariot-Wheels?

_Abd_. I care not--I am a Dog, and can bear wrongs.

_Alon_. But, Sir, my Honour is concern’d with yours, Since my lov’d Sister did become your Wife; And if yours suffer, mine too is unsafe.

_Abd_. I cannot help it--

_Alon_. What Ice has chill’d thy Blood? This Patience was not wont to dwell with thee.

_Abd_. ‘Tis true; but now the World is chang’d you see. Thou art too brave to know what I resolve-- [_Aside_. No more--here comes the King with my _Florella_. He loves her, and she swears to me she’s chaste; ’.is well, if true--well too, if it be false: [_Aside_. I care not, ‘tis Revenge That I must sacrifice my Love and Pleasure to. [Alon. _and_ Abd. _stand aside_.

_Enter King, _Lords, Guards passing over the Stage_,
Florella _in a suppliant posture weeping_.

_King_. Thou woo’st me to reverse thy Husband’s Doom, And I woo thee for Mercy on my self, Why shoud’st thou sue to him for Life and Liberty, For any other, who himself lies dying, Imploring from thy Eyes a little Pity?

_Flor_. Oh mighty King! in whose sole Power, like Heav’n, The Lives and Safeties of your Slaves remain, Hear and redress my _Abdelazer’s_ Wrongs.

_King_. All Lives and Safeties in my Power remain! Mistaken charming Creature, if my Power Be such, who kneel and bow to thee, What must thine be, Who hast the Sovereign Command o’er me and it? Wou’dst thou give Life? turn but thy lovely Eyes Upon the wretched thing that wants it, And he will surely live, and live for ever. Canst thou do this, and com’st to beg of me?

_Flor_. Alas, Sir, what I beg’s what you alone can give, My _Abdelazer’s_ Pardon.

_King_. Pardon! can any thing ally’d to thee offend? Thou art so sacred and so innocent, That but to know thee, and to look on thee, Must change even Vice to Virtue. Oh my _Florella_! So perfectly thou dost possess my Soul, That ev’ry Wish of thine shall be obey’d: Say, wou’dst thou have thy Husband share my Crown? Do but submit to love me, and I yield it.

_Flor_. Such Love as humble Subjects owe their King. [_Kneels, he takes her up_. And such as I dare pay, I offer here.

_King_. I must confess it is a Price too glorious: But, my _Florella_--

_Abd_. I’ll interrupt your amorous Discourse. [_Aside_.
[Abd. _comes up to them_.

_Flor_. Sir, _Abdelazer’s_ here.

_King_. His Presence never was less welcome to me;-- [_Aside_. But, Madam, durst the Cardinal use this Insolence? Where is your noble Husband?

_Abd_. He sees me, yet inquires for me. [_Aside_.

_Flor_. Sir, my Lord is here.

_King. Abdelazer_, I have heard with much surprize, O’ th’ Injuries you’ve receiv’d, and mean to right you: My Father lov’d you well, made you his General, I think you worthy of that Honour still.

_Abd_. True--for my Wife’s sake. [_Aside_.

_King_. When my Coronation is solemnized, Be present there, and re-assume your wonted State and Place; And see how I will check the insolent Cardinal.

_Abd_. I humbly thank my Sovereign--
[_Kneels, and kisses the_ King’s _Hand_.
That he loves my Wife so well. [_Aside_.
[_Exeunt_.
_Manent_ Abdelazer, Florella.

_Flor_. Wilt thou not pay my Service with one Smile? Have I not acted well the Suppliant’s part?

_Abd_. Oh wonderfully! y’ave learnt the Art to move. Go, leave me.

_Flor_. Still out of humour, thoughtful and displeas’d? And why at me, my _Abdelazer_? what have I done?

_Abd_. Rarely! you cannot do amiss you are so beautiful. So very fair--Go, get you in, I say-- [_Turns her in roughly_. She has the art of dallying with my Soul, Teaching it lazy softness from her Looks. But now a nobler Passion’s enter’d there, And blows it thus--to Air--Idol Ambition, _Florella_ must to thee a Victim fall: Revenge,--to thee--a Cardinal and Prince: And to my Love and Jealousy, a King-- More yet, my mighty Deities, I’ll do, None that you e’er inspir’d like me shall act; That fawning servile Crew shall follow next, Who with the Cardinal cry’d, banish _Abdelazer_.

_Like Eastern Monarchs I’ll adorn thy Fate,
And to the Shades thou shalt descend in State.

[Exit_.