The Dramatic Works of Ben Jonson, and Beaumont and Fletcher

Dem. And is he dead?
Come, shame him not with praises; recollect
Thy scatter'd hopes, and let me tell my best
And dearest Polidora, that he lives,
Still lives to honour thee!
Polid. Lives? where?
Dem. Look here;

Am not I worth your knowledge?
Polid. And my duty;

You are Demetrius, king of Epire, sir.
I could not easily mistake him so
To whom I gave my heart.

Dem. Mine is not chang'd,

But still hath fed upon thy memory:
These honours and additions of state

Are lent me for thy sake. Be not so strange!
Let me not lose my entertainment, now
I am improv'd, and rais'd unto the height
Beneath which I did blush to ask thy love!
Polid. Give me your pardon, sir! Arcadius,
At our last meeting, without argument

To move him, more than his affection to me,
Vow'd he did love me, love ine above all wo-

[joys,

The thought of thee, i'th' throng of all my
Like poison pour'd in nectar, turns me frantick:
Dear, if Arcadius have made a fault,
Let not Demetrius be punish'd for't!
He pleads, that ever will be constant to thee.
Polid. Shall I believe man's flatteries again,
Lose my sweet rest, and peace of thought
again?
[virtue
Be drawn by you from the straight paths of
Into the maze of love?
[chides me

Dem. I see compassion in thy eye, that If I have either soul, but what's contain'd

30 Fix with a rubrick in my calendar.] VOL. III.

I lov'd you once for virtue, and have not
A thought so much unguarded, as to be
Won from my truth and innocence, with any
Motives of state to affect you.

[here, Your bright temptation mourns while it stays Nor can the triumph of glory, which made you

Forget me so, court my opinion back.
Were you no king, I should be sooner drawn
Again to love you; but 'tis now too late;
A low obedience shall become me best.
May all the joys I want

Still wait on you! If time hereafter tell you, That sorrow for your fault hath struck me dead,

[pity,

May one soft tear, dropt from your eye in Bedew my hearse, and I shall sleep securely! I have but one word more: for goodness' sake,

For your own honour, sir, correct your passion To her you shall love next, and I forgive

you.

[Erit. Dem. Her heart is frozen up, nor cau Thaw it to any softness. [warm prayers Phil. I'll fetch her, sir, again.

Dem. Persuade her not.

[to triumph.

Whilst we raise power to curb this insurAnt. Lose no time then.

Dem. We will not arm one inan. Speak it again! have I a brother living, And must be no king?

Mac. What means your grace? [exalts Dem. This news doth speak me happy; it My heart, and makes me capable of more Than twenty kingdoms!

i. e. Consider it as a red-letter day. Ff

Phil.

To keep it. We're alone; what dost think of
This innovation? Is it not a fine jig?
A precious cunning in the late protector,
To shuffle a new prince into the state?

Phil. I know not how they've shuffled,
but, my head on't,
[look to't!
A false card's turn'd up trump: but, fates
Enter Cassander and Eubulus.

Eub. Does he not carry't bravely?
Cass. Excellently.—

Philocles! Lysander!

Phil. Lysan. Your lordship's servants! Cass. Are we not bound to Heaven, for multiplying

These blessings on the kingdom 31 ?

Phil. Heaven alone

Works miracles, my lord.

Lysan. I think your lordship had

As little hope once to see these princes revive.
Cass. Here we

Must place our thanks, next Providence, for
preserving

So dear a pledge 32.

Enter Leonatus, attended.

Eub. The king!

Leo. It is our pleasure

The number of our guard be doubled. Give
A largess to the soldiers; but dismiss not
The troops 'till we command.

Cass. May it please—

Leo. It will not please us otherwise, my We've tried your faith!

[lord, Eub. Does he not speak with confidence? Leo. My lords and gentlemen, to whose faith we must

[safety,

Owe (next to Heaven) our fortune and our
After a tedious eclipse, the day

Is bright, and we invested in those honours
Our blood and birth did challenge.

Cass. May no time

Be register'd in our annals, that shall mention
One that had life t'oppose your sacred person!
Leo. Let them, whose title's forg'd and
flaw'd, suspect

Their state's security! Our right to Epire
Heaven is oblig'd to prosper: treason has
No face so black to fright it. All my cares
Level to this, that I may worthily33"
Manage the province, and advance the honour
Of our dear country: and, be confident,
If an expence of blood may give addition
Of any happiness to you, I shall

Offer my heart the sacrifice, and rejoice
To make myself a ghost, to have inscrib'd
Upon my marble but whose cause I died for.
Eub. May Heaven avert such danger!

31 Are we not bound to Heaven.] The retorting of these very words by Philocles in the next scene upon Cassander, led Mr. Seward, Mr. Theobald, and myself, to the assurance of their belonging to Cussunder here, and accordingly I have placed his name before thein. Sympson.

32 Phil. Here we must place.] I once imagined that this was a speech with action, and might easily be understood, by supposing Philocles to point to Eubulus; but I believe Mr. Seward has more happily conjectured it ought to belong to Cassander. Sympson.

worthily

Manage the province, and advance the honour

Of our dear country.] To manage the province of our dear country, and advance the honour of our dear country, seems a little inaccurate: perhaps we should read,

worthily

Manage this province; or, my province,

i. e. The charge I have undertook, &c. Sympson.

Cass.

Cass. Excellent prince,

In whom we see the copy of his father!
None but the son of Theodosius,
Could have spoke thus.

Leo. You're pleas'd t'interpret well.
Yet, give me leave to say in my own justice,
I've but express'd the promptness of my soul
To serve you all; but 'tis not empty wishes
Can satisfy our mighty charge, a weight
Would make an Atlas double. A king's name
Doth sound harmoniously to men at distance;
And those, who cannot penetrate beyond
The bark and out-skin of a commonwealth
Or state, have eyes but ravish'd with the
ceremony
[not
That must attend a prince, and understand
What cares allay the glories of a crown:
But good kings find and feel the contrary.
You've tried, my lord, the burden; and can
tell

It would require a pilot of more years
To steer this kingdom, now impos'd on me
By justice of my birth.

Cass. I wish not lifa

But to partake those happy days which must
Succeed these fair proceedings: we are blest!
But, sir, be sparing to yourself! we shall
Hazard our joys in you too soon; the burden
Of state-affairs impose upon your council.
'Tis fitter that we waste our lives, than you
Call age too soon upon you with the trouble
And cares that threaten such an undertaking:
Preserve your youth!

Leo. And chuse you our protector?
Is't that you would conclude, my lord? We
will

Deserve our subjects' faith for our own sake,
Not sit an idle gazer at the helm.

Enter Messenger,

Phil. How! observ'd you that? Mark how
Cassander's planet-struck. [for all that.
Eub. He might have look'd more calmly
I begin to fear; but do not yet seem
troubled 34.
[must secure

Leo. With what news travels his haste? I
Myself betimes; not be a king in jest,
And wear my crown a tenant to their breath.
Cass, Demetrius, sir, your brother,
With other traitors that oppose your claims,
Are fled to th' castle of Nestorius,

And fortify

Mess. I said not so, my lord.
Cass. I'll have it thought so; hence!
[Exit Messenger.

Leo, Plant force to batter

[Aside.

Leo. Sophia's not my sister: to prevent all
That may endanger us, we'll marry her;
That done, no matter tho' we stand discover'd;
For in her title then we're king of Epire,
Without dispute.

Cass. Hum!-In my judgment, sir,
That wo'not do so well.

Leo. What's your opinion? [so cunning?
Cass. He countermines my plot: are you
Leo. What's that you mutter, sir?
Cass. I mutter, sir?

[postor Leo. Best say I am no king, but some imRais'd up to gull the state.

it.

Cass. Very fine! To have said within
Few hours you'd been no king, nor like to be,
Was not i'th' compass of high-treason, I take
[mov'd; speak not.
Enb. Restrain your anger! the king's
Cass. I will speak louder: do I not know
him?
[throne
That self-same hand that rais'd him to the
Shall pluck him from it! Is this my reward?
Leo. Our guard! To prison with him!
Cass. Me to prison?

Leo. Off with his head!

Cass. My head?

Eub. Vouchsafe to hear me,

Great sir!

34 Eub. He might have look'd.] If the reader will consider this answer, he will find that Lysander, and not Eubulus, should be prefix'd before it. Sympson.

If the reader will consider this answer, he will find,' that Lysander could not speak it, nor any but a partisan in the plot for clevating Seleucus. Eubulus means by it to continue the deceit on Cassunder, till he procures his dismission to the castle of Nestorius.

35 Cas. How dares he be so insolent ?] 'Tis possible that this line belongs to Cassander; but I think more probable it should be Leonatus's, and accordingly I have prefixed his name

to it.

Sympson.

How much your grace honours your humble servant!

Sophia. I hope my brother's well. Polid. I hope so too, madam. [your guest. Sophia. Do you but hope? He came to be Polid. We are all his, whilst he is pleas'd to honour [dam. This poor roof with his royal presence, maSophia. I came to ask your pardon, Polidora. [me;

Polid. You never, madam, trespass'd upon Wrong not your goodness.

Sophia. I can be but penitent,
Unless you point me out some other way
To satisfy,

Polid. Dear madam, do not mock me! Sophia. There is no injury, like that to love; I find it now in my own sufferings:

But tho' I would have robb'd thee of Arcadius,
Heaven knew a way to reconcile your hearts,
And punish'd me in those joys you have found.
I read the story of my loss of honour,
Yet can rejoice, and heartily, that you
Have met your own again.

Ford. Who do you mean?
Sophia. My brother.

Potid. He's found to himself and honour: He is my king; and tho' I must acknowledge He was the glory of my thoughts, and I Lov'd him, as you did, madam, with desire To be made his, reason and duty since Form'd me to other knowledge, and I now Look on him without any wish of more Than to be call'd his subject.

Sophia. Has he made
Himself less capable, by being king?
Polid. Of what?

It will be much short of his worth: I think
A gentleman so perfect in all goodness,
That if there be one in the world deserves
The best of women, Heaven created him
To make her happy.

Sophia. You've in a little, madam, Express'd a volume of mankind, a miracle. But all have not the same degree of faith: He is but young

Polid. What mistress would desire Her servant old? He has both spring to please Her eye and summer to return a harvest. Sophia. He's black

Polid. He sets a beauty off more rich, And she that's fair will love him: faiut complexions

Betray effeminate minds, and love of change;
Two beauties in a bed compound few men;
He's not so fair to counterfeit a woman,
Nor yet so black but blushes may betray
His modesty.

Sophia. His proportion exceeds not-
Polid. That praises him: and a well-com
pacted frame

Speaks temper, and sweet flow of elements;
Vast buildings are more oft for show than use:
I would not have my eyes put to the travel
Of many acres, ere I could examine
A man from head to foot; he has no great,
But he may boast an elegant, composition.
Sophia. I'll hear no more! You have so far
outdone

My injuries to you, that I call back
My penitence; and must tell Polidora,
This revenge ill becomes her. Am I thought
So lost in soul to hear, and forgive this?
In what shade do I live? or shall I think
I have not, at the lowest, enough merit,
Setting aside my birth, to poize with yours?
Forgive my modest thoughts, if I rise up
My own defence, and tell this unjust lady,
So great a winter hath not frozen yet
My cheek, but there is something Nature
planted

That carries as much bloom, and spring upon't
As yours! What flame is in your eye, but may
Find competition here? (forgive again,
My virgin honour!) what is in your lip
To tice th' enamour'd soul to dwell with more
Ambition,

Act 5.]

Ambition, than the yet-unwither'd blush That speaks the innocence of mine? Oh, brother!

Enter Demetrius.

Dem. I'll talk with you anon. My Polidora! breath recover, Allow thy patience 'till my Which now comes laden with the richest news Thy ear was ever blest with.

Sophia. Both your looks

And voice express some welcome accident. Dem. Guess what in wish could make me fortunate,

And Heaven hath dropt that on Demetrius.
Sophia. What means this extasy?
Dem. 'Twere sin to busy
[I could
Thy thoughts upon't; I'll tell thee.-That
Retain some part! it is too wide a joy

To be express'd so soon; and yet it falls
In a few syllables-thou wo't scarce believe
I am no king.

Sophia. How's that?

Polid. Good Heaven forbid!

[me!

Dem. Forbid? Heaven has reliev'd me with
a mercy

I knew not how to ask: I have, they say,
An elder brother living, crown'd already:
I only keep my name Demetrius,
Without desire of more addition
Than to return thy servant.

Polid. You amaze me!

Can you rejoice to be depos'd?
Dem. It but

Translates me to a fairer and better kingdom
In Polidora.

Polid. Me?

not

say,

Dem. Did [me you Were I no king, you could be drawn to love Again? That was consented to in Heaven. A kingdom first betray'd my ambitious soul To forget thee: that, and the flattering glories, How willingly Demetrius does resign, The angels know! Thus naked, without titles, I throw me on thy charity; and shall Boast greater empire to be thine again, than To wear the triumphs of the world upon me. Enter Macarius.

Mac. Be not so careless of yourself! the people

Gather in multitudes to your protection,
Offering their lives and fortunes, if they may
But see you, sir, and hear you speak to 'em:
Accept their duties, and in time prevent
Your ruin.

Sophia. Be not desperate; 'tis counsel-
Dem. You trouble nie with noise!-Speak,

Polidora!

[My fears

Polid. For your own sake, preserve yourself!

Distract my reason. '

Enter Antigonus.

Ant. Lord Lysimachus,

With something that concerns your safety, is Fled hither, and desires a present hearing. Mac. His soul is lonest: be not, sir, a madman,

And for a lady give up all our freedoms! [Exit.

Polid. I will say any thing, hear Lysimachus,
Sophia. Dear brother, hear him!
Enter Lysimachus.

Lysim. Sir, I come to yield
Myself your prisoner: if my father have
Rais'd an impostor to supplant your title,
(Which I suspect, and inwardly do bleed for)
I shall not only, by the tender of
Myself, declare my innocence, but either,
By my unworthy life, secure your person,
Or by what death you shall impose, reward
The unexpected treason.

Sophia. Brave young man! Did you not hear him, brother? Lysim. I'm not minded!

Polid. Bewitness, madam, I resign my heart! It never was another's.-You declare Too great a satisfaction.-I hope This will destroy your jealousy.Remember now your danger!

Dem. I despise it!

What fate dares injure me? Lysim, Yet hear me, sir!

[py.

Sophia. Forgive me, Polidora! you are hap

My hopes are remov'd further: I had thought
Lysimachus had meant you for his mistress.
'Tis misery to feed, and not know where
To place my jealousy.

36 As nimble as he were in's shirt.] This may allude to Hieronimo's appearing in his shirt on the stage, in the Spanish Tragedy, and inveighing against the murderer of his son.

Enter

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The Dramatic Works of Ben Jonson, and Beaumont and Fletcher, Volume 4