m
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Library of Last Recourse
SECRET-
OVE,
OR THE
en-Queen:
As it is Afted
By His Majefties Servants
AT THE
THEATER-ROYAL.
Written by
John Dryden, Efqj
— Vitus nemo fine nafcitur • optimus ilk
Qui minimis urgetur. Horace,
LON DON,
Printed for Henry Herringman, at the Sign of the
Anchor , on the lower walk of the New-
Exchange, i 6 6 $.
rS? f*£f ?
.. j Mi
nb
T has been the ordinary pradtice of the
French Poets, to dedicate their Works of
this nature to their King, especially when
they have had the leaft encouragement to it5 by
his approbation of them on the Stage- But I con-
fefs I want the confidence to follow their exam-
ple, thouh perhaps I have as fpecious preten-
ces to it for this Piece, as any they can boafl: of: it
having been own'd info particular a manner by
His Majefty, that he has grac'd it with the Title
of His Play, and thereby refcued it from the fe-
verity (that I may not fay malice) of its Ene-
mies. But, though a character fo high and unde-
ferv'dhas not rais'd in me the preemption to
offer fuch a trifle to his moft ferious view, yet I
Will own the vanity to fay, that after this glory
which it has receiv'd from a Soveraign Prince,
I could not fend it to feek protection from any
Subjedt Be this Poem then facred to him with-
out the tedious form of a Dedication, and with-
out prefuming to interrupt thofe hours which
he is dayly giving to the peace and fetslement of
his people.
Ax for
The preface:
For what elfe concerns this Play; I would tell
the Reader that it is regular , according to the
ftncteft of Dramatick Laws, but that it is a com-
mendation which many of our Poets now de-
fp'ife, and a beauty which our common Audi-
ences do noteafilydifcern. Neither indeed do I
value my feif upon it, becaufe with all that iym-
metry of parts, it may want an air and fpirit
(which confifts in the writing ) to fet it of?. Tis
a queftion varioully difputed, whether an Au-
thor may be allowed as a competent judge of his
own works. As to the Fabrick and contrivance
of them certainly he may, for that is properly the
employment of the judgement ; which, as a Ma-
tter-builder may determine, and that without
deception, whether the work be according to the
exadtnefs of the model - ftill granting him to
have a perfea Idea of that pattern by which he
works: and that he keeps himfelf alwayes con-
ftant to the difcourfe of his judgement, without
admitting felf-love, which is the falfe furveyer
of his Fancy, to intermeddle in it. Thefe Quali-
fications granted ( being fuch as all found Poets
are prefuppofld to have within them ) Ithinkall,
Writers, of what kind focver, may infalhbly.'
The Treface.
judg of the frame and contexture of their Works.
But for the ornament of Writing>which is great-
er more various and bizarre in Poefie then in any
other kind, as it is properly the Child of Fancy,
fo it can receive no meafure, or at leaft but a very
imperfedtoneof its own excellencies or faillures
from the judgement. Self-love (which enters but
rarely into the offices ofthejudgement)here pre-
dominates. And Fancy (if 1 may fa fpeak) judg-
ingofitfelf,can be no more certain or demon>
ftrative of its own effe<5ts,than two crooked lines
can be the adequate meafure of each other. What
Ihavefaidonthisfubjec5t,may, perhaps^give me
fome credit with my Readers, in my opinion of
this Play, which I have ever valued above the reft
of my Follies of this kind: yet not thereby in the
leaft diftenting from their judgement who have
concluded the writing of this to be much inferior
to my Indian Emperour. But the Argument of
that was much more noble.not having the allay of
Comedy to deprefs it : yet if this be more perfect,
either in its kind, or in the general notion of a
Play, 'tis as much as I defire to have granted for
the vindication of my Opinion,and,what as near-
ly touches me, the fentence of a Royal Judge.
a Many
The ^Preface.
Many have inaagin'd the Character ofPhilocks
to be faulty j fome for not difcovering the Queens
love, others for his joining in herreftraint. But
though I am not of their number, who obftinate-
ly defend what they have once faid, I may with
modefty take up thofe anfwers which have been
made for me by my Friends • namely, that Tbilo**
cleSy who was but a Gentleman of ordinary birth,
had no reafon to guefs fo foon at the Queens Paf-
fion, fhe being a perfon fo much above him, and
by the fuflfrages of all her people, already deftin'd
to Lyf mantes : Befides, that he was prepofleflfed,
( as the Queen fomewhere hints it to him ) with
another inclination which rendred him lefs clear-
fighted in it, fince no man, at the fame time, can
diftincftly view two d.flferent objedts, And if this,
with any fhew of reafon, may be defended I leave
my Matters the Crticks to determine, whether it
be not much more conducing to the beauty of my
Plot, that Tbilocles lhould be long kept ignorant
of the Queens love, than that wuh one leap he
(hould have entred into the knowledg of it, and
thereby freed himfelf, to the difguft of the Audi-
ence, from that pleafing Labyrinth of errors
which was prepaid for him, As for that other
objection
The Treface.
obje&ion of his joyning in the Queens imprifon- i
ment, it is indifputably that which every man, if
lie examines himfelf, would have done on the like
occafion. If they anfwer that it takes from the
height of his Character to doit ; I would enquire
of my over-wife Cenfors, who told them I in-
tended him a perfedt Character, or indeed what
neceffity was there hefhould hefo, the variety of
Images, being one great beauty of a Play ? k was
as much as I defign'd, to (how one great and ab-
solute pattern of honotir in my Poem, which I
did in the Perfon of the Queen : All the defecfts
of the other parts being fet to fhow the more to
recommend that one Chara&arof Vertue to the
Audience. But neither was the fault ofThilocles
fo great, if the circumftances be confider'd, which,
as moral Philofophy affures us, make the eflential
differences of good and bad 5 He himfelf beft
explaining his own intentions in his laft A#,
which was the reftauration of his Queen; and
even before that, in the honcfty of his expreffions
when he was unavoidably led by the impulfions
cf his love to do it. That which with more rea-
fon was objedted as an indecorum,is the manage^
ment of the laft Scene of the Play, where Celadon
a z and
The preface.
and Fhrimell are treating too lightly of their
marriage in the prefence of the Queen/who like-,
wife feems to ftand idle while the great action of
the T)rama is ftill depending,This I cannot other-
wife defend, than by telling you I fo defign'd it
on purpofe to make my Play go oflfmore fmart-
ly j that Scene, being in the opinion of the beft
judges, the mod divertifing of the, whole Co-
medy. But though the Artifice fucceeded, I am
willing to acknowledge it as afault,fince it pleas 'd
His Majefty,the beft Judg, to think it fo, i have
onely to add, that the Play is founded on a ftory
in the Cyrus, which he calls the Queen of Co~
rinth-in whofe Character, as it has been affirm'd
tome,hereprefents that of the famous (JorljHnay
Queen of Sweden. This is what I thought con-
venient to write by way of Preface, to the Mai-
den-Queen • in the reading of which, I fear you
will not meet with that fatisfadtion which you
have had in feeing it on the Stage ; the chief
parts of it both ferious and comick, being per-
formed to that height of excellence, that nothing
but a command which I could not handfomely
difobey, could have given me the courage to
have made it publick.
PRO-
ue.
i.
HE who writ this, not without pains and thought
From French and Englifh Theaters hat brought
rh* exatteft Rules by which a play is wrought.
II.
The "Unities of ABion, Place, andTimey
The Scenes unbroken \ and a mingled chime
Of Tohnfons humour ,. with C orneilles rhyme.
III.
But while dead colours he with care did lay y
lie fears his Wit, or Plot he did not weigh,
Which are the living Beauties of a Play.
IV.
flays are //% Towns, which how ere fortify d
By Engineers, have SiUfomeweakgr fide
By the o're-feen Defendant unejpfd.
V.
And with that Art you make approaches now j!
Such skilful fury in Affaultsyoujhow,
That every Poet without fhame may bow.
VL
Ours therefore humbly would attend your dom?
If Souldier-lihg, he may have terms to come
With flying Colours, and with beat of Drum.
The Prologue goes out, and (lays while aTune is play'd, after
which he returns again. ■
Second,
Second PROLOGUE.
I Had forgot one half I do proteft,
And now am fen t again to fpeahjhe reft.
lie hows to eyery great and noble Wit
But to the little HeStorsof the Pit
Our ?oet*sfturdy, and will not fubmit.
He9 11 be before-hand with 'em, and not flay
To fee eachpeevifb Critichjlab his Flay ■:
Each Tuny Cenfor, who his skill to bo aft ,
Is cheaply witty on the Poets cofi.
No Critic^ verdiSt^jbonld, of right, ftand good,
They are excepted all as men of blood :
And the fame Law fballfbield them from their fury
Which has excluded Butchers from a Jury
TottdallbeWits—
But writings tedious, and that way may fail,
The moft compendiom method is to rail :
Which yon fo like,you think^your felves ill us d
When infmart Prologues you are not abu/d.
A civil Prologue is approvd by no man \
Tou hate it as you do a Crvil woman :
Your Fancy's paWd, and liberally you pay
To have it quicken d e* re yon fee a Play.
Juft as old Sinners worn from their delight,
Give money to be whip d to appetite.
But What a Pox keep Ifo much ado
To fay e our Poet ? he is one of yon -y
A
A Brother Judgement) and as 1 hear fay,
A curfed Critic\as er damnd a play.
Goodfahage Gentlemen your own tindfpare
He is, like you, a very Wolf or Bear ;
let thinhjiot he I your antient rights invade
Or flop the couffe of your free damning Trade ,
For he, (he vows) at no friends Flay can (it]
But he muft meds find fault to (hew his Wit :
Then, for his fake nerfiintyour own delight ;
Throw boldly, for he jets to all that write j
Withfuch he ventures on an even lay
For they bring ready Money into flay!
Thofe who write not, andyet all writers nicl^,
Are Bankrupt Gamefters,for thty4amnontic\^
-
,
The
The
q:
S
Ueen of Sicily
Jcandiope, Princes of t^he Blood.
Afteria, the Queens \ Confident— —
Flmmel, A Maid of Honour
Flavia, another .'Maid of Honour
olindal
c u„* \ Sifters. - — . ' —
Sabina,)
MelifT*, Mother to olindaznd Sabma
Lifmantes, firft Prince of the Blood
thilocks, the Queens favourite ■
Celadon, a Courtier —
Guards.
Pages of Honour.
Souldiers.
—
Mrs Mar/hall
Mrs gain.
Mis Knep.
•Mrs Ellen Guyn.
■Mis Frances Davenport
Mrs Rutter.
-Mrs. Eiiz. DavenforK
-lAnCory.
-Mr. Burt.
-*Major,AtoW.
-Mr..?"*.
The Scene SICILY.
SE-
(0
SECRETLOVE-
ORTHE
Maiden-Queen.
ACT I SCENE I.
The Scene is Walks, near the Court.
Inftr Celadon, Afteria, meeting each other, be in riding habit 5
they embrace.
Celadon. ~| "VEar Afteria)
A B Afteria. My dear Brother ! welcome •, a thoufand
■■— welcomes $ Methinks this year you have been ab-
fent has been fo tedious I I hope as you have made a pleafant Voy-
age, fo you have brought your good humour back again to Court.
Cel. I never yet knew any company I could not be merry in, ex-
cept it were an old Womans.
Aft, Or at a Funeral.
Cel. Nay, for that you fhall excufe me ■> for I was never merrier
than I was at a Creditors of mine, whofe Book perifhed with him.
But what new Beauties have you at Court < how do Mdtka s :wo
fair Daughters?
Aft. When you tell me which of 'em you are in love with, 1*1
anfweryou.
Cel. Which of 'em, naughty fitter , what a queftion's there *
With both of 'em, with each and fingularof 'em
& * Aft.
% The Maiden-Queen.
Aft. Blefs me ! you are not ferious /
Cel. You 'ook as if it were a wonder to fee a Man in Love : are
they not hand fome ?
Aft. I, but both together .
Cel. I, and both afunder-, why, I hope there .ire but two of em
the tall Singing and Dancing one, andthelittle Innocent one?
Aft. But you cannot marry both }
Cel. No, nor either of e'm I tiuft in Heaven; hut I can keep
them company, I can fingand dance with 'em, and treat 'em., and
that, I take it, isfomewhat better than mufty marrying them : Mar-
riage is poor folks pleafure that cannot go to thecoftofvarietyrbut
I am out of danger of that with thefe two, for I love 'em fo equally
I can never make choice between 'em; Had I but one Miftiefs, I
might gotohettobe mtrry, and/lie, perhaps, be out of humour;
there were a vifit loft: But here, if one of 'em frown upon me, the
other will be the more obliging, on purpofe to recommend her own
gayety, befides a thoufand things that I could name.
Aft. And none of 'tm to any purpofe.
Cel. Well, ft you will nor be cruel to a poor Lever, you might:
oblige mt by carrying me to their Lodgings.
Aft. You now Tarn always bufie about the Queen.
Cel. rut once or twice onely, till lam a little flunYd in my ac-
quaintance with other Ladies, and havelea n'd to prey for myf If.*
Ip om:feyouriema'<eall the hafte lean to end the trouble,by be-
ing inlove fomewhere elfe.
Aft, You would think it hard to bedeny'dnow.
Cel. And reafon good : many a man hangs himfelf for the lofs of
oneMiftiifs: How doyou think thenl uVuld bear the lofs of two;
efpecially in a Court whete I hink Beauty « but thin fown.
Aft. There's one Flortmel the Queens Ward a new Beauty, as
wild as you, and a vaft Fortune.
Cel I am for her before the World : bring me to her,and Y\ releafe
ycu ofycur prom ife for the other two.
Enter a Page. M-id'am the Queen expects you.
Cel. I.eeyou hold her favour-, Adieu Sifter, you have a Iitt'eE-
mfTary there, .otherwrfe I would offer you my fervice.
Aft. Farwell Brother, think upon Flortmel.
Ctl. You may truft my memory for an hancjfbme Woman,
The Mmden*Qme)h
Tl think upon her, and the reft too $ Fie forget none of 'em.
Exit Aiteria.
SCENE If;
Enter a Gentleman walking ever the Stage hafiily :
after him Florimel, and Flavia Masqued.
fU, fhormio^ fhormio^ you will not leave us
Cent. In taich I have a littlce bufinefs Exit Gentle.
Cel. Cannot I ferve you in the Gentiemans room, Ladies /
Fla. W hich of us would you ferve 1
Cel* Either of you, or both of you.
Fla. Who, could you not be conftant to one ?
Cel. Conftant to one ! I have been a Courtier, a Soldier, and a
Traveller to good purpofe, if I muft be conftant to one $ give me
fome Twenty, fome Forty, fome a Hundred MiftreiTes, I have
^nore Love than any- woman can turn her to.
Flo. Blefs us, let us be gone Coufin j we two are noihing in his
hands.
Cel Yet for mypartjcanlive with as few MiftreiTes as any man:
Idefirenofu^erfluitiesj onely for neceflary change or fo> as I (hifc
my Linnen.
Fie. A pretty odd kind of fellow th's: he fits my humour rare-
ly r J 1 ■ 14 fide*
Fla. You are asunconftant as the Moon.
Flo. You wrong him, he's as conftant as the Sun $ he would fee
all the world in 24 hours.
Cel. 'lis very nue^adainjbot^likehim,! would vifit and away.
Flor. For what an unreafonable thing it were to ftay long, be
troubleibme, and hinder a Lady of a frefh Lover.
Cel. A rare Creature this! — befides Madam, how likea fool
a man looks, when after all his eagernefs of two Minutes btfore,
he (hrinks into a faint kifs and a cold complement.
Ladies both, into your hands I commit my felf $ ihare me betwixt
you.
Fla I'l have nothing to doe with you, finceyou cannot be con-
ftant to one.
B 2 CeL
4- *The Maiden-Queen.
Cel. Nay, rather than loofe either of you, VI do more-
HI be conftant to an hundred of you : or, (if you will needs fetter
me to one,) agree the matter between yourfelves-, anj the mod:
handfome take me.
Flor. Though lam not flie, yet fince my Mafque's down, and
you cannot convince me; have a good faith of my Beauty and
for once I take you for my fervant.
Cel. And for once, FI make a blind bargain with yon : ftrike
hands 5 is't a Match Miftrifs ?
Flor. Done Servant*
Cel. Now I am fare I have the worft on'c 1 for you fee the worft
of me, and that I do not of you till you (hew your face , .
Yet now I think on't you muft be handfome,
Flor. What kind of Beauty do you like?'
Cel. Juft fuch a one as yours^
Flor. What's that )
Cel. Such an Oval Face, clear Skin, hazel Eyes, thick brown
Eye- browns, and Hair as you have for all the world.
Fla. But lean allure you me has nothing of all this.
Cel. Hold thy peace Envy 5 nay 1 can be conftant an I fet on'r
Flor. Tis true me tells you.
Cel. I, I, you may (lander)your felf as you pleafe .5 then you have,
• -let me fee.
Flo. Ill fwear you fhan'not fee..
Cel. A turn'd up Nofe,that gives an air to your face : Oh^ I find
I am more and more in love with you J a full neather Lip, an out-
mouth, that makes mine water at it: the bottom of your cheeks a
little blub, and two dimples when you fmile, for your ftature 'tis
well, and for your wit 'twas given you by one that knew it had
been, thrown away upon an ill face 5 come you are handfome, there's
so denying it :
Flor. Can you fettle your fpirirs to fee an ugly face, and not be
frighted, I could find in my heart to lift up my Masque and dif-
abufe you.
Cel. I d^Re your Mafque, would you would try the experiment.
r Flor. No I won'not 3 for your ignorance is the Mother of your
devotion to me. .
&eL Since you.will not take the pains eo convert roe 11 make bold
The Mttiden-Queen. 5
to keep my faith : a miferable man I am fure you have made me.
Fla. This is pleafanr.
Cel. It may be fo to you, but it is not to me $ for ought I fee, I
am going to the moll: confront Maudlin,
Flor' r is very weIl,C<?W«w,you can be conftanttoone you have
never feen ; and have foi faken all you have feen.
Cel. It feemsyou know me then : well, if thou fhou'dft prove one
ofmycaft MiftreiTes I would ufe thee moft damnably, for offering
to make me love thee i wice.
Flor. You are uh right: an old Miftrifs or Servant is an old
Tune, thepleafureon'tispaft, when we have once learnt it.
Fla. But what woman in the world wouldyou vwfh her like?
Cel. I have heard of one Florimel the Queens Ward, would me
wereas like her for Beauty, as (he is for Humour.
Fla. Do you hear that Coufin: — - (to Fler. afide)
Flor. Florimeh not handfome : befides ihe's unconftant 5 and on-
ly loves for fome few days.
Cel. If fhe loves for fhorter time then I, me muft love by Winter
days and Summer nights yfaitb.
Flor. When you fee us together you mail judge: in the mean
time adieu fweetfervant.
Cel. Why you won'not befo inhumane to carry away my heart
and not fo much as te I me where I may hear news on't >
Flor. I mean to keep it fafe for you 3 for if you had it, you would
beftowitworfe.- fartwel, I muft fee a Lady.
Cel, So muft I too, if lean pull ofTyour Mafque.
Flor. You will not be fo rude, I hope .
Cel. By this light but I will :
Flor. By this leg but you man' not : J Exeunt Flor. and
c Fla via running.
SCENE III. *
Enter Philocles, and meets him going cut.
Cel. Howl my Coufin the new Favourite! Zafidt
Thil. Dear Celadon! moft happily arriv'd,
Ihear y'have been an honour to your Countrey,
In the Calabian Wars, and I am glad
I have
6 The Maiden'Queen.
I have fome intereft in't.
Cel. But in you
I have alagerfubj dHor my joys:
To fee fo ra? e a thing as tiling ve» tue9
And merit undeiftood at o it
Thil, Perhaps it is the only *& that can
Accnfe our Queen of wea'mfs.
Enter Lyfimantes Attended.
Lyf. O, my Lord P hi lories well ovei tak< n !
I came to look you (Phil.) had I known it (boner,
My fwift attendance, Sir, had fpar'd your trouble.
To Cel,— — Cou(in7you fee Prince Lyfimantes
Is pleafedto favour me with his commands:
I beg you'l be no ftranger now at Cou- u
Cel. So long as there be Ladies there, you need
Not doubt me.
[Exit Celadon.
Phil. Some of them will, I hope, make you a Convert,
Lyf. My Lord Phtlocles^ I am glad we are alone 5
There isabufinefs that concerns me nearly,
In which I beg your love. (Phil.) Command my feivice.
Lyf. I know your intereft with the Queen is great 5
(I fpeak not this as envying your fortune,
For franckly Iconftfs you have deferv'dit.)
Befides, my Birth9 my Courage and my Honour,
Are all above fo bafe a Vice
Phil. I know, my Lord, youarefirft Prince o'th' Blood j
Your Counrreys fecond hope ;
And that the publick Vote when the Queen weds-,
Defigns you for her chcice.
Lyf. I am not worthy.
Except Love makes defers
For doubtlefs (lie's the glory of her time 5
Of fsttltiefs Beauty, blooming as the Spring,
In our Sicilian Groves *, macchlefs in Vertue,
And largely fold where e're her bounty gives,
As with each breath me could create new Indies.
Phil. But jealous of her glory,
Lyf.
The M4iden~Queen.
lyf. You are a Courtier 5 and in other terms,
Would you fay (he is averfe from Marriage
Left it might leflbn her authority.
But, whenfoe'r me does, I know the people
Will fcarctly fuffer her to match
With any neighboring Prince, vvhofe power might bend
Our tree Sicilians to a foreign Yoke.
Phil, I love too well my Countrey to defire it.
Lyf. Then to proceed, (as you well know, my Lord)
The Provinces have Tent their Deputies
Humbly to move her (he would choofe at home:
And, for (he feems averfe from (peaking with them
By my appointment, havedefign'd thefe Walks,
Where well (he cannot (hun them. Now> if you
Aflift their fuit, by joyning yours to it,
And by your mediation I prove happy,
I freely promife you.
Phil. Without a bribe command my utmoft in it _,
And yet, there is a thing, which time may give me
The confidence to name.* (L^f ■ fisyouis whatever,
But tell me true^ does (he not entertain
Some deep an (erled thoughts againft my perfonf
P*il. I hope not fo ; but (he of late is toward s
Reie v'd, and fad, and vex'd at little things $
Wh.ch her great foul amam'd of, ftrait (liakes off,
And is compos'd again.
Lyf Vou are (HI near the Queen*, and all our Actions come to
Princes Evs,as they are represented by them that hold theMuor.
Phil. Here (lie co.nes, and with her the Deputies 5—
I fear ail is not right.
Enter £H"enT>ffuties after her ^ Afteria3 Guard, Flavia,
OLnda, Sabina.
Jjtueen turns back to the Deputies, ancifpeafyefltrfog^
gu. And T rhufttell you,
It is a lawcy ooluuefs thus to prefs,
On
8 The Maiden* Queen.
On my retirements. —
1. Def. Our bufinefs being of no lefs concern
Then is the peace and quiet of your Subjects
and that delayed-
2. &ep we humbly took this time
To reprefent your peoples fears to you.
gu. My peoples fears! who made them States- men f
They much miftake their bufinefs, if they think
It is to govern : -
The Rights of Subjects and of Soveraigns
Are things diftinct in Nature : theirs, is to
Enjoy propriety, not Empire.
Lyf. If they have-err'd, 'twas but an over- care 5
Anill-timM Duty
<%». Cotffin I expect
From your near Blood, not to excufe, but check 'em.
They would impofe a Ruler
Upon their lawful Queen :
For what's an Husband elfe?
Lyf Far, Madam, be it from the thoughts
Of any who pretends to that high Honour,
Towifh for more than to be reckoned
As the moft grae'd, and firft of all your fervants.
gu. Thefeare the infinuating promifes
Of thofe who aim at pow'r .♦ but tell me Coufin 5
(For you are unconcern d and may be Judge)
Should thatafpiring man compafs his ends,
What pawn of his obedience could he give me,
When Kingly pow'r were once inverted in him ?
Lyf. What greater pledge than Love < when thofe fair Eyes
Caft their commanding beams, he thatcou'dbe
A Rebel to your birth, muft pay them homage.
gu. All eyes are fair
That fparkle with the Jewels of a Crown :
But now I fee my Government is odious 5
My people find I am not fit to Reign,
Elfe they would never — .
Lij.
The Maiden'Queeth $>
Lyf. So far from that, we all acknowledge you
The bounty of the Gods to Sidle .•
More than they are you cannot make our Joys 5
Make them but lafting in a Succeflfor.
rhil. Your people feek not to impofe a Prince j
But humbly offer one to your free choice:
And fuch a one as he is, f may I have leave
To fpeak fome little of his great deferts.)
gu, fl hear no more
To the Dep. For you, attend to morrow at the Council,
There you (hall have my firm refolves; mean time
My Coufin I am fure will welcome you.
Lyf. Still more and more myfterious : but Ihavegain'd one of
her women that (hall unriddle it : — Gome Gentlemen.
All Dep. Heav'n preferve your Majefty. 5 Exeunt. Lyfimantes
c and Deputies,
Jgu. Philocles, you may ftay .«
Phil. I humbly wait your Majefties commands.
Jj>u- Vet now I better think on't you may go.
Phil. Madam /
gu. I have no commands. or, what's all one
You, no obedience.
Phil. How, no obedience, Madam ?
I plead no other merit 5 'tis the Charter
By which I hold your favour, and my fortunes.
gu. My favourcare cheap bleflings, like Rain and Sun-mine,
For which we fcarcely thank the Gods, becaufe
We daily have (them.
Phil. Madam, your Breath which rais'd me from the dufl
May lay me there again:
But fate nor time can ever make me lofe
The fenceof your indulgent bounties tome.
gu. You are above them now, grown popular :
Ah Philocles , could I expect from you
That ufuage ! no tongue but yours
To move me to a marriage * r meps]
The factious Deputies might have fome endin'c,
C And
io The AdaidenoQueenl
And my ambitious Coufin gain a Crown > \%*
But what advantage could there come to you f
What could you hope from Lyfim antes Reign
That you can want in mine i
Phil. You yourfel£ clear me, Madam, had I fought
More pow'r, this Marriage fure was not the way.
But, when yourfafety was in queftion,
When all your people were unfatisfied,
Defir'd a King, nay more, defign d the Man,
It was my duty then ■ » -
«ga. Let me be judge of my own fafety 5 .
lam a woman,
But danger from my Subjects cannot fright me.
Phil. But Ljftmantes^ Madam, isaperfon ■ . 1
gu. I cannot love,— —
Shall I, I who born a Sovereign Queen,
Be barred of that which God and Nature gives
The meaneft Slave, a freedom in my love ?
• Leave me, good Phikcksy to my own thoughts 5
When next I need your counfel II fend for you ■
Phil. I'm moft unhappy in your high difpleafure$
But, fince I muft not fpeak, Madam, be pleas'd
To perufe this, and therein, read my care.
Hepluckj out a paper and prefects it to her
But drops , unknown to him a Pi&ure.
Slueenxtzfa Exit Philocies
A Catalogue of fuch perfons — \
Spies the Sox- What's this he has let fall i Ajkria ;
Aft, Your, Majefty :
gu. Take that up, it fell horn Philocies.
She takes it up* looks on it} andfmiks, .
£». How now, what makes you merry ?
Aft, A fmall difcovery I have made, Madam.
gu. Of what?
Aft. Since firft your Majefty grac'd Philocies,
I'haye not heard him nam'd for any Miftrifs
Bat now this picture has conyinc'd me.
The Maiden-Queen. it
gu. Ha ! let me fee it ■ (Snatches it from her)
Candiofe^ Prince Ly [mantes lifter i
Aft. Your favour Madam, may encourage him— •
And yet he loves in a high place for him :
A Princefs of the Blood, and what is more,
Beyond comparifon the faireft Lady
Our Me can boaft.
g>u. How ! ihe the faireft
Beyond comparifon: 'tisfalfe, you flatter her; r j
She is not fair. —
Aft. I humbly beg forgivenefs on my knees,
If I offended you: but next yours, Madam,
Which allmuft yield to
g>u. I pretend to none.
Aft. She pates for a Beauty.
§u. I3 (he may pafs.— — But why do I fpeak of her ?
Dear A fieri a lead me, I am not well o'th* fuddain.- — -
ShefainfK
Aft. Whofe near there i help the Qgeen.
The Guards M coming,
g>*. Bid 'em away, 'twas but a qualm,
And 'tis already going.- — — —
Aft. Dear Madam what's the matter 1 y'are
Of late fo alter'd I fcarce know you< >
You were gay humour'd, and you now are penfive,
Once calm, and now unquiet 5
Pardon my boldnefs that I preft thus far l
Into your fecret thoughts : I have at leaft ,
A fubj^fts ftiare in you.
g>u. Thou haft a greater,
That of a friend $ but am I froward, faift thou I
Aft. It ill becomes me Madam, to fay that.
<%u. I know I am : prithee forgive me for it.
I cannot help it, but thou haft ^
Not long to fuffer it.
Aft. Alas J
<g». 1 feel my ftrength each day and hour confume^
Like Lillies wafting in a Lymbecks heat.
C z Yet
\% The Mtiden-Queen.
Yet a few days — .
And thou (halt fee me lie all damp and cold,
Shrowded within fome hollow Vault, among
My filent Anceftors.
Aft* O deareft Madam I
Speak not of death., or think not, it you die
That I will ftay behind.
Sn* Thy love has mov'd me, I fononce willfiave.
The pleafure to be pittied 5 l'l unfo'd
A thing fo Grange, fo horrid of my felf *
Aft. Blefs me, fweet Heaven !
So horrid, faidyou, Madam?
Su. That Sun, who withone look furveys the Globe.,
Sees not a wretch like me : and could the world
Take a right meafure of my ftate within,
Mankind muft either pity me, or fcorn me.
Aft. Sure none could dothelaft.
Sut Thou long'ftto know't:
And I do tell thee, but (liame ftops my mouth,
rirftpromifeme thou wiltexcufe my folly,
And next be feci et.
jlft. Canyou doubt it Madam I
S». Yet you might fpare my labour -7
Can you not guefs
Aft. Madam, pleafe you, 1*1 try.
Sff. Hold: Aftertax
I would not have you guefs, for mould you find it
I mould imagine, that fome other might,
And then, 1 were moll: wretched 5
Therefore, though you (hould know it, flatter me:
And fay you could not guefs it..
Aft. Madam, I need not flatter you, I cannot.— — andyet.
Might not Ambition trouble your repofef
§>u My Sicily I thank the Gods, contents me.
But fince I muft reveal it, know 'tis love:
I who pretended fo to glory, am
Become the ftave of love.— .
Aft. I thought your Ma jefty had fram'd defignes
To
The Mdiden~Queen. i:
To fub vert all your Laws 5 become a Tyrant^
Gr vex your neighbours with injurious wars 5
Is this all ? Madam.
<g«. Is not this enough?
Then, know, Hove below my felf 5 a Subject;
Love one who loves another, and who knows not
That I love him.
Aft. He muft be told it, Madam.
«g«. Not forthe world: Afteria:
When e'r he knows it, I fhall die for fhame.
Aft, "What is it then that would content you?
«g#. Nothing but that! had not lovU
Aft. May I not ask without offence who 'tis >
<%», Evn that confirms me I have lov'd amifs 5
Since thou canft know Hove, and not imagine
It muft be Vhiloclts
Aft. My Coufin is indeed a moft deferving perfonv
V aliant and wife 5 and bandfome , and well born.
gu. But not of Royal bloud :
I know his fate unfit to be 3 King.
To be his wife I could forfake my Crowns but not my Glory :
Yet, would he did not love Candhfe^
Would he lov'd me, - but knew not of my love,
Or e'r durft tell me his: Aft. In all this Labyrinth.
I find one path conducing to your quiet.
ght. O te'.l me quickly then.
Aft. Cajtdtope, as Princefs of the Blood
Without your approbation cannot marry :
Firft break his match with her, by vertue of
Your Sovereign Authority.
&t*. I Tear that were to make him hate me.'
Or, what's as bad, to let him know Hove him :•
Could you not do it of your felf f
Aft. I'l not be wanting to my pow'r :
But if your Ma jefty appears not in it 5
The love of Philocles will foon furmount
All other difficulties,.
i4- The Mdiden*Queenl
<g». Then, as we walk, we'l think what means arebeft,
Effe<a but this, and thou fhar'ft half my brcaft. Exeunt.
ACT II.
SCENE I. The Queens Apartment.
jtfitrfo;1*^ lOthing thrives that I have plotted :
[ola. 1\ For Ihave founded Philocles^ and £nd
He is too conftant to Candiope:
Her too I have afifaulted, but in vain,
Obje&ing want of quality in Vhilocles.
1*1 to the Queen and plainly tell her
She muft make ufe of her Authority
To break the match.
SCENE 11
Enter Celadon looking About him.
Brother ! what makt you here
About the Queens Apartments?
Which of the Ladies are you watching for ?
Cel Any of sem that will do me the good turn to make me found-
ly in love.
Aft. Then 1*1 befpeak you ones you will be defp'rateJy in love
with Florimel : fo foon as the Queen heard you were return *d fhe
gave you her for Miftrifs.
Cel. Thank her Majefty; but to confefs the truth my fancy lies
partly another way.
^.That's toang&Fhrimel vows you are already in love with her.
Cel. She wrongs me horribly, if ever I faw or fpoke with this*
Florimel.
Aft. Well, take your fortune, I muft leave you. [Exit Merh
SCENE III.
Enter Florimel, fees him, and is funning hack,
Ceh Nay y'faith I am got betwixt you and home, you are my
prisner, Lady bright, till you refolvemeonequeftion.
She
The Maidzn-Queen. ij
She (igtts* She is dumb.
Pox5 1 think flie's dumb : what a vengeance doft thou at Court5witfi
fiich a rare face, without a tongue to anfwer to a kind queftion.
Art thoudumb indeed, then, thou canft tell no tales, goes to
kifsher.
Flor. Hold, hold, you are not mad I
Cel, Oh, my mifs in a Masque ! have you found your tongue §
Flor. 'Twas time,I think 5 wfrat had become of me, if I had not?
Cel. Methinks your Lips had done as well.
Flor. I, if my Mafque had been over 'em, as it was when you met
me in the wilks;
Cel. Well > will you believe me another time i did not I fayyou
were infinitely handfome : they may talk of Florimel, if they will,
but y'faith (he muft come fliort of you.
Flor. Have you feen her, then i
Cel. I look'd alittie that way, but I hadfoon enough of her,'
roe is not to be feen twice without a forfeit.
Flor. However you are beholding to her,they fay me loves you.
Cel. By fatefhe man'not love me: I have told her apiece of my
raind already : pox o' thefe coming women : they fet a man to din-
ner before he has an appetite.
, [Jhvhattbe door.
Florimel you are calFd within. . r Exit ■
Cel. I hope in the Lord you are not Florimel-
Flor. EvVimeatyour fervice* the fame kind and coming Flo*
rtml, you have defcnb'd: °
Cel.. Why then we are agreed already, I am as kind and comine
asyoufor the heart of you: I knew at fix ft we two were goodX?
nothing but one another. s q ror
Flor. But, without raillery, are you in Love?
u Cel. So horribly much, that contrary to myown Maxims, I think
in my conscience I could marry you. «**«», unuiK
Flor. No, no, 'tis not come to that yet: but if vouarerealli; in
love you have done methe greateft pleafure in th/Zrll Y
CeU "That pleafure and a better too I have in (lore for you
FUr. This Animal call'd a Lover I have long'd to fee thefe two
ywrs, , ^ - _
del*'.
\6 The Maiden'Queen.
Cel Sure you walk'd with your Mafque onallthewhile^orifyou
had been teen, you could not have been without your wifli.
Flor. I warrant you mean an ordinary whining Lover> but! muft
other proofs of Love e'rl believe it.
Cel, You fhail have the beft that T an give you.
Flor. I would have a Lover, that if need be^ftiould hang himfelf,
drown himfelf, break his neck, poifon himfelf, for very defpair : he
that will fcruple this is an impudent fellow if he fays he is in love,
Cel. Pray, Madam, which of thefe four things would you
have your Lover do * fo.r a man's but a man, he cannot hang, and
drown, and break his neck, and poyfon himfelf, altogether.
Flor. Well then^becaufe you are but a beginner,and I would not
difcourage you, any of thefe ihall ferve your turn in a fair way.
Cel. I am much deceiv'd in thofe Eyes of yours,if a Treaty Song,
and the Fiddles, be not a more acceptable proof of love to you,than
any of thofe Tragical ones you have mentioned.
Flor. However you will grant it is but decent you mould be pale,
and lean, and melancholick to mew you are in love : and that I mall
require of you when I fee you next.
Cel. When you fee me next:' why you do not make a Rabbet of
me, to be lean at 2 4 hours warning i in the mean while we burn day-
light, loofe time and love.
Flor. Would you marry me without conflderation i
Cel. To choofe,by heaven, for they that think on'c, twenty to
one would never doe it, hang forecaft 5 to make fure of one good
n'ght is as much in reafon as a man mould expect from this ill world.
Flor. Methinks a few more years and difcretion would do well : I
do not like this going to bed fo early 5 it makes one fo weary before
morning.
Cel. That's much as your pillow is laid before you go to fleep.
Flor. Shall I makea proportion to you ? I will give you a whole
year of probation to love mein; to grow referv'd, difcreet,foberand
faithful, and to pay me all the fervices of a Lover,
Cel. And at the end of it you'l marry me ?
Flor. If neither of us alter our minds before,
Cel. By this light a neceflfary claufe. — but if I pay in all the fore-
faid fervices before the day, you mail be obliged to takemefooner
into mercy.
Flor.
The Maiden^Qmen. 17
Flor. Provided if you prove unfaithful, then your time of a
Twelve- month to be prolongM; fomany Cervices I will bate you
fo many days or weeks 5 fo many faults I will add to your'Pren-
tifhip, fo much more: And of all this I only to be Judge.
SCENE IV.
Enter Philocles and Lyfimantes.
Lif. Is the Qgeen this way, Madam ?
Flor. ril fee fo pleafe your Highnefs : Follow me, Captive.
Ce l. M arch on Conquerour . [$he fulls hint*
Lyf. You'r fure her Majefty will not oppofe it i £ Exeunt
Phil. Leave that to me my Lord. cCtel. Flor0
Ljf. Then, though perhaps my Sifters birth might challenge
An higher match,
I'll weigh your merits on the other fide
To make the ballance even.
Phil. I go my Lord this minute.
Lyf. My beft wifhes wait on you. [Exit Lyfimantes,'
SCENE V.
Enter the Queen and Afteria.
<g>#. Yonder he is -7 have I no other way >
Aft. O Madam, you muftftand this brunt:
Deny him now, and leave the reft to me:
I'l to Candiope's Mother,
And under the pretence of friendship, work
On her Ambition to put off a match
So mean as Philocles.
Zgueen to Phil.] You may approach. Sir,
We two difcourfeno fecrets.
Phil. I come. Madam., to weary out your Royal bounty.^
§>u. Somefuit I warrant for your Coufm Celadoff.
Leave his advancement to my care.
Phil. Your goodnefs ftill prevents my wiflies:— yet I have one
requeft,
D Might
18 The Maiden*Queen*
Might it not pafs almoft for madnefs, and
Excream Ambition in me. — —
gh*. You know you have a favourable Judge,
Itlis in you not to ask any thing
I cannot grant.
Phil Madam, perhaps you think me too faulty:
But Love alone infpires me with ambition;,
Though but to look on fair Candhpe were an excufe for both*
gu. Keep your Ambition and let Love alone >
That I carvcloy, but this I cannot cure
I have fome reafons (invincible tome) which muft forbid
Your marriage with Candiopc.
Phil. I knew I was not worthy.
<%u. Not forthar^ Philocks^ you defer ve all things.
And to mow I think it, my Admiral I hear is dead.
His vacant place, (the belt in all my Kingdom,)
I here confer on you.
Phil. Rather take back all you had giv'n before.
Than not give this.
For believe. Madam, nothing isfo near
My foul as the poffeflion of Candiepe.
gjt. Sincethatbeliefwouldbeto yourdifadvantage,
Iwillnotentertan it*
Phil. W hy , Madam, can you be thus cruel to me ?■
To give me all things which Ididnot ask.
And yet deny that onely thing I beg:
And fobeg that I find I cannot live
Without the hope of if,
<g*. Hope greater things? '/
But hope not this. Hafteto o'recomeyour love,
It is but putting a (hort livd paffion to a vio'ent death.
Phil. I cannot live without CAndi&pt,
But I can die without a murmur,
Having my doom, pronounced from your fair mouth.
6)uk It I am to pronounce it] live my ThihcUs,
But live without (I was about to fay) [ afide.
VYithout his love, but that I cannot do j
Live Philoclcs without Candiopto
Phil
The Maiden~Queen. ijr
Phil. Madam, could you give my doom fo quickly
And knew it was irrevocable 1
'Tis too apparent
You who alone love glory, and whofe foul
Jsloofned from your fences cannot judge
What torments mine of grofler mould, endures.
^u. I cannot fuffer you
To give me praifes which are not my own : i
Hove like you, and am yet much more wretched
Than you can think your felf.
Phil. Weak bars they needs muft be that fortune puts
'Twixt Soveraign Power, and all it can defire.
When Princes love, they call themfelves unhappy,
Onely, becaufe the word founds handforae in a Lovers mouth.1
But you can ceafeto be fo when you pleafe
By making Ly (imams fortunate
gu. Were he indeed the man, you had fome reafon.
But 'tis another, more without my power,
And yet a Subject too.
Phil. O, Madam, fay notfo,
It cannot be a'Subject if not he,
It were to be injurious to your felf
To make another choice.
g*. Yet Lyftmantesj fet by him I love,
Is more obfcur'd than Stars too near the Sun 5 ,
He has a brightnefs of his own,
Not borrowed of his Fathers, but born with him."
Phil. Pardon if I fay, who e'r he be.
He has praclis'd fome ill Ads upon you, Madam 5 • h v.
For he,whom you defcribe, I fee is born
But from thelees o'th people.
§u. You offend me Ph Hocks .
Whence had you leave to ufe thofe infolent terms ' <>
Of him 1 pleafe to love : one I muft tell you,
(Since fooliihly I have gone thus far)
Whom I efteem you equal,
And far fuperior t o Prince Lyfimantes 5
One who deferves to wear a Crown. — «-.
D 2 Phil.
%o The Maiden-Oueen.
Phil. Whirlwinds bearme hence before Hive
To that detefted day. That frown allures me
I have offended, by my over- freedom ♦,
But yet methinksa heart fo plain and honeft
And zealous of your glory, might hope your pardon for it.
„§«. Z give it you * but
When you know him better
You'l alter your opinion 5 he's no ill friend of yours.
Phil. I well perceive
He has fupplanted me in your efteem •,
But that's the leaft of ills this fatal wretch
Has pra&is'd Think, for Heavens fake. Madam think
If you have drunk no Phylter -7 — ,
Jgu. Yes he has given me a Phylter 5
But I have drunk it only from his Eyes.
Phil. Hot Irnos thank 'em for't. ftyflfi cr tnrn~
£it. What's that you mutter f i ingfrem her.
Hence from my fight : I know not whether
I ever fliall endure to fee you more.
Phil. But hear me. Madam:
J^tt. I fay begone.- See me no more this da'y.-. — ^
I will not hear one word in your excufe .•
Now, Sir, be rude again 5 And give Lam to your ghteen.
Exit Pnilocles bowing
Aftcria, come hither.
Was ever boldnefs like to this of Pollocks :
Help me to reproach him $ for I refolve
Henceforth no more to love him.
Aft. Tiuthis, I wondredat your patience, Madam :
Did you not mark his words, his meen, his Aclion,
How full ofhaugbtinefs, howfmall refpeft *
£ht. And he to ufe me thus, he whom I favour'd,
Nay more he whom I lcv'd >
A(l. A man methinks of vulgar parts and prefence !
JVu. Or allow him fomething handfome, valiant, orfo —
Yet this to me / ■
Aft. The workmanfhip of inconfiderate favour,
The Creature of rafh love 5 one of thofe Meteors
Which
The Mttiden*Queen. 21
Which Monarchs raifefrom earth,
And people wondring how they came fo high.
Fear, from their influence. Plagues, and Wars, and Famine,
£u. Ha! ,;'
Aft. One whom inftead of banifhing a day, n
You {hould have plum'd of all his borrow'd honours : tXA
And let him fee what abject things they are ar=
Whom Princes often love without defert. ,i?r
gu. What has my Phikcles defer v'd fromydfice
That thou (houldft ufe him thus *
Were he thebafeftof Mankind thou couldft not
Have given him ruder language.
A/t. Did not your Majefty command me, &
Did not your felf begin ?
gu. I grant I did, but I have right rodoit?
I love him and may rail 5 -in you 'tis malice; < ,. ■
Malice in the moft high degree s for never man '
Was more deferving than my Hilocles.
Or, do you love him, ha ! and plead that title?
Confefs, and I'll forgive you
For none can look on him but needs muftjo've.
Aft. I love him, Madam / I befeechyour Meetly
Have better thoughts on me.
g>u. Doftthou not love him then I
Good Heav'n, how ftupid and how dull is ihe J .
How moft invincibly infenfible /
No woman does deferve to live
That loves not Philocles. ^
Aft. Dear Madam, recollect your felf 5 alas
How much diftracled are yourthoughts, and how .
Difjoynted all your words i ~ — ■ a "o ,
The Sybils leaves more orderly were laid;
Where is that harmony of mind, that prudence
Which guided all you did i that fenfe cf glory.
Which rais'd you, high above the reft of Kings7
As Kings are o're the level of mankind I
g)u Gone, gone Afleria, all is gone.,
Ov loft within me far from any ufe,
Sometimes
xi The Maiden^Queenl
Sometimes I ftruggle like the Sun in Clouds, ;i: -. /
But ftraight I am o'r-caft.
Jfi. I grieve to fee it.-
j£#. Then thou haft yet the goocmefs
To pardon what I faid. — ^—
Alas, I ufe my felf much worfe than thee.
Love rages in great fouls,
For there his pow'r moft oppofitiorf finds 3
High trees are (hooky becaufethey dare the winds. [Extant.
ACT III.
SCENE of the Aft, The Court Gallery.
P hi lodes , (oltts.
p£/7,,/"'TpIs true, fliebaniuYd him but for a day;
X But Favourites, once declining, fink apace.
Yet Fortune, flop, — this is thelikelieft place
To meet AflerU, and by her convey,
My humble vows to my offended Queen.
Enter Qjieen and Afteria.'
Ha ! She comes her felf $ Unhappy man i
Where (hall I hide < ■ (is going out.)
«g». Is not that Philocles
Who makes fuch hafte away ? Philocles, Philocles
I [Philocles coming bdck.~] I fear'd (be faw me.
ghtt Ho a- now Sir, am I fuch a Bugbear
That I fcare people from me e
Phil. * Tis true, I mould more carefully have fliun'd
The place where you might be 5 as, when it thunders
Men reverently quit the open Air
Becaufe the angry Gods are then abroad.
gu. What does he mean, Jperia I
I do not underftandhim.
A\i. Your Majefly forgets you baniuYd him
Your
The Maidzn-Queen. 2?
Your prefence for this day. [to her fofil^
£u. Ha ! baniflied him .' 'tis true indeed 5
But; as thou fayft, I had forgot it quite. to her,
Aftt That's very ftrange, fcarce halfe an hour ago.
§>n. But Love had drawn his pardon up fo foon.
That I forgot he e'r offended me.
Phil. Pardon me, that I could not thank youfooner:
Your fudden grace, like fome fwift flood pour'd in on narrow ban!??'
O'r-flow'd my fpirits.
gu. No-, 'tis for me to ask your pardon PhilocUs^
For the great injury I did you
In my remembring I was angry with you.
But I'l repair my fault,
Androwze myangerupagainft you yet:
Phil, No, Madam, my forgivenefs was your aclof grace
And I lay hold of ir.
£ht. Princes fome times may pafs,
A<5tsof Oblivion in their own wrong;
Phil. ' I'is true, but not recal them.
Jg». But, Philocles-, fince I have told you there is one I love,
I will go on 5 and let you know
What parted this day betwixt us •, be our judge
Whether my fervant have dealt well with me.
Phil. Tbefeechyour Majefty excufe me;
Any thing more of him may make me
Relapfetoo foon, and forfeit my late pardon,.
gu. But you'l be glad to know it.
Phil. May Inot hope then
You have fome quarrel to him ? -
gu. Yes, a great one.
But fiift to juftify my fclf
Know PhilocleS) I have conceal'd my pafliOn
With fuchcare from him, that he knows not yet :
I love, but only that 1 much efteem him.
Phil, O ftupid wretch
That byathoufund tokens could notguefsit I :
<£u. He loves ellewhere, and that has blinded him*-,
Philt He's blindindeed / .
So
z^ The Maiden'Queen.
So the dull Beafts in the firft Paradife
With levelled Eyes gaz'd each upon their kind j
There hYd their love: and ne'r look'd up to view
T hat glorious Creature Man, their fovereign Lord.
g>u. Y3 are too fevere, on little faults, but he has crimes ,umold,
Which willj I fear, move you much more againft him.
He fell this day into a paflion with me,
4nd boldly contradicted all I faid.
Phil. And ftands his Head upon his Sholders yet t
How long (hall this moft infolent— —
g)u. Take heed you rail not,
You know you are but on your good behaviour.
Phil. W hy then I will not call him Traitor —
But only rude, audacious and impertinenr,
To ufe his Soveraign fo. 1 beg your leave
To wifh you have at leaft imprifon'd him.
6)u. Some people mayfpeak ill, and yet mean well:
Remember you were not confln'd 5 and yet
Your fault was great. In fliort J love him
And that excufes all 5 but be not jealous $
His rifing (hall not be your overthrow,
Nor will I ever marry him -
Phil. That's fome comfort yet
He mall not be a King.
<g#. He never (hail. But you are difcompos'd 3
Stay here a little 5 I have fomewhat for you
Shall fhew you (till are in my favour.
[Exettnt Queen and Afteria.
Enter to him Candiope weeping.
Phil. How now, in tears, my far Candiope i
So through a watry Cloud
The Sun at once feems both to weep and fhine.
For what Forefathers (in do you afflict
Thofe precious Eyes I for fure you have
None of your own to weep.
Cand. My Crimes both great and many needs mult (how
Since Heav'n will punim themwith loofingyou.
Phil,
The Maiden-Queen. if
" Phil. Affli&ions fent from Heav n without a caufe
Make bold Mankind enquire into its Laws.
But Heav n, which moulding beauty takes fuch care
Makes gentle fates on purpofe for the fair :
And deftiny that fees them fo divine,
Spinn's all their fortunes in a filken twine i
No mortal hand fo ignorant is found
To weave courfe work upon a precious ground.
Cand. Go preach this doctrine in my Mother's ears.
Phil. ' Has her feverity product thefe tears :
Cand. She has recall'd thofe hopes (he gave before,
And ftri&ly bids me ne'r to fee you more.
Phil. C hanges in f roward age are Natural 5
Who hopes for conftant weather in the fall*
'Tis in your pow'r your duty to transfer,
And place that right in me which was in her.
Cand. R eafon, like foreign foes, would ne'r o recome,
But that I find I am betray'd at home.
You have a friend that fights for you within s
Phil Let Reafon ever lofe, fo Love may win.
Enter Queen and Afteria.
Queen with a Pitinre in her hand.
§u. See there, A(leriay
All we have done fucceeds ftill to the worfe5
We hindred him from feeing her at home,
Where I but only heard they lov'd 5 and now
She comes to Court-, and mads me with the fight on't.
A p. Dear Madam, overcome your felf a little,
Or they'l perceive how much you areconcernd.
£u. I ftruggle with my heart, but it will have fome vent. .
[To Cand. Coufin you are aftranger at the Court.
Cand. It was my duty I confefs :
To attend oftner on your Majefty.
g>u. Afteria, Mend my Coufins Handkerchief-,
It fits too narrow there, and (hows too much
E The
x6 The Maiden-Queen.
Thebroadnefsof her Shoulders- Nay fie, Afteria,
"Now you put it too much backward, and difcover
The bigne s of her breads.
Capd. I befeechyour Majefty
Give not your felf this trouble.
gut Sweet Coufin, you (hall pardon me 5
A beauty fuch as yours
Deferves a more than ordinary care,
To fet it out.
Come hither, /^/'Wf^dobutobferve,
She has but one grofs fault in nil herfhape,
That is, (he bears up here too much,
And the malitious Wo kman has left it open to your Eye.
Phil. Where, and 'pleafe your Majefty,methinks 'tis very well *
ght. Do not you fee it, Oh how blind is love i
Cand And how quick fighted malice ! [A fide,
gu. Eutyetmethinks, thofe knots of Sky, do not
So we'll with the dead colour of her Face.
Aft. Your Majefty miftakes, (he wants no red.
The <%ueen here f lucks out her Glafs, and looks fometimes on her felf,
fometimes on her Rival.
£u. How do I look to day, Aftertax
MethinVsnot well.
Aft. Pardon me, Madam, moft vi&orioufly.
<g*. What think you, Philodes < come do not flatter.
Phil. Paris was a bold man who prefum'd
To judge the beauty of a Goddefs.
Cand. Your Majefty has given xhereafon why
He cannot judge-, his Love has blinded him :
gu. Methinksalong patch here beneath her Eye
Might hide that difmal hollownefs, what think you Phikclesi
Cand. Befeechyou Madam, askenot his opinion :
What my faults are it is no matter; _
He loves me with them all.
g>u. I, he may love, but when he marries you.
Your Bridal (hall be kept in fome dark Dungeon.
Farewel, and think of that, too cafie Maid, .
The Maiden-Queen. *7
I blutti thou foar'ft my blood. J \xmt Queen,
CW. Inhumane Queen !
Thou canftnotbe more willing to refign
1 hy part in me, than I to give up mine :
Phil. Love, how few Subje&s do thy Laws fulfil,
And yet thofefew, like us, thou ufeft ill /
C*nd. Thegreateft flaves, in Monarchies, are they,
Whom Bath fetsneaieft to Imperial fwayi
While jealous pow'r does fullenly o'refpy,
We play like Deer within the Lions Eye.
Would I for you fome Shepherdefs had been 5
And, but each May ne'r heard the name of Queen.
Phil. If you were fo, might I fome Monarch be,
Then, you mould gain what now youloofe by me:
Then you in all my glories mould have part,
And rule my Empire, as you rule my heart.
Cattd How much our golden wimes are in vain f
When they arepaftwe are our felves again.
Enter Queen WAfteria above,
Qu. Look, look J fieri*, yet they are not gone.
Hence we mav hear what they difcourfe alone.
Phil My Love inspires me with a gen'rous thought
Which you unknowing, in thofe wiflies taught.
Since happmefs may out of Courts be found
Why ftay we here on this enchanted ground .•
And choofc not rather with content to dwell
(If Love and we can find it) in a Cell >
Cand Thofe who, like you, have oncein Courts beengreat,
May think they w:m,but wifti not to retreat.
They feldom go bur when they cannot ftay 3
AsloofingGamefters throw the Dice away :
Ev'n in that Cell, where you repofe would find,
Vifions of Court will haunt yourreftlefs mind 3
And giorous dreams (land ready to reftore
Thepleafing fhapes of all you had before.
E 2
Phil
28 The Maiden'Oueen.
Thil. He, who with your poffefllon once is bleft3
On eafie terms may part with all the reft.
All my Ambition will in you be crown'd •
And thofe white Arms /hall all my wiflies bound.
Our life (hall be but one long Nuptial day,
And like chaft Odours melt in Tweets away.
Soft as the Night our Minutes mall be worn,
And chearful as theBirds that wake the Morn.
Cand. Thus hope mifl -.'ads it feif in pleafanr way 5 4
And takes more joysontruft than Love can pay I
But.Love; with long pofifeffion, once decay'd,
That face which now you Court, you will upbraid.
Phil. Falfe Lovers broach thefe tenets, to remove
The fault from them by placing icon Love.
Cand* Yet grant in Youth you keep alive your Fire,
Old age will come, and then it muft expire:
Youth but a while does at Loves Temple ftay,
As fome fair Inn to lodge it on the way.
Fhil. Your doubts are kind -, but to be fatify'J,
lean be true, I beg I may be try'd.
Cand. Tryalsof love too dear the making coft 5
For if fuccefslefs, the whole venture's loft.
What you propofe, brings wants and care along.
Phil. Love can bear both. (Cand.) But is your Love foftrong?
Phil. They do not want, who wim not to have more 5
Who ever faid an Anchoret was poor *
Cand. To anfwer generoufly as you have done,
I fliould not by your arguments be won :
I know I urge your ruine by confent 5
Yet love too well that ruine to prevent.
Phil. Like water giv'n to thofe whom Feavers fry :•
Youkili but him, who muft without it die.
Cand. Secure me I may love without a Crime 5
Then, for our flight, appoint both placeand time;
Phil. Th' enfuing hour my plighted vows fhall be 5
The time's not long 5 or oneiy long to me.
Cand. Theo, let us go where we fhall ne'r be feen
The Maidtn^Queen. 29
By my hard Mother {Phil.') Or my cruel Queen, f Exeunt Phil.
gueen ?G Fhiloclcs unkind to call me cruel I "LCand.
above. ) So falfe ^£neas did from Dide fly 5
But neve1 branded her with cruelty.
How I defpife my felf'for loving fo /
Aft. At once you hate your felf and love him too.
g>u, No, his ingratitude has cur'd my wound :
A painful cure indeed J [_Afl.) And yet not found.
His ignorance of your true thoughts
Excufesthis 5 you did feem cruel Madam.
ig«. But much of kindnefs (till was mix'd with it.
Who could miftake fo groflynot to know
A Cupid frowning when he draws his Bow/
A ft. He's going now to fmart for his ofTence.
ght. Should he without my leave depart from hence <*
Afl, No matter •, fince you hate him, let him go.
<g«. But I my hate by my revenge will (how :
Befides, his head's a forfeit to the State.
Aft. When you take that I will believe you hate,
Let nim pofTefs, and then he'l foon repent : B
Andfo his Crime will prove his punifhment.
£>u, He may repent 5 but he will firft pofTefs.
Afi. O, Madam, now your hatred you confefs :
If, his pofTeffing her your rage does move,
*Tis jealoufie the avarice of love,
<g#. No more. A fieri a.
Seek Lyfim antes out, bid him let his Guards through all the Court
and City,
Prevent their marriage firft5 then flop their flight.
Some fitting punifhments I will ordain.,
But fpeak not you of Vhilocles again :
s Tis bold to fearchj and dangerous to find,
Too much of Heaven s; or of a Princes mind.
[Qu. dejcends and Exit,
Ass
;o The Maiden«Queen.
As thcgMcn has done [peaking, Flavia it going ha/lily over the
Stage; Afteria fees her.
Aft. Flavia, Flavia, whither fo fall i
Fla. Did you call, Afteria.
Aft. The Queen has bufinefs with Prince Lyfimantes •,
Speak to any Gentleman that's next,to fetch him. \ Exit Afteria
Fla. I fufpeel: fomewhar, but II watch you clofej \lfrom above.
Prince Lyfimantes has not chofe in me,
Theworft Spy of the Court. Celadon I what makes he here/
Enter Celadon, Olinda, Sabina* they walk over the Stage toge-
ther, he feeming to court them.
Olind. Nay fweet Celadon.
Sab, Nay dear Celadon.
Fla. O-ho. I fee his bufinefs now, 'tis with Mel/fia's two Daugh-
ters : Look look, how he peeptfabout to fee if the coaft be clear- like
an Hawk that will not plume if me be look'd on. r Exeunt Cel.
i So — atlaft he has trufb'd his quarry. ^OLSab.
Enter Florime!.
Flor. Did you fee Celadon this way *
Fla. If you had not ask'd thequtftion, I fliould have thought
you had come from watching him 5 he's juftgone off with Meliffa's
Daughters.
Flor. Jtfe//]/Vs Daughters 1 he did not Court 'em I hope <
Fla. Sobufily, he loft no time: while he was teaching the one
a tune, he w.-s killing the otheis hand.
Flor. O fine Gentleman /
Fla, And they fo greedy of him ! Did you never fee two Fifties
about a Bait, tugging it this way and 'tother way-, for my part, I
look'd at leaft he mould have loft a Leg or Arm fth'fervice.
Nay, never vex your felf, bute'nrefolve to break with him.
Flor. No no, 'tis not come to that, yet 3 l'i correct him firft,
and then hope the beft from time.
Fla. From timel Believe me, there's little good to be expecled
from him. I never knew the old Gentleman with the Scythe and Hour-
glafs
The Metiden-Queen. 31
glafs bring any thing but gray hair , thin cheeks-, and lofs of teeth:
you fee Celadwlovcs other*.
Flor. There's the more hope he may love me among the reft:
hang'tj would not marry one of chefe folemn Fops* they are good
for nothing but to make Cuckolds: Give meafervant that i* an
high Flier at all games? that is bounteous of himfelf to many wo-
men? and yet when ever 1 pleas'd to throw out the lure of Matri-
mony, (hou'd come-down with a fwing, and fly the better at his
own quarry.
Flav. But are you fure you can take him down when you think
>good ?
Flor. Nothing more certain.
Flav. What wager will you venture upon the Trial i
Flor. Anything,
Flav. My Maidenhead to yours.
Flor. That's a good one, who fhall take the forfeit?
Flav. I'lgoand write a Letter as from th^fe two Sifter$,tofum-
mon him immediately i it mall be deliver'd before you. I warrant
you fee a ftrange combat betwixt the Fieih and the Spirit;. if he
leaves you to goto them, you'l grant he loves i hem better?
Flor. Not a jot the more : a Bee may pick of many Flowers^ and
yet like fome one better than all the reft.
Flav. But then your Bee muftnot leave hisfting behind him.
Flor. Well 5 make the experiment however : I hear him coming,,
and a whole noife of Fidlers at his heels. Hey-day, what a mad
Husband (hall I have?
Enter Celadon.
Flav. And what a mad wife will he have ? Well, I muft go a
little way, but HI return immediately and write it: you'l keep him
in difcourfe the while > Exit Fla.
Cel. Where are you, Madam t what do you mean to runaway
thus i pray ftand to't that we may difpatchthisbufinefs.
Flor. I think you mean to watch me as they do Witches,to make
meconfefslloveyou. Lord, what a buftle have you kept this af-
ternoon > what with eating, ftnging and dancing, 1 am fo wearied*
that I (ball not be in cafe to hear of any more love this fortnight.
Cel, Nay, if you furfeit on't before Tryal, Lord have mery up-
on you when I have married you.
Tp, The Maiden*Queen,
Fhr. But what Kingb Revenue do you think will maintain this ex-
travagant expence?
Cel. I have'a damnable Father, a rich old Rogue, if he would once
die ! Lord, how long does he mean to make it e'r he dies !
Flor. As long as ever he can, I'l pafs my word for him.
Cel. I think then we had beft confider him as an obftinate old fel-
low that is deaf to the news of a better world 5 and ne'r flay for
him.
Flcr. But en marry-, 3nd get him Grandchildren in abundance,
and great Grandchildren upon them, and foinch him and fhovehim
out of the world by the very force of new Generations : — if that be
the way you mull: excufe me.
Cel. But doft thou know what it is to be an old Maid ?
Flor. No, nor hope I ilian't thefe twenty years.
Cel. Bur when that time comes,in the firft place thou fcilt be con-
demned to tell ftories,how many men thou mighteft have had 5 and
none believe thee: Then thougroweft froward^and impudently wea-
rieft all thy Friends to follicite Man for thee.
Flor, Away with your old Common place- wit : I am refolved to
grow fat and look young till forty, and then flip out of the woild
with the firft wrinkle, and the reputation of five and twenty.
CeL Well, what think you now of a reckoning betwixt us £
Flor. How do you mean?
CeL To difcount for fo many days of my years fervice, as I have
paid in fince morning.
Flor. With all my heart.
Cel. Imprimis , For a I reat :
Item. For my G-afs Coach :
Item, For fitting bare and wagging your Fann :
And hilly, and principally, for my Fidelity to you this long hour
and half.
Flor. For this I bate you three weeks of your Service^ now hear
your Bill of Faults^ for your comfort 'tis a ihort one.
Cel. I know it.
Flor. Imprimis , Item,md Sum totals for keeping company with
Melijfa's Daughters.
Cel. How the Pox came you to know of that: Gad I believe th'e
Devil plays booty againft himfelf, and tels you of m/ fins, [ajtde.
Flor.
The Maiden~Queeri. $\
Flor. The offence being fo fmall the punifhment (hall be but pro-
potionable, I willfet you back onely half a year.
Cel. Your moft unconfcionable : why then do you think we
(hall come together? there's none but the old Patriarchs could live
long enough to marry you at this rate. What do you take me for
fome Couiin of Mahufalem's, that I muft flay an hundred years
before I come to beget Sons and Daughters?
F lor. Here's an impudent Lover, he complains of me without e*
ver offering to excufe himfelf 5 Item, a fortnight more for that.
Cel. So there's another puffin my voyage has blown me back to
the North of Scotland.
Flor. All this is nothing to your excufe for the two Sifters.
Cel! ?Faith if ever I did more than kifs *em, and that but once,—
Flor. What could you have done more to me }
Cel. ' An hundred times more $ as thou (halt know dear Rogue,ac
time convenient.
Flor. You talk, you talk 5 Could you kifs 'em, though but once,
andne'r think of me?
Cel. Nay if I had thought of thee,Ihadkifs'd'em overathott-
fand times, with the very force of imagination.-
Flor. The Gallants are mightily beholding to you, you have
found 'em out a new way to kifs their MiftrifTes,upon other womens
lips. . _
Cel. What would you have? Youare my Sultana Queen,thereit
are but in the nature of your Slaves 5 I may make fome flight excur-
fion into the Enemies Countrey for forage or fo, but I ever return
to my head quarters.
Enter one with a Letter.
C$1. Tome?
Mcff. If your name be Celadon. [Celad. reads (oftli.
fkr. He'sfwallowing the Pill 5 prefently we (hall fee the opera-
QCel. tvthePfige.J Child, come hither Child * here's money for
thee : So, be gone quickly good Child, before any body examines
thee: Thou art in a dangerous place, Chili— [Thru/Is him out.
V ery good, the Sifters fend me word they will ha^ve the Fiddles this
Afternoon, and ihvice me to fup there! ; — Now cannot I forbear
nd I mould bedaran'djthoughlhave fcap'dafcouringfo lately for
F «.
h Sj. ^The Maiden^Queen .
k. Yet lloveFlon'mclhetterthzn both 'em together- there's the
R iddie on c : but only for the fweet fake of variety (afidt.
Well, we muft: all fin, and we muft all repent, and there's an end
on't.
Flor. What is it that makes you fidgerp r.nd down Co }
Cel. 'Faith! am fent for by a very dear inend, and 'tis upona bu-
finefs of life and death.
flor. On my life fome woman ?
Cel. On my honour fome man •, Do you think I would lie to you?
Flor. But you engag'd to fup with me !
Cel. Butlconfider it may be fcandalous to ftay late in your
Lodgings.
Adieudear Mifs if ever! am fake to thee again, (Exit Cel.
Flor. See what conftant metal you men are made of I He begins to
vex me in goodearneft. Hang him, let him go and take enough of
'em: and, yet methinks I cant endure he lliould neither. Lord3 that
futh- a Mai-cap as 1 mould ever live to be jealous i
I muft after him.
Some Ladies would difcard him now, but I
A fitter way for my revenge will find,
II marry him, and ferve him in his kind. {Exit FlorimeL
—
Act IV.
SCENE TheVFalfy.
- MelifTa, after her Oiinda and Sabina.
MeliffaXMud take this bufinefs up in time: this wild fellow be*.
I gins to haunt my houfe again. Well, I'l be bold to fay
it, 'tis as eafie to bring up a young Lyon, without mifchief, as a
Maidenhead of Fifteen., to make it tame for an Husbands bed. Not
but that.the young man is handfome, rich and young, and I could be
content he IhouW marry one of 'em but to feduce 'em both in this
matiner» : -Well;, VI examine 'em apart, and if I can find out
3 which.
The Maiden^Queen. y>
which heIoves,ri offer him his choice.-— olinia. ComeJhither
Child.
olin. Your pleafure, Madam t
Met. Nothing but for your good olinda, what think you of Cc-.
l&don 1
olin. Why I think he's a very mad fellow 5 but yet I have fome
obligements to him : he teaches me new Ayrs of the Guitarre, and
talks wildly to me, and I to him.
Mel. But tell me in earneft do you think he loves you i
Olin. Can you doubt it? There were never two fo cut out for
one another 5 we both love Singing, Dancing, Treats and Mufick.
Infhort, we are each.othets counterpart.
Mel. But does he love you ferioufly 1 .
olin. Serioufly ! I know not that ; if he did, perhaps I fhould not
love him : but u e fit and talk, and wrangle, and are friends 5 when
we are together we never hold our tongues* and then we have always
a noifeof Fiddles at our heels, he hunts me merrily as the;Hoand
does the Hare 5 and either this is Love, or I know it not.
Mel, Well, go back; and call Sabina to me.
Olinda goes behind.
This is a Riddle paftmy finding out .: whether he loves her or no is
the queftion > but this I am fure of,.fhe loves him : -O my little
FavouriteJ mull ask you a queftion concerning Celadon : 1$ he in love
with you *
Sab. I think indeed he does not hate me, at lead if a mans word
may be taken for it.
Mel. But what expreffions has he made you >
Sab. Truly the man has done his part : he has fpoken civilly to
me, and I was not fo young but I underftood him.
. Mel. And you could be content to marry him ?
Sab. I have fvvorn never to marry ^befides, he's a wild young man;
yet to obey you Mother, I would be content to be facrific'd.
Mel. No,no, we wou'd but lead you to the Altar.
Sab. Not to put off -he Gentleman ntither^ for if I have him
notlamrefolv'dtodiea Maid, that's once, Mother —
Mel. Both my Daughters are in love with him, and I cannot yet
find he loves either of 'em.
oltft. Mother, mother,,; yondei's Cdadonm the Walks,
F 2 ' Mtl%
3d The Maiden+Queen.
MeU Peace wanton 5 you had beft ring the Bells for joy. Well, 1*1
not meet him, becaufe I know not which to offer him, yet he feems
to like the youngeft bt ft : II give him opportunity with her-, olinda%
do you make hafte after me.
olin. This is fomething hard though. \J.xit Mel.
Enter Celadon.
Cel. You fee Ladies the leaft breath of yours brings me to you: I
have been feeking you at your Lodgings, and from thence came hi-
ther after you.
Sab. 'Twas well you found us.
Cel. Found you I half this brightnefs betwixt you two was e-
nough to have lighted me 5 I could never mifs my way : Here's fair
olitida has beauty enough for one family 5 fuch a voice, fuch a wit,
fo noble a ftature, fo white a skin.
olin. I thought he would be particular at laft. [aftde.
Cel. And young Sabina, fo fweet an inno€encer
Such a Rof-bud newly blown.
This is my goodly Palace of Love, and that my little withdrawing
Room. Aword,Madam. \JioSab.
Olin. I like not this (aftde.) S*r, if you are not toobufie
with my Sifter, I would fpeak with you.
Cel. I come, Madam.
Sab. Time enough, Sir 5 prayfinifli you Difcourfe. and as
you w«re a faying, Sir,
Olin. Sweet Sir.
Sdb. Sifter, you forget, my Mother bid you make hafte;
olin. Well, go you and tell her I am coming. - —
Sab. I can never endure to be themeffenger of ill news 5 but if
you pleafe. fl fend her word you won't come.-
olin. Minion, Minion, remember this. ExitQlindz.
Sab. She's horribly in love with you.
Cel. Lord, who could love that walking Steeple: She's fo high
that every time fhe fings to me, I am looking up for the Bell that
tolls to Church. Ha ! Give me my little Fifth-rate that lies
fofnug. She, hang her, a Dutch built bottom: flie'sfo tall,
there's no boarding her. But we lofe time Madam, let me feal
my love upon your mouth. sty*
Soft and fweet by Heaven ! fure you wear Rofe-ieaves between your
lips. Sab*
The Maidcn-Queen. ;7
Sab. Lord, Lord 5 What's the matter with me ! my breath
grows fo mort I can fcarce fpeak to yon.
Cel. No matter, give me thy lips again and II fpeak for thee.
Sab. You don't love me.— —
Cel. I warrant thee-, fit down by me and kifs again ~
She warms fafter than Pygmalion s Image. \afide.
(fcjr, j 1 marry fir> this was the original life of lips 5 talking,
eating, and drinking came in by th* by.
Sab. Nay pray be civil 5 will you be at quiet i
Cel. W har would you have me fit ftill and look upon you like a
little Puppy-dog that's taught to beg with his fore-leg up i
inter Elorimel.
I lor. Celadon the faithful/ in good time Sir
Cel. In very good time Florimel 5 for Heavens fake help me
quickly.
Flor. What's the matter?
Cel. Do you not fee I here's a poor Gentlewoman in a fwoon !
(fwoonaway!) I have been rubbing her this half hour, and cannot
bring her to her fenfes.
Flor. Alas, how came flie fo i ,
Cel. Oh barbarous.' do youftay to ask queftions, run for cha-
rity.
Flor. Help, help, alas poor Lady {Exit Flor.
Sab. Is (he gone.?
Cel. I, thanks be to my wit that helpt me at a pinch $
I thank Heaven, I never pumpt for a lye in all my life yet.
Sab. I am afraid you love her, Celadon I
Cel. Onely as a civil acquaintance or fo, but however to avoid
{lander you had beftbe gone before (he comes again.
Sab. lean find a tongue as well as fhe
Cel. I, but the truth is, I am a kind of fcandalousperfon,and for
you to be feen in my company Stay in the walks, by this kifs
II be with you prefently • - Exit Sat).
Enter Florimel running.
Flor. Help, help, I can find no body.
Cel. 'Tis needlefs now my dear, file's recover'd, and gone off>but
fowan and weakly.
Flor*
38 The Maideri'Queen.
Flor. Umh/ Ibeginto fmellaRat., whacwas your bufinefs here,
Celadon i
Cel. Charity, Chriftian Charity '•> you faw Iwas labouring for life
with her.
Flor, But how came you hither $ not that I care this,— but onely
to be fatisfied . sines, — 1
Cel. You are jealous in my Confcience.
Flor, Who I jealous/ Then I wifh this (igh may be the laftthat
ever I may draw.. rj^
Cel. But why do youfigh then ?
Flor.. Nothing but a cold, I cannot fetch my breath well.
But what will you fay if I wrote the Letter you had,to try your faith*
Cel. Hey day .' This is juft the Devil and the Sinnertfculay fnares
for me, and then punifh me for being taken > here's trying a man's
Faith indeed : What do you think I had the Faith of a Stock, or of
a Stone i Nay, and you go to tantalize a man, — 'gad I love upon
thefqaure, I can endure no tricks to be ufedrome.
Olinda ^^Sabina at the door peeping.
olin. Sab. Celadon, Celadon.'
Flor. What voices are thofe i
Cel. Some Camerades of mine that call me to play >
Pox on 'em they'l fpoil all afidc.
Flor. Pray let's fee 'em,
Cel. Hang 'em Tatterdemallions, they are not worth your fight ;
pray Gentlemen be gone 1'i be with you immediately.
Sab. No, we'l ftay here for you.
Flor. Do your Gentlemen fpeakwith treble voices > lam re-
folv'd to fee what company you keep.
Cel. Nay, good my Dear.—
He -lays hold of her to full her back •, (he lays hold
of Olinda, by whom Sabina holds 5 fo that he
pulling they all come in.
Flor. Are thefe your Camerades ?
\_Sings.~\ 'TlsStrephonctih what wou'd my love >
Why do not you roar out like a great Bals-vyal, Comefollowtothe
Myrtle-grove. Pray Sir, which or thefe fair Ladies is it,for whom you
were to do the courrefie, for it were unconfcionable to leave you
to 'em both 5 what, a man's but a man you know.
Olin. The Gentleman may find an oVaier. Sab>
The Maiden~Queen. 29
Sab. Though not of you.
Flor.^ Pray agree whofe the loft meepis, and take him.
Ctl. 'Slife the'} cry me anon, and tell my marks.
Fler, Troth I pity your Highnefs there, I perceive he has left
you for the little one : Methinks he mould have been afraid to break
nis neck when he fell fo high as from you to her.
Sab. Well my drolling Lady I may be even with you.-
Flor. Nor this ten years by the growth, yet.
Sab. Can flefli and blood endure this !
Flor. How now, my Amazon in dec imo [extol
Olin. Do you affront my Sifter I
Flor. I,buc thou aitfo rail, I think I mall never affionc thee.-<
{Sab. Come away Sifter, we /hall bejecr'dto Deathelfe.
{Exeunt Olin. Sab.
Flor. Why do you look t^at way, you cao'c rorbear leering after
the forbidden fruit. But when e'r I take a Wenchers word
again i
€el. A Wenchers word, why mould you fpeak fo contemptibly
of the better hair ot Mankind ! Fi ftand up for the honour of my
Vocation.
Flor. You are in no fault I warrant $ — \vare my Busk —
CeL Not to give a fair Lady the lie, I am in fault5 but other-
wife. < — Come let us be friends, and jet me wait on you to your Lodg-
ings. [ B
Flor. This impudence (hall not fave you from my Ta' le-Book.
Item. A Month more for this fault. (They walk to the door..
1. Soldier within. Stand.
2, Souldkr. Stand, give the word.
Cel. Now, what's the meaning of this trow, guards fet.
1. Sottldier.Givethe word, or you cannot pafs5 thefe are they,
brother > let's in and feize 'em.
The two Souldiers enter—
1. Sould., Downwithfoim.
2. Sould. Difarm him.
Cel. HownowRafcals: Drwsavd beats one off, and
. A1 ..- .n . catches the othen
Cel. Ask your lifeyou Villain..
% sould. Quarter, quarter,
Cei.
±o The Maiclen*Queen,
Cel. Was ever fuch an Infolence {
Sould. We did but our duty > here we were fet, to take a Gen-
tleman and Lady, that would fteal a marriage without the Queens
confent, and we thought you had been they. [Exit Soul.
Flor. Your Coufin Philocles and the Princefs Candiofe on my life !
for I heard the Queen give private Orders to Lyfimantes, and name
them twice or thrice.
Cel. I know a fcore or two of Madcaps here hard by, whom I can
pick up from Taverns and Gaming- houfes, and Bordels 5 thofeTl
bring to aid him : How Florimel^ there's an argument for wenching
where would you have had fo many heneft men together upon the
fudden for a brave employment }
Flor. You'l leave me then to take my fortune?
Cel. No ; if you will, Tl have you into the places aforefaid, and
enter you into good company.
Flor. ' Thank you Sir, here's a key will let me thr< ugh this back-
door to my own Lodgings.
Cel. If I come off with life, I'lfeeyou this evening, if not— -
Adieu Florimel. *— —
Flor* If you come not I (hall conclude you are khTd,or taken^ to
be hang'd for a Rebel to morrow morning — and then I'l honour
your memory with a Lampoon inftead of an Epitaph.
Cel. No no, I truft better in my Fate: I know I am referv'd to
do you a Courtefie. [Exit Celadon.
As Florimel is mlockingthe door togoouty Flavia
cpens it agai/t/l ber^ and enters M htr, followed bj
a Page.
FUv. Tlorimel^ do you hear the news >
Flor. I guefs they are in purfuit of Fhiloxlts*
Flav. When Ly [mantes came with the Queens Orders,
He refufed to render up Candiopc;
And with fome few brave friends he had about hira-
Is forcing of his way through all the Guards.
Flor. A gallant fellow, I'l in, will you with me.
Hark, the noife comes this way /
Fhv. I have a mefTage from the Queen to Lyfimaptcs.
I
The Maiden-Queen. 41
I hope I may be Cafe among the Soldiers.
Flor. Oh very iafe, perhaps fome honed: fellow in the tumult may
take pity of thy Maidenhead, or fo Adiew.
Page i. The noife comes nearer, Madam. [ £#*> FlorimeJ.
Flav. I am glad on't : this meffage gives me the opportunity of
fpeaking privately with Lyfimantts.
Enter Philocles and Candiope, with three friends 5 furjucdby
Lyfimantes and Souldiers.
Lyf. What is it renders you thus obftinate > you have no hope of
flight, and to refift is full as vain.
Phil. PI die rather than yield her up.
FLiv. My Lord / (Lyf.) How now, fome new meffage from the
Queen ?
Te Sould.) Ret:re a while to a convenient diftance.
Lyf. a nd Flav. whifper.
Lyf. O Flavra 'tis impoffible ! the Queen in love with Philocles I
Flav. I have fufpe&ed it before; but now.
My ears and eyes are witnefl'es,
This hour I over- heard her to Afleria^
Making fuch fad complaints of her hard fate !
For my part I believe you lead him back
But to h s Coronation.
Lyf Hell take him firir.
Flav. Prefently after this foe call'd for me,
And bid me run, and with ftrict care command you
On peril of your life he' had no. harm :
But, Sir, foe fpoke it with fo great concernment.
Me thought I faw love, anger, and defpair
All combating at once upon her face.
Lyf. Tell the Queen— .1 know not what, lam diftra&ed fo> —
But go and leave me to my thoughts. — — (Exit FJavia.
Was ever fuch amazing news
Told in fo ftrange and critical a moment I
What (ball I do /
Does foe love Philocles^ who loves not her 5
And loves not Lyfimantes who prefers her
Above his life.' what refts but that I take !
This, opportunity, which her fclf
G Has
ill The Maiden-Queen.
H s given me, to kill this happy Rival i
Affift me Souldiers.
Phil. I hey (hall-buy me dearly.
Cand. Ah me, unhappy Maid !
En'er Celadon with his Friends, unbutton d and reeling,
Cel. Courage my noble Coufin, I have brought
A band of Blades, the braveft youths of Syracuft :
Some drunk, fomefober, all rcfolv'd to run
Your fortune to the utmoft. Fall on mad Boys
Lyf. Hold a little 5
I'm not fecure of victory againft thefedefperate Ruffins.
Cel. No, but I' fecure you ^ they (hall cut your throat for fuch
another word of 'em. Ruffins quotha! call Gamefters, Whore-
mafters, and Drunkards, Ruffins I
Lyf Pray Gentlemen fall back a little
Cel', Oho, are they Gentlemen now with you !
Speak firft to your Gentlemen Souldiers ro retire •, and then
VI fpeak to my Gentlemen Ruffins.
[Cel. Signs to his party'] T here's your difciplin'd men now. ■
They fmg and the Souldiers retire on both fides.
Come Gentlemen, lets lofe no time-, while they are talking, let's
have one merry mayn befo: e we dye— —for Morrality fake.
i. Agreed, here's my Cloak for a Table.
2. And my Hat for a Box. [They lie down and throw.
Lyf, Suppofe I ki I'd him !
' Twould but exafperate the Qgeen the more :
He loves not her, nor knows he fhe loves him .•
A fuddain thought is come into my head
So to contrive it, that this Philocles,
And thefe his friends (hall bring to pafs that for me
Which I could never compafs.— True I drain
A point of honour 5 but then her ufage to me, it (hall be fo
Pray, Philocles^ command your Souldiers offj
As I will mine: I've fomewhat to propofe
Which you perhaps may like.
Cand. I will not leave him.
Lyf, 'Tis my defire you (houldnot.
Phil.
The Maiden*Queen. ^
Phil. Coufin, lead off your friends.
Cel. One word in your ear. Couz. Let me advife yotyeither
make,your own conditions^ never agree with him : his men are pc^*
fober Rogues, they can never ftand before us.
Exeunt cmnes frtier Lyf. Phil. Can !,
Lyf. Suppofe fome friend e'r night,
Should bring you to poflefs all you defire *
And not fo only, but fecure for ever
The Nations happinefs
Phil. I would think of him
As fome God or Angel.
Lyf. T hat God or Angel you and I may be to one another,
We have betwixt us
An hundred men; the Cittadel you govern:
What were it now to feize the Queen !
Phil. O impiety / to feize the Q^een!
To feize her, faid you }
Lyf. The word might be too rough, I meant fecure her.
Phil. Was this your proposition,
And had you none to mar e it to but to me ?
Lyf, Pray hear me out e'r you condemn me J
I would not the leaft violence wereoflfer'd
Her perfon; too fmall grants is all Iask5
To make me happy inherfelf, and you
In your Candiope.
Cand. And will not you do this, my Philocles ?
Nay now my Brother (peaks but reafoo.
Phil. Int'reft makes allfeem reafon that leads to it.
Int'ieft that does the zeal of Sects create,
To purge a Church, and to reform a State.
Lyf. In (hoit, the Queen hath fent to part you two 5
What moie (he means to hi: I know not.
Phil, To her .' a'as ! why wilinot you protect her ?
Lyf. With you I can-, but w here's my power alone *
Cand. You know (he loves me not : you lately heard her
Howfheinfultedoverme: how (lie
Defpis'd that Beauty which you fay I have j
I fee (he purpofes my death,
O 2 ihil
44 The Maiden-Oueen.
Phil. Why do you fright me with it i
'Tis in your Brothers pow'r to let us Tape,
And then you run no danger.
Lyf True., I may 5
But then my head muft pay the forfeit oUt.
Phil. O wretched Philoclcs, wlucher would love
Hutv thee headlong /
Lyf Ceafethefe acclimations.
There's no danger on your fide5 tisbutto
Live without my Sifter, refolve that
And you have mot the Gu f.
Phil, »To live without her] is that nothing, think you?
Thedamn'd in Hell, endure no greater pain
Than feeing Heaven from far with hopelefs eyes.
Cand. Candiefe muft die, and die for you .
See it not unreveng'd at leaft. '
Phil. Ha i unreveng'd / on whom mould I revenue it ?
But yet Hie dies, and I may hinder it j S
'Tis I then murder my Candiope :
And yet mould I take arms againftmy Queen /
That favoured me, rais'd me to what am i
Alas it muft not be.
Lyf. He cools again.— afide.) True \ (lie once favour'd von
But now I am inform 'd, •
She is beforted on an upftart wretch 5
So far, that me intends to make him Matter,
•Both of her Crown and perfon.
Phil. Knowsh^thati
Then, what I dreaded moftiscome to pafs. racje
I am convinc'd of the neceflity5 ' "
Let us make hafte to raze
That action from the Annals of her Reign:
No motive but her glory could have wrought me,
I am a Tray tor, to her to preferve her
From Treafon to her felf 5 and yet Heav'n knows
With what a heavy heart
Philecles turns reformer: but have care
This fault of her ftrange pafliori take na air,
i > Let
The Mdiden-Queen. 4.5
Let not the vulgar blow upon her fame.
Lyf I will be careful, mail we go ray Lord :
Phil. Time wafts apace-, Each firft prepare his men.
Come my Candiope.— . Exeunt Phil. Cand.
Lyf This ruines him for ever with the Queen 5
The odium's half his, the profit all my own.
Thofe who, like me, by others help would climb,
To make 'em fare, mart dip 'em in their crime. Exit Lyf
SCENE II. The Queens- Appartwents.
Enter Queen and Afteria.
§u. No more news yet from Philccles ?
A(l. None, Madam, fince Flavus return !
Jjfo. O my Afteria^ if you lov'd me, fure
You would fay fomething to me of my Philocles i
I could fpeak ever of him.
Aft- Madam, you commanded me no more to name him to you.
gtt. Thenlcommand you now fpeak of nothing elfe:
I charge you here, on your allegiance, tell me
What I mould do with him.
Aft. When you gave orders that he mould be taken :
You feem'd refolv'd how to difpofe of him.
ght. Dull Afteria not to know,
Mad people never think the fame thing twice.
Alas .' I'm hurried reftlefs up and down,
I was in anger once, and then I thought
I had put into more J
But now a guft of love blows hard againft me.
And bears meoffagain.
Aft. Shall I ling the Song you made of Philocles,
And call'd it Secret-love.
<gu. Do, for that's all kindnefs: and while thou fing'ft it.
I can think nothing but what pleafes me.
Song,
^6 The Mai<Hen*Queen.
Song.
I Feed aflame within which fo torments me
That it both pains my hearty and yet contents me :
'Tisfnch a pie a fwg [mart, andlfo love it,
That I had rather die than once remove it.
Yet he for whom I grieve [hall never l^now it,
My tongue does not betray, nor my eyesjhow it ,
Not afigh nor a tear my pain difclofesy
But they fall jilently like dew on Rofes.
Thus to prevent my love from being^ cruel,
My heart's thefacrifce as 'tis the fuel :
And while I fuffer this to give him quiet,
My faith rewards my love, though he deny it.
On his eyes will lga%e, and there delight me 5
While, I conceal my loye, no frown can fright me :
To be more happy I dare not afpire \
Nor can I fall more low, mounting no higher.
£>». Peace : Methinks I hear the noife
Or claming Swords and clatt/ring Arms below.
Enter Flavia.
Now 5 what news that you prefs in fo rudely?
FU. Madam, the worft that can be>
Your Guards upon the fuddain are furpriz'd,
DifarnVd, fome (lain, all fcatterU
The Maidzn*Queen. 4.7
On. By whom?
FUv. Prince Lyfimantes^ ancj Lord Philocles,
M>u. It cannot be •, Philocles is a Prifoner.
IrUv. W hat my eyes faw
£>u. Pull 'em our^ they arefalfe Spectacles,
Aft. O vertue, impotent and blind'as Fortune t
Who would be good, or pious, if this Queen
Thy gieat example fuflfers /
«g#. Peace, Afteria, accufe not vertue •
She has but given me a great occafion
Of mowing what I am w hen Forrune leaves me.
Aft. Pbikcles, todc this I
«§», I, Philocles ,1 muftconfefs 'twas hard 1
But there's a fate in kindnefs
Still, to be leaftreturn'd where moft 'tis given.
Where's Candtopet
Flav. Philocles was whifpering to her.
g». Hence Screech-owl? call my Guards quickly there :
Put 'em apart in feveral Prifons.
Alas ! I had forgot I have no Guards,
But thofe which are my Jaylcrs,
Never till now unhappy Queen :
The ufe of pow'r, till loft, is feldom known -
Now I mould (hike, I find my thunder gone.
Exit Queen and Flavia.
Philocles enters y and meets Ktem going out.
Phil. Afteria I Where's the Queen ?
Aft, Ah my Lord what have you done !
I came to feekyou.
Phil. Is it from her you come *
Aft. No, but on her behalf.- her heart's too great, .
In this low ebb of Fortune, to intreat.
Phil. ' Tis but a mort Ecclipfe,
Which paft, a glorious day will foon enfue:
But I would ask a favour, too from you.
Aft. WhenConquerours petition, they command ;
Thofe that can Captive Queens, who can withftand *
Phil
4.8 The Maiden-Queen.
Phil. She, with her happinefs, might mine create 5
Yet feems indulgent to her own ill rate ;
But (he, in fecret, hates me fu e ; for why
If not, mould (he Candiopedeny ?
Aft. If you dare truft my knowledge of her mind,
She has no thoughts of you that are unkind.
Phil, I could my forrows with fome patience bear,
Did they proceed from any one but her:
But from the Queen ! whofe perlonl adore.
By Duty much, by inclination more.
Aft. He is inclin'd already, did he know
That (he lev'd him, how woul.i this paffion grow ! (afide.
Phil. 1 hat her fair hand with Deftiny combines
Fate ne'reftrikes deep, but when un'undnefs joy ns !
For, toconfefs the fecretof my mind,
Something fo tender for the Queen I find,
Thatev'n Candiope can fcarce remove,
And, were (he lower, I (hould call it love.
Aft. Shecharg'd me not this fecretto betray,
But I be ft ferve her if I difobey.
For, if helovesj 'twas for her int'reft done 5
If not, he'l keep it fecret for his own. (*ftdem
Phil. Why are you in obliging me fo flow ?
Aft, The things of great importance you would know j
And you muft fir ft I wear fecrefie to all.
Phil I fwear : (Aft.) Yet hold ; your oath's too general :
Swear that dwdiope (hall never know. , ,.
Phil, I fwear: {Aft.) No' no«: the Queen her felf: (Phil.)lvow.
Aft, You wonder why lam fo cautious grown
In telling what concerns your felf alone:
But fpare my V ow, and guefswhat it may be
That makes the Qaeen deny Cnndiope :
'Tis neither hate nor pride that moves her mind 3
Methinks the Riddle is not hard to find.
Phil, Youfeem fo great a wonder to intend,
As were, in me, a crime to apprehend.
Aft. ' Tis not a crime to know •, bui would be one
To prove ungrateful when your Duty's known.
I
The MaidetuQneen. \$
Thil. Why would you thus my eafie faith abufe !
I cannot think the Queen lb ill would chufe.
But ftay, now your impofture will appear;
She has her felf conlefs'd fhe lov'd elfewhere :
On fome ignoble choice has placM her heart,
One who wants quality, and more,defert.
Aft. This though unjuft, you have moft right to fay.
For, if youT rail againft your felf, you may.
Phil. Dull that I was 1
A thoufand things now crowd my memory
That make me know it could be none but I.
Her Rage was Love: and its tempeftuous flame,
Like Lightning, (how'd the Heaven from whence it came.
But in her kindnefs my own ffiame I fee;
Haveldethron'd her then, for loving me?
I hate my felf for that which I have done,
Much more,dircover'd, than I did unknown.
How does (lie brook her ftrange imprifonment i
A ft. As great fouls (h >uld, that make their own content.
The hardeft term (he for your ad could find
Was onely this, O Phdocks, unkind /
Then, fetting free a fig h, from her fair eyes
She wip'd two pearls, the remnant of wild fliow'rs,
Which hung like drops upon the bells of flow'rs :
And thank'd the Heav ns,
Which better did, what (lie defign'd, purfue,
Without her crime to give her pow'rtoyou.
Phil, Hold, hold, you fet my thoughts fonear a Crown3
They mount above my reach to pull them down :
Here Conftancy ? Ambition there does move ;
On each fide Beauty, and on both fides Love.
Aft* Methinks the ieaft you can is to receive
This love with reverence and your former leave,
Phil, Think but what difficulties come between !
Aft. 'Tis wond'rous difficult to love a Queen.
Phil, For pity ceafe more reafons to provide,
I am but too rruch yielding to your fide 3
And? were my heart but at my own difpofe,
H I
50 The Maiden'Queen.
I mould not make a fcruple to choofe.
Aft. Then if the Q^ieen will my advice approve,
Her hatred to you (hall expel her love.
Phil. Not to be lov'd by her, as hard would be
As to be hated by Candiope.
Aft. I leave you to refolve whi!e you have time 5
You muft be guilty, but may choofe your crime.
Phil One thing I have refolv'd? and that TI do
Both for my love, and for my honour too.
But then (Ingratitude andfalfliood weigh'd,)*
I know not which would moft my foul upbraid;
Fate moves me headlong down a rugged way 5
Unfafe to run, and yet too fteep to ftay.
Exit Afleria.
Exit mi
Act V.
SCENE The Court.
Florimel in Mans Habit.
TWill be rare now if I can go through with it, to out-do this
mad Celadon in all his tricks,and get both his Miftreffes from
him 5- then Ifliall revenge my felt upon all three, and fave my own
ftake into the bargain; for I find I do love the Rogue in fptght of
all his infide ities. Yonder they are, and this way they muft come. —
if cloathes and a ban nteen will take 'em, I fhalldo't. — Save you
Monftear Florimel.', Faith methm'xs you are a very j4#/j? fellow
padre & ajuft as well as the beftof 'em. I can manage the little
Comb, fet my Hat, fhake my Garniture, tofs about my empty
Noddle, walk with a counnt flurr, and at every ftep peck down my
Head : if I mould be miftaken for fome Courtier now> pray
where's the difference ?
Enter to her, Celadon, Olinda, Sabina.
Olin, Never mince the matter I
Sab*
The MaidetioQueen. 51
Sab. You have left ycur heart behind with Flormet •, we know it;
Cel. You know you wrong me $ when I am with Florimel\\% ftill
your Prifoner, it onely draws a longer chain after it.
Flor. Is it e'n To / then farewel poor Florimel^ thy Maidenhead
is condemn'd to die with thee
CcL But let's leave the difcourfe 5 'tis all digreflion that does not
fpeak of your beauties
Flor. Now for me in the name of impudence / — [walks with them.
They are the greateft beauties I confefs that ever I beheld.
Cel. How now, what's the meaning of this young fellow +.
Flor. And therefore I cannot wonder that this Gentleman who
has the honour to be known to you fliould admire you, — fince I that
am a Granger.
Cel. And a very impudent one, as I take it, Sir,
Flor. Am fo extreamly furpriz'd, that I admire, love, am wound-
ed and am dying all in a moment.
Cel. 1 have feen him fomewhere, but where I know not! prithee
my friend leave us, doit thou think we do not know our way in
Court?
Flor, I pretend not to inftruft you in your way > you fee I do not
go before you ! but you cannot poffibly deny me the happinefs to
wait upon thefe Ladies 5 me, who.
Cel. Thee, who malt be beaten moft unmercifully if thou doft
follow them /
Flor. You will not draw in Court T hope I
Cel. Pox on him, let's walk away f after, and be rid of him
Fior. O take no care for me, Sir, you mall not lofe me> t'l rathet
mend my pace, than not wait on you.
Olin. i begin to like this fellow.
Cel. You make very bold here in my Seraglio, and I (hall find a
time to tell you fo, Sir.
Flor. When you find a time to tell me on't, I mall find a time to
anfwf r you : But pray what do you find in your felf fo extraordinary,
that you mould ferve thefe Ladies better than I j let me know what
'tis you value your felf upon, and let them judg betwixt us.
Cel I am fomewhat more a man than you.
Flor. That is, you are fo much older than I; Do you like a man
ever the better for his age, Ladies i
H 2 sd.
$z The Maiden-Queen.
S*b. Well faid, young Gentleman.
Cel. PiOi, thee ] a young raw Creature, thou haft ne'r been un-
der tht Barbers hands yet.
Flor. No, nor under the Surgeons neither as you have been.
Cel. 'Slife what wouldft thou be ar, I am madder than thou art f
Flor. The Devil you are-, I'l Tope with you, f\ Sing with you
II Dance with you, l'l Swagger with you. -
Cel. Fl fight with you.
Fhr. Out upon fighting. 5 'tis grown (o common a fafliion, that
a Moduli Man contemns it j A man of Garniture and Feather is a-
bovethedifpenfationof the Sword.
olin. Udsmy life, here's the Queens Mufick juft going to us 5
you (hall decide your quarrel by a Dance.
Sab. Who ftops the Fiddles f
Cel. Bafe and Irebble, by your leaves, we arreft you atthefe
Ladies fuits.
Flor. ComeonSirs, play me a Jigg,.
You Ml fee how II baffle him.
Dance,
Flor. Your judgement, Ladies.
Olin. You fir, you fir, : This is the rareft Gentleman : I could
live and die with him.
Sab. Lord how he Sweats ! pleafe you Sir to make ufe of my
Handkerchief?
Olin. You and I are merry, and juft of an humour Sir; therefore
we two mould love one another.
Sdb. And you and Tare juft of an age Sir, and therefore methinks
weffoould not hate one another,
Cel. Then I perceive Ladies IamaCaftaway,a Reprobate with
you : why faith this is hard luck now, that I mould be no lefs than
one whole hour in getting your afFe&ions, and now muft loofe 'em
iaa quarter of it.
olin. No matter, let him rail, does thelofs afflict you Sir.-
Cel. No in faith does it not; for if you had not forfaken me, I
had you : fo the Willows may fiourifh for any branches I fhall. rob
"em of,
Sab.
The Maiden^Queen. 53
Sab. However we have the advantage to have left you-, not you
us.
Cel. That's onely a certain nirnbenefs in Nature you Women
have to be fiift unconftant: but if you had not made tfee more
hafte, the wind was veering too upon my Weathercock: the bed
on't is, Florimel is worth both of you.
Tier, 'Tis like ihe'l accept of their leavings.
Cel. She will accept on't, and flic (hall accept on't-, I chink I
know more than you of her mind, Sir.
Enter MdiiTd.
Mel. Daughters there's a poor collation within that waits for
you. ; ■ ,, .
Flor. Will you walk mufty Sir?
Cel. No marry Sirs Iwonnot5 I have futfeited of that old wo-
mans face already.
flor. Begin forne frolick then-, what will you do for her *
Cel. Faith I am no dog to (how tricks for her-, I cannot come.a-
loft for an old Woman.
flor. Dare you kifs her /
Cel. 1 was never dar'd by any man — by ycur leave old Madam.—
[He plucks off her Jiuff.
Mel. Help, help, do you difcovermy nakednefs f\
Cel. Peace Tiffany ! no harm. [He puts o» the Ruff
NowSir here's Florimtls health to you. [kiffcs her,
Mel Away Sir .• a fweet young man as you are to abuie the
gift of Nature fo.
Cel. Good Mother do not commend me fo>Iam fltfli and blood
and you do not kno.v what you may pluck upon that reverend per-
fon of yours. -Come on, follow your leader.
[Gives Florimel the Ruffle puts it on
Flor. Stand fair Mother.
Cel. What with your Hat on 1 lie thou there 5— and thoutoo.—
J Plucks off her Hat and Penuke^
Land discovers Florimel.
Omnes, Florimel!
Flor. My kind Miftrefles, how forry I am lean do you no further
fervice J I think I had beft refign you to Celadon to make amends
forme,
Cel,
4f± The MaUen*Queenl
Cel. Lord what a misfortune it was Ladies, that the Gentleman
could not held forth to you,
Olin. We have loft Celadon too.
Mel. Come away ••, this is p ft enduring. [ Exeunt Mel. Olin.
Sab. Well if ever I believe a man to be a man for the fake of a
Perrucke and Feather again \
Flor. Come Celadon^ fhall we make accounts even i Lord what
a hanging look was there: indeed if you had been recreant to your
Miftrefs, or had forfworn your love, that finners face had been but
decent, but for the vertuous,the innocent^ the conftant Celadon i
Cel. This is not very heroick in you now to infukover a man in
his misfortunes > but take heed, you have robb'd roe of my twoMi-
ftreffes s I (hall grow defperately conftant, and all the cempeft of my
love will fall upon your head : I fhall fo pay you.
Flor. Who you, pay me / you are a banckrupt, caft beyond all
poflibility of recovery.
Cel. If I am a bankrupt I'l be a very honeft one 5 when I cannot
pay my debts, at leaft I'l give you up the poflefton of my body.
Flor. No, I'l deal better withyou; fince youa'e unable to pay,
I'l give in your bond.
Enter Philocles with a Commanders Staff in his hand, Attended.
Phil Coufinlamforry I muft take you riom your company about
an earneft bufinefs.
Flor. There needs no excufe my Lord, we had difpatched our af-
fans, and were juft parting.
Cel. Will you be going, Sir,fweet Sir, damn'd Sir, I have but
one woni more to (ay to you.
Flor- As I a man of Honour, (II wait on you (bme other time. —
Cel. By thefe Breeches. - Flor. which if I marry you I am re-
folv'd to wear > put that into out bargain, and fo adiew, Sir.
[Exit Florimel.
Phil. Hark you Coufin— -(Thy whisper .)
You'l fee it exaclly executed 5 I rely upon you.
Cel. I mall not fail, my Lord 3 may the condufion of it prove hap-
py to you. Exlt Celadon,
Philocles \olui.
Where \\ I caft about my wandring eyes,
Greatnefs
The Maidtn^Queen. 5>
Creatnefs lies ready in fome (hape to tempt me.
The royal furniture in every room,
The Guards, and the huge waving crowds of people,
All waiting for a fight of that fair Queen
Who makes a prefent of her love to me :
Now tell me S toique J
If all thefewitha wifh might be made thine,
Would'ft thou not truck thy ragged vertue for 'tm jf
If Gloiy was a bait that Angels fwallow'd,
How then mould fouls allay 3d to fence refift it I
Enter Candipjpe.
Ah poor Candiope i I pity her,
But that is all,
Cand, O my dear thilocles ! a thoufand blefllng wait on thee .'
The hope of being thine, I th.nk will put
Me pad my meat and fkep with extafie,
So I (hail keep the falls ot Seraphim's,
And wake for joy l»ke Nightingals in May*.
Phil. Wake Philocbs^ wake from thy dream of glory,
'Tisall bu (hadow to Candiefe:
Canft thou betray a love fo innocent / [aftfe
Cand. Wnat makes you melancholick i I doubt
I have difpleafed you ?
Phil, No my love, lam not difpleas'd with you.
But with my ftlf when I confider
How little J deferve you.
Cand Say not fo my PkiUcks, a love fo true as yours
That would have left a Court, and a Qneen, favour
To I've in a poor Hermitage with m? .
Phil. Ha 1 (he has ftun^, me to the quick i
As if (lie knew the falfliood I intended :
But, I thank Heav'n, it has iceali'd my vertue 5 \_aftdtt
(To her) O my dear, I love you, and you only 5
Coin, I have fome bufinefs for a while •,
But I thii.k minutes a: es till we meet.
Cand. I knew you had 5 i-ut yet I cculd not choofe
But come and look upon you, [Exit Candiope.
Thii:
5 6 -The Maiden-Queen.
Phil. W hat bai-barouf man could wrong fo fV eet a ver tue 1
Eater the Queen in Hack with Afteria.
Madam, the Sates are ftraightto meet* bur why
In thefe dark ornaments will you be feen i
<gg. ■ They fit the fortune of a Captive Queen.
Phil. -Deep (hades are thus to heighten colours fet^
So Stars in Night, and Diamonds mine in Jet.
gj*. True friends fhould fo in dark afflictions mine,
But lhave no great caufe to boaft of mine.
Phtl. You may have too much prejudice for feme,
And think Jem falfe before ^heir trial's come.
But, Madam, what determine you to do f
<g». Icamenotheretobeadvis'd by your
But charge you by that pow'r which once you own'd.
And which is (till my right, ev'n when unthron'd 5
That whatfoe'r the States refolve of me,
You nevermore think of Cavdiope.
Phil. Not think of her 1 a% how mould I obey 3
Her tyrant eyes have fore'd my heart away.
Jgn. By force retake it from thofe tyrant eyes,
VI grant \ou out my Letters of Reprize.
Phil. She has, too well, prevented that defign
By giving me her heart in change for mine.
gu. Thus foolifh Indians Gold for Glafs forego,
'Twas to your lofs you priz'd your heart fo low.
I fet its value when you were advanced,
And as my favours grew, its race inhane'd.
Phil. The rate of Subjects hearts by yours muft go,
And love in yours has fet the value low.
gu. I ftand corrected, and my fe If reprove,
You teach me to repent my low plac'd love :
Help me this paflion from my heart to tear,
Now rail on him, and I will fit and hear.
Phil. Madam, like you, I have repented too,
And dare not rail on one I doe not know.
gu. This, Philocles, like ftrangeperverfenefs mows.
As it what e'r I faid, you would oppofe 5
How come you thus concerned for this unknown f
PhiL
The Maiden-Queen. 57
Phil. I onely judge his a&ions by my own,
gu, I've heard too much, and you too much, havefaid,
0 Heav'ns, thefecretof my foul's betray'd I
He knows my love, I read it in his face,
And blufties, confeiousof his Queens difgrace. X_a(Uc]
{To him.) Hence quickly, hence, or I (hall die with ftiame.
Phil, Now I love both, and both with equal flame,
Wretched I came, more wretched I retire.
When two winds blow it who can quench the fire I
Exit Philoclesj
gu. O my A fieri a I know not whom to accufe 5
But either my own eyes or you, have told
My love to Pbilocks.
Afi. Is't poflibly thar he mould know it, Madam I
gu. Me thinks you ask'd that queftion guiltily.
Her Hand on ^Confefs,for I will know,, what was the fubjeft of your
Aft. (houlder. J long difcourfe.
I'th' Antichamber with him.
Aft. It was bufinefs to convince him, Madam,
How ill he &<$, being fo much oblig'd,
To joyn in your imprifonment.
gn. Nay, now I am confirm'd my thought was true 3
For you could give him no fuch reafon
Of his obligements as my love.
Aft. Becaufel faw him moch a Malecontent,
1 thought to win him to your intereft, Madam,
By telling him it was no want of kindnefs
Made your refufal oiCandiope.
And he perhaps — (^») What of him now.
Aft. As men are apt, interpreted my words
To all th' advantage he could wreft the fence,
As if I meant you lov'd him.
ghi, Haveldepofited within thy breaft
The deareft treafure of my life, my gloryj
And haft thou thus betray'd me /
But why do I accufe thy female weaknefs
And not my own for trufting thee J
Unhappy Queen, Philocks knows thy fondnefs,
I And
58 The Maideti'Queen*
And needs muft think it done by thy Command.
A(t. Dear Madam, think not fo.
<%u. Peace, peace, thou fhouldft for ever hold thy tongue.
For it has fpoke too much for all thy life. — \Tehcr.
Then Vhikcks has told Candiopgj
And ccurts her kindefs with his fcorn of me.
0 whither am I fallen! But Imuft rouze my felf, and give a flop
To all thefe ills by headlong paflion caus'd 5
In hearts refolv'd weak love is par. to flight,
And only conquers when we dare not fight.
But we indulge our harms, and while he gains
An entrance, pleafe our felves into our pains.
Enter Lyfimantes.
Aft. Prince Lyftmantes^ Madam /
gu. Come near you poor deluded c iminal;
See how ambition cheats you :
You thought to find a Prifoner here,
But you behold a Queen.
Lyf. And may you long be fo: 'tis true this Aft
May caufe fome wonder in your Majefty.
ght. None, Coufin, none $, I ever thought you
Ambitious, Proud, defigning.
Yet all my Pride, Defigns, and my Ambition
Were taught me by a Matter
With whom you are not unacquainted, Madam.
J2#. Explain your felf § dark purpofes,like yours,
Need an interpretation.
Lyf. 'Tislovel mean (£>u.) Have my low fortunes giv'n thee
This infolencetonameit to thy Queen?
Lyf. Yet you have heard lovenam'd without offence.
As much below you as you think my paffion,
1 can look down on yours.—
j£«. Does he know it too I
This is th' extreameft malice of my Stars I ^— ['jfafir.
Lyf, You fee, that Princes faults,
(Howe'r they think 'em fafefrom publick view)
Fly out through the dark crannies of their Clofets?
We know what the Suadoes,
Ev'fl
The Maiden^Queen. 59
Ev n when we fee him not in t'other world.
gu. My anions, Coufin, never fear'd the light.
Lyf. Produce him then, you darling of the dark,
For fuch an one you have. (^.) I know no fuch.
Lyf. You know, but will not own him.
gu. Rebels ne'r want pretence to blacken Kings,
And this, it feems, is yours : do you produce him
Or ne'r hereafter fully my Renown
With this afperfion:— Sure he dares not name him [afUk.
Lyf. I am too tender of your fames or elfe
Nor are things brought to that extremity :
Provided you accept my paflion,
VI gladly yield to think I was deceiv'd.
%». Keep in your error ftill . I will not buy
Vour good opinion at fo dear a rate,
As my own mifery by being yours.
Lyf. Do not provoke my patience by fuch fcorns.
For fear I break through all and name him to you.
gu. Hope not to fright me with your mighty looks -
Know I dare ftem that tempeft in your brow ,
And dafli it back upon you.
Lyf. Spight of prudence it will out : 'Tis Fhilocles
Now judge, whenl was made a property
To cheat my felf by making him your Prifoner
Whether I had not right to take up arms i
Qu. Poor envious wretch i
Was this the venome that fwell'd up thy breaft *
My grace to Phikcles mif-deem'd my love i
Lyf. 'Tis true, the Gentleman is innocent -y
He ne'r finn'd up fo high, not in his wi/hes 5
You know he loves elfewhere.
gu. You mean your Sifter.
Lyf I wifli fome Sybil now would tell me
Why you refus'd her to him *
gu. Perhaps I did not think him worthy of her.
Lyf. Did you not think him too worthy, Madam *
This is too thin a vail to hinder your paflion
To prove you love him not, yet give her him,
1 2 And
(Jo The Maiden-Queen.
And V\ engage my honour to lay down my Arms.
jg«. He is arriv'd where I *ould wi(h — afide.
Call in the company and you (hall fee what I will do. ■
Lj[. Who waits withouc there? [£x/>Lyf0
gu. Now hold, my hearty for this one act of honour,
And [ will never ask more courage of thee:
Once more I have the means to reinftate my felf into my glory >
I feel my love to Pbilocles within me
Shrink, and pull back my heart from this hard tryal,
But it miift be when glory fays tmuft,
As children wading from fome Rivers banck
Firft try the water with their tender feet 5
Then (huddring up with cold, ftep back again,
And (freight a little further venture on,
Till at thelaft they plunge into thedeepr
And pafs at once, what they weredoubting !ongr
1*1 make the fame experiment > it mall be done in hafte,
B?caufe VI put it paft my pow'r t' undo.
Enter at one door Lyftmzntes, at the other Pbilocles, Celadoo,
Candiope, Florirae!, Flavia, Olinda, Sabina •, the thee
Deputies and Soldiers,
■ Lyf. In Arms ! is all well, Pbilocles t
Phil. No, but it (hall be.
ght. He comes, and with him
The Feavourofmy Love returns to (hake me.
I fee love is not baniuYd from my foul
He^is ftill there, but is chain-'d up by glory.
A(l. You've made a noble conqueft, Madam.
Jht. Come hither, Fhilocles: I am firft to tell yo©
I and my Coufin are agreed, he has
Engag'd to lay down Arms.
Phil. Tis well for him he has •, for all his party
By my command already are furpriz'd,
While I was talking with your Majefty.
Cel. Yes 'faith I have done him that courtefie-
I brought his followers under pretence of guarding it,to a ftraigk
place
The Mdiden-Queen. 6\
Place where they are all coupt up without ufe of their Arms>and
May be pelted to death by the fmall infantry o're the town.
£lu. 'T was more than I expected, or could hope 5
Yet ftill I thought your meaning honeft.
Pbtl. My fault was rafhnefs, but 'twas full of zeal :
Nor had Ie'r been led to that attempt
Had I not feen it would be done without me:
But by compliance I preferv'd the pow'r
Which Ihavefincemadeufe of for your fer vice.
gu . And which I purpofe fo to recompence.
Lyf. With her Crown (he means«,I knew'twould come to't [_afide„
Phil. O Heaven's, (he'll own her love J
Then I muftlofe Candiope for ever,
And floating in a vaft abyfs of glory,
Seek and not find my (elf!
gu. Take your Candiope • and be as happy
As love can make you both : how pleas ci I am
That I can force my tongue,
To fpeak words fo far diftant from my heait ! Zafidt*
Cand. My happinefs is more than I can utter I
Lyf. Methinks I could do violence on my felf for taking Arms
Againfta Queen fo good, fo bountiful :
Give me leave, Madam, in myextafie
Of joy, to give you thanks for PhiUclts.
You have prefer v'd my friend, and now he ows not
His fortunes onely to your favour 5 but
What's more, his life, and more than that, his love..
I am convinc'd, (he never lov'd him now$
Since by her free confent, all force remov'd
She gives him to my Sifter.
Tlavia was an Impoftor anddeceiv'd me *■
Phil. As for me, Madam, I can onely fay
That I beg refpite for my tnanks5 for on a fudden,
The benefit's to great it overwhelms me.
AQ>. Mark but tfY faintnefs of th' acknowledgement, {tothcQ^^
c a fide.
On. to^/?.] I have obferv'd it with you; and am pleas'd
Hefeesnsnotfatisfy'd; for I ftill wiflr
Jhn
6% The Maiden.Queetu
That he may love me.
Phil. I fee Afteria deluded me
With flactcring hopes of the Queens love
Onely to draw me oiffrom Ly [mantes :
But I w II think no more on'c.
I'm going to pofTefs Candiope]
And I am rayuYd with the joy on't / ha /
Not raviuYd neither.
For what can be more charming than that Queen!
Behold how night fits lovely on her eye-brows,
While day breaks from her eyes! then a Crown too:
J±0">Ioft, tor ever loft, and n w 'tis gone,
Tis beautiful.- __. " ' ^,
Aft How he eyes you ftilll tV^£een.
Phi. Sure I had one of thefaltn Angels Dreams,
All Heav n within this hour was mine .' 4cje
Cand. What is it that diPuibsyoa Dear? '
j Phil. Onely the greatnefs of my joy :
I ve ta'ne too ftrong a C ordiaj, love,
And cannot yet digeft it.
CQu C%»|fcrWwAftcri3] Tis done/ but this pang mores
and then a glorious birth. r °
The tumults of this day, my loyal Subjects
Have fetled in my heartarefolution,
Happy for you, and glorious too for me.
Firft for my Confin, though attempting on my perfon,
He has incurr d the danger of the Laws
1 will notpanimhim
Lyf. You bind me ever to my loyalty.
<g*. Then that I may oblige you more to it,
I here declare you rightful fuccefTor,
And Heir immediate to my Crown/
This, Gentlemen,- _ r<r„^r»,* J
I hope will ftill my fubjeds difcootcn^ C M^
When they behold fucceflion firmly fetled.
[Deputies] Heavn preferve your Majefty
gu. Asformyfelf I have refoiv'd
Still to continue as I am, unmarried :
The
The Maidzti'Queen. 6%
The cares, obfervances, and all the duties
WhichI mould pay an husband, I will jrface
Upon ray people 5 and our mutual lbve
Shall make a biefling more than Conjugal.
And this the States (hall ratifie.
Lyf. Hcav n bear me witnefsthat I take no joy
In the fucccflion of a Crown
Which muft dt fcend to me fo fad a way.
«g» '^oufin no moe5 my refolution's paft,
Which fate mail never alter.
Phil. Then lam once more happv r
For fince none poflefs her, I am pleas'd
With my owu choice, and will defire no more.
For multiplying wimes is a curfe
That keep the mind ftill painfully awake :
Oh, Celadon ,
Your care and loyalty have this day oblig'd me!
But how to be acknowledging I know not,
Unlefs you give the means.
Cel. I was in hope your Majcfty had forgot me 5 therefore if yoo
pleafe, Madam, l'l onely beg a pardon for having taken up arms
once to day aginft you-, for I have a fooliih k ind of Confcience,
which I wifh many of your Subjects had, that will not let me ask a
recompence for my loyalty, whenl know I have been a Rebel.
Jgu. Your Modefty (halt not ferve the turn 5 ask fomething.
Cel. Then I beg, Madam, you will command Fkrimel never to
befriends with me.
Flor. Ask again 3 I grant that without the Queen : but why are
you afraid on't t
Cel. Becaufe I am fure as foon as ever you are, you'l marry me.
Flor. Do you fear it?
Cel No, 'twill come with a fear.
Flor. If you do, I will nor ftick with you for an Oath,
Cel. 1 require no Oath till we come to Church > and then after
the Prieft, I hope, fori find it will be my drftmy to marry thee.
Flor. If ever I fay word after the black Gentleman for thee d-
Cel
6$ The Maiden'Queen.
Cel. Then I hope you I give me leave to beftow a faithful heart
elfewhere.
Flor. I bat if you would have one you muft befpeak it, for lam
fure you have none ready made.
Cel. What fay you, (hail I marry Flaviat
Flor. No, ftie'l be- too cunning for you.
CeU What fay you to olinda then i {he's tall, and fair,and bonny.
Flor. And foolifh, and Apifli, and fickle,
Cel. But Sabina, there's pretry, and young, and loving, and in-
nocenr.
Flor. Anddwarfiib, and childifli, and fond, and flippant: if you
marry her Sifter you will get May-poles, and if you marry her you
will get Fairies to dance about them.
Cel. Nay then the cafe is clear, Florimels if you take 'em all
from me, 'tis becaufe you referve me for your felf,
Flor. But this ma' riage is fuch a Bugbear to me •, much might be
if we could invent but any wry to- make it eafie.
Cel. Some foolifh people have made it uneafie 5 by drawing the
knot fafter than they need $ but we that are wifer will loofen it a
little.
Flor. 'X'\s true indeed, there's fome difference betwixt a Girdle
and a Halter.
Cel. As for the fir ft year, according to the l;udable cuftom of
new married people, we (hall follow one another up into Chambers,
and elown into Gardens , and think we fhall never have enough o f
one another. So far 'tis pleafant enough I hope.
Flor. But after that, when we begin to live like Husband and
\Vife, and never come near one another what then Sir f-
Cel. Why then our onely happinefs muft be to have one mind,
and one will, Flonmel.
Flor. One mind if thou wilt, but prithee let us have two wills^
for I find one will be little enough for me alone, But how if thofe
wills mould meet and cUfo^CeUdoxi
Cel I. Wirrantthee for that : Husbands and Wives keep their wills
far enough afunder for ever meeting: one thing let us be fure to agree
on, that is, never to be jealous.
Flor. No 5 but e'n love one another as long as we can 5 and con-
fefs the truth when we can love no longer.
Cel.
The Maiden^Qmen. <$$
Cel. When I have been at play, you (hall never ask me what mo-
ney 1 have loft.
Flor. When I have been abroad you (hall never enquire who
treated me.
Cel. Item, I will have the liberty to deep all night, without yqut
interrupting ray repofefor any evil defign whatsoever.
Flor. Kern, Then you (hall bid me good night before you flfep.
Cel. Provided always, that whatever liberties we take with othet
people, we continue very honeft to one another.
Flor. As far as will confift with a pleafanc life.
Cel. Laftly, Whereas the names of Husband and Wife hold forth
nothing, but claming and cloying, and dulnefs and faintnefs in their
fignification-, they mall be aboliih'd for ever betwixt us.
Flor. And inftead of thofe, we will be married by the more agree-
able names of Miftrefs and Gallanr.
Cel. None of my priviledges to be infringed by thee Florimel,
under the penalty of a month of Fafting-nights.
Flor. None of my priviledges to be infring'd by thee Celadon,
under the penalty of Cuckoldom.
Cel. WelljifkbemyfortunetobemadeaCuckold, I hadrather
thoumouldft make me one then any one fn Sicily: and for my
comfort I (hall have thee oftner than any of thy fervams.
Flor. La ye now, is not fuch a marriage as good as wenching, c<r-
ladon f
Cel. This is very good, but not fo good, Florimel.
ig#. Now fet me forward to th' Aflembly.
You promi'.e Coufinyourconfent i
Lyf. Botmoft unwillingly.
gu. Philocks-, I muft beg your voice too.
Phil. M oft joy fully I give it,
Lyf. Madam but one word more-, fince you arefo refolv'd,
That you may fee bold as mypaffion was,
" Twas onely for your perfon not your Crown -
I fwear no fecond Jove
Shall violate the flame I had for you,
But in ftrid imitation of your Oath
I vow a (ingle life.
K
g*.
66 %k^^^i^Qif0^
gg; To Afteria.] Now, my AfterU, my joys are full-,
Thepow'rs above that fee
The innocent love I bear to Phikcles^
Have giv'n its due reward 5 for by this means
The right of Lyfimwtes will devolve
Upon Candiofes and 1 (hall have
This great content, to .think, when I am dead
My Crown may fall on fhilocks his head.
Exeunt omnes.
— —
EPILOGUE.
Written by a Perfon of Honour,
VrPoetfomething doubtful of his Fate
'Made choice of me to be his Advocate ,
Relying on my Knowledg in the Laws ,
And I as boldly undertool^the Caufe.
I left my Client yonder in a rant
Againft the envious , and the ignorant ,
Who are, he j ayes his onely JLnemks :
But he contemns their malice, and dejies
Thefbarpeft of his Cenfurcrs to fay
Where there is onegrojs fault in all his Play.
The language is fa fitted fur each part,
The Plot according to the Rules of Art \
And twenty other thi?Jgs he bid me t el you,
But Icrycl en go dot your f elf for Nelly.
Reafon with Judges, urgd in the defence
Ofthofe they would condemn^ is infolence }
I therefore wave the merits of his Play,
And thinl^it fit to plead thisfafer way.
If when too many in the purchafejbare
Robbings not worth the danger nor the care ,
The men ofbufinefs, muft in Policy , ^
Cherifh a little harmelefs Foetry , f
All wit wond elfe grow up to Knavery. C
Wit is a BirdofMnfich^, or of Prey. -
Mounting fheftrikes at all things in her way
But
But if this Birdlime once but touch her wings.
On the next bujh (he {its her down, andfings.
1 haye but one word more \ tell me I pray
What you will get by damning of our play ?
A whipt Fanatickjvho does not recant
Is by his Brethren caWd afuff 'ring Saint ;
And by your hands (bond this poor Poet die
Before he does renounce his Poetry
His death mufi needs confirm the party more
than all his fcribling life could do before :
Where Jo much <z,eal does in a SeB appear
'Tis to no pnrpofe, faith to be f ever e.
But Mother day I heard this rhyming Fop
Say Critichs were the Whips , and he the Top i
For, as a Top fpins the more you bafie her
So every lap you give, he writes the f after.
FIWJS.
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