arms

Is well-becoming; be it far from vain.

Tigr. Sir, I have learn'd a prisoner's sufferance, Mur. 'Tis pity, that valour should be thus And will obey : But give me leave to talk drunk.

(Aside. In private with some friends before I go. Arb. I offer you my sister, and you answer,

Arb. Some do await him forth, and see him I do insult: A lady, that no suit,

safe; Nor treasure, nor thy crown, could purchase But let him freely send for whom he please, thee,

And none dare to disturb his conference; But that thou fought'st with me.

I will not have him know what bondage is, Tigr. Though this be worse

[Erit TIGRANES. Than that you spake before, it strikes me not;

'Till he be free from me. This prince, MarBut, that you think to over-grace me with

donius,
The marriage of your sister, troubles me. Is full of wisdom, valour, all the graces
I would give worlds for ransoms, were they mine, Man can receive.
Rather than have her.

Mar. And yet you conquer'd him.
Arb. See, if I insult,

Arb. And yet I conquer'd him; and could have That am the conqueror, and for a ransom

done't, Offer rich treasure to the conquered,

Hadst thou join'd with him, though thy name in Which he refuses, and I bear his scorn? It cannot be self-flattery to say,

Be great. Must all men, that are virtuous, The daughters of your coumtry, set by her, Think suddenly to match themselves with me? Would see their shame, run home, and blush to

I conquer'd him, and bravely, did I not? death

Bes. An please your majesty, I was afraid at At their own foulness. Yet she is not fair,

first--' Nor beautiful; those words express her not:

Mar. When wert thou other? They say, her looks have something excellent,

Arb. Of what? That wants a name. Yet, were she odious,

Bes. That

you would not have spy'd your best Her birth deserves the empire of the world : advantages; for your majesty, in my opinion, lay Sister to such a brother; that hath ta'en too high; methinks, under favour, you should Victory prisoner, and throughout the earth have lain thus. Carries ber bound, and, should he let her loose, Mar. Like a taylor at a wake. She durst not leave him. Nature did her wrong,

Bes. And then, if't please your majesty to reTo print continual conquest on her cheeks, member, at one time by my troth, I wish'd And make no man worthy for her to taste,

myself wi' you. Bat me, that am too near her; and as strangely

Mar. By my troth, thou wouldst ha' stunk 'em She did for me: But you will think I brag.

both out oth’ lists. Mar. I do, I'll be sworn. Thy valour and Arb. What to do? thy passions sever'd, would have made two ex Bes. To put your majesty in mind of an occellent fellows in their kinds. I know not, casion: You lay thus, and Tigranes falsified a whether I should be sorry thou art so valiant, or blow at your leg, which you, by doing thus, 50 passionate: 'Would one of 'em were away!

avoided; but, if you had whipp'd up your leg

[Aside. thus, and reach'd him on the ear, you had made Tigr. Do I refuse her, that I doubt her the blood-royal run down his head. worth?

Mar. What country fence-school learn'dst Were she as virtuous as she would be thought;

that at ? So perfect, that no one of her own sex

Arb. Pish! did not I take him nobly? Could find a want she had ; so tempting fair, Mar. Why, you did, and you have talk'd That she could wish it off, for damning souls ;

enough on't. I would pay any ransom, twenty lives,

Arb. Talk'd enough?
Rather than meet her married in my bed.

Will
you
confine

my

words? By Heav'n and earth, Perhaps, I have a love, where I have fix'd I were much better be a king of beasts Mine eyes, not to be mov'd, and she on me: Than such a people! If I had not patience I am not fickle.

Above a god, I should be call'd a tyrant, Arb. Is that all the cause?

Throughout the world! They will offend to deat), Think you, you can so knit yourself in love Each minute: Let me hear thee speak again, To any other, that her searching sight

And thou art earth again. Why, this is like Cannot dissolve it? So, before you try'd, Tigranes' speech, that needs would say I brag’d. You thought yourself a match for me in fight: Bessus, he said, I brag'd. Trust me, Tigranes, she can do as much

Bes. Ha, ha, ha!
In peace, as I in war; she'll conquer too.

Arb. Why dost thou laugh?
You shall see, if you have the pow'r to stand By all the world, I'm grown ridiculous
The force of her swift looks. If you dislike,

To

my own subjects. Tie me in a chair, I'll send you home with love, and name your And jest at me! But I shall make a start,

And punish some, that others may take heed Some other way; but if she be your choice,

How they are haughty. Who will answer me? She frees you.' To Iberia you must.

He said I boasted : Speak, Mardonius,

ransom

none

Did I? He will not answer. Oh, my temper! Mov'd you like wheels; it mov'd you as it pleas'd. I give you thanks above, that taught my heart Whither slip you now? What, are you too good Patience ; I can endure his silence. What, will | To wait on me? (Puffe.) I had need have tem

per, Vouchsafe to give me answer? Am I grown That rule such people: I have nothing left To such a poor respect? or do you mean At my own choice! I would I might be private: To break my wind? Speak, speak, some one of Mean men enjoy themselves ; but "tis our curse you,

To have a tumult, that, out of their loves, Or else, by Heav'n

Will wait on us, whether we will or no. i Gen! So please your

Go, get you gone! Why, here they stand like Arb. Monstrous !

death: I cannot be heard out; they cut me off,

My words move nothing. As if I were too saucy. I will live

i Gent. Must we go? In woods, and talk to trees; they will allow me Bes. I know not. To end what I begin. The meanest subject Arb. I pray you, leave me, sirs. I'm proud of Can find a freedom to discharge his soul,

this, (Exeunt all but ARB. and MAR. And not I. Now it is a time to speak ;

That you will be intreated from my sight. I hearken.

Why, now they leave me all. Mardonius! i Gent. May it please

Mar. Sir. Arb. Imean not you;

Arb. Will you leave me quite alone? Methinks, Did not I stop you once? But I am grown Civility should teach you more than this, To talk ! But I defy-Let another speak, If I were but your friend. Stay here, and wait. 2 Gent. I hope your majesty

Mar. Sir, shall I speak ?
Arb. Thou drawl'st thy words,

Arb. Why, you would now think much
That I must wait an hour, where other men To be denied; but I can scarce intreat
Can hear in instants : Throw your words away What I would have. Do, speak.
Quick and to purpose ; I have told you this. Mur. But will you hear me out ?
Bes. An please your majesty-

Arb. With me you article, to talk thus: Well, Arb. Wilt thou devour me? This is such a I will hear you out. rudeness

Mar. Sir, that I have ever lov'd you, my yet you never shew'd me: And I want

sword hath spoken for me; that I do, if it be Pow'r to command too; else, Mardonius doubted, I dare call an oath, a great one, to my Would speak at my request. Were you my king, witness; and were you not my king, from amongst I would have answer'd at your word, Mardonius. men, I should have chose you out, to love above I pray you speak, and truly, did I boast ?

the rest : Nor can this challenge thanks ; for my Mar. Truth will offend you.

own sake I should have done it, because I would Arb, You take all great care what will offend have lov’d the most deserving man; for so you When you dare to utter such things as these. Arb. Alas, Mardonius, rise ! you shall not Mar. You told Tigranes, you had won his

kneel: land

We all are soldiers, and all venture lives; With that sole arm, prop'd by divinity:

And where there is no diff'rence in mens' worths, Was not that bragging, and a wrong to us Titles are jests. Who can outvalue thee?' That daily ventur'd lives?

Mardonius, thou hast lov'd me, and hast wrong; Arb. Oh, that thy name

Thy love is not rewarded; but, believe · Were great as mine! 'would I had paid my It shall be better. More than friend in arms, wealth

My father, and my tutor, good Mardonius ! It were as great, as I might combat thee!

Mur. Sir, you did promise you would hear me I would, through all the regions habitable, Search thee, and having found thee, wi' my Arb. And so I will : Speak freely, for from sword

thçe Drive thee about the world, 'till I had met Nothing can come, but worthy things and true. Some place that yet man's curiosity

Mar. Though you have all this worth, you Hath miss'd of: There, there would I strike thee hold some qualities that do eclipse your virtues.' dead;

Arb. Eclipse my virtues ? Forgotten of mankind, such funeral rites

Mar, Yes; your passions; which are so maniAs beasts would give thee, thou shouldst have. fold, that they appear even in this: When I comBes. The king rages extremely; shall we slink mend you, you hug me for that tror; but when away

I speak your faults, you make a start, and fly the He'll strike us.

hearing: But2 Gent. Content.

Arb. When you commend me? Oh, that I Arb. There I would make you know, 'twas

should live this sole arm.

To need such commendations ! If my deeds I grant, you were my instruments, and did Blew not my praise themselves about the carth, As I commanded you; but 'twas this arın I were most wretched! Spare your idle praise : ;

me,

are.

out.

If thou didst mean to flatter, and shouldst utter I may swear I am truly honest; for I pay justly Words in my praise, that thou thought'st impu- for what I take, and would be glad to be at a. dence,

certainty. My deeds should make 'em modest. When you Arb. Why, do the wenches encroach upon praise,

thee? I hug you? 'Tis so false, that, wert thou worthy, Mar. Ay, by this light, do they. Thou shouldst receive a death, a glorious death, Arb. Didst thou sit at an old rent with 'em ? From me! But thou shalt understand thy lyes; Mar. Yes, faith. For, shouldst thou praise me into Heav'n, and Arb. And do they improve themselves ? there

Mar. Ay, ten shillings to me, every new young Leave me inthron’d, I would despise thee then fellow they come acquainted with. As much as now, which is as much as dust,

Arb. How canst live on't ? Because I see thy enyye NY

Mur. Why, I think, I must petition to you. Mar. However you will use me after, yet for Arb. Thou shalt take them up at my price. your own promise sake, hear me the rest. Arb. I will, and after call unto the winds;

Enter two Gentlemen and BESSUS. For they shall lend as large an ear as I

Mar. Your price? To what you utter. Speak !

Arb. Ay, at the king's price. Mar. Would you but leave these hasty tem Mar. That may be more than I'm worth. pers, which I do not say take from you all your 2 Gent. Is he not merry now? worth, but darken it, then you will shine indeed. i Gent. I think not. drb. Well,

Bes. He is, he is: We'll shew ourselves. Mar. Yet I would have you keep some pas Arb. Bessus ! I thought you had been in sions, lest nen should take you for a god, your Iberia by this; I bade you haste; Gobrias will virtues are such.

want entertainment for me. Art. Why, now you flatter.

Bes. An please your majesty, I have a suit, Mar. I never understood the word. Were Arb. Is't not lousy, Bessus ? What is't? you no king, and free from these moods, should Bes. I am to carry a lady with me. I chuse a companion for wit and pleasure, it

Arb. Then thou hast two suits. should be you; or for honesty to interchange my Bes. And if I can prefer her to the lady bosom with, it should be you'; or wisdom to give Panthea, your majesty's sister, to learn fashions, me counsel, I would pick out you; or valour to as her friends term it, it will be worth something defend my reputation, still I should find you out; for you are fit to fight for all the world, if it Arb. So many nights' lodgings as 'tis thither; could come in question. Now I have spoke: will’t not ? Consider to yourself; find out a use; if so, then Bes. I know not that, sir; but gold I shall be what shall fall to me is not material.

sure of. Arb. Is not material? More than ten such Arb, Why, thou shalt bid her entertain her lives

from me, so thou wilt resolve me one thing. As mine, Mardonius ! It was nobly said;

Bes. If I can. Thou hast spoke truth, and boldly such a truth Arb. Faith, 'tis a very disputable question; As might offend another. I have been

and yet, I think, thou canst decide it. Too passionate and idle; thou shalt see

Bes

. Your majesty has a good opinion of my A swift amendment. But I want those parts understanding. You praise me for: I fight for all the world! Arb. I have so good an opinion of it: 'Tis, Give thee a sword, and thou wilt go as far whether thou be valiant. Beyond me, as thou art beyond in years ;

Bes. Somebody has traduced me to you: Do I know thou dar'st and wilt. It troubles me you see this sword, sir ? That I should use so rough a phrase to thee: Arb. Yes. Impute it to my folly, what thou wilt,

Bes. If I do not make my back-biters eat it to So thou wilt pardon me. That thou and I a knife within this week, say I am not valiant. Should differ thus !

Enter a Asessenger. Mar. Why, 'tis no matter, sir.

Arb. Faith, but it is : But thou dost ever take Afes. Health to your majesty! All things I do thus patiently; for which

Arb. From Gobrias ?
I never can requite thee, but with love;

Mes. Yes, sir,
And that thou shalt be sure of. Thou and I Arb. How does he ? is he well?
Have not been merry lately: Prithee tell me, Mes. In perfect health.
Where hadst thou that same jewel in thine ear? Arb. Take that for thy good news.
Mar. Why, at the taking of a town.

A trustier servant to his prince there lives not, Arb. A wench, upon my life, a wench, Mar-Than is good Gobrias. slonius, gave thee that jewel.

i Gent. The king starts back. Mar. Wench! They respect not me; I'm old Mar. His blood goes back as fast. and rough, and every limb about me, but that 2 Gent. And now it comes again. which should, grows stiffer. l' those businesses, Alar. He alters strangely.

to me.

man

don'd,

Arb. The hand of Heaven is on me: Be it far | You shall behold a tomb more worth than T. From me to struggle! If my secret sins

Some friend, that ever lov'd me or my cause, Have pull'd this curse upon me, lend me tears Will build me something to distinguish me clense Enow to wash me white, that I may feel From other women; many a weeping verse.

A child-like innocence within my breast ! He will lay on, and much lament those maids Which, once perform’d, oh, give me leave to That plac'd their loves unfortunately high, stand

As I have done, where they can never reach. As fix'd as constancy herself; my eyes

But why should you go to Iberia ? Set here unmov'd, regardless of the world,

Tigr. Alas, that thou wilt ask me! Ask the Though thousand miseries encompass me!

Mar. This is strange! Sir, how do you? That rages in a fever, why he lies
Arb. Mardonius ! my mother-

Distemper'd there, when all the other youths
Mar. Is she dead ?

Are coursing o'er the meadows with their loves?
Arb. Alas, she's not so happy! Thou dost Can I resist it ? am I not a slave
know

To him that conquer'd me?
How she hath labour'd, since my father died, Spa. That conquer'd thee,
To take by treason hence this loathed life, Tigranes ! He has won but half of thee,
That would but be to serve her. I have par- Thy body; but thy mind may be as free

As his : His will did never combat thine,
And pardon’d, and by that have made her fit And take it prisoner.
To practise new sins, not repent the old.

Tigr. But if he by force
She now had hir’d a slave to come from thence, Convey my body hence, what helps it me,
And strike me here; whom Gobrias, sifting out, Or thee, to be unwilling?
Took, and condemn'd, and executed there. Spa. Oh, Tigranes !
The careful'st servant ! Heav'n, let me but live I know you are to see a lady there;
To pay that man! Nature is poor to me, To see, and like, I fear : Perhaps, the hope
That will not let me have as

many,
deaths

Of her makes you forget me, ere we part.
As are the times that he hath sav'd my life, Be happier than you know to wish ! farewell !
That I might die 'em over all for him.

Tigr. Spaconia, stay, and hear me what I say. Mur. Sir, let her bear her sins on her own In short, destruction meet me that I may head;

See it, and not avoid it, when I leave
Vex not yourself.

To be thy faithful lover! Part with me
Arb. What will the world

Thou shalt not; there are none that know our Conceive of me? with what unnatural sins

love;
Will they suppose me loaden, when my life And I have given gold unto a captain,
Is sought by her, that gave it to the world ? . That goes unto Iberia from the king,
But yet he writes me comfort here: My sister, That he will place a lady of our land
He says, is grown in beauty and in grace; With the king's sister that is offer'd me;
In all the innocent virtues that become

Thither shall you, and, being once got in,
A tender spotless maid : She stains her cheeks Persuade her, by what subtle means you can,
With mourning tears, to purge her mother's ill; To be as backward in her love as I.
And ʼmongst that sacred dew she mingles pray’rs, Spa. Can you imagine that a longing maid,
Her pure oblations, for

my
safe return.

When she beholds you, can be pulld away If I have lost the duty of a son ;

With words from loving you ? If. f any pomp or vanity of state

Tigr. Dispraise my health, Made me forget my natural offices;

My honesty, and tell her I am jealous. Nay, further, if I have not every night

Spa. Why, I had rather lose you: Can my Expostulated with my wand'ring thoughts,

heart If aught unto my parent they have err'd, Consent to let my tongue throw out such words? And call’d 'em back ; do you direct her arm And I, that ever yet spoke what I thought, Unto this foul dissembling heart of mine. Shall find it such'a thing at first to lye! But if I have been just to her, send out

Tegr. Yet, do thy best.
Your pow'r to compass me, and hold me safe

Enter BessUS.
From searching treason; I will use no means
But prayer: For, rather suffer me to see

Bes. What, is your majesty ready?
From mine own veins issue a deadly flood,

Tigr. There is the lady, captain. Than wash my danger off with mother's blood. Bes. Sweet lady, by your leave. I could wish Mar. I never saw such sudden extremities. myself more full of courtship for your fair sake.

[Ereunt. Spa. Sir, I shall feel no want of that. Enter TIGRANES and SPACONIA.

Bes. Lady, you must haste; I have receiv'd

new letters from the king, that require more Tigr; Why, wilt thou have me die, Spaconia? haste than I expected; he will follow me sudWhat should I do?

denly himself; and begins to call for your majesSpa. Nay, let me stay alone;

ty already. And when you see Armenia again,

Tigr. He shall not do so long,

Bes. Sweet lady, shall I call you my Charge bereafter?

Spa. I will not take upon me to govern your tongue, sir : You shall call me what you please.

[Ereunt.

ACT II.

arm

Ara. I know it is. Enter GOBRIAS, BACURIUS, ARANE, PANTHEA,

Gob. Nay, should you publish it and MANDANE, waiting-woman, with atten- Before the world, think you ’twould be believ'' dants.

dra. I know, it would not. Gob. My lord Bacurius, you must have re

Gob. Nay, should I join wi' you,

Should we not both be torn, and yet both dio gard

Uncredited ? Unto the queen; she is your prisoner ; 'Tis at your peril, if she make escape.

Ara. I think we should. Bac. My lord, I know't; she is my prisoner,

Gob. Why, then,

Take From you committed : Yet she is a woman;

you

such violent courses ? As for me, And, so I keep her safe, you will not urge me

I do but right in saving of the king To keep her close. I shall not shame to say,

From all your plots. I sorrow for her.

Ara. The king!

Gob. I bade you rest
Gob. So do I, my lord :
I sorrow for her, that so little grace

With patience, and a time would come for me
Doth govern her, that she should stretch her But, by this way, you take away my pow'.

To reconcile all to your own content: Against her king; so little womanhood

And what was done, unknown, was not by me, And natural goodness, as to think the death

But you; your urging. Being done, Of her own son

I must preserve my own; but time may bring Ara. Thou know'st the reason why,

All this to light, and happily for all. TIRE

Ara. Accursed be this over-curious brain,
Dissernbling as thou art, and wilt not speak.
Gob. There is a lady takes not after you;

That gave that plot a birth! Accurs'd this wom's Her father is within her; that good man,

That after did conceive, to my disgrace! Whose tears weigh'd down his sins. Mark, how divers letters come from Armenia, that Bessus

Bac. My lord-protector, they say, there are she weeps; How well it does become her! And if you

has done good service, and brought again a day Can find no disposition in yourself

by his particular valour : Receiv'd you any to

that effect? To sorrow, yet, by gracefulness in her, Find out the way, and by your reason weep.

Gob. Yes; 'tis most certain. All this she does for you, and more she needs,

Buc. I'm sorry for't ; not that the day was

won, but that 'twas won by him. We held him. When for yourself you will not lose a tear. Think, how this want of grief discredits you;

here a coward : He did me wrong once, at which And you will weep, because you cannot weep.

I laugh’d, and so did all the world; for not 1, nor Ara. You talk to me, as having got a time

any other, held him worth sword.

my Fit for your purpose; but, you know, I know

Enter BESSUS and SPACONIA.
You speak not what you think.
Pan. I would my heart

Bes. Health to my lord-protector! From theking
Were stone, before my softness should be urg'd these letters; and to your grace, madam, these.
Against my mother ! A more troubled thought Gob. How does his majesty ?
No virgin bears about ! Should I excuse

Bes. As well as conquest, by his own means My mother's fault, I should set light a life, and his valiant commanders, can make him: In losing which a brother and a king

Your letters will tell you all. Were taken from me: If I seek to save

Pan. I will not open mine, till I do know That life so lov’d, I lose another life,

My brother's health : Good captain, is he well ? That gave me being; I shall lose a mother ; Bes. As the rest of us that fought are. A word of such a sound in a child's ear,

Pan. But how's that ? is he hurt ? That it strikes reverence through it. May the Bes. He's a strange soldier that gets not a will

knock. be Heav'n be done, and if one needs must fall, Pan. I do not ask how strange that soldier is Take a poor virgin's life to answer all !

That gets no hurt, but whether he have one. Ara. But, Gobrias, let us talk, You know, Bes. He had divers. this fault

Pan. And is he well again? Is not in me as in another mother.

Bes. Well again, an't please your grace. Why; Gob. I know it is not.

I was run twice through the body, and shot i'th' Are. Yet you make it so.

head with a cross-arrow, and yet am well again. Gob. Why, is not all that's past beyond your Pan. I do not care how thou do'st: L he help?

well?