UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 AT LOS ANGELES
 
 GUSTAVUS VASA, 
 
 THE 
 
 Deliverer of his C o u N T R Y. 
 
 I i A 
 
 TRAGEDY. 
 
 As it was to have been Afted 
 
 At the Theatre-Royal in Drury-Lane. 
 
 By HENRY BROOKE, Efq-, 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for R. Dodfley, at Tuttfs Head Pall-Mall. 
 MDCCXXXIX. 
 
 59501'

 
 A PREFATORY 
 
 DEDICATION 
 
 TO THE 
 
 "SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 S I efteem'd it my Happinefs to 
 live under a Government, where; 
 National Liberty was eftablim'd 
 by Law, and the Rights of Sub- 
 jects interwove with their Alle- 
 giance : So I ever thought it my 
 Safety to act with fuch allowable Freedom, as 
 did not contradict any of our written and 
 known Regulations. 
 
 THO' ineonfiderable in myfelf, I am yet a 
 Subject of Great-Britain j and the Privileges 
 of her meaneft Member are dear to the whole 
 Conftitution. 
 
 AMONG thofe Privileges, I claim that of 
 juftifying my Conduct, I claim that of defend- 
 ing my Property, and wim I could do both, 
 without giving Difguft ev'n to Thofe by whofe 
 Cenfures I am a Sufferer. 
 
 a 2 WHEN
 
 iv A Prefatory Dedication^ 
 
 WHEN I wrote the following Sheets I had 
 ftudied the ancient Laws of my Country, but 
 was not converfant with her prefent political 
 State. I did not confider Things minutely j in 
 the general View I liked our Conftitution, and 
 eealoufly wifh'd that the Religion, the Laws, 
 and Liberties of England might ever be facred 
 and fafe. I had nothing to fear or hope from 
 Party or Preferment. My Attachments were 
 only to Truth, I was confcious of no other 
 Principles, and was far from apprehending that 
 Such could be offensive. 
 
 I TOOK my SubjecT: from the Hiftory of Swe- 
 den, one of thofe Gothic and glorious Nations, 
 from whom our Form of Government is de- 
 rived, from whom Britain has inherited thofe 
 unextinguimable Sparks of Liberty and Pa- 
 triotiim, that were Her Light thro' the Ages of 
 Ignorance and Superflition, Her flaming Sword 
 ttira'dev'ry Way againft Invafion, and that vital 
 Heat which has fo often preferved Her, fo often 
 reftored Her from inteftine Malignities. Thofe 
 are the Sparks, the Gems, that alone give true 
 Ornament and Brightnefs to the Crown of a 
 Britijh Monarch ; that give Him freely to reign 
 over the Free j and mail ever fet Him above the 
 Princes of the Earth ; till Corruption grow uni- 
 veriulj till Subjects wim to be Slaves, and Kings 
 know not how to be Happy. 
 
 I WAS pleafed with this Similitude between 
 the Principles, and, as I may fay, between the 
 
 natural
 
 A Prefatory Dedication^ c. v 
 
 natural Constitutions of Sweden and Britain. 
 I look'd no further for Sentiments, than as they 
 arofe from Facts, and for the Fails I am indebted 
 to Hiftory : Nay, I ingenuoufly confefs, I was 
 fo far from a View of Merit with the Dif- 
 affefted, that I look'd on this Performance as the 
 higheft Compliment I could pay the prefent 
 Eftablifhment Such was my Ignorance, or fuch 
 is my Misfortune, 
 
 MANY are the Difficulties a new Author 
 has to encounter in introducing his Play on 
 the Stage. I had the good Fortune to fur- 
 mount them ; this Piece was about five Weeks 
 in Rehearfal, the Day was appointed for Acting, 
 I had difpofed of many hundred Tickets, and 
 imagined I had nothing to fear but from the 
 Weaknefs of the Performance. 
 
 BUT then it was, that where I look'd for Ap- 
 probation, I met with Repulfe. I was con- 
 demn'd and punifh'd in my Works without be- 
 ing accus'd of any Crime, and made obnoxious 
 to the Government under which I live, without 
 having it in my Power to alter my Conduct, or 
 knowing in what Inflance I had given Offence. 
 
 HOWEVER fingular and unprecedented this 
 Treatment may appear : Had I conceived it to 
 be the Intention of the Legiflature, I fhoulJ 
 have fubmitted without complaining. Or had 
 any, among Hundreds who have perufed the 
 Manufcript, c^ferved but a fmgle Line that 
 
 might
 
 Vi A Prefatory Dedication^ 
 
 might inadvertently tend to Sedition or Im- 
 morality, I wou'd then have been the firft to 
 ftrike it out; I wou'd now be the laft to publifh 
 it, 
 
 HAD the Dignity of the Ld. C ri's Office 
 
 condefcended, as fome wou'd infinuate, to a 
 Theatrical Examination of the Drama,, to a 
 critical Inquijition of the Conduct, the Unities^ 
 and Tricks of Scenery, even fo I might have 
 hoped for equal Indulgence with Farces, Pan- 
 tomimes, and other Performances of like Tafte 
 and Genius. 
 
 BUT this is hot the afe, the Ld. C n's 
 
 Office is alone concerned in thofe Reafons which 
 gave Birth to the Statute^ it is to guard againft 
 iuch Reprefentations as He may conceive to be 
 of pernicious Influence in the Common- 
 wealth ; this is the only Point to which his 
 Prohibitions are underftood to extend, and his 
 Prohibition lays me under the Neceffity of pub- 
 liming this Piece, to convince the Public, that 
 (tho' of no valuable Confequence) I am at leaft 
 inoffenfive. 
 
 Patriotifm, or the Lcfoe of Country ', is the 
 great and fingle Moral which I had in View thro' 
 this Play. This Love (fo fuperior in its Nature 
 to all other Interefls and Affections) is perfo- 
 nated in the Character of GttftavuL It is the 
 Love of National Welfare ; National Welfare is 
 National Liberty ; and He alone can be con- 
 
 fcious
 
 A Prefatory Dedication, &c. vii 
 
 icious of tt 9 He alone can contribute to the 
 Support of it, who is perfanally free. 
 
 BY Perfonal Freedom I mean that State refult- 
 ing from Virtue ; or Reafon ruling in the Bread 
 fuperior to Appetite and Paffion; and by National 
 Freedom I mean a Security (arifing from the Na- 
 ture of a well-order'd Conftitution) for thofe Ad- 
 vantages and Privileges that each Man has a 
 Right to, by contributing as a Member to the 
 Weal of that Community, 
 
 THE Monarch or Head of fuch a Confti- 
 tution, is as the Father of a large and well 
 regulated Family, his Subjects are not Servants, 
 but Sons - y their Care, their Affections, their At- 
 tachments are reciprocal, and their Intereft is one, 
 is not to be divided. 
 
 THIS is truly to Reign; this, only, is to 
 Reign. How glorious, how extenfive is the 
 Prerogative of fuch a Monarch ! He is fuperior 
 to Subjects, each of whom is equal to any Mo- 
 narch, who is only fuperior to Slaves. He is 
 fcepter'd in the Hearts of his People, from 
 whence He directs their Hands with double 
 Force and Energy. . His Office partakes of the 
 DIVINE INCLINATION, by being exerted to 
 no other End, but the Happinefs of a People. 
 
 O, never may any Subtleties, any Infmua- 
 tions raife groundlefs Jealoufies in a People fo 
 govern'd ! never may they be influenced to ima- 
 gine
 
 viii A Prefatory Dedication^ 
 
 gine that fuch a Prince is invading their Rights, 
 while He is only folicitous to confirm and pre- 
 ferve them ! 
 
 AND never may any Miniftry, any Adula- 
 tion, feduce fuch a Prince from that his true 
 Intereft and Honour ! 
 
 I mou'd not have had the ^ffurance to fol-. 
 licite a Subfcription in Favour of Sentiments that 
 any Circumftance could ever make me retract. 
 Thefe, and thefe only, are the Principles of 
 which you are Patrons ; and the honourable 
 Names prefix'd to this Performance lay me 
 under fuch a future Obligation of Conduct, as 
 ihall ever make me cautious of forfeiting the 
 Advantages I receive from them. They are alfo 
 to me a tailing Memorial of that Gratitude with 
 which I am, 
 
 Your mofl Oblig'd, moil Faithful, 
 
 and moft Humble Servant, 
 
 Henry Brooke.
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 Ritons t this Night preferits a State diftrefs*d, 
 Tho* brave, yet vanquiflfd \ and M great, 
 
 opprefs'd , 
 
 Vice, ravening Vulture, on her Vitalsprey'd, 
 Her Peers, her Prelates^ fell Corruption fwaf d -, 
 Their Rights, for Pow'r, tb* Ambitious weakly fold, 
 'The Wealthy, poorly, for faperfluous Gold; 
 Hence wafting Els, hence fevering Factions rofe, 
 And gave large Entrance to invading Foes ; 
 Truth, Jujiice, Honour fed th* inf eft ed Shore, 
 For Freedom-, facred Freedom was no more. 
 
 Then, greatly rifing in his Countrfs Right, 
 Her Here, her Deliverer ff rung to Light ; 
 A Race of hardy, northern Sons he led, 
 Guiltkfs of Courts, untainted, and unread* 
 tffjoje inborn Spirit fpurn'd th* ignoble Fee, 
 Whofe Hands fcorn'd Bondage, for their Hearts wert 
 free. 
 
 AJk ye what Law their c on f ring Caufe confefs'd ? 
 Great Nature's Law, the Law within the Breaft, 
 Form'd by no Art, and to no Seft confitfd, 
 Butftamp'd by Heart n upon th> unlettered Mind. 
 
 Such, fuch, of old, the firft born Natives were, 
 Who breath* d the Vertues of Britannia*^ Air, 
 Their Realm, when mighty Csefar vainly fought \ 
 For mightier Freedom againft Csefar fought, 
 And rudely drove the fanfd Invader Home, 
 20 tyrannize o'er polt/h'd venal Rome. 
 
 Our Bard, exalted in a freeborn Flame, 
 To ev'ry Nation wou'd transfer this Claim. 
 He to no State, no Climate bounds his Page, 
 He bids the Moral beam thro* tv'ry Age j 
 Then be your Judgment getfrous as his Plan> 
 Te Sons of Freedom I fave the Friend of Man.
 
 The Perforts feprefented. 
 
 MEN. 
 CR i s T i E R N, King of Denmark and 
 
 Norway, and Ufurper of Sweden, 
 TROLL i o, A Swede, Archbifhop 
 
 of Upfal, and Vicegerent to Crif- 
 
 tiern^ 
 PETERSON^ A Swedi/h Nobleman," 
 
 fecretly of the Danj/b Party, and 
 
 >Mr. Wright. 
 
 Mr. Gibber, 
 
 Mr. Furbuff. 
 
 Woodward, 
 
 Friend to TralUo, 
 LAERTES* A Voting 
 
 bleman, Attendant to Crifiin*, 
 GUSTAVUS, Formerly General of"1 
 
 the 'Swedes^ and firft Coufin to the (Mr. }uin. 
 
 deceafed King, 
 A R vi DA, Of the Royal Blood- 
 
 of Sweden, Friend and Coufin to 
 
 Guftavus, 
 ANDERSON* 
 
 carlta, 
 ARNOLDUS, 
 
 Chief Lord of Dale--- 
 
 A Swedijh Prieft," 
 
 and Chaplain in the Copper-Mines 
 
 .Mr. Milward, 
 
 Mr. Mills. 
 
 Mr. Havard. 
 
 "iMr. Ridout. 
 
 of Datecarlta, 
 SIVARD, Captain of the Dale- 
 
 carlians, 
 
 WOMEN. 
 CR i s T i N A , Daughter to Criftiern, Mrs. Giffard. 
 
 AUGUSTA, Mother to! r> . r -1 Mrs Butler . 
 f^ n I A riloners in I . 
 
 Gujta>vus> I ris*briA 
 
 GUST A v A, Sifter tof ^ l J turn s f MifiCc/f. 
 Gujlavus, a Child, J ^ amp J 
 
 MARIANA, Attendant and Con- 
 fident to Criftina, 
 
 Soldiers, Peafants, Me/engers, and Attendants. 
 SCENE Dakcarlia, a Northern Province in Sweden,
 
 LIST of the SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 LORD Andover. 
 Dutchefs bf Ancafter. 
 
 Tho. Aprice, Efq; 6 Books. 
 Solomon AQiley, Efq- t 
 Mifs Betty A&on. 
 ^/r. Benjamin Adamfbn. 
 
 George Arbuthnot. 
 
 John Alford. 
 
 John Arifel, Jun. 
 William Adair, Efq; 
 Nicholas Amhurft, Efq; 
 Charles Afgil, Efy; 
 Mr. William Adair. 
 Auftin Afliby, Efa 
 John At wood, Efq; 
 Mrs. Adams. 
 Mifs Margaret Anne Adams. 
 
 Elizabeth Adams, 2 Booh. 
 Thomas Asby,. Efq; 
 John Atleck, Efq; 
 William Archer, Efq- t 
 Edward Allen, Efq; 
 Mr. James Apperley, M. D. 
 Mrs. Anne Afhley. 
 
 Elizabeth Amley. 
 Charles Annefley, Efq^ 
 Mr. George Abbot. 
 
 James Andertbn. 
 George Andrews, Efq; 
 John Averel, Efq; 
 Henry Armftrong, Efq; 
 
 B 
 
 Duke, of Bedford, a Guinea. 
 DutchefsofBedfoidJalfa Guinea, 
 D.utchtfi of Buckingham, 4 Boots. 
 
 Duke of Beaufort, 4 Books. 
 
 Dutchefs of Beaufort, 2 Books. 
 
 Duke of Bridgwater. 
 
 Dutchefs of Bridgwabr. 
 
 Marchionefs of Blandford, Guinea. 
 
 Lord Bolingbrooke, a Guinea. 
 
 Lady Baltimore^ 2 Books. 
 
 Lord Belhw. 
 
 Lord Bathurft, a Guinea. 
 
 Lady Bathurft, a Guinea. 
 
 Lord Barr i more, 2 Books. 
 
 Lord Barrington, 4 Books. 
 
 Lady Barrington. 
 
 Lord Bellew. 
 
 Lady Bellew. 
 
 Lady Vif counters Binning. 
 
 Lady Barker. 
 
 Sir Jacob Bouverie, Bart. 4 Books'* 
 
 Lady Bouverie. 
 
 Hon. Hen. Bathurft, Efq; Guinea. 
 
 Sir Edmund Bacon, Bart. 
 
 Sir William Boyer, Bart. 
 
 Sir Walter Bagot, Bart. 
 
 Sir John Bland, Bart. 
 
 Lady Frances Bland. 
 
 Hon. Mr. Barrington. 
 
 Peter Bathurft, Efq;balfa Guinea. 
 
 John Barnard, Efq; 
 
 John Bufgoine, Efq; 
 
 Mr. Brindley, Bookfeller, 6 Books. 
 
 Robert Burd, M. D. 
 
 Thomas Barrel, Efq; 
 
 Mr. Richard Barlow. 
 
 Byerley. 
 
 John Blackftone. 
 
 Jofeph Bower. 
 
 J6hn Burges. 
 
 John Biswtedl,
 
 A LIST of the 
 
 Henry Thurlow Brace, EJq; 
 
 Barrington, Efq; 
 James Bateman, Jq; 
 Edmund Bramfton, Efa 
 Thomas Bloodworth, Efq ; 
 George Bridges, Efq; 
 Walter Blacketf, Efq; 2 Boiks. 
 Daniel Boone, Efq; 2 Books. 
 Mr. Teuton Boate, 
 
 Richard Bridges. 
 
 Michael Bridges. 
 
 William Branfon. 
 
 Samuel Bonner. 
 
 James Brace. 
 
 John Browne. 
 
 Barnaby Black well. 
 
 James Bonnel. 
 
 Bedingncld . 
 
 George Breton. 
 
 John Buckley. 
 Mfs Bacon. 
 Mrs. Byde. 
 Mlfs Buxton. 
 Mr. Tyringham Blackwell,7, 
 
 John Banks. 
 
 George Bell. 
 
 Papillon Ball. 
 
 Lewis Beaufort. 
 
 James Burnet. 
 John Blackford, Efo 
 Mr. Francis Brownfmith. 
 
 Samuel Bround. 
 Mrs. Bendyfh. 
 Mifs Bendyfh. 
 Henry Bendyfli, Jim. Efq\ 
 William Berners, Efq; 
 Mrs. Berners. 
 
 Barham. 
 
 Thomas Barret, Efq; 
 William Brooke, Efq; a Guinea 
 Mrs. De Boiville. 
 Mr. Robert Burchall. 
 
 Barrowby, Jun. M. B. 
 William Busby, Efq; 
 
 SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Mr. Blake. 
 Hon. Mr. Berkely. 
 [ames Brackman, Efq, 
 Mr. Birch. 
 
 . Baldwyn. 
 Hon. John Butler, Efq\ 
 John Bacon, Efq; 
 Mr. Edward Bullock. 
 Levet Blackborne, Efq\ 
 William Bowles, Efq\ 
 Richard Berenger, Efq; 
 Mr. Bofwell. 
 
 Hon. Barker, Efq; 
 
 Bond, Efq\ 
 Mr. Stafford Brifcoe. 
 
 George Bayer. 
 
 John BlondeL 
 
 Claude Bofauquet. 
 
 John Brome. 
 
 John Beck. 
 
 John Browne. 
 
 Bannee. 
 
 William Belch. 
 Thomas Busfield, Efq; 
 Blany Walcot Browne, Efq; 
 Edward Blakeney, Efq; 
 Mr. George Bochem. 
 Dr. Humphry Bartholmew. 
 James Burroughs, Efq; 
 Mr. John Baker. 
 Rev. Mr. Henry Brooke. 
 Richard Bagnal, Efq; 
 Mrs. Barber. 
 Hon. George Baily, Efq; 
 Mr. William Browne. 
 Simon Brereton, Efq; 
 Mr. James Barret. 
 
 James Bernard. 
 
 - Baynham. 
 
 Waftel Brifcoe. 
 
 Berkley,^; half a Guinea. 
 
 John Baflet, Efq; half a Guinea. 
 William Binford, Efq; 
 Mr. Beard, 2 Books.
 
 A LIST of the SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Mr. Henry Clifforde. 
 
 John Cox. 
 r lrs. Cornwallis. 
 
 Campbel. 
 
 Cooke 
 
 amuel Clarke, Efq; 
 Thomas Chefter. Efq;half Guinea 
 "Yr John Chichefter, Bart, ditto. 
 Mr. Thomas Churchman. 
 Mrs. Clarke. 
 Yancis Colfon, Efq; 
 Charles Cholmondeley, Efq; 
 George Clarges, Efq; 
 
 Robert Calderwood. 
 
 Dutche/s of Cleveland. 
 Lord Chefterfield, T'en Guineas. 
 Lady Chefter field, a Guinea. 
 Lord Cornbury, a Guinea. 
 Lord Cobham, a Guinea. 
 Lord Coventry. 
 Lady Cur Ion. 
 Lady Anne Conolly. 
 Sir William Courtney, a Guinea. 
 Sir John Hinde Cotton, Bart. 
 Lady Chapman. 
 Mrs. Crowley, 2 Books. 
 Hen. Mrs. Jane Con way. 
 Mrs. Cray. 
 Richard Cliffe, Efq; 
 Mr. Chappelle, Book/filer^ 6 Books. 
 Edward Cave. 
 Clerkfon, 2 Books. 
 Henry Crofsgrove. 
 Clarke, Merchant. 
 Henry Combe, Merchant. 
 Samuel Crifp. 
 Bourchier Cleve. 
 Ralph Cooke. 
 Kellon Courtney. 
 Mrs. Anne Courtney. 
 Mr. Robert Coxe. 
 Mrs. Crowley, 2 Books. 
 Peregrine Courtney. 
 Samuel Craghead. 
 John Clarke, Efq; half a Guinea 
 Thomas Carew, Efq; ditto. 
 John Hippefley Cox, Efq; ditto 
 John Cotton, Efq; ditto. 
 Henry Courtney, Efq; ditto 
 Arthur Champernowne, Efq; dit 
 Mr. Arthur Colley. 
 John Crew, Efq; 2 Books. 
 John Crawley, Efq; 
 Thomas Chaplin, Efq; 
 Mrs. Har. Crawley. 
 
 Samuel Card, Efq; 
 
 Robert Cooke, Efq; a Guinea. 
 
 Mifs Chauncey. 
 
 Charles Cutts, Efq; 2 Books. 
 
 Mr. James Coleman. 
 
 Charles Child. 
 
 William Chapman. 
 
 James Collifon. 
 William Cottingham, Efq; 
 Mrs. Courtney. 
 Mr. Coleman. 
 
 Adam Calamy. 
 
 John Culme, 
 John Cotton, Efq; 
 John Cheyne, A. M. 
 John Charleton, Efq; 
 William Clarke, Efq; 
 Samuel Clarke, Efq; 
 Michael Chamberlain, Efq; 
 Rev. William Cosbye. 
 Philip Coleman, Efq; 
 John Crew, Efq; half a Guinea. 
 Rev. Mr. Thomas Coxe. 
 John Coftellow^ Efq; 
 Mr. Efquire Cary, a Guinea. 
 
 Lord Darnley, a Guinea. 
 
 Sir J. Damwoodj Bart, a Guinea,
 
 A LIST of the 
 
 Lady Dyke. 
 
 Lady Dudley. 
 
 Lidy Dimfdale. 
 
 Sir James Dafhwood, Bart. 
 
 Lady Dafhwood. 
 
 James Douglas, Efq; 
 
 Mrs. Daihwood. 
 
 Mfs Dafhwood, 3 Books. 
 
 Dives. 
 
 Cornelia Drake. 
 Sir Edward Dering, Bart. 
 Henry Drax, Efq; 
 William Duncombe, Efq$ 
 Rev. Mr. John Doughty. 
 Mr. Deyman, a Guinea. 
 
 Francis Duncalfe. 
 
 Arthur Danby, Merchant. 
 
 Charles Dunbar. 
 
 George Dealtry. 
 
 Benjamin Dealtry. 
 
 George Dun el. 
 
 William Dillingham. 
 
 Henry Dugnerey. 
 
 Robert Dillon. ' 
 Henry Dunfter, Efq; 
 Thomas Darnley, Efq; 
 Mr. Deare. 
 
 Edward Duncombe, Efq; 
 James Dunne, Efq; 
 Rev. Mr. Dixon. 
 James Dawkins, Efq; 
 Mr. John Darell. 
 James Donegan, M. D. 
 Mrs. Drew. 
 Peter Delme, Efq; ' 
 Mlfs Maria Duncombe. 
 Mr. John Dawfon. 
 Ariander Dobfon, Efq;. 
 John Delafout, Efq; 
 Hon. Mr, Dcvrcux^alfa Guinea. 
 Mr. WoodroffDrinkwater,.Mr. 
 
 Thomas Davis, Bookfeller. 
 
 SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Earl of Exeter. 
 
 Count eft of Exeter. 
 
 Sir Robert Echlin, Bart. 
 
 Lady Charlotte Edwin. 
 
 Mrs. Mac Eune. 
 
 Richard Elliot, Efq; 
 
 Mr. Elton. 
 
 John Echlin, Efq-, 
 
 Charles Eyre, E/q\ half aGuv:ttt. 
 
 George Edgecombe, Efq; 
 
 Charles Echlin, Efq-, 2 Books. 
 
 Mr. Eafton, BookjcUer. 
 
 John Edwards, Jun. Efq\ 
 
 Mr. Evans. 
 
 James Ereskine, Efq- t 2 Book:. 
 
 Mr. John Ellis. 
 
 Michael Ennis. 
 Mrs. Ellifton. 
 
 Elliot. 
 
 Lord Falkland. 
 
 Hon. John Finch, Efq; 4 Booh'. 
 Hon. Mrs. Finch. 
 Lady Ann Finch. 
 Hon. William Finch. 
 5/rCordel Firebrace, Bart. 
 Mr. William Flefton. 
 Abel Fonnereau Merchant. 
 Mr. Thomas Fletcher. 
 
 Thomas Frewin. 
 
 Jeffrey Fetti place. 
 
 Forfter, 2 Books. 
 William Freeman, Efq\ 
 Mr. Brice Fifher. 
 Rowland Frye, Efq\ 
 Mr. Samuel Frye. 
 Mr. Fortrye, 2 Books. 
 Richard Fuller, E/& 
 George Fox, EJq- t 
 Mr. JohnFawk*.
 
 A LIST of the 
 
 Robert Fitzgerald, Efq- y 
 Gauntlet Fey, Efq; 
 Mrs. Grace Foxlow. 
 Mr. William Ferrian. 
 
 John Forbes. 
 
 Jofeph Fifher. 
 Hatley Foot, Efq; 
 Mr. James French. . 
 James Fortrey Efq; 
 Rev. Mr. Andrew Fitzherbert. 
 Nicholas FenwJck, Efq\ 
 Robert Fitzgerald, Eft; 
 
 G 
 
 Marquis of Graham. 
 
 Lord G. Graham, half a Guinea. 
 
 Lord Guernfey. 
 
 Lord Gower, a Guinea. 
 
 Lor^ Gage, 4 Booh. 
 
 Lady Dowager of Gainsborough, 
 
 a Guinea. 
 
 Sir Robert Godfchal. 
 Lady Godfchal. 
 
 Hon. Bap. Levifon Gower, Efq; 
 Hon. Mr. Levifon Gower. 
 William Levifon Gower, Efq; 
 Mrs. Frances Levifon Gowen. 
 Mrs. Mary Levifon Gower. 
 Rich. Greenville, E[q. a Guinea. 
 Mrs. Greenville, a Guinea. 
 Patrick Guthrie, Efq\ 
 Mrs. Sarah Godfchal. 
 Richard Graham, Efq; 
 Mr. Green. 
 John Godfrey, Efq ; 
 Henry Grenville, Merchant. 
 James Grenville, Efq ; 
 Richard Glover, Merchant. 
 Mrs. Mary Glover. 
 
 Hannah Glover. 
 Thomas Godfrey Efq\ 
 Mrs. Sarah Garth. 
 Mr. Samuel Green, 
 
 SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Pierce Galliard, Efq; 
 
 James Gafline, Efq; 
 
 Charles Gore, Efq; half a Guinea 
 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Gee. 
 
 Edward Gibfon, Efq; 
 
 Jofeph Gafcoyne, Efq; 
 
 Edward Green, Efq-; 
 
 Philip Glover, Efq; 
 
 Steven Gar-diner, Efq; 
 
 George Gorden Efq; 
 
 Thomas Gore, Efq; 
 
 John Gafcoyne, Efa; 
 
 James Garland, Efq; 
 
 Richard Godfrey,^; 
 
 Mrs. Gower. 
 
 Robert Grove, Efqi 
 
 Mr. William Gore. 
 
 Samuel Greathead. 
 
 Thomas Gilbert. 
 
 Richard Green. 
 
 Richard Glynn. 
 
 George Green. 
 
 John Gibfon. 
 Mifs Fanny Glanvillc. 
 _ Grevil, Efq-, 
 Mrs. Grevil. 
 
 K 
 
 Duke ^Hamilton and Brandon. 
 Dut chefs of Hamilton, 2 Books. 
 Earl of Haddington. 
 Lady Archibald Hamilton, Guin. 
 Lord Huntington. + 
 
 Lady Huntington. 
 Lady Caroline Harpur. 
 Hon. Mifs Grizel Hamilton. 
 Sir Harry Hookeate, Bart. 
 Sir James Harrington, Bart. 
 Dr. John Hollings, Jun. 2 Books. 
 Mr. Charles Highmore. 
 
 George Hawkins, Bo6kfdler t 
 
 6 Books. 
 John Hillier, Efy;
 
 A L i s T of the 
 
 Hon. Mr. Hill. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Hill. 
 
 Thomas Halfted, Merdxint. 
 
 Thomas Hart, Efq; 
 
 William Hammond, Efq; 
 
 Francis Herm, Efq; 
 
 Mr. Hitch, Bookfeller, 6 Books. 
 
 Samuel Home. 
 
 John Hanbury. 
 
 Hamond. 
 
 John Hitchcock. 
 
 Nicholas Hyet. 
 
 Korton. 
 
 Samuel HarwooJ. 
 
 Hoar. 
 
 John Haud. r 
 
 James Hencfcell. ' 
 
 Richard Harcourt. 
 
 Charles Herriot. 
 
 Lane Harrifon,y?; half a Guinea, 
 James Herbert, Ey?; half a Guinea, 
 George Heathcote, Efq; 
 'Reverend Mr. Hotchkifs. 
 Edward Hobfon, Efq; 
 Henry Hay, Merchant. 
 John Hayes, Efq; 
 John Harvey, Efq; 
 John Hilton, Efq; 
 Mr. Harpur, 
 
 Hamilton, 2 Books. 
 Mrs. Henfhaw. 
 Mifs Hamilton. 
 
 Hardy. 
 
 Ridhard Hennens, Efq- s 
 Michael Hervey, Efq; 
 Charles Halhed, Efq; 
 Leflie Hamilton, Efq; 
 Mr. Thomas Hall. 
 
 John Barnard Hoffsleger. 
 
 Samuel Holland. 
 
 William Hollier. 
 
 Hugh Hughes, 
 
 Richard Hennand. 
 
 Thomas Hall. 
 
 SUBSCRIBERS, 
 
 iienry Lenoy Hunter, Efq; 
 Mrs. Hutton. 
 
 Jones. 
 
 Mr. John Hickey. 
 Walter Harte, A. M. 
 Richard Home, EJq\ 
 Mr. Charles Higgins. 
 
 Hingefton. 
 
 John Hardham. 
 
 Lord Inchiquin. 
 Sir William Irby, Bart. 
 Charles Jennings, Efq\ 2 Book 
 Hon. Mrs Jermy. 
 Chriftian Jacobs, Merchant. 
 Mrs. Jennings. 
 Lewis Jones, Ef$; 
 Benjamin James, Jun. Efq\ 
 William Jermy, Efq; 
 William Jones, Efa 
 Mr. Jacobfon. 
 
 William Ilbert. 
 
 Samuel Johnfon. 
 Samuel Jones, Ej'q\ 
 Mr. Charles Johnfon. 
 
 Simon Jackfon. 
 
 Gerrard Johnfon. 
 
 Charles Jones. 
 
 Ifrael Jalabert. 
 
 Robert Jackfon. 
 Charles Jackfon, Efq\ 
 William Impey, Efq; 
 Ben. Jollen, Efq; half a Guinea., 
 JohnftOn, Efq-t 
 
 K 
 
 
 Sir John Lifter Kaye, Bart. 
 
 Henry Kelfey, Efq; 
 
 Dr. King. 
 
 John Abraham Korham, March. 
 
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 A LIST of the SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
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 PRO.
 
 GUSTAVUS VASA, 
 
 THE 
 
 Deliverer of his COUNTRY. 
 
 ACT I. SCENE I. 
 
 "The Infide of the Copper-Mines in Dalecarlia. 
 
 Enter Anderfon, Arnoldus, and Servants, with Torches. 
 
 O U tell me Wonders. 
 Soft, behold, my Lord, 
 
 [Points behind the Scenes. 
 Behold him ftretch'd, where reigns 
 
 eternal Night, 
 
 The Flint his Pillow, and cold Damps his Cov'ring ; 
 Yet bold of Spirit, and robuft of Limb, 
 He throws Inclemency afide, nor feels 
 The Lot of human Frailty. 
 A
 
 2 G U S 7 AVU S V A S A y 
 
 And. What Horrors hang around ! the favage Race 
 Ne'er hold their Den but where fome glimm'ring Ray 
 
 May bring the Chear of Morn What then is he ? 
 
 His Dwelling marks a Secret in his Soul, 
 
 And whifpers fomewhat more than Man about him. 
 
 Arn. Draw but the Veil of his apparent Wretched- 
 
 nefs, 
 
 And you mall find, his Form is but aflumed 
 To hoard fome wond'rous Treafure, loolg'd within. 
 
 And. Let him bear up to what thy Praifes fpeak him, 
 And I will win him fpite of his Referve, 
 Bind him with facred Friendfhip to my Soul x 
 And make him half myfelf. 
 
 Arn. 'Tis nobly promis'd ; 
 
 For Worth is rare, and wants a Friend in Sweden ; 
 And yet I tell thee, -in her Age of Heroes, 
 When nurs'd by Freedom, all her Sons grew great, 
 And ev'ry Peafant was a Prince in Virtue ; 
 I greatly err, or this abandon'd Stranger 
 
 Had ftepp'd the firft for Fame tho' now he feeks 
 
 To veil his Name, and cloud his Shine of Virtues ; 
 For there is. Danger in them. 
 
 And. True, Arnoldus^ 
 
 Were there a Prince throughout the fcepter' d Globe, 
 Wlio fearch'd out Merit for its due Preferment, 
 With half that Care our Tyrant feeks it out 
 For Ruin ; happy, happy were that State, 
 Beyond the golden Fable of thofe pure 
 And earlieft Ages Wherefore this, good Heav'n ? 
 Is it of Fate, that who aflumes a Crown 
 Throws off Humanity ? 
 
 Arn. So Criftiern holds. 
 
 He claims our Country as by Right of Conqueft, 
 A Right to ev*ry Wrong. Ev'n now 'tis faid, 
 The Tyrant envies what our Mountains yield 
 Of Health or Aliment, he comes upon us, 
 
 Attended
 
 he Deliverer of his Country. 3 
 
 Attended by a num'rous Hort, to feize 
 Thefe laft Retreats of our expiring Liberty. 
 
 And. Say'ft thou ? 
 
 Arn. This rifing Day, this inftant Hour, 
 Thus chaced, we ftand upon the utmoft Brink 
 Of fteep Perdition, and muft leap the Precipice, 
 Or turn upon our Hunters, 
 
 And. Now, Guftavus ! 
 Thou Prop and Glory of inglorious Sweden^ 
 Where art thou mightier! Man ? Were he but here \ 
 I'll tell thee, my Arnoldus, I beheld him, 
 Then when he firft drew Sword, ferene and dreadful, 
 As the brow*d Evening 'ere the Thunder break ; 
 For foon he made it toilfom to our Eyes 
 To mark his Speed, and trace the Paths of Conqueft ; 
 In vain we follow'd, where he fwept the Field ; 
 'Twas Death alone could wait upon Guftavus. 
 
 Arn. He was indeed whate'er our Wifh could form 
 him. 
 
 And. Array'd and beauteous in the Blood of Danes, 
 Th* Invaders of his Country, thrice he chaced 
 This Criftiern, this fell Conq'rer, this Ufurper, 
 With Rout and foul Dimonour at his Heels, 
 To plunge his Head in Denmark. 
 
 Arn. Nor ever had the Tyrant known Return, 
 To tread our Necks, and blend us with the Duft ; 
 Had he not dar'd to break thro' ev'ry Law 
 That fanclifies the Nations, feiz'd our Hero, 
 The Pledge of fpecious Treaty, tore him from us, 
 And led him chain'd to Denmark. 
 
 And. Then we fell. 
 
 If ftill he lives, we yet may learn to rife, 
 But never can I dare to reft a Hope 
 On any Arm but his. 
 
 Arn. And yet I truft, 
 This Stranger that delights to dwell with Darknefs 
 
 A 2 Unknown,
 
 4 G us <r A rus v A s A, 
 
 Unknown, unfriended, compafs'd round with Wretch- 
 ed nefs, 
 
 Conceals fome mighty Purpofe in his Breaft, 
 Now lab'ring into Birth. 
 
 And. When came he hither ? 
 
 Am. Six Moons have chang'd upon the Face of 
 
 Night, 
 
 Since here he firft arriv'd, in fervile Weeds, 
 But yet of Mein majeftic. I obferv'd him, 
 And ever as I gaz'd, fome namelefs Charm, 
 A wond'rous Greatnefs not to be conceal'd, 
 Broke thro' his Form, and aw'd my Soul before him. 
 Amid thefe Mines he earns the Hireling's Portion ; 
 His Hands out-toil the Hind, while on his Brow 
 Sits Patience, bathed in the laborious Drop 
 
 Of painful Induftry I oft have fought, 
 
 With friendly Tender of fome worthier Service, 
 To win him from his Temper , but he fhuns 
 All Offers, yet declined with graceful A6t, 
 Engaging beyond Utt' ranee ; and at Eve, 
 When all retire to fome domeftic Solace, 
 He only ftays, and, as you fee, the Earth 
 Receives him to her dark and cheerlefs Bofom, 
 
 And. Has no unwary Moment e'er betray'd 
 The Labours of his Soul, fome fav'rite Grief, 
 Whereon to raife Conjecture ? 
 
 Arn. I faw, as fome bold Peafants late deplor'd 
 Their Country's Bondage, fudden Paflion feiz'd 
 And bore him from his Seeming ; ftrait his Form 
 Was turn'd to Terror, Ruin fill'd his Eye, 
 And his proud Step appear'd to awe the World : 
 When check'd as thro' an Impotence of Rage, 
 Damp Sadnefs foon ufurp'd upon his Brow, 
 And the big Tear roll'd graceful down his Vifage. 
 
 And. Your Words imply a Man of muchlmportance. 
 
 Arn. So I fufpected, and at dead of Night 
 Stole on his Slumbers ; his full Heart was bufy, 
 
 And
 
 The Deliverer of his Country, 5 
 
 And oft his Tongue pronounc'd the hated Name 
 
 Of Bloody Criftiern there he feem'd to paufe: 
 
 And recollected to one Voice, he cry'd, 
 O Sweden ! O my Country ! Yet I'll fave thee. 
 And. Forbear he rifes Heav'ns, what Majefty ! 
 
 SCENE II, 
 
 Enter Guftavus, 
 
 And. Your Pardon, Stranger, if the Voice of Virtue, 
 If cordial Amity from Man to Man, 
 And fomewhat that mould whifper to the Soul, 
 To feek and chear the SufPrer, led me hither 
 Impatient to falute thee. Be it thine 
 Alone to point the Path of Friendfhip out ; 
 And my beft Pow'r mail wait upon thy Fortunes. 
 
 Guft. Yes, gen'rousMan! there is awond'rous Teft, 
 The trueit, worthieft, nobleft Caufe for Friendfhip ; 
 Dearer than Life, than Int'reft, or Alliance, 
 And equal to your Virtues. 
 
 And. Say unfold. 
 
 Guft. Art thou a Soldier, a chief Lord in Sweden ? 
 And yet a Stranger to thy Country's Voice 
 That loudly calls the hidden Patriot forth ; 
 But what's a Soldier ? What's a Lord in Sweden ? 
 
 All Worth is fled, or fall'n nor has a Life 
 
 Been fpar'd, but for Dimonour ; fpar'd to breed 
 
 More Slaves for Denmark, to beget a Race 
 
 Of new-born Virgins for th* unfated Luft 
 
 Of our new Matters. Sweden ! thou'rt no more ! 
 
 Queen of the North ! thy Land of Liberty, 
 
 Thy Houfe of Heroes, and thy Seat of Virtues 
 
 Is now the Tomb, where thy brave Sons lie fpeechlefs; 
 
 And foreign Snakes engender. 
 
 And*
 
 6 G U S <T AVU S V AS A, 
 
 And. O 'tis true. 
 But wherefore ? To what Purpofe ? 
 
 Gufi. Think of Stockholm ! 
 When Criftiern feized upon the Hour of Peace, 
 And drench'd the hofpitable Floor with Blood ; 
 Then fell the Flow'r of Sweden, mighty Names ! 
 Her hoary Senators, and gafping Patriots. 
 The Tyrant fpoke, and his licentious Band 
 Of Blood-train'd Miniftry were loofed to Ruin. 
 Invention wariton'd in the Toil of Infants 
 Stabb'd on the Breaft, or reeking on the Points 
 Of fportive Javelins. Hufbands, Sons, and Sires 
 With dying Ears drank in the loud Defpair- 
 Of forieking Chaftity. The Wafte of War 
 Was Peace and Friendship to this civil Maflacre. 
 
 Heav'n and Earth ! Is there a Caufe for this ? 
 For Sin without Temptation, calm, cool Villany, 
 Delib'rate Mifchief, unimpaflion'd Luft, 
 
 And fmiling Murder ? Lie thou there, my Soul, 
 Sleep, fleep upon it, image not the Form 
 Of any Dream but this, 'till Time grows pregnant, 
 And thou canft wake to Vengeance. 
 
 And. Thou'ft greatly mov'd me. Ha ! thy Tears 
 
 ftart forth. 
 Yes, let them flow, our Country's Fate demands them; 
 
 1 too will mingle mine, while yet 'tis left us 
 To weep in fecret, and to figh with Safety. 
 But wherefore talk of Vengeance ? 'Tis a Word 
 Should be engraven on the new fall'n Snow, 
 Where the firft Beam may melt it from Obfervance. 
 Vengeance on Criftiern ! Norway and the Dane, 
 The Sons of Sweden, all the peopled North 
 Bends at his Nod : my humbler Boaft of Pow'r 
 Meant not to cope with Crowns. 
 
 Guft. Then what remains 
 Is briefly this ; your Friendfhip has my Thanks, 
 
 But rhuft not my Acceptance : never no 
 
 Firft
 
 'The Deliverer of his Country. 7 
 
 Firft fink thou baleful Manfion to the Centre ! 
 And be thy Darknefs doubled round my Head ; 
 'Ere I forfake thee for the Blifs of Paradife, 
 To be enjoy'd beneath a Tyrant's Sceptre ; 
 
 No, that were willful Slav'ry Freedom is 
 
 The brillant Gift of Heav'n, 'tis Reafon's Self, 
 The Kin of Deity I will not part it. 
 
 And. Nor I, while I can hold it, but alas ! 
 That is not in our Choice. 
 
 Guft. Why ? where's that Pow'r whofe Engines 
 
 are of Force 
 
 To bend the brave and virtuous Man to Slavery ? 
 Bafe Fear, the Lazinefs of Luft, grofs Appetites, 
 Thefe are the Ladders, and the groveling Footftool, 
 From whence the Tyrant rifes on our Wrongs, 
 Secure and fcepter'd in the Soul's Servility. 
 He has debauch'd the Genius of our Country, 
 And rides triumphant, while her captive Sons 
 Await his Nod, the filken Slaves of Pleafure, 
 Or fetter'd in their Fears. 
 
 And. I apprehend you, 
 No doubt, a bafe Submiflion to our Wrongs. 
 May well be term'd a voluntary Bondage ; 
 But think the heavy Hand of Pow'r is on us ; 
 Of Pow'r, from whofe Imprifonment and Chains 
 Not all our free-born Virtue can protect us. 
 
 Guft. 'Tis there you err, for I have felt their Force ; 
 And had I yielded to enlarge thefe Limbs, 
 Or mare the Tyrant's Empire, on the Terms 
 
 Which he propos'd I were a Slave indeed. 
 
 No- in the deep and deadly Damp of Dungeons 
 
 The Soul can rear her Sceptre, fmile in Anguifh, 
 And triumph o'er Oppreflion. 
 
 And. O glorious Spirit ! think not I am flack 
 To relim what thy noble Scope intends, 
 But then the Means ! the Peril ! and the Confequence ! 
 Great are the Odds, and who mall dare the Trial ?
 
 8 G US TA VU S V A S A, 
 
 Guft. I dare. 
 
 O wer't thou ftill that gallant Chief 
 Whom once I knew ! I cou'd unfold a Purpofe 
 Would make the Greatnefs of thy Heart to fwell* 
 And burft in the Conception. 
 
 And. Give it Utt'rance. 
 Perhaps there lie fome Embers yet in Sweden, 
 Which, waken'd by thy Breath, might rife in Flames, 
 And fpread vindictive round You fay you know me ; 
 But give a Tongue to fuch a Caufe as this, 
 And if you hold me tardy in the Call, 
 
 You know me not But Thee I've furely known j 
 
 For there is fomewhat in that Voice and Form, 
 Which has alarm'd my Soul to Recollection -, 
 But 'tis as in a Dream, and mocks my Reach. 
 
 Guft. Then name the Man whom it is Death to 
 
 know, 
 Or knowing to conceal and I am he. 
 
 dnd.Guftavus! Heav'n's! 'Tishe! 'tis he himfelf ! 
 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Enter Arvida, Speaking to a Servant. 
 
 Aw. I thank you, Friend, he's here, you may retire* 
 And. Good Morning to my noble Gueft, you're 
 early ! [Guftavus walks apart. 
 
 Arv. I come to take a fhort and hafty Leave : 
 'Tis faid, that from the Mountain's neighb'ring Brow, 
 The Canvas of a thoufand Tents appears, 
 
 Whitening the Vale Suppofe the Tyrant there j 
 
 You know my Safety lies not in the Interview 
 
 Ha ! What is he, who in the Shreds of Slavery 
 Supports a Step, fuperior to the State, 
 And Infolence of Ermine ?
 
 Deliverer of bis Country. 9 
 
 Guft. Sure that Voice, 
 Was once the Voice of Friendfhip and Arvlda ! 
 
 Arv. Ha ! Yes 'tis he ! ye Pow'rs ! it is 
 
 Guftavus. 
 
 Guft. Thou Brother of Adoption ! In the Bond 
 Of ev'ry Virtue wedded to my Soul, 
 Enter my Heart, it is thy Property. 
 
 Arv. I'm loft in Joy and wond'rous Circum- 
 ftance. 
 
 Guft. Yes, wherefore, my Afoilfo 1 , wherefore 
 
 is it, 
 
 That in a Place, and at a Time like this, 
 We mould thus meet ? Can Criftiern ceafe from 
 
 Cruelty ? 
 
 Say, whence is this, my Brother ? How efcap'd you ? 
 Did I not leave thee in the Danljh Dungeon ? 
 
 Arv. Of that hereafter. Let me view thee firft. 
 How graceful is the Garb of Wretchednefs ! 
 When worn by Virtue ? Famions turn to Folly ; 
 Their Colours tarnim, and their Pomps grow poof 
 To her Magnificence. 
 
 Guft. Yes, my Arvida. 
 Beyond the fweeping of the proudeft Train 
 That fhades a Monarch's Heel, I prize thefe Weed?, 
 For they are facred to my Country's Freedom. 
 A mighty Enterprize has been conceiv'd, 
 And thou art come aufpicious to the Birth, 
 As fent to fix the Seal of Heav'n upon it. 
 
 Aru. Point but thy Purpofe let it be to 
 
 bleed 
 
 Guft. Your Hands my Friends ! 
 
 All. Our Hearts. 
 
 Guft. I know they're brave. 
 Of fuch the Time has need, of rfearts like yours,~ 
 Faithful and firm, of Hands inured and ftrong, 
 For we muft ride upon the Neck of Danger, 
 And plunge into a Purpofe big with Death. 
 
 8 And.
 
 io GUS 
 
 And. Here let us kneel and bind us to thy Side. 
 By all 
 
 Guft. No, hold if we want Oaths to join us,' 
 
 Swift let us part, from Pole to Pole afunder. 
 A Caufe like ours is its own Sacrament ; 
 Truth, Juftice, Reafon, Love, and Liberty, 
 Th' eternal Links that clafp the World are in it, 
 And he, who breaks their Sanction, breaks all Law, 
 And infinite Connection. 
 
 Arn. True, my Lord. 
 
 And. And fuch the Force I feel. 
 
 Arv. And I. 
 
 Arn. And all. 
 
 Guft. Know then, that 'ere our royal Stenon fell, 
 While this my valiant Coufm and myfelf, 
 By Chains and Treach'ry, lay detain'd in Denmark^ 
 Upon a dark and unfufpected Hour 
 The bloody Criftiern fought to take my Head. 
 Thanks to the ruling Pow'r ! within whofe Eye 
 Imbofom'd Ills and mighty Treafons roll, 
 
 Prevented of their Blacknefs I efcap'd, 
 
 Led by a gen'rous Arm, and fome time lay 
 
 Conceal'd in Denmark. For my forfeit Head 
 
 Became the Price of Crowns, each Port and Path 
 
 Was mut againft my Paflage, 'till I heard 
 
 That Stenon^ valiant Stenon fell in Battle, 
 
 And Freedom was no more. O then what Bounds 
 
 Had Pow'r to hem the Defp'rate ? I o'erpafs'd 
 
 them, 
 
 Travers'd all Sweden^ thro* Ten thoufand Foes, 
 Impending Perils, and furrounding 'Tongues^ 
 That from himfelf enquir'd Guftavus out. 
 Witnefs my Country, how I toil'd to wake 
 
 Thy Sons to Liberty ! In vain for Fear, 
 
 Cold Fear had feiz'd on all Here laft I came, 
 
 And 'mut me from the Sun, whofe hateful Beams 
 
 Serv'J
 
 The Deliverer of his Country. 1 1 
 
 Serv'd but to mew the Ruins of my Country. 
 When here, my Friends, 'twas here at length I 
 
 found 
 
 What I had left to look for, gallant Spirits, 
 In the rough Form of untaught Peafantry. 
 
 And. Indeed they once were brave, our Dale- 
 
 carlians 
 
 Have oft been known to give a Law to Kings ; 
 And as their only Wealth has been their Liberty, 
 From all th' unmeafur*d Grafpings of Ambition 
 
 Have held that Gem untouch'd tho' now 'tis 
 
 fear'd 
 
 Guft. It is not fear'd I fay they ftill mall 
 
 hold it. 
 
 I've fearch'd thefe Men, and find them like the Soil, 
 Barren without, and to the Eye unlovely, 
 But they've their Mines within ; and this the Day 
 In which I mean to prove them. 
 
 Am. O Guft aims ! 
 
 Moft aptly haft thou caught the pafTmg Hour, 
 Upon whofe critical and fated Hinge 
 The State of Sweden turns. 
 
 Guft. And to this Hour 
 
 I've therefore held me in this darkfome Womb, 
 That fends me forth as to a fecond Birth 
 Of Freedom, or thro' Death to reach Eternity. 
 This Day return'd with ev'ry circling Year, 
 In Thoufands pours the Mountain Peafants forth, 
 Each with his batter'd Arms and rufty Helm, 
 In fportive Difcipline well train'd, and prompt 
 
 Againft the Day of Peril- thus difguis'd, 
 
 Already have I ftirr*d their latent Sparks 
 Of flumb'ring Virtue, apt as I cou'd wifh 
 To warm before the lighteft Breath of Liberty. 
 
 Am. How will they kindle when confefs*d to 
 View 
 
 B 2 Once
 
 12 G us r^rus v A s A, 
 
 Once more their lov'd Guftavus (lands before them, 
 And pours his Blaze of Virtues on their Souls. 
 
 Arv. It cannot fail. 
 
 And. It has a glorious Afpect. 
 
 Arv. Now Sweden ! rife and re-aflert thy Rights, 
 Or be for ever fall'n. 
 
 And. Then be it fo. 
 
 Arn. Lead on, thou Arm of War, 
 To Death or Viclory. 
 
 Guft. Let us embrace. 
 
 Why thus, my Friends, thus join'd in fuch a Caufe, 
 Are we not equal to a Hoft of Slaves ! 
 
 You fay the Foe's at Hand Why let them come, 
 
 Steep are our Hills nor eafy of Accefs, 
 
 And few the Hours we a(k for their Reception. 
 
 For I will take thefe ruftic Sons of Liberty 
 
 In the firft Warmth and Hurry of their Souls i 
 
 And fhou'd the Tyrant then attempt our Heights, 
 
 He comes upon his Fate Arife thou Sun ! 
 
 Hafte, hafte to rouze thee to the Call of Liberty, 
 That mall once more falute thy Morning Beam, 
 And hail thee to thy Setting. 
 
 Arn. O blefs'd Voice ! 
 
 Prolong that Note but one fhort Day thro* Sweden^ 
 And tho' the Sun and Life mould fet together, 
 
 It matters not- we {hall have liv'd that Day. 
 
 Arv. Were it not worth the Hazard of a Life 
 To know if Criftiern leads his Pow'rs in Perfon, 
 And what his Scope intends ? Be mine that Taflc, 
 Ev*n to the Tyrant's Tent I'll win my Way, 
 And mingle with his Councils. 
 
 Guft. Go, my Friend. 
 
 Dear as thou art, whene'er our Country calls, 
 Friends, Sons, and Sires mould yield their Treafure up, 
 Nor own a Senfe beyond the publick Safety. 
 But tell me, my Arvida, 'ere thou goeft, 
 
 Tell
 
 ffle Deliverer of his Country. 1 3 
 
 Tell me what Hand has made thy Friend its Debtor, 
 And giv'n thee up to Freedom and Guftavus ? 
 
 Arv. Ha ! let me think of that, 'tis fure me loves 
 him. \Afide. 
 
 Away thou fkance and jaundice Eye of Jealoufy, 
 That tempts my Soul to ficken at Perfection i 
 
 Away ! J will unfold it To thyfelf 
 
 Arvida owes his Freedom. 
 
 Guft. How, my Friend ? 
 
 Arv. Some Months are pafs'd fince in the Danijh 
 
 Dungeon 
 
 With Care emaciate, and unwholfome Damps 
 Sick'ning I lay, chain'-d to my flinty Bed, 
 
 And call'd on Death to eafe me ftrait a Light 
 
 Shone round, as when the Miniftry of Heav'n 
 Defcends to kneeling Saints. But O ! the Form 
 
 That pour*d upon my Sight Ye Angels fpeak \ 
 
 For ye alone are like her ; or prefent 
 
 Such Vifions pictur'd to the nightly Eye 
 
 Of Fancy trans'd in Blifs. She then approach'd, 
 
 The fofteft Pattern of embodied Meeknefs, 
 
 For Pity had divinely touch'd her Eye, 
 
 And harmoniz'd her Motions Ah, {he cry'd, 
 
 Unhappy Stranger, art not thou the Man 
 Whofe Virtues have endeared thee to Guftavuf ? 
 
 Guft. Guftavus did me fay ? 
 
 Arv. Yes, yes, her Lips 
 
 Breath'd forth that Name with a peculiar Sweetnefs, 
 Loos'd from my Bonds, I rofe, at her Command, 
 When, fcarce recovering Speech, I would have kneel'd. 
 But hafte thee, hafte thee for thy Life, me cry'd ; 
 And O, if e'er thy envied Eyes behold 
 Thy lov'd Guftavus ; fay, a gentle Foe 
 Has giv'n thee to his Friendmip. 
 
 Guft. You've much amaz'd me ! Is her Name a 
 Secret ?
 
 14 GUSTAVUS FAS A, 
 
 Arv. To me it is but you perhaps may guefs. 
 
 Guft. No, on my Word. 
 
 Arv. You too had your Deliverer. 
 
 Guft. A kind, but not a fair one Well, my 
 
 Friends ! 
 
 Our Caufe is ripe, and calls us forth to Action. 
 Tread ye not lighter ? Swells not ev*ry Breaft 
 With ampler Scope to take your Country in, 
 And breathe the Caufe of Virtue ? Rife, ye Swedes A 
 Rife greatly equal to this Hour's Importance. 
 On us the Eyes of future Ages wait, 
 And this Day's Arm ftrikes forth decifive Fate ; 
 
 This Day, that mail for ever fink or fave ; 
 
 And make each Swede a Monarch or a Slave. 
 
 End of the Firft ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 Deliverer of his Country. 15 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE The Camp. 
 
 Enter Criftiern, Attendants, &c. Trollio meets him. 
 
 L L hail moft mighty of theThrones 
 
 of Europe ! 
 The Morn falutes thee with aufpi- 
 
 cious Brightnefs, 
 No Vapour frowns prophetic on her Brow, 
 But the clear Sun who travels with thy Arms 
 Still fmiles, attendant on thy growing Greatnefs : 
 His Evening Eye mail fee thee peaceful Lord 
 Of all the North, of utmoft Scandinavia ; 
 Whence thou may'ft pour thy Conquefts o'er fehe 
 
 Earth, 
 
 *Till fartheft India glows beneath thy Empire, 
 And Lybia knows no regal Name but yours. 
 
 Crijt. Yes, TrolKa, I confefs the Godlike Thirft, 
 Ambition, that wou*d drink a Sea of Glory. 
 But what from Dalecarlia ? 
 
 Troll Late laft Night, 
 I fent a trufty Slave to Peterfon^ 
 And hourly wait fome Tidings. 
 
 Crijt. Think you? Sure 
 
 The Wretches will not dare fuch quick Perdition * 
 Troll. I think they will not- Tho f of old I know 
 them 
 
 All
 
 16 G US 
 
 All born to Broils, the very Sons of Tumult ; 
 
 Wafte is their Wealth, and Mutiny their Birthright 
 
 And this the yearly Fever of their Blood, 
 
 Their Holiday of War ; a Day apart, 
 
 Torn out from Peace, and facred to Rebellion. 
 
 Oft has their Battle hung upon the Brow 
 
 Of yon wild Steep, a living Cloud of Michiefs, 
 
 Pregnant with Plagues, and empty'd on the Heads 
 
 Of many a Monarch. 
 
 Crift. Monarchs they were not, 
 Pageants of Wax, the Mouldings of the Populace^ 
 Tame paultry Idols, fcepter'd up for Shew, 
 And garnim'd into Royalty' No Iroltio 
 Kings mould be felt if they wou*d find Obedience , 
 The Beaft has Senfe enough to know his Rider, 
 When the Knee trembles^ and the Hand grows flacky 
 He cafts for Liberty : but bends and turns 
 For him that leaps with Boldnefs on his Back, 
 And fpurs him to the Bit. 
 
 SCENE It. 
 
 "Enter a Gentleman U/her, and federal Peafdnts^ 
 who kneel and bow at a Diftance. 
 
 Crift. What Slaves are thofe ? 
 
 Gent. My gracious Liege, your Subjects. 
 
 Crift. Whence ? 
 
 Gent. Of Sweden. 
 
 From Angermannia^ from Heljlngia forne^ 
 Some from Gemtian, and Nerician Provinces, 
 
 Crift. Their Bufmefs. 
 
 Gent. They come to fpeak their Griefs, 
 
 Crift. Their Griefs! their Infolence ! 
 Is not the Camel mute beneath his Burden ? 
 
 Were
 
 < The Deliverer of bis Country. ly 
 
 Were they not born to bear ? Away ! hold ! 
 
 come, 
 XVhat wou'd thefe Murmurers ? 
 
 Gent. Moil royal Crift tern. 
 
 They fay they have but one one gracious King, 
 
 And yet are bow'd beneath a Hoft of Tyrants, 
 Tafk-Mafters, Soldiers^ Gatherers of Subfidies, 
 All Officers of Rapine, Rape, and Murder ; 
 Will-doing Potentates, the Lords of Licence, 
 Who weigh their Sweat and Blood, and heavier Shame* 
 Ev'n as a Feather pufPd away in Sport* 
 The Paftime of a Gale. 
 
 Crift. I'll hear no more. 
 
 I know ye, well I know ye, ye bafe Supplicants, 
 Fear is the only Worfhip of your Souls ; 
 And ever where ye hate, ye yield Obeyfance. 
 Wretches ! Shall I go poring on the Earth, 
 Left my imperial Foot fhould tread on Emmets ? 
 Is it for you I muft controul my Soldier, 
 
 And coop my Eagles from their Carrion ? No 
 
 Are ye not Commoners, vile Things in Nature, 
 Poor pricelefs Peafants ? Slaves can know no Property : 
 Out of my Sight ! [Exeunt Peafants^ 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Enter Arvida guarded, and a Gentleman. 
 
 Arv. Now Fate Fm caught, and what remains is 
 
 obvious. 
 
 Gent. A Prifoner* good my Lord. 
 Crift. When taken ? 
 
 Gent. Now, ev'n here, before your Tent ; 
 I mark'd his carelefs Action, but his Eye 
 
 Of ftudied Obfervation then his Port 
 
 C And
 
 i8 G US ? A VU S VASA, 
 
 And bafe Attire ill fuiting I enquir'd, 
 
 But found he was a Stranger. 
 
 Crijt. Ha! obferve. 
 
 (Damn'd Affectation) what a fallen Scorn 
 Knits up his Brow, and frowns upon our Prefence. 
 
 "What- ay thou wou'dft be thought a Myftery, 
 
 Some Greatnefs in Eclipfe Whence art thou, Slave ? 
 
 Silent ! Nay, then Bring forth the Torture there 
 
 A Smile ! Damnation ! How the Wretch aflumes 
 
 The Wreck of State, the fufPring Soul of Majefty. 
 What have we no Pre-eminence, no Claim ? 
 Doft thou not know thy Life is in our Pow'r ? 
 
 Arv. 'Tis therefore I defpife it. 
 
 Crift. Matchlefs Infolence ! 
 What art thou ? Speak ! 
 
 Arv. Be fure no Friend to thee -, 
 For I'm a Foe to Tyrants. 
 
 Crift. Fiends and Fire ! 
 
 A Whirlwind tear thee moft audacious Traitor. 
 
 Arv. Do, rage and chafe, thy Wrath's beneath 
 
 me, Criftiern. 
 
 How poor thy Pow'r, how empty is thy Happinefs, 
 When fuch a Wretch, as I appear to be, 
 Can ride thy Temper, harrow up thy Form, 
 And ftretch thy Soul upon the Rack of Paflion. 
 
 Crift. I'll know thee I will know thee ! Bear 
 
 him hence ! 
 Why, what are Kings, if Slaves can brave us thus ? 
 
 Go, JT0///0, hold him to the Rack Tear, fearch 
 
 him, 
 Prove him thro* ev*ry Poignance, fting him deep. 
 
 [Exit Trollio with Arvida guarded. 
 
 SCENE
 
 "The Deliverer of his Country. 19 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Enter a Meffenger as in Hajle. 
 
 Crift. What wou'd'ft thou, Fellow ? 
 
 MeJJ'. O my fovereign Lord, 
 I am come faft and far, from Ev'n 'till Morn, 
 Five times I've crofs'd the Shade of fleeplefs Night 
 Impatient of thy Prefence. 
 
 Crift. Whence ? 
 
 Meff. From Denmark. 
 
 Commended from the Confort of thy Throne 
 To Speed and Privacy. 
 
 Crift. Your Words wou'd tafteof Terror Wretch, 
 fpeak out, , 
 
 Nor dare to tremble here For didft thou bear 
 
 Thy Tidings from a thoufand Leagues around, 
 Unmov'd, I move the Whole, the centring Nave, 
 Where turns that mighty Circle Speak thy Meflage. 
 
 Me/. A fecret Malady, my gracious Liege, 
 Some factious Vapour, rifen from off the Skirts 
 Of Southmoft Norway, has diffus'd its Bane, 
 And rages now within the Heart of Denmark. 
 
 Crift. It muft not, cannot, 'tis impoffible ! 
 What, my own Danes ? Nay, then the World wants 
 Weeding. 
 
 I will not bear it Hell ! Fd rather fee, 
 
 This Earth a Defsrt, defolate and wild, 
 And like the Lion flalk my lonely Round, 
 
 Famifh'd and roaring for my Prey Call T'rollio^ 
 
 I'll have Men ftudied, deeply read in Mifchiefs. 
 
 C a SCENE
 
 20 GUSTArUS VASA, 
 
 SCENE V. 
 
 JLnter a Servant , who kneels and delivers a Letter-, 
 
 Crift. From whom ? 
 
 Serv. From Peterfon. 
 
 Crift. To frottto Right. [Reads. 
 
 How's this ? Be gone 
 
 Go all without there wait my Pleafure. 
 
 O Curfe ! How Hell has tim'd its Plagues ! 
 
 SCENE VI. 
 
 Enter Trollio. 
 
 Crift. Come near, my 'Trollio. 
 
 We've heard ill News from Denmark that's a 
 
 Trifle 
 
 But here's to blaft thy Eyes Read 
 
 Troll. Ha ! Guftavus ! 
 So near us, and in Arms ! 
 
 Crift. What's to be done ? Now, Trollio^ now*s 
 
 the Time 
 
 To fubtilize thy Soul, found every Depth, 
 And waken all the wond'rous Statefman in thee. 
 For I muft tell thee (fpite of Pride and Royalty, 
 Of guarding Armies, and of circling Nations 
 That bend beneath my Nod) this curs'd Guftavus 
 Invades my mrinking Spirits, awes my Heart, 
 
 And fits uppn my Slumbers All in vain 
 
 Has he been daring, and have I been vigilant ; 
 Spite of himfelf he ftiil evades the Hunter, 
 And if there's Pow'r in Heav'n or Hell it guards him. 
 When was I vanquim'd, but when he oppos'd me ? 
 When have I conquer'd, but when he was abfent ? 
 
 His
 
 'The Deliverer of his Country. 2 1 
 
 His Name's a Hoft, a Terror to my Legions. 
 And by my tripled Crown, I fwear, GufavuSi 
 J'd rather meet all Europe for my Foe, 
 Than fee thy Face in Arms ! 
 
 Troll. Be calm, my Liege ; 
 And liften to a Secret big with Confequence, 
 That gives thee back the fecond Man on Earth 
 Whofe Valour cou'd plant Fears around thy Throne : 
 Thy Prisoner 
 
 Crift. What of him ? 
 
 Troll. The Prince Arvida^ 
 
 Crift. How! 
 
 Troll. The fame. 
 
 Crift. My royal Fugitive ? 
 
 Troll. Moft certain. 
 
 Crift. Now then 'tis plain who fent him hither. 
 
 Troll. Yes. 
 
 fray give me Leave, my Lord a Thought comes 
 
 crofs me 
 
 If fo he muft be ours [Paufes, 
 
 Your Pardon for a Queftion Has Arvida 
 
 E'er feen your beauteous Daughter, your Crift ina ? 
 
 Crift. Never yes poflibly he might, that Day 
 When the proud Pair, Guftavus and Arvida^ 
 Thro' Copenhagen drew a Length of Chain, 
 
 And grac'd my Chariot Wheels but why the 
 
 Queftion ? 
 
 Troll. I'll tell you while e'en now he flood 
 
 before us 
 
 I mark'd his high Demeanour, and my Eye 
 Claim'd fome Remembrance of him, tho' in Clouds 
 Doubtful and diftant, but a nearer View 
 Renew'd the Characters effac'd by Abfence. 
 Yet, left he might prefume upon a Friendmip 
 Of ancient League between us, I diflembled, 
 
 Nor feem'd to know him On he proudly ftrode, 
 
 As
 
 22 cusrArus VASA, 
 
 As who mould fay, back Fortune, know thy Diftance I 
 Thus fteddily he pafs'd, and mock'd his Fate. 
 When, lo ! the Princefs to her Morning Walk 
 
 Came forth attended quick Amazement feiz*d 
 
 Arvida at the Sight i his Steps took Root, 
 A Tremor fhook him ; and his alt'ring Cheek 
 Now fudden flum'd, then fled its wonted Colour 5 
 While with an eager and intemperate Look 
 He bent his Form, and hung upon her Beauties. 
 
 Crift. Ha ! Did our Daughter note him ? 
 
 'Troll. No, my Lord ; 
 
 She pafs'd regardlefs Strait his Pride fell from him, 
 
 And at her Name he ftarted. 
 
 Then heav'd a Sigh, and caft a Look to Heav'n, 
 
 Of fuch a mute, yet eloquent Enrtrtion, 
 
 As feem'd to fay, now Fate thou haft prevail'd, 
 
 And found one Way to triumph o'er Arvida ! 
 
 Crift. But whither wou'd this lead ? 
 
 Troll Lift, lift, my Lord ! 
 While thus his Soul's unfeated, fhook by Paffion, 
 Cou'd we engage him to betray Guftavus 
 
 Crift. O empty Hope ] Impoffible, my Trollio., 
 Do I not know him, and the curs'd Guftavus ? 
 Both fix'd in Refolution deep as Hell, 
 And proud as high Olympus ! 
 
 Troll Ah, my Liege, 
 No mortal Footing treads fo firm in Virtue, 
 As always to abide the flipp'ry Path, 
 
 Nor deviate with theBiafs Some have few, 
 
 But each Man has his Failing, fome Defect 
 Wherein to flide Temptation Leave him to me. 
 
 Crift. I know thou haft a ferpentizing Genius, 
 Can'ft wind the fubtleft Mazes of the Soul, 
 And trace her Wand'rings to the Source of Action. 
 If thou can ft bend this proud one to our Purpofe, 
 
 And make the Lion crouch, 'tis well if not, 
 
 Away at once, and fweep him from Remembrance. 
 
 Troll
 
 *The Deliverer of his Country, 23 
 
 . Then I muft promife deep. 
 
 'Crift. Ay, any thing ; out-bid Ambition. 
 
 'Troll. Love ? 
 
 Crift. Ha ! Yes our Daughter too if *he 
 
 can bribe him : 
 But then to win him to betray his Friend ? 
 
 Troll. O doubt it not, my Lord for if he loves. 
 
 As fure he greatly does, I have a Stratagem 
 That holds the Certainty of Fate within it. 
 Love is a Paflion whofe Effects are various, 
 It ever brings fome Change upon the Soul, 
 Some Virtue, or fome Vice, 'till then unknown, 
 Degrades the Hero, and makes Cowards valiant. 
 
 Crift. True, when it poura.upon a youthful Temper, 
 Open and apt to take the Torrent in ; 
 It owns no Limits, no Reftraint it knows, 
 But fweeps all down tho' Heav'n and Hell oppofe , 
 Ev'n Virtue rears in vain her facred Mound, 
 Raz'd in its Rage, or in its Swellings drown J d. 
 
 \Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE VH. 
 
 Opens and dijcovers Arvida in Chains, Guards 
 preparing Inftruments of Death and Torture. 
 He advances in Confujion. 
 
 Arv. Off, off, vain Cumbrance, ye conflicting 
 
 Thoughts! 
 
 Leave me to Heav'n. O Peace ! It will not be 
 Juft when I rofe above Mortality, 
 To pour her wond'rous Weight of Charms upon me ! 
 At fuch a Time, it was, it was too much ! 
 To pluck the foaring Pinion of my Soul, 
 While Eagle-ey'd me held her Flight to Heav'n, 
 O'er Pain and Death triumphant ! Help ye Saints, 
 
 Angelic
 
 24 G.USTATUS V A S 4 
 
 Angelic Minifters defcend, defcend ! 
 
 And lift me to myfelf , hold, bind my Heart 
 
 Firm and unfhaken in th* approaching Ruin, 
 
 The Wreck of Earth-born Frailty ! and O Heaven ! 
 
 For ev'ry Pang thefe tortur'd Limbs mall feel, 
 
 Defcend in ten-fold Bleffings on Guftavus ! 
 
 Yes, blefs him, blefs him! Crown his Hours with Joy* 
 
 His Head with Glory, and his Arms with Conqueft ; 
 
 Set his firm Foot upon the Neck of Tyrants, 
 
 And be his Name the Balm of every Lip 
 
 That breathes thro* Sweden ! Worthieft to be ftil'd 
 
 Their Friend, their Chief, their Father, and their King! 
 
 SCENE VIII. 
 
 Enter Trollio. 
 
 'froll. Unbind your Prifoner. 
 
 Aru. How ? 
 
 'Troll. You have your Liberty, 
 And may depart unqueftion'd. 
 
 Ari}. Do not mock me. 
 It is not to be thought, while Pow'r remains, 
 That Criftiern wants a Reafon to be cruel. 
 But let him know I wou'd not be oblig'd. 
 He who accepts the Favours of a Tyrant 
 Shares in his Guilt , they leave a Stain behind them. 
 
 'Troll. You wrong the native Temper of his Soul j 
 Cruel of Force, but never of Election : 
 Prudence compelPd him to a Shew of Tyranny ; 
 Howe'er thofe Politicks are now no more, 
 And Mercy in her Turn mall mine on Sweden. . 
 
 Arv. Indeed ! It were a ftrange, a blefs'd Reverfe, 
 Devoutly to be wim'd, but then the Caufe, 
 The Caufe, my Lord, muft furely be uncommon. 
 
 May
 
 *Fhe Deliverer of his Country. 2 $ 
 
 May I prefume ? 
 Perhaps a Secret. 
 
 Troll. No or if it were, 
 
 The Boldncis of thy Spirit claims RefpecT:, 
 And fhou'd be anfwer'd. Know, the only Man, 
 In whom our Monarch ever knew Repulfe, 
 Is now our Friend ; that Terror of the J'leid, 
 Th* invincible Guftavus. 
 
 Am. Ha! Fpend to Criftiern ? Guard thyfrlf my 
 Heart! " [Afide. 
 
 Nor feem to take Alarm Why, good my Lord, 
 
 What Terror is there in a Wretch profcrib'd, 
 Naked of Means, and. diftant as Guflavus ? 
 
 Troll. There you miftake . Nor knew we till 
 
 this Hour 
 
 - The Danger was fo near- From yonder Hill 
 
 He fends Propofals, back'd with all the Pow'rs 
 Of "Dahcarlia^ thofe licentious Refolutes, 
 Who, having nought to hazard in the Wreck, 
 Are ever foremoft to foment a Storm. 
 
 Aro. I were too bold to queftion on the Terms. 
 
 Troll. No truft me valiant Man, whoe'er thou art} 
 I wou'd do much to win a Worth like thine, 
 By any Act of Service, or of Confidence. 
 The Terms Guftavus claims, indeed, are haughty j 
 The Freedom of his Mother and his Sifter, 
 His forfeit Province, Gothland, and the Ifles 
 
 Submitted to his Sceptre But the League, 
 
 The Bond of Amity, and lading Friendfhip, 
 Is, that he claims Criftina for his Bride. 
 You ftart, and feem furpriz'd. 
 
 Arv. A fudden Pain 
 
 Juft (truck athwart my Breaft But fay, my Lord^ 
 
 I thought you nam'd Criftina, 
 
 Troll. Yes. 
 
 Arv. O Torture! [Afide. 
 
 "What of her, my good Lord ? 
 
 D
 
 26 GUS1AVUS VASA, 
 
 Troll I faid, Guftavus claim'd her for his Bride. 
 Arv. His Bride! his Wife! 
 You did not mean his Wife ! Do Fiends feel this ? 
 
 \Afide. 
 
 Down, Heart, nor tell thy Anguim ! Pray excufe me, 
 Did you not fay, the Princefs was his Wife ? 
 Whofe Wife, my Lord? 
 
 Troll. I did not fay what was, but what mufl be. 
 Arv. Touching Guftavus, was it not ? 
 Troll The fame. 
 Ar<u. His Bride' 
 
 Troll I fay his Bride, his Wife -, his lov'd Criftina ! 
 Criflina^ fancied in the very Prime 
 And youthful Smile of Nature -, form*d for Joys 
 Unknown to Mortals. You feem indifpos'd. 
 
 Arv. The Crime of Conftitution Oh Guftavus ! 
 
 \Aftde. 
 
 This Is too much ! And think you then, my Lord 
 What, will the royal Criftiern e'er confent 
 To match his Daughter with his deadlieft Foe ? 
 
 Troll What mou'd he do? War elfe muft be eternal. 
 Befides, fome Rumours from his Danift Realms 
 Make Peace eflential here. 
 
 Ar<v. Yes, Peace has Sweets, 
 That Hybla never knew -, it fleeps on Down, 
 Cull'd gently from beneath the Cherub's Wing 5 
 
 No Bed for Mortals Man is Warfare All 
 
 A Hurricane within ; yet Friendmip ftoops, 
 
 And gilds the Gloom with Falfhood Smiles and 
 
 Varnim! 
 
 For ftill the Storm grows high, and then no Shore! 
 No Rock to fplit on ! 'Twere a kind Perdition 
 To link ten thouiand Fathom at a Plunge, 
 And faften on Oblivion there we hold 
 
 And^ll is [Faints. 
 
 Troll Help, bear him up. O Potency of Love ! 
 That plucks this noble Fabrick from his Bafe. 
 
 Bend,
 
 'The Deliverer of Us Country. 27 
 
 Bend, bend him forward He revives How 
 
 fare you ? 
 
 Arv. I know not yet a Dagger were moft friendly. 
 Return me, Trollio^ O return me back 
 To Death, to Racks ! Undone, undone Arvida ! . 
 
 Troll. Is't pofTible, my Lord ! the Prince Arvida ! 
 My Friend ! [Embraces him. 
 
 Arv. Confufion to the Name ! {Turns. 
 
 Troll. Why this, good Heav'n ? And wherefore 
 thus difguis'd ? 
 
 Arv. Yes, that accomplifh'd Traitor, that Guftavus ; 
 While he fat planning private Scenes of Happinefs, 
 
 well dirTembled ! He, he fent me hither -, 
 My friendly, unfufpe&ing Heart a Sacrifice, 
 To make Death fure, and rid him of a Rival. 
 
 'Troll. A Rival ! Do you then love Crtft tern's 
 
 Daughter ? 
 Arv. Name her not, Trollio ; fince me can't be 
 
 mine : 
 
 Guftavus ! how, ah ! how haft thou deceiv'd me ! 
 Who could have look'd for Falfhood from thy Brow ? 
 Whofe heav'nly Arch was as the Throne of Virtue, 
 Thy Eye appear'd a Sun to chear the World, . 
 Thy Bofom Truth's fair Palace, and thy Arms, 
 Benevolent, the Harbour for Mankind. 
 
 Troll. What's to be done ? Believe me, valiant 
 Prince, 
 
 1 know not which moft fways me to thy Int*refts, 
 My Love to thee, or Hatred to Guftavus. 
 
 Arv. Wou'd you then fave me ? Think, contrive 
 it quickly ! 
 
 Lend me your Troops by all the Pow'rs of 
 
 Vengeance, 
 
 Myfelf will face this Terror of the North, 
 This Son of Fame this O Gttftavus What ? 
 Where had- 1 wander'd ? Stab my bleeding Country ! 
 Save, fhield me from that Thought. 
 
 D 2 Troll.
 
 23 GU 
 
 Troll. Retire, my Lord -, 
 For fee, the Princefs comes. 
 
 Arv. Where, Trottio, where? 
 Ha ! Yes, fhe comes indeed f her Beauties drive 
 Time, Place, and Truth, and Circumftance before 
 
 them ! 
 
 Perdition pleafes there pull tear me from her ! 
 Yet muft J gaze but one but one Look more, 
 And I were loft for ever. [tixeunt. 
 
 SCENE IX. 
 Enter Criftina, Mariana, and Attendants. 
 
 Criftina. Forbid it Shame ! Forbid it Virgin Modefty \ 
 No, no, my Friend, Gufiavus ne'er mall know it. 
 O I am over-paid with confcious Pleafure -, 
 The Senfe but to have fav'd that wond'rous Man, 
 Is ftill a fmiling Cherub in my Breaft, 
 And whifpers Peace within. 
 
 Mar. 'Tis ftrange a Man, of his high Note and 
 
 Confequence, 
 
 Shou'd fo evade the bufy Search of Thoufands ; 
 That fix long Months have (hut him from Enquiry, 
 And not an Eye can trace him to his Covert. 
 
 Criftina. Once 'twas not fo, each Infant lifp'd, 
 
 Gufiavus ! 
 
 It was the fav'rite Name of ev'ry Language, 
 His flighteft Motions fill'd the World with Tidings ; 
 Wak'd he, or flept, Fame watch'd th 1 importantHour, 
 And Nations told it round. 
 
 Mar. I've heard, my Princefs, 
 What Time Gufiavus lay detain'd in Denmark, 
 Your royal Father fought the Hero's Friendihip, 
 And offer'd ample Terms of Peace and Amity. 
 
 Criftina. He did *, he offer'd that, my Mariana^ 
 For wliich contending Mpnarchs fu'd in vain, 
 
 He
 
 The Deliverer of his Country. 29 
 
 He ofTer'd me, his Darling, his Criftina ; 
 But I was flighted, flighted by a Captive, 
 Tho' Kingdoms fwell'd my Dower. 
 
 Mar. Amazement fix me, 
 Rejected by Guftavus ! 
 
 Criftina. Yes, Mariana ; but rejected nobly. 
 
 Not Worlds cou'd win him to betray his Country ! 
 Had he confented, I had then defpis'd him. 
 What's all the gaudy Glitter of a Crown ? 
 What, but the glaring Meteor of Ambition, 
 That leads a Wretch benighted in his Errors, 
 Points to the Gulph, and mines upon Deftruction. 
 
 Mar. You wrong your Charms, whofe' Pow*r 
 
 might reconcile 
 Things oppofite in Nature Had he feen you ! 
 
 Criftina. He has, my Mariana, he has feen me. 
 
 J'll tell thee yet while inexpert of Years, 
 
 I heard of bloody Spoils, the Wafte of War, 
 
 And dire conflicting Man ; Guftavus* Name 
 
 Superior rofe, (till dreadful in the Tale : 
 
 Then firft he feiz*d my Infancy of Soul, 
 
 As fomewhat fabl'd of gigantic Fiercenefs, 
 
 Too huge for any Form ; he fcar*d my Sleep, 
 
 And fill'd my young Idea. Not the Boaft 
 
 Of all his Virtues, Graces only known 
 
 To him, and heav'nly Natures ! cou'd erafe 
 
 The ftrong Impreflion ; 'till that wond'rous Day 
 
 In which he met my Eyes. But O, O Heav'n ! 
 
 O Love, and all ye cordial Pow'rs of Paflion ! 
 
 What then was my Amazement ! he was chain'd, 
 
 Was chain'd, my Mariana ! Like the Robes 
 
 Of Coronation, worn by youthful Kings, 
 
 He drew his Shackles. The Herculean Nerve 
 
 Braced his young Arm ; and foften'd in his Cheek 
 
 Liv'd more than Woman's Sweetnefs ! Then his Eye ! 
 
 His Mein ! his. native Dignity ! He look'd, 
 
 As
 
 30 G US TAFU S V A S A y 
 
 As tho* he led Captivity in Chains, 
 And all were Slaves around. 
 
 Mar. Did he obferve you ? 
 
 Crijlina. He did : for as I trembl'd, looked and figh'd -, 
 His Eyes met mine ; he fix'd their' Glories on me. 
 Confufion thrill'd me then, and fecret Joy, 
 Faft throbbing, ftole its Treafures from my Heart, 
 And mantling upward, turn'd my Face to Crimfon. 
 
 I wim'd but did not dare to look he gaz'd * 
 
 When fudden, as by Force, he turn'd away, 
 And would no more behold me. 
 
 S C E N E X. 
 f 
 
 Enter Laertes. 
 
 Laer. Ah, bright imperial Maid ! my royal Miftrefs! 
 
 Crijtina. What wou'dft thou fay ? Thy Looks 
 fpeak Terror to me. 
 
 Laer. O you are ruiri*d, facrific'd, undone ! 
 I heard it all ; your cruel, cruel Father 
 Has fold you, giv'n you up a Spoil to Treafon, 
 
 The Purchafe of the nobleft Blood on Earth 
 
 Guftavus ! 
 
 Crijtina. Eh ! What of him ? Where, where is he? 
 
 Laer. In Dalecarlia^ on fome great Defign, 
 Doom'd in an Hour to fall by faithlefs Hands : 
 His Friend, the brave, the falfe, deceiv'd drvida, 
 Ev*n now prepares to lead a Band of Ruffians 
 Beneath the winding Covert of the Hill, 
 And feize Guftavus, obvious to the Snares 
 Of Friendship's fair DifTemblance. And your Father 
 Has vow'd your Beauties to Arvidcts Arms, 
 The Purchafe of his Falfehood. 
 
 Criftina. Shield me Heav'n ! 
 Firft Duty, break thy filial Bands in funder, 
 
 And
 
 'The Deliverer of his Country. 3 1 
 
 And blot the Name of Parent from the World ! 
 Is there no Lett, no Means of quick Prevention ? 
 
 Laer. Behold my Life ftill chain'd to thy Direction, 
 My Will mall have a Wing for ev'ry Word, 
 That breathes thy Mandate. 
 
 Criftina. Will you, good Laertes ? 
 Alas, I fear to overtafk thy Friendfhip, 
 
 Say, will you fave me then O go, hafte, fly! 
 
 Acquaint Guftavus if, if he muft fall, 
 
 Let Hofts that hem this fingte Lion in, 
 
 Let Nations hunt him down let him fall nobly. 
 
 Laer. I go, my Princefs Heav'n direct me to 
 
 him ! [Exit. 
 
 Criftina. I wou'd pray too, to fave me from Pol- 
 lution , 
 
 Detefted Stain, the Touch of the Betrayer 1 
 But mighty Love the partial Pray'r arrefts, 
 And leaves me only anxious for Guftavus. 
 For him cold Fears my fainting Bofom chill, 
 His Cares diftract me, and his Dangers kill ; 
 Ye Pow*rs ! if deaf to all the Vows I make, 
 Yet mield Guftavus, for Guftavus* Sake ; 
 Protect his Virtues from a faithlefs Foe, 
 And fave your only Image, left below. 
 
 End of the Second ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 GUSTAVUS 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE Mountains of Dalecarlia. 
 
 Enter Guftavus as a Peafant Dakcarlians/^/^w/^. 
 
 E Men of Sweden, wherefore are ye 
 
 come ? 
 See ye not yonder, how the Locufts 
 
 fwarm, 
 To drink the Fountains of your Honour up, 
 
 And leave your Hills a Defart Wretched Men ! 
 
 Why came ye forth ? Is this a Time for Sport ? 
 Or are ye met with Song and jovial Feaft, 
 To welcome your new Guefts, your Dani/h Vifitants ? 
 To ftretch your fupple Necks beneath their Feet, 
 And fawning lick the Duft ? Go, go, my Country- 
 men, 
 
 Each to your feveral Manfions, trim them out, 
 Cull all the tedious Earnings of your Toil 
 To purchafe Bondage Bid your bloomingDaughters, 
 And your chafte Wives to fpread their Beds with Soft- 
 
 nefs ; 
 
 Then go ye forth, and with your proper Hands 
 Conduct your Matters in , conduct the Sons 
 
 Of Luft and Violation Q Swedes, Swedes 1 
 
 Heav'ns ! are ye Men, and will ye fuffer this ? 
 
 SCENE
 
 Deliverer of his Country. 33 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter Arnoldus, who talks apart with Guftavus; 
 
 i ft Dale. How my Blood bolls ! 
 
 2d Dale. Who is this honeft Spokefman ? 
 
 3d Dale. What, know ye not Rodolphus of the 
 
 Mines ? 
 A better Lab'ref ne'er ftruck Steel to Stone. 
 
 Guft. There was a Time, my Friends ! a glorious" 
 
 Time ; 
 
 When, had a fingle Man of your Forefathers 
 Upon the Frontier met a Hoft in Arms, 
 His Courage fcarce had turn'd ; himfelf had flood,; 
 Alone had flood the Bulwark of his Country. 
 Your Sires were known but by their manly Fronts,; 
 On their black Brows, enthron'd, fat Liberty, 
 The Awe of Honour, and Contempt of Death. 
 
 i ft Dak. We are not Baftards. 
 
 2d Dale. No.. 
 
 3d Dale. We're Dalecarlians. 
 
 Guft. Come, come ye on then : Here I take my 
 
 Stand ! 
 
 Here on the Brink, the very Verge of Liberty ; 
 Altho* Contention rife upon the Clouds, 
 Mix Heav'n with Earth, and roll the Ruin onwa'rd j 
 Here will I fix, and breaft me to the Shock, 
 'Till I, or Denmark Ml 
 
 Siv. And who art thou ? 
 That thus wou'dft {wallow all the Glory up 
 That fhou'd redeem the Times ? Behold this Breaft, 
 The Sword has till'd it ; and the Stripes of Slaves 
 Shall ne'er trace Honour here ; mail never blot 
 
 The fair Infcription Never (hall the Cords 
 
 E trf
 
 34 GUSrAVUSVASA, 
 
 Of Danijh Infolence bind down thefe Arms 
 That bore my royal Matter from the Field. 
 
 Guft. Ha! Say you, Brother ? Were you there 
 
 O Grief! 
 Where Liberty and Stenon fell together ? 
 
 Siv. Yes, I was there A bloody Field it was, 
 
 Where Conqueft gafp'd, and wanted Breath to tell, 
 Its o'er-toil'd Triumph. There, our bleeding King, 
 There Stenon on this Bofom made his Bed, 
 And rolling back his dying Eyes upon me , 
 Soldier, he cried, if e'er it be thy Lot 
 To fee my valiant Coufin, great Guftavus-, 
 
 Tell him for once, ;that I have fought like him, 
 
 And wou'd like him. have 
 
 Conquer 'd he mou'd have faid but there, O there, 
 
 Death fto pt him fhort. 
 
 Guft. Come to my Arms, and, let me hide thy Tears, 
 
 For I have caught their Softnefs O Danes , Danes ! 
 
 You mail weep Blood for this. Shall they not,Brother ? 
 Yes, we will deal our Might with thrifty Vengeance, 
 A Life for ev*ry Blow, and when we fall, 
 There mail be Weight in't , like the tott'ring Tow'rs 
 That draw contiguous Ruin. 
 Siv. Brave, brave Man ! 
 
 My Soul admires thee By my Father's Spirit, 
 
 T wou'd not barter fuch a Death as this 
 
 For Immortality ! Nor we alone 
 
 Here be the trufty Gleanings of that Field 
 
 Where laft we fought for Freedom ; here's rich 
 
 Poverty, 
 
 Tho* wrapp'd in Rags, my fifty brave Companions ; 
 Who thro' the Force of fifteen thoufand Foes 
 Bore off their King, and fav'd his great Remains. 
 Guft. Give me your Hands, thofe valiant Hands 
 
 Why, Captaiir, 
 We could but die alone, with thefe we'll conquer. 
 
 My
 
 Deliverer of his Country. 3 5 
 
 My fellow Lab'rers too What fay ye, Friends ? 
 
 Shall we not ftrike for't ? 
 
 All. Death ; Victory or Death ! 
 No Bonds, no Bonds ! 
 
 Arn. Spoke like yourfelves Ye Men of Dalecarlia, 
 Brave Men and bold ! Whom ev'ry future Age, 
 Tongues, Nations, Languages, and Rolls of Fame 
 Shall mark for wond'rous Deeds, Achievements won 
 From Honour's dang'rous Summit, Warriors all ! 
 Say, might ye chufe a Chief, for high Exploits, 
 From the firft Annal, to the lateft Praife 
 That breathes a Hero's Name Speak, name theMan 
 Who then mould meet your Wifh ? 
 
 Sh. Forbear the Theme. 
 
 Why wou'dft thou feek to fink us with the Weight 
 Of grievous Recollection ? O Guftavus ! 
 Cou'd the dead wake, thou wert that Man of Men, 
 Firft of the Foremoft. 
 
 Guft. Didft thou know Guftavus ? 
 
 Sh. Know him ! O Heav'n ! what elfe, who elfe 
 
 was worth 
 
 The Knowledge of a Soldier ? That great Day, 
 When Criftiern, in his third Attempt on Sweden, 
 Had fum'd his Pow'rs and weigh'd the Scale of Fight: 
 On the bold Brink, the very Pum of Conqueft, 
 Guftavus rufh'd, and bore the Battle down ; 
 In his full Sway of Prowefs, like Leviathan 
 That fcoops his foaming Progrefs on the Main, 
 
 And drives the Shoals along forward I fprung, 
 
 All emulous, and lab'ring to attend him j 
 Fear fled before, behind him Rout grew loud, 
 
 And diftant Wonder gaz'd At length he turn'd, 
 
 And having ey'd me with a wond'rous Look 
 Of Sweetnefs mix'd with Glory Grace ineftimable ! 
 He pluck'd this Bracelet from his conq'ring Arm 
 And bound it here My Wrift feem'd treble nerv'd ; 
 My Heart fpoke to him, and I did fuch Deeds 
 
 E 2 A*
 
 36 GU 
 
 As beft might thank him But from that blefs'd Day 
 
 I never faw him more yet ftill to this, 
 
 I bow, as to the R clicks of my Saint : 
 
 Each Morn I drop a Tear on ev'ry Bead, 
 
 Count all the Glories of Guftavus o'er, 
 
 And think I ftill behold him. 
 
 Guft. Rightly thought ; 
 For fo thou doft, my Soldier. 
 Give me my Arms Off, off ye dark Difguifes ! 
 For I will be myfelf. Behold your General, 
 Guftavus I Come once more to lead ye on 
 To laurel'd Victory, to Fame, to Freedom ! 
 
 i ft Dale. Is it ? 
 
 2d Dale. Yes. 
 
 3d Dale. No. 
 
 4th Dale. 'Tis he ! 
 
 5th Dale. 'Tis he ! 
 
 6th Dale. 'Tis he ! [A Shout. 
 
 Siv. Strike me, ye Pow'rs ! It is Illufion all ! 
 
 It cannot. 
 
 Guft. What, no nearer ? 
 
 Siv. 'Tis, it is ! [Falls and embraces bis Knees. 
 
 Guft. O fpeechlefs Eloquence ! 
 Rife to my Arms, my Friend. 
 
 Siv. Friend ! faid you Friend ? 
 
 my Heart's Lord ! My Conq'rer ! my ! 
 
 Guft. Approach, my fellow Soldiers, your Guftavus 
 
 Claims no Precedence here : Friendfnip like mine 
 Throws all Refpefts behind it 'tis enough 
 
 1 read your Joys, your Tranfports in your Eyes 3 
 And wou'd, O, wou'd I had a Life to fpend, 
 For ev'ry Soldier here ! whofe ev'ry Life's 
 
 Far dearer than my own ; dearer than aught, 
 Except your Liberty, except your Honour. 
 Perifh Guftavus, 'ere this facred Sun, 
 That lights the reft of Sweden to their Shame, 
 Should blufh Upon your Chains ! why faid I Chains ! 
 
 To
 
 Deliverer of his Country. 37 
 
 To Souls like yours, I fhould have talk'd of Triumphs, 
 Empire, and Fame, and Hazards imminent, 
 Occafions wim'd, for Glory hafte, brave Men ! 
 Colled your Friends to join us on the Inftant ; 
 Summon our Brethren to their Share of Conqueft, 
 And let loud Eccho, from her circling Hills, 
 Sound Freedom, 'till the Undulation make 
 The Bounds of utmoft Sweden. 
 
 [Exeunt Dalecarlians, crying Guftavus, 
 Guftavus, Liberty. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Enter Anderfon. 
 
 And. There was a glorious Sound ! 
 
 Guft. Yes, Anderfon, 
 
 The long wim'd Hour is come the Storm is up, 
 
 And Wrecks will follow Where they are to light 
 Let Heav'n determine Well, my noble Friend, 
 Has Peterfon fet out ? 
 
 And. He has, this Inftant : 
 And bears your Pacquet to the Tyrant's Camp. 
 
 Guft. What think you of his Zeal ? 
 
 And. In truth, my Lord, 
 It wears a gallant Show. 
 
 Guff. 'Tis fpecious all, 
 -Flam without Fire, the Light'ning of a Cloud 
 
 That carries Darknefs in the Rear For Peterfon^ 
 
 To fpread my Letters thro* the Camp of Criftiern, 
 And feek for Succours in the Jaws of Death, 
 It fhow'd too bold, too much the flaming Patriot. 
 Befide, I know him for the Friend of Trollie. 
 
 And. Why wou'd you then employ him ? 
 
 Guff. There's the Myftery. 
 'Tis not his Faith, but Treachery I truft to. 
 
 My 
 ?: n s '* H
 
 38 G U S TA rif S FASA, 
 
 My Letters are directed to the Chiefs 
 Of thofe inglorious Mercenary Swedes, 
 Whom Criftiern has feduced to join his Hoft, 
 And turn the Sword of Conqueft on their Country 
 To each of thofe I have addrefs'd in Terms 
 Of fpecial Correfpondence, meant to rouze 
 The Jealoufy of Criftiern ; as I think 
 
 My Pacquet can't efcape him What enfues ? 
 
 The Tyrant hence concludes himfelf betray'd, 
 Sifts all his Legions, thins the Ranks of Fight, 
 And leaves them open to our bold Invafion. 
 But grant that Peterfon deceive my Aim, 
 And hold the Rank of Virtue ; then the Swedes 
 May waken to the glorious Call of Honour. 
 
 So ev'ry Way it faves us from the Guilt 
 
 Of Swedes encount*ring Swedes^ and fpares the Blood 
 Of Brethren, tho* revolted. 
 
 And. On my Soul, 
 
 This is a Stratagem that faps the Miner, 
 Makes Treafon turn a Traitor to itfelf ; 
 And mock its own Defigns. 
 
 Gufi. O noble Friend, fart winds the great Machine 
 That ftrikes the Fate of Sweden Go, my Anderfon, 
 Aflemble all thy brave Adherents round thee, 
 With warlike Infpiration warm their Souls, 
 And hafte to join me here. 
 
 And. I will, my Lord. [Exit^ 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Enter Laertes. 
 
 Laer. Thy Prefence nobly fpeaks the Man I wim, 
 Guftavus. 
 
 Guft. Yes. Thou haft a hoftile Garb, x' 
 Ha ! fay Art thou Laertes ? If J err not, < 
 
 There
 
 The Deliverer of his Country. 39 
 
 There is a friendly Semblance in that Face, 
 Which anfwers to a fond Impreflion here, 
 And tells me I'm thy Debtor my Deliv'rer ! 
 
 Laer. No, valiant Prince, you over-rate my Service, 
 There is a worthier Object of your Gratitude 
 
 Whom yet you know not O, I have to tell 
 
 But then to gain your Credit, muft unfold 
 
 What haply'mould be fecret Be it fo ; 
 
 You are all Honour. 
 
 Guft. Let me to thy Mind, 
 For thou haft wak'd my Soul into a Thought 
 That holds me, all Attention. 
 
 Laer. Mightieft Man ! 
 To me alone you held yourfelf oblig'd 
 
 For Life and Liberty Had it been fo, 
 
 I were mod blefs'd, with Retribution juft 
 
 To pay thee for my own For on the Day 
 
 When by your Arm the mighty traces fell, 
 Fate threw me to your Sword You fpar'd my Youth, 
 And in the very Whirl and Rage of Fight 
 Your Eye was taught Compaflion from that Hour 
 I vow'd my Life the Slave of your Rememb'rance ; 
 And often, as Criftina, heav'nly Maid ! 
 The Miftrefs of my Service,- queftion'd me 
 Of Wars and vent'rous Deeds, my Tidings came 
 Still freighted with thy Name, until the Day 
 In which yourfelf appear'd, to make Praife fpeechlefs. 
 Criftina faw you then, and on your Fate 
 Dropp'd a kind Tear ; and when your noble Scorn 
 Of profer'd Terms provok'd her Father's Rage 
 To take the deadly Forfeit ; me, fhe only, 
 Whofe Virtues watch'd the precious Hour of Mercy, 
 All trembling, fent my fee-ret Hand to fave you ; 
 Where, thro* a Pafs unknown to all your Keepers, 
 I led you forth, and gave you to your Liberty. 
 Guft. O I am funk, o'erwhelm'd with wond'rous 
 Goodnefs, 
 
 But
 
 But were I rich and free as opening Mines 
 That teem their golden Wealth upon the World ; 
 Still I were poor, unequal to her Bounty. 
 Nor can I longer doubt whofe gen'rous Arm 
 In my Arvida^ in my Friend's Deliverance, 
 Gave double Life, and Freedom to Guftavus. 
 
 Laer. A fatal Prefent ! Ah, you know him not ; 
 Arvida is mifled, undone by Pamon , 
 Falfe to your Friendfhip, to your Truft unfaithful. 
 
 Gut. Ha ! hold ! 
 
 Laer. I muft unfold it. 
 
 Gut. Yet forbear: , V ' 
 
 This Way I hear fome footing pray you foft - 
 If thou haft aught to urge againft Arvida^ 
 The Man of Virtue, tell it not the Wind ; 
 Left Slander catch the Sound, and Guilt mould 
 triumph. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE V. 
 
 Arvida entering Jpeaks to a Soldier. 
 
 Arv. He's here bear back my Orders to your 
 
 Fellows 
 
 That not a Man, on Peril of his Life, 
 Advance in Sight 'till call'd. 
 
 Sold. My Lord, I will 
 
 Arv. Have I not vow'd it, faithlefs as he is, 
 Have I not vow'd his Fall ? Yet, good Heav'n ! 
 Why ftart thefe fudden Tears ? On, on I muft, 
 For I am half way down the dizzy Steep, 
 Where my Brain turns A Draught of Lethe now 
 O that the World wou'd fleep to wake no more ! 
 Or that the Name of Friendmip bore no Charm 
 To make my Nerve unfteady, and this Steel 
 Flee backward from its Tafk f It (hall be done. , 
 
 Empire I
 
 Deliverer of bis Country. 41 
 
 fempire ! Criflina ! tho' th' affrighted Sun 
 Start back with Horror of the direful Stroke^ 
 It mall be done. Calm, calm the Hell within, 
 Thy Looks may elfe turn Traitors Ha, he comes ! 
 How fteadily he looks, as Heav'n's own Bookj 
 The Leaf of Truth^ were open'd on his Afpeft. 
 
 Up^ up, dark Minifter his Fate call out 
 
 [Puts up the Dagger. 
 To nobler Execution j for he comes 
 In Oppofition, fingly, Man to Man, 
 As tho 5 he brav'd my Wifh. 
 
 S C E tf E VI. 
 
 Enter Guftavus. 
 
 \They look for fome time on each other Arvida 
 
 lays his Hand on his Sword, and withdraws 
 it by 'Turns then advances irrefolutely. 
 
 Guft. Is it then fo ? 
 
 Arv. Defend thyfelf. 
 
 Guft. NO ftrike 
 
 I would unfold my Bofom to thy Sword, 
 
 But that I know tie Wound you give this Breaft 
 
 Would doubly pierce thy own. 
 
 Arv. I know thee not 
 
 It is the Time's Eclipfe, and what fhould be 
 In Nature, now is namelefs. 
 
 Guft. Ah, my Brother ! 
 
 Arv. What wouldft thou ? 
 
 Guft. Is it thus we two mould meet ? 
 
 Arv. Art thou not falfe ? Deep elfe, O deep indeed 
 Were my Damnation. 
 
 Guft. Dear, unhappy Man ! 
 My Heart bleeds for thee. Falfe I'd furely been, 
 Had I lika thee been tempted, 
 
 F Arv.
 
 42 GUSTAVUS VA$A y 
 
 Arv. Ha! Speak, fpeak, 
 Didft thou not fend to treat with Criftiern ? 
 
 Guff. Never. 
 
 I know thy Error, but I know the Arts, 
 The Frauds, the Wiles that praclis'd on thy Virtue ; 
 Firm how you flood, and tow'r'd above Mortality j 
 'Till in the fond unguarded Hour of Love, 
 The wily undermining Trollio came, 
 And won thee from thyfelf a Moment won thee 
 For ftill thou art Arvida^ ftill the Man 
 "On whom thy Country calls for her Deliv'rance. 
 Already are her braveft Sons in Arms, 
 Mark how they ftiout, irrfjpatient of our Prefence, 
 To lead them on to a new Life of Liberty, 
 To Fame, to Conqueft Ha, Heav'n guard my Brother, 
 Thy Cheek turns pale, thy Eye is wild upon me, 
 Wilt thou not anfwer me ? 
 Arv. Guftavus ! 
 Guff. Speak. 
 
 Arv. Have I not dream'd ? 
 Guft. No other I efteem it. 
 Where lives the Man whofe Reafon {lumbers not ? 
 Still pure, ftill blamelefs, if at wonted Dawn 
 Again he wakes to Virtue. 
 
 Arii. O, my Dawn 
 
 Muft foon be dark. Confufion diffipates, 
 To leave me worfe confounded. 
 
 Guft* Think no more on't. 
 Come to my Arms, thou deareft of Mankind ! 
 
 Arv. Stand off! Pollution dwells within my Touch, 
 And Horror hangs around me Cruel Man ! 
 O, thou haft doubly damn'd me with this Goodnefs ; 
 For Refoiution held the Deed as done , 
 That now muft fink me Hark! I'm fummon'd hence, 
 My Audit opens ! Poife me! for I ftand 
 Upon a Spire, agnlnft whofe fightjefs Bafe 
 HdS breaks his Wave beneath. Down, down I dare not, 
 
 And
 
 The Deliverer of bis Country. 43 
 
 And up I cannot look, for Juftice fronts me. 
 Thou /halt have Vengeance, tho' my purpling Blood 
 Were Nectar for Heav'n's Bowl, as warm and rich, 
 As now 'tis bafe, it thus mould pour for Pardon. 
 
 [Guftavus catches his Arm^ and in the Strnggk 
 the Dagger falls. 
 
 Guff. Ha ! Hold, Arvida No, I will not lofe 
 
 thee 
 
 Forbid it Heav'n ! thou malt not rob me fo, 
 No, I will ftruggle with thee to the laft, 
 And fave thee from thyfelf. Oh, anfwer me ! 
 "Wilt thou forfake me ? Anfwer me, my Brother, 
 My beft Aruida. 
 
 Arv. I wou'd fpeak to thee 
 But let it be by Silence Oh Gttftavus ! 
 
 Guff. Say but you'll live. 
 
 Arv. Oh ! 
 
 Guff. For my Sake, 
 
 Arv. Yes, take me ; 
 
 Expofe me, cage me, brand me for the Tool 
 Of crafted Villains, for the verier! Slave, 
 On whom the Bend of each contemptuous Brow 
 Shall look- with Loathing. Ah, my Turpitude 
 Shall be the vile Comparative for Knaves 
 To boaft and whiten by ! 
 
 Gulf. Not fo, not fo. 
 
 Who knows no Fault, my Friend, knows noPerfection. 
 The Rectitude that Heav'n appoints to Man 
 Leads on thro' Error ; and the kindly Senfe 
 Of having ftray'd, endears the Road to Blifs ; 
 It makes Heav'n's Way more pleafing ! O my Brother, 
 'Tis hence a Thoufand cordial Charities 
 Derive their Growth, their Vigour, and their 
 
 Sweetnefs. 
 This mort Lapfe 
 
 Shall to thy future Foot give cautious Treading* 
 Erect and firm in Virtue. 
 
 F 2 Aw.
 
 44 GUSrAFUS V A S A, 
 
 Arv. Give me Leave. [Offers to fafs. 
 
 Guff. You mall not pafs. 
 
 Arv. I muft. 
 
 Guff. Whither? 
 
 Arv. I know not O Guftavtts ! 
 
 Guff. Speak. 
 
 Arv. You can't forgive me. 
 
 Guff. Not forgive thee ! 
 
 Arv. No. 
 
 Look there. [Points to the Dagger. 
 
 And yet when I refolv'd to kill thee 
 J cou'd have died indeed I cou'd for thee, 
 J cou'd have died, Guftavus ! 
 
 GusJ. O I know it. 
 
 A gen'rous Mind, tho' fway'd a- while by Paflion, 
 Is like the fteely Vigour of the Bow, 
 Still holds its native Reclitude, -and bends 
 But to recoil more forceful. Come forget it. 
 
 SCENE VII. 
 Enter a Dalecarlian. . 
 
 Dale. My Lord, as now I pafs'd the Mountain's 
 
 " Brow, 
 
 I fpy'd fome Men, whofe Arms, and ftrange Attire, 
 Give Caufe for Circumfpeclion. 
 
 Guff. Danes, perhaps , 
 Hafte, intercept their PafTage to the Camp. [Ex. Dal. 
 
 Arv. Thofe are the Danes that witnefs to my 
 Shame. 
 
 Guff. Perifti th* opprobrious Term ! not fo, Arvida\ 
 Myfelf will be the Guardian of thy Fame ; 
 Truft me, I will Our Friends approach O clear 
 While I attend them, clear that Cloud, my Brother, 
 That fits upon the Morning of thy Youth ; 
 It hangs too near the Heart of thy Guftavus. [Exit. 
 
 Arv.
 
 'The Deliverer of bis Country. 45 
 
 Of thy Gujtavus ! O Wretch, Wretch, 
 
 curs'd Wretch ! 
 What is this Time and Place, and Toys of Circum- 
 
 ftance ; 
 That wind our Actions, fo, as Heav'n's own Hand 
 
 What's done may not unravel ? Pardon may ! 
 
 There's the Letbean Sweet, the Snow of Heav'n, 
 
 New blanching-o'er the Negro Front of Guilt, 
 
 That to the Eye of Mercy all appears 
 
 Fair as th* unwritten Page yet felf-convict, 
 
 Tho* Heav'n's free Pow'r fhou'd pardon, where's my 
 
 Peace ? 
 
 Thus, thus to be driven out from my own Breaft 1 
 To have no Shed, no melt'ring Nook at Home 
 To take Reflection in ! How looks the Wretch 
 Whofe Heart cries Villain to itfelf ? I'll not 
 Endure its Batt'ry Somewhat muft be done 
 Of high Import 'ere Night, that I may ileep, 
 Or wake for ever. 
 
 SCENE VIII. 
 
 Enter Guilavus followed by the Dalecarlians, 
 Anderfon, Arnoldus, Sivard, Officers, &c. 
 
 i ft Dale, Let us all fee him ! 
 
 2d Dale. Yes, and hear him too. 
 
 3d Dale. Let us be fure 'tis he himfelf. 
 
 4th Dale. Our General. 
 
 5th Dale. And we will fight while Weapons can 
 
 be found. 
 
 6th Dak. Or Hands to wield them. 
 7th Dale. Get on the Bank, Guftavus. 
 And. Do, my Lord. 
 Guft. My Countrymen ! 
 i ft Dak. Ho ! hear him* 
 
 2d Dak.
 
 46 GUSTAVUS. 
 
 2d Dale. Peace ! 
 
 3d Dale. Peace ! 
 
 4.th Dale. Peace ! 
 
 Guff. Amazement I perceive hath fill*d your 
 
 Hearts,. 
 
 And Joy for that your loft Guftavus, 'fcap'd 
 Thro* Wounds, Imprifonments,andChains,andDeaths, 
 Thus fudden, thus unlook'd for ftands before ye. 
 As one efcap'd from cruel Hands I come, 
 From Hearts that ne'er knew Pity -, dark and vengeful : 
 Who quaff the Tears of Orphans, bathe in Blood, 
 And know no Mufick but the Groans of Sweden. 
 Yet, not for that my Sifter's early Innocence, 
 And Mother's Age now grind beneath Captivity ; 
 Nor that one bloody, one remorfelefs Hour 
 Swept my great Sire, and Kindred from my Side j 
 For them Guftavus weeps not, tho* my Eyes 
 Were fa.r lefs dear^ for them I 'will not weep. 
 But, O great Parent, when I think on thee ! 
 Thy numberlefs, thy namelefs, fhameful Infamies, 
 My widow'd Country ! Sweden ! when I think 
 
 Upon thy Defolation, Spite of Rage 
 
 And Vengeance that would chpak them Tears will 
 
 flow. 
 
 And. Q, they are Villains, ev'ry Da/ie of them, 
 Praftis'd to ftab and fmile ; to ftab the Babe 
 That fmiles upon them. 
 
 Am. What accurfed Hours 
 Roll o'er thofe Wretches who to Fiends like thefe 
 In their dear Liberty have barter'd more 
 Than Worlds will rate for ? 
 
 Guft. O Liberty, Heav'n's choice Prerogative ! 
 True Bond of Law, thou focial Soul of Property, 
 Thou Breath of Reafon, Life of Life itfelf ! 
 For thee the Valiant bleed. O facred Liberty ! 
 Wing'd from the Summer's Snare,from flatt'ringRuin, 
 Like the bold Stork you feek the wint*ry Shore,; 
 
 Leave
 
 The Deliverer of his Country. 47 
 
 I reave Courts, and Pomps, and Palaces to Slaves, 
 Cleave to the Cold, and reft upon the Storm. 
 Upborn by thee, my Soul difdain'd the Terms 
 
 Of Empire offer'd at the Hands of Tyrants. 
 
 With thee, I fought this fav'rite Soil ; with thee, 
 Thefe fav'rite Sons I fought i thy Sons, O Liberty. 
 For ev'n amid the Wilds of Life you lead them, 
 Lift their low rafted Cottage to the Clouds, 
 Smile o'er their Heaths, and from their Mountain 
 
 Tops 
 
 Beam Glory to the Nations. 
 All. Liberty! Liberty! 
 
 Guff. Are ye not mark'd, ye Men of Dakcarlia^ 
 Are ye not mark'd by all the circling World 
 As the great Stake, the laft Effort for Liberty ? 
 Say, is it not your Wealth, the Thirft, the Food, 
 The Scope and bright Ambition of your Souls ? 
 Why elfe have you, and your renown'd Forefathers, 
 From the proud Summit of their glitt'ring Thrones, 
 Caft down the mightieft of your lawful Kings 
 That dar'd the bold Infringement ? What, butLiberty, 
 Thro* the fam'd Courfe of thirteen hundred Years, 
 Aloof hath held Invafion from your Hills, 
 And fanftify'd their Shade? And will ye, will yc 
 Shrink from the Hopes of the expecting World ; 
 Bid your high Honours (loop to foreign Infult, 
 And in one Hour give up to Infamy 
 The Harveft of athoufand Years of Glory ? 
 i ft Dale. No. 
 2d Dale. Never, never. 
 3d Dale. Perim all firft ! 
 4th Dale. Die all ! 
 Guft. Yes, die by Piecemeal ! 
 Leave not a Limb o'er which a Dane may triumph ! 
 Now from my Soul I joy, I joy, my Friends, 
 To fee ye fear'd j to fee that ev'n your Foes 
 Do Juftice to your Valours ! There they be, 
 
 The
 
 4 8 G US 
 
 The Pow'rs of Kingdoms, fumm'd in yonder 
 
 Yet kept aloof, yet v trembling to aflail ye. 
 
 And O, when I look round and fee you here, 
 
 Of Number mort, but prevalent in Virtue, 
 
 My Heart fwells high and burns for the Encounter 
 
 True Courage but from Oppofition grows ; 
 
 And what are fifty, what a thoufand Slaves, 
 
 Match'd to the Sinew of a fingle Arm 
 
 That ftrikes for Liberty ? That ftrikes to fave 
 
 His Fields from Fire, his Infants from the Sword, 
 
 His Couch from Luft, his Daughters from Pollution j 
 
 And his large Honours from eternal Infamy ? 
 
 What, doubt we then ? Shall we, mall we ftand here 
 
 'Till Motives that might warm an Ague's Froft, 
 
 And nerve the Coward's Arm, mail poorly ferve 
 
 To wake us to Refiftance? Let us on ! 
 
 O, yes, I read your lovely fierce Impatience ; 
 
 You (hall not be withheld ; we will rum on them 
 
 This is indeed to triumph, where we hold 
 
 Three Kingdoms in our Toil ! Is it not glorious, 
 
 Thus to appal the Bold, meet Force with Fury, 
 And pufh yon Torrent back, 'till ev'ry Wave 
 Flee to its Fountain ? 
 
 3d Dale. On, lead us on, Guftavus ; one Word 
 
 more 
 Is but Delay of Conquer!. 
 
 Gutf. Take your Wilh. 
 
 He, who wants Arms, may grapple with the Foe 
 And fo be furnifh'd. You, moft noble Anderfon, 
 Divide our Pow'rs, and with the fam'd Olaus 
 Take the left Rout You, Eric, great in Arms ! 
 With the renown'd Nederbi, hold the Right, 
 And fkirt the Foreft down ; then wheel at once, 
 Confefs'd to view, and clofe upon the Vale : 
 Myfelf, and my moft valiant Coufin here 
 Th* invincible druida, gallant 8ivard, 
 Arnoldus* and thefe hundred hardy Vet'rans 
 
 Wai
 
 'The Deliverer of his Country. 49 
 
 Will pour direftly on, and lead the Onfet. 
 joy, Joy, I fee confefs'd from ev'ry Eye, 
 Your Limbs tread vigorous, and your Breafts beat 
 
 high! 
 
 Thin tho' our Ranks, tho' fcanty be our Bands, 
 Bold are our Hearts, and nervous are our Hands. 
 With us, Truth, Juftice, Fame, and Freedom clofe, 
 Each, fmgly equal to an Hoft of Foes, 
 I feel, I feel them fill me out for Fight, 
 They lift my Limbs as feather'd Hermes light ! 
 Or like the Bird of Glory, tow'ring high, 
 Thunder within his Grafp, and Lightening in his Eye ! 
 
 End of the Third ACT. 
 
 G ACT
 
 50 
 
 ACT IV, 
 
 SCENE before the Camp. 
 
 Enter Criftiern, Trollio, and Attendants. 
 
 Obfervation's juft, I fee it, 
 Trottio : 
 Men are Machines, with all their 
 
 boafted Freedom, 
 Their Movements turn upon fome fav'rite Paffion ; 
 Let Art but find the latent Foible out, 
 We touch the Spring, and wind them at our Pleafure. 
 "Troll. Let Heav'n fpy out for Virtue, and then 
 
 ftarve it : 
 
 But Vice and Frailty are the Statefman's Quarry, 
 The Objects of our Search, and of our Science ; 
 Mark'd by our Smiles, and cherim'd by our Bounty. 
 *Tis hence, you lord it o'er your fervile Senates ; 
 How low the Slaves will ftoop to gorge their Lufts 
 When aptly baited : Ev'n the Tongues of Patriots, 
 (Thofe Sons of Clamour) oft relax the Nerve 
 Within the Warmth of Favour. 
 
 Crift. How elfe mould Kings fubfift ? For what is 
 
 Pow'r, 
 
 But the nice Conduct of another's Weaknefs ? 
 That Thing call'd Virtue is the Bane of Government, 
 A Libel on the State, that afks Suppreflion ; 
 It has a hateful and unbending Quality ; 
 It ferves no End, ftill reftive to the Rein, 
 
 And
 
 Deliverer of his Country. 51 
 
 And to the Spur unfpeedy : They who boaft it 
 Are Traitors, Rivals of their King, my Trollio, 
 And, wanting other Subjects, greatly dare 
 To lord it o'er themfelves. Such is Guftavus, 
 
 If yet he be 
 
 And fuch Arvida was , tho* now, I truft, 
 He is too far advanc'd in our Defigns 
 To think of a Retreat. 
 
 Troll. Impoffible! 
 
 Already has he leap'd the guilty Mound 
 That might appal his Virtue ; for the World 
 He dare not now look back ; where Shame purfues, 
 And cuts off all Retreat. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 Enter Gentleman UJher and Peterfon, who kneels. 
 
 Gent. My Liege, Lord Peterfon. 
 
 Crift. Rife to our Truft, moft worthy Peterfon ; 
 Rife to our Friendfhip : By my Head, I fwear, 
 Bar but our Trollio here, there's not a Swede, 
 Who holds thy valued Level in our Heart ! 
 For thou'rt unfhaken, tho' thy Nation fwerve ; 
 Faithful among the faithlefs. 
 
 Peter. What I am 
 Let this inform your Majefty. [Gives a Pacquet. 
 
 Troll. A Pacquet ! 
 Whence had you that, my Friend ? 
 
 Peter. Even from the Hands 
 Of the once great Guftavus. 
 
 Crift. Then you have feen him. Tell me, tell 
 
 me, Peter/on, 
 
 What faid he ? Eh ! How look'd the mighty Rebel ? 
 His Means, his Scope, the Pride of his Preemption, 
 Give me the whole ! 
 
 G 2 Peter.
 
 52 G US AV US FASA, 
 
 Peter. Laft Night, my gracious Lord, 
 "While yet I held your Meflenger in Conference ; 
 Arriv'd, who brought a Letter from Guftavus, 
 Wherein, digefting many flagrant Terms 
 Of mutinous Import againft the State 
 Of your high Dignity j by Morning Light 
 He pray'd me to attend him j boafting much 
 Of plenteous Hopes, and Means of boldeft Enterprize, 
 Of this I gave you Notice , and 'ere Dawn 
 
 Set out for frem Intelligence I came ; 
 
 I faw him fhrunk, that Glory of the North, 
 Soil'd with the Vilenefs of a Slave's Attire ; 
 Where in the Depth and Darknefs of the Mines, 
 For fix long Months he hath not feen the Sun i 
 Colleagu'd with circling Horrors ; hourly Toil 
 Hath been his Watch, and Penury his Earning -, 
 But like the Lion, newly broke from Bonds, 
 The mingling Paflions from his Eyes dart Glory ; 
 Pride lifts his Stature, and his opening Front 
 Still looks Dominion. 
 
 Crift. Who were his Adherents ? 
 Peter. The Traitor Andcrfon^ and a few Friends, 
 To whom, 'ere I fet out, he ftood reveal'd. 
 And when I feem'd to queftion on his Pow'rs 
 Of Rivalmip, the Props whereon he meant 
 To lift Contention to the princely Front 
 Of fuch high Oppofition ; he reply'd, 
 His Powers were near your Perfon. 
 
 Crift. How ' what's here ? [Looks on the Pacquet. 
 To Laurens, Aland^ Haquin, and Roderic, 
 Confufion ! Treafon's in our Camp ! Who's there ? 
 Gent. My Liege ! 
 
 Crift. Bear this to Norbi Bid him feize 
 
 [Gives a Signet. 
 The Swedt/b Captains. 
 
 Troll. Might J but prefume 
 
 Crift.
 
 The Deliverer of his Country. 53 
 
 Crift. I will not be controul'd bid him feize all, 
 
 Soldiers and Chiefs ! By Hell, there's not a Swede, 
 But lurks an Inftrument to prompt Rebellion, 
 And Plots upon my Life ! Look there, 'tis evident : 
 - [Gives Trollio a Letter. 
 They are all leagu'd, confed'rate with Guftavus^ 
 Th' Abettors of his Treafon. 
 
 Troll. It fhou'd feem fo : 
 
 And yet it fhou'd not Tell me, Pet erf on^ 
 
 Art thou aflur'd thy Credit with Guftavus 
 Will anfwer to a Truft like this ? - Ha ! Say. 
 
 Peter. Yes, well 'aflur'd : My Zeal appear'd too 
 
 warm 
 To give the leaft cold Colour for Sufpicion. 
 
 'Troll. I fear, my Friend, I fear he has o'er-reach'd 
 
 you. 
 
 Divide and conquer^ is the Sum of Politics. 
 Beyond the dreaded Circle of his Sword, 
 Guftavus triumphs in an ample Genius ; 
 He walks at large, fees clear and wide around him ; 
 Calm in the Storm and Turbulence of Action ; 
 He ponders on the laft Event of Things, 
 And makes each Caufe fubfervient to the Confequence. 
 
 Crift. You over-rate his Craft ; they're falfe, my 
 
 Trsllio, 
 Falfe ev*ry Swede of them ; I read their Souls. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 Enter Criftina and Mariana. 
 
 Criftina. I heard it was your royal Pleasure, Sir, 
 I fhou'd attend your Highnefs. 
 
 Crift. Yes, Criftina, 
 But Bufinefs interferes. 
 
 SCENE
 
 54 GUSTAVUS V A $ A, 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 "Enter an Officer* 
 
 Off. My fovereign Liege ! 
 Wide o'er the Weftern Shelving of yon Hill, 
 We think, tho* indiftinctly, we can fpy, 
 Like Men in Motion muft'ring on the Heath 5, 
 And there is one who faith he can difcern, 
 A few of martial Gefture, and bright Arms, 
 Who this Way bend their Adion. 
 
 Grift. Friends, perhaps, 
 
 For Foes it were too daring Hafte thee, Trottio* 
 
 Detach a Thoufand of our Danifh Horfe 
 To rule their Motions We will out ourfelf, 
 And hold our Pow'rs in Readinefs Lead on. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE V. 
 
 Enter Criftina and Mariana. 
 
 Mar. Ha * did you mark, my Princefc, d$ you 
 
 mark ? 
 
 Shou'd fome Reverfe, fome wond'rous Whirl of Fate 
 Once more return Guftavus to the Battle, 
 New nerve his Arm, and wreathe his Brow with 
 
 Conqueft ; 
 
 Say, wou'd you not repent that e'er you fav'd 
 This dreadful Man, the Foe of your great Race ; 
 Who pours impetuous in his Country's Caufe 
 To fpoil you of a Kingdom ? 
 Criftina. No, my Friend. 
 Had I to Death, or Bondage, fold my Sire, 
 
 Or
 
 The Deliverer of his Country. 55 
 
 Or had Guftavus on our native Realms 
 Made hoftile Inroad ; then, my Mariana ! 
 Had I then fav'd him from the Stroke of Juftice> 
 I fhou'd not ceafe my Suit to Heav'n for Pardon. 
 But if, tho' in a Foe, to reverence Virtue, 
 Withftand Oppreffion, refcue injur'd Innocence, 
 Step boldly in betwixt my Sire and Guilt, 
 And fave my King, my Father from Difhonour ; 
 If this be Sin, I have mook Hands with Penitence. 
 Firft, perifh Crowns, Dominion, all the Shine 
 And Tranfience of this World, 'ere Guilt mail ferve 
 To buy the vain Incumbrance. 
 
 Mar. Do not think 
 
 I meant, my Princefs, to arraign your Virtues, 
 Howe'er I feem'd to queftion oh the Confequence. 
 
 Criftina. The Confequence of Virtue muft be good : 
 It muft. Tho' it mou'd prove my Father's Lot, 
 In being refcu'd from one AcT; of Guilt, 
 To lofe the whole of all his wide Dominions, 
 He were a Gainer - Blafted be that Royalty, 
 Which Murder muft make fure, and Crimes inglorious ! 
 The Bulk of Kingdoms, nay, the World is light, 
 When Guilt weighs opposite O wou'd to Heav'n, 
 The Lofs of Empire wou'd reftore his Innocence, 
 Reftore the Fortunes, and the precious Lives 
 Of Thoufands fal'n the Viclims of Ambition! 
 
 SCENE VI. 
 
 Enter Laertes. 
 
 Ha ! Laertes ! moft welcome ! well and have you ? 
 
 Say, Laertes. 
 
 Laer. O Royal Maid! - 
 Criftina. Thy Looks are doubtful - Speak, 
 Why art thou filent - Does he live ? 
 
 Laer.
 
 56 G US <I A V US FASA, 
 
 Laer. Redoes. 
 
 But Death *ere Night muft fill a long Account i 
 The Camp, the Country's in Confufion : War, 
 And Changes ride upon the Hour that haftes 
 
 To intercept my Tongue 1 elfe couM tell 
 
 Of Virtues hitherto beyond my Ken ; 
 Courage, to which the Lion ftoops his Creft, 
 Yet grafted upon Qualities as fort 
 As a rock'd Infant's Meeknefs , fuch as tempts 
 Againft my Faith, my Country, and Allegiance* 
 To wim thee Speed, Gujlavus. 
 
 Criftina. Then you found him. 
 
 Laer. I did : and warn'd him, but in vain ; for 
 
 Death 
 
 To him appear'd more grateful than to find 
 His Friend's Difhonour. 
 
 Criftina. Give me the Manner quick foft* 
 
 good Laertes ! 
 
 SCENE VII. 
 Enter Criftiern, Trollio, Peterfon, Danes, &c< 
 
 Crift. Damn'd ! double Traitor ! O curs'd, falfe 
 
 Arvida ! 
 
 Guard well the Svxdifh Pris'ners, bind them hard 
 Stand to your Arms Bring forth the Captives there ! 
 
 SCENE VIII. 
 
 Enter Agufla and Guftava guarded. 
 
 Troll. My Liege 
 
 Crift. Away ! I'll hear no more of Politics ; 
 Fortune ! we will not truft the Changeling more ; 
 
 But
 
 Defiverer of his Country. 57 
 
 But wear her girt upon our armed Loins, 
 Or pointed in our Grafp. 
 
 SCENE IX. 
 
 Enter an Officer. 
 
 Off. The Foe's at hand. 
 With gallant Shew your thoufand Danes rode forth, 
 
 But mall return no more ! I mark'd the Action, 
 
 A Band of defp'rate Refolutes ruih'd on 'em, 
 Scarce numbering to a Tenth, and in mid Way 
 They clos'd ; the Shock was dreadful, nor your Danes 
 Cou'd bear the-madding Charge j a while they ftood, 
 
 Then mrunk, and broke, and turn'd When, lo* 
 
 behind, 
 
 Faft wheeling from the Right and Left there pour'dj 
 Who intercepted their Return, and caught 
 Within the Toil they perifhM. 
 
 Crift . 'Tis Guftavus ! 
 No Mortal elfe, not Awmorfs boafted Son^ 
 Not Cafar wou'd have dar*d it. Tell me, fay, 
 What Numbers in the Whole may they amount to ? 
 
 Off. About Five Thoufand. 
 
 Crift. And no more ? 
 
 Off. No more* 
 That yet appear. 
 
 Crift. We count fix times their Sum.- 
 
 Hafte, Soldier, take a Trumpet, tell Guftavus 
 We have of Terms to offer, and wou'd treat 
 Touching his Mother's Ranfom ; fay, her Death* 
 Sufpended by our Grace, but waits his Anfwer. 
 
 [Exit Officer, 
 Madam, It fhou'd well fuit with your Authority, 
 
 \fo Agufta. 
 H To
 
 58 G U S AV US V A S A> 
 
 To check this Frenzy in your Son look to it, 
 
 Or by the Saints this Hour's your laft of Life ! 
 
 Agu. Come, my Guftava^ come, my little Captive' $ 
 We mall be free ^ our Tyrant is grown kind ; 
 And for thefe Chains that bind thy pretty Arms, 
 The golden Cherubim mall lend thee Wings, 
 And thou malt mount amid the fmiling Choir 
 Of little Heav'nly Songfters, like thyfelf, 
 All robed in Innocence. 
 
 Guftava. Will you go, Mother 1 ? 
 
 Agu. So help me, Mercy ! Yes, I'll go, my Child , 
 And I -will give thee to thy Father's Fondnefs, 
 And to the Arms of all thy royal Race 
 In Heav'n ; who fit on Thrones, with Loves, and Joys, 
 And Pleafures fmiling round. 
 
 Grift. Is this my Anfwer ? 
 Come forth, ye Mihifters of Death, come forth, 
 
 SCENE IX. 
 
 "Enter Ruffians, 'who Jeize Agufta and Guftava. 
 
 Pluck them afunder ! We mail prove you, Lady ! 
 'Tis my damn'd Lot, thus ever to be crofs'd 
 With rank blown Pride, and Infolence eternal. 
 
 Guftava. O Mother, take me, take me from thefe 
 
 Men, 
 They fright me with their Looks. 
 
 Agufta. Alas, my Child, I cannot take thee from 
 
 them. 
 Guftava. O, they will hurt me : can't you take 
 
 me, Mother ? 
 Agufta. They can't, they cannot hurt you, my 
 
 Guftava. 
 
 Fear not, my little one, your Name fhou'd be 
 A Charm o'er Cowardice, for you are call'd 
 
 After
 
 The Deliverer of bis Country. 59 
 
 After your valiant Brother ; he*Jl difown you, 
 He will not love you, if you fear, Guftava. 
 
 Criftina. Ah ! I can hold no longer. Royal Sir, 
 Thus on my Knees, andlower* lower ftill 
 
 Crift. My Child ! What mean you ? 
 
 Criftina. O my gracious Father ! 
 Kill, kill me rather let me perim firft ; 
 But do not ftain the Sanctity of Kings 
 With the fweet Blood of helplefs Innocence ; 
 Do not, my Father ! Spare the little Orphans, 
 And let the Lambs go free ! 
 
 Agufta. Ha ! who art thou ? 
 That look'ft fo like the 'Habitants of Heav'n, 
 Like Mercy fent upon the Morning's Blufh, 
 To glad the Heart, and cheer a gloomy World 
 With Light 'till now unknown ? 
 
 Crift. Away, they come. 
 I'll hear no more of your ill-tim'd Petitions. 
 
 Criftina. O yet for Pity ! 
 
 Crift. I will none on't, leave me. 
 Pity ! it is the infant Fool of Nature : 
 Tear off her Hold, and bear her to her Tent. 
 
 [Ex. Criftina, Mar. Laer. and Attendants. 
 
 SCENE X. 
 
 Enter an Officer. 
 
 Off. My Liege, Guftavus^ tho* with much Reluctance, 
 Contents to one Hour's Truce. His Soldiers reft 
 Upon their Arms, and follow'd by a few, 
 He comes to know your Terms. 
 
 1 Crift. I fee, fall back 
 
 Stand firm Be ready Slaves, and on the Word 
 Plunge ddep your Daggers in their Bofoms.. 
 
 [Points to Agufta. 
 H 2 SCENE
 
 60 G 175 T AW S V A & A> 
 
 SCENE XI. 
 
 Enter Guft. Arv. Ander. Arn. Siv, Gfr. 
 
 Hold! 
 
 Guft. Ha ! 'tis, it is my Mother ! 
 
 Crift. Tell me, Guftavus^ tell me why is this ? 
 That, as a Stream diverted from the Banks 
 Of fmooth Obedience, thou haft drawn thofe Men 
 Upon a dry unchannel'd Enterprize, 
 
 To turn their Inundation ? Are the Lives 
 
 Of my mifguided People held fo light, 
 
 That thus thou'dft pum them on the keen Rebuke 
 
 Of guarded Majefty ; where Juftice waits, 
 
 All awful, and refiftlefs, to aflert 
 
 Th* impervious Rights, the Sanftitude of Kings, 
 
 And blaft Rebellion ? 
 
 Guft. Juftice ! Sanctitude ! 
 And Rights ! O Patience ! Rights ! What Rights, 
 
 thou Tyrant ? 
 
 Yes, if Perdition be the Rule of Power ; 
 If Wrongs give Right-, O then, Supreme in Mifchief ! 
 Thou wert the Lord, the Monarch of the World ! 
 Too narrow for thy Claim. But if thou think'ft 
 That Crowns are vilely propertied, like Coin, 
 To be the Means, the Specialty of Luft, 
 
 And fenfuaJ Attribution If thou think'ft, 
 
 That Empire is of titled Birth, or Blood ; 
 
 That Nature in the proud Behalf of one 
 
 Shall difenfranchife all her lordly Race, 
 
 And bow her gen'ral Ifliie to the Yoke 
 
 Of private Domination then, thou proud one, 
 
 Here know me for thy King Howe'er be told, 
 
 Not Claim Hereditary, not the Truft 
 
 Of frank Election ; 
 
 Not ev'n the high anointing Hand of Heav'n 
 
 Can
 
 The Deliverer of hh Country. 61 
 Can authorize Oppreffion , give a Law 
 For lawless Pow'r ; wed Faith to Violation ; 
 On Reafon build Mifrule, or juftly bind 
 
 Allegiance to Injuftice Tyranny 
 
 Abfolves all Faith , and who invades our Rights, 
 However his own commence, can never be 
 
 But an Ufurper But for thee, for thee 
 
 There is no Name ! thou haft abjur'd Mankind ; 
 Dafh'd Safety from thy bleak unfocial Side, 
 And wag'd wild War with univerfal Nature ! 
 
 CriSl. Licentious Traitor ! thou canft talk it largely | 
 Who made thee Umpire of the Rights of Kings, 
 And Pow'r, prime Attribute ? As on thy Tongue 
 The Poife of Battle lay, and Arms, of Force, 
 To throw Defiance in the Front of Duty. 
 Look round, unruly Boy, thy Battle comes 
 Like raw, disjointed Muftring , feeble Wrath ! 
 A War of Waters borne againft the Rock 
 Of our firm Continent, to fume, and chafe, 
 And miver in the Toil. 
 
 Guft. Miftaken Man ! 
 
 I come impower'd, and ftrengthen'd in thy Weaknefs 
 For tho' the Structure of a Tyrant's Throne 
 Rife on the Necks of half the fufPring World ; 
 Fear trembles in the Cement : Prayers and Tears, 
 And fecret Curfes fap its mould'ring Bafe, 
 And fteal the Pillars of Allegiance from it ; 
 Then, let a fingle Arm but dare the Sway, 
 Headlong it turns, and drives upon Definition. 
 
 froll. Profane, and alien to the Love of Heav'n ! 
 Art thou ftill harden'd to the Wrath divine 
 That hangs o'er thy Rebellion ? Know'ft thou not 
 Thou art at Enmity with Grace ? Caft out, 
 Made an Anathema, a Curfe enrolPd 
 Among the faithful, thou and thy Adherents 
 Shorn from our holy Church, and offer'd up 
 As facred to Damnation ? 
 
 Guft.
 
 Guff. Yes, I know, 
 
 When fuch as thou with facrilegious Hand 
 Seize on the Apoftolic Key of Heav'n, 
 It then becomes a Tool for crafty Knaves 
 To fhut out Virtue, and unfold thofe Gates, 
 That Heav'n itfelf had barr'd againft the Lulls 
 
 Of Avarice and Ambition fofr, and fweet, 
 
 As Looks of Charity, or Voice of Lambs 
 That bleat upon the Morning, are the Words 
 Of Chriftian Meeknefs ! Miffion all divine ! 
 
 The Law of Love fole Mandate but your Gall, 
 
 Ye Swedifh Prelacy ! Your Gall hath turn'd 
 The Words of fweet, but indigefted Peace, 
 
 To Wrath and Bitternefs Ye hallowed Men \ 
 
 In whom Vice fandifies, whofe Precepts teach 
 Zeal without Truth, - Religion without Virtue, 
 Who ne'er preach Heav'n but with a downward Eye 
 That turns your Souls to D/ofs ; who mouting loofe 
 The Dogs of Hell upon us. Thefts, and Rapes, 
 Sack'd Towns,and midnight Howlings thro' the Realm. 
 
 Receive your Sanction O 'tis glorious Mifchief ! 
 
 When Vice turns holy, puts Religion $n, 
 
 Aflumes the Robe pontifical, the Eye 
 
 Of faintly Elevation, blefieth Sin, 
 
 And makes the Seal of fweet offended Heav'n 
 
 A Sign of Blood s a Label for Decrees, 
 
 That Hell wou'd fhrink to own. r 
 
 Crift. No more of this. 
 Guftavus, wou'd'ft thou yet return to Grace, 
 And hold thy Motions in the Sphere of Duty, 
 Acceptance might be found. 
 
 Guff. Imperial Spoiler ! 
 
 Give me my Father, give me back my Kindred, 
 Give me the Fathers of ten thoufand Orphans, 
 Give me the Sons in whom thy ruthlefs Sword 
 Has left our Widows childlefs : Mine they were, 
 Both mine, and ev'ry Swetfs, whofe Patriot Breaft 
 
 Bleeds
 
 Deliverer of his Country. 63 
 
 Bleeds in his Country's Woundings! O thou can'ft not, 
 Thou haft out-fmn'd all Reckoning ! Give me then 
 My all that's left, my gentle Mother there, 
 And fpare yon little Trembler ! 
 
 Crift. Yes, on Terms 
 Of Compact, and Submiflion. 
 
 Guff. Ha ! with thee ? 
 
 Compacl with thee ! and mean'ft thou for my Country? 
 For Sweden ! No fo hold my Heart but firm, 
 Altho' it wring for't ; tho' Blood drop for Tears, 
 
 And at the Sight my draining Eyes ftart forth 
 
 They both mall perim firft. 
 
 Crift. Slaves, do your Office. 
 
 Gun. Hold yet, Thou can'ft not be fo damn'd ? 
 
 My Mother ! 
 
 I dare not afk thy Bleffing Where's Arvida ? 
 Where art thou ? Come, my Friend, thou'ft known 
 
 Temptation 
 
 And therefore beft can'ft pity, or fupport me. 
 
 Arv. Alas ! I mall but ferve to weigh thee down- 
 ward, 
 
 To pull thee from the dazzling, (ightlefs Height, 
 At which thy Virtue foars. For, O Guftavus* 
 My Soul is dark, difconfolate and dark ; 
 Sick to the World, and hateful to myfelf* 
 I have no Country now ; I've nought but thee, 
 And fhou'd yield up the Int'reft of Mankind, 
 Where thine's in Queftion. 
 
 Agufta. See, my Son relents ; 
 Behold, O King ! yet fpare us but a Moment ; 
 His little Sifter mail embrace his Knees, 
 And thefe fond Arms, around his duteous Neck, 
 Shall join to bend him to us. 
 
 Crift. Cou'd I truft ye 
 
 Arv. I'll be your Hoftage. 
 
 Crift. Granted. 
 
 Guff.
 
 64 GU 
 
 Guft. Hold, my Friend. 
 
 \Here Arvida breaks from Guftavus, and paffes 
 to Criftiern's Party, while Agufta and 
 Guftava go over to Guftavus. 
 
 Agufta. Is it then giv'n, yet giv'n me, 'ere I die 
 To fee thy Face* Guftavus ? thus to gaze, 
 To touch, to fold thee thus! My Sonj my Son! 
 And have I liv'd to this ? It is enough. 
 All arm'dj and in thy Country's precious Caufe 
 Terribly beauteous, to behold thee thus ! 
 Why, 'twas my only j hourly Suit to Heav'n, 
 And now 'tis granted. O my glorious Child, 
 JBlefs'd were the Throes I felt for thee, Guftavus I 
 For from the Ereaft, from out your fwathing Bands 
 You flepp'd the Child of Honour. 
 
 Guft. O my Mother ! 
 
 Agufta. Why ftarids that Water trembling in thy 
 
 Eye, 
 
 Why heaves thy Bofom ? Turn not thus away, 
 'Tis the lad Time that we muft meet, my Child, 
 And I will have thee whole. Why, why, Guftavus^ 
 Why is this Form of Heavinefs ? For me 
 I truft it is not meant ; you cannot think 
 So poorly of me : I grow old, my Sonj 
 And to the utmoft Period of Mortality, 
 I ne'er ftiou'd find a Death's Hour like to this* 
 Whereby to do thee Honour. 
 
 Guft. Roman Patriots ! 
 Ye Decii felf-devoted to your Country ! 
 You gave no Mothers up ! Will Annals yield 
 No Precedent for this, no elder Boaft 
 Whereby to match my Trial ? 
 
 Agufta. No, Guftavus ; 
 
 For Heav'n (till fquares our Trial to our Strength, 
 And thine is of the foremoft Noble Youth ! 
 Ev'nl, thy Parent, with a confcious Pride, 
 Have often bow'd to thy fuperior Virtues.
 
 Deliverer of his Country. 65 
 
 O, there is but one Bitternefs in Death, 
 
 One only Sting 
 
 Guft. Speak, fpeak ! 
 
 Agufta. *Tis felt for thee. 
 Too well I know thy Gentlenefs of Soul, 
 Melting as Babes -, ev'n now the PrefFure's on thee, 
 And bends thy Lovelinefs to Earth O, Child ! 
 The dear but fad Foretafte of tby Affliction 
 Already kills thy Mother But behold, 
 Behold thy valiant Followers, who to thee, 
 And to the Faith of thy protecting Arm 
 Have giv'n ten thoufand Mothers, Daughters too ; 
 Who in thy Virtue yet may learn to bear 
 Millions of free-born Sons to blefs thy Name, 
 And pray for their Deliverer O farewel ! 
 This, and but this, the very laft, Adieu ! 
 Heav'n fit victorious on thy Arm, my Son ! 
 And give thee to thy Merits ! 
 
 Crijt. Ah, thou Trait'refs ! 
 
 Guftava. O Brother; a'n't you ftronger than that 
 
 Man? 
 Don't let him take my Mother; 
 
 Jlgufta. See, Guftavus^ 
 My little Captive waits for one Embrace. 
 
 GuSti Come to my Arms, thou Lamb- like Sacrifice j 
 O that they were of Force to fold thee ever, 
 To let thee to my Heart ! there lock thee clofej 
 And cirtle thee with Life ! But 'twill not be ! 
 
 Guftava. I'll ftay with you^ my Brother. 
 
 Guft. Killing Innocence ! 
 That I was born to' fee this Hour ! 
 The Pains of Hell are on me ! -Take her Mother ! 
 
 Guftava. I will not part with you, indeed, I will not ! 
 
 Guft. Take her DiftracYion ! Hafte, my deareft 
 
 Mother : 
 
 Oh elfe I fhall run mad quite mad and fave ye. 
 I
 
 66 GUSTAFUS FAS A, 
 
 Arv. Hold, Madam ; Hear me, thou moft dear 
 
 Guftavus ! 
 
 Thus low I bend my Pray'r, reject me not : 
 If once, if ever thou didft love Arvida, 
 O leave me here to anfwer to the Wrath 
 Of this fell Tyrant. Save thy honoured Mother, 
 And that fweet Lamb from Slaughter ! 
 Guff. Cruel Friendmip ! 
 
 Cnft. And by my Life I'd take thee at thy Word, 
 Thou doubly damn'd ! but that I know 'twou'd pleafe 
 
 thee. 
 Agufta. No, gen'rous Prince, thy Blood fhall 
 
 never be 
 
 The Price of our Dimonour. Come, my Child ; 
 Weep not, fweet Babe, there mall no Harm come 
 
 nigh thee. 
 Crijt. 'Tis well, proud Dame ; you are return'd I 
 
 fee 
 
 Each to his Charge Here break we off, Guftavus \ 
 For to the very Teeth of thy Rebellion 
 We dam Defiance back. 
 
 Guft. Alas, my Mother ! 
 Grief choaks up Utt'rance, elfe I have to fay 
 
 What never Tongue unfolded Yet return, 
 
 Come back, and I will give up all to fave thee ; 
 
 For on the Cov'ring of thy facred Head 
 
 My Heart drops Blood. Thou Fountain of my 
 
 Life! 
 
 Dearer than Mercy is to kneeling Penitence, 
 My early Blefling, firft and lateft Joy ; 
 Return, return, and fave thy lolt Guftavus ! 
 Crift. No more, thou Trifler ! 
 Agufta. O farewel for ever ! 
 
 [Exeunt Criftiern and bis Party. Guftavus 
 and bis Parly remain.
 
 The Deliverer of his Country. 67 
 
 Guff. Then fhe is gone Arvida ! Anderfon ! 
 
 For ever gone Arnoldus 9 Friends, where are ye ? 
 
 Help here, heave, heave this Mountain from me 
 
 O 
 
 Heav'n keep my Senfes !- So We will to Battle \ 
 
 But let no Banners wave Be ftill thou Trump ! 
 
 And ev'ry martial Sound that gives the War 
 To Pomp or Levity ; for Vengeance now 
 Is clad with heavy Arms, fedately ftern, 
 Refolv'd, but filent as the flaughter'd Heaps 
 O'er which my Soul is brooding. 
 
 Am. O Guftcwus ! 
 
 Is there a Swede of us, whofe Sword and Sotd 
 Grapples not to thee, as to all they hold 
 Of earthly Eftimation ? Said I more, 
 It were but half my Thought. 
 
 And. On thee we gaze, 
 As one unknown 'till this important Hour ; 
 Pre-eminent of Men ! 
 
 Siv. Accurs'd be he, 
 
 Who, in thy Leading, will not fight, and drive, 
 And bleed, and gafp with Pleafure I 
 
 And. We are thine ; 
 
 All, all, both we and ours ; whom thou this Day 
 Haft dearly purchas'd. 
 
 Arn. Tho', to yield us up, 
 Had fcarce been lefs than Virtue. 
 
 Guff. O my Friends ! 
 I fee, 'tis not for Man to boaft his Strength 
 
 Before the Trial comes This very Hour, ^ 
 
 Had I a thoufand Parents, all feem'd light 
 When weigh'd againft my Country , and but now, 
 One Mother feem'd of Weight to poize the World ; 
 Tho' confcious Truth and Reafon were againft her. 
 For, O, howe'er the partial Paflions fway, 
 High Heav'n afligns but one unbiafs'd Way ; 
 
 I 2 Direct
 
 68 GUSTAFUS FAS A, 
 
 Direct thro' ev'ry Opposition leads, 
 Where Shelves decline, and many a Steep impedes. 
 Here hold we on tho' thwarting Fiends alarm, 
 Here hold we on tho* devious Syrens charm i 
 In Heav'n's difpofuig Pow'r Events unite, 
 Nor aught can happen Wrong to him who acts, 
 aright. 
 
 End of the Fourth * A c T- 
 
 ACT
 
 The Deliverer of Ms Country. 69 
 
 A C T V. 
 
 SCENE the Royal Tent. 
 
 Enter Oiftina and Mariana. 
 
 Criftina. Mariana, lift \ No 
 
 All is filent 
 
 It was not Fancy fure didft thou 
 
 hear aught ? 
 
 . Too plain, the Voice of Terror feiz'd my 
 Ear, 
 
 And my Heart finks within me. 
 Criftina. O, I fear 
 
 The War is now at Work As Winds, methought. 
 
 Long borne thro* hollow Vaults, the Sound ap- 
 
 proach'd 5 
 
 One Sound, yet laden with a thoufand Notes 
 Of fearful Variation ; then it fwell'd 
 To diftant Shouts, now coming on the Gale ; 
 Again borne backward with a parting Groan, 
 All funk to horrid Stillnefs. 
 Mar. Look, my Princefs, 
 
 Ah, no ! withold thy Eyes ! the Place grows dark, 
 A fudden Cloud of Sorrow ftains the Day, 
 And throws its Gloom around. 
 
 SCENE
 
 G US TAWS V A&A, 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter four Slaves as bearing the Bedies of Agufta 
 
 <2ff^ Guftava on a Bier covered- four Women 
 
 in Chains follow weeping. 
 
 Criftina. Whence are ye, fay, you Daughters of 
 Affliction ? 
 
 Their Speech is in their Tears Avert, ye Saints \ 
 
 Avert that Thought ! Soft ! hold ye ! I've a Tear 
 For ev'ry Mourner Ah ! [Looks under the Covering. 
 
 Mar. What mean you, Madam ? 
 
 Criftina. Reflection come not there ! See it not 
 
 Eyes ! 
 
 How art thou fpilt, thou Blood of Royalty ! 
 Clofe at the Palenefs of its Parent Breafb 
 The Babe lies flaughtertt. Tell me, who did this ? 
 No, hold ye ! Say not that my Father d^ it ; 
 
 For Duty then turns Rebel Cruel Father? 
 
 O, that fome Villager, whofe early Toil 
 Lifts the penurious Morfel to his Mouth, 
 Had claim'd my Birth ! Ambition had not then 
 Thus ftep'd J twixt me and Heav'n. 
 
 Mar. Go, bear it hence 
 
 Turn, turn, my royal Miftrefs ! 
 
 Criftina. Ah, Agufta ! 
 Among thy Foes thou*rt fal*n, thou*rt fal*n MI 
 
 Virtue ! 
 
 Exalt thyfelf, O Guilt ? For here the Good 
 Have none who may lament them. Sit we down 5 
 For I grow weary of the World ; let Death 
 Within his vaulty Durance, dark and ftfll, 
 Receive me too j and where th' Afflicted reft, 
 There fold me in for ever. < 
 
 SCENE
 
 Deliverer of his Country. 71 
 
 SCENE III. 
 Enter Laertes. 
 
 Laer. Arife, Criftina , fly ! thou royal Virgin! 
 This Morn beheld thee Miftrefs of the North, 
 Bright Heir of 'Scandinavia ; and this Hour 
 Has left thee not, throughout thy wide Dominions, 
 Whereon to reft thy Foot. 
 
 Crijttna. Now, Praife to Heav*n ! 
 Say but my Father lives I 
 
 Laer. At your Command ' 
 
 I went ; o and, from a neighboring Summit, view'd 
 Where either Hoft flood adverfe, fternly wedg'd ; 
 Reflecting on each other's gloomy Front, 
 Fell Hate and fix'd Defiance When at once 
 The Foe mov'd on, attendant to the Steps 
 
 Of their Guftavus He with mournful Pace 
 
 Came flow and filent ; 'till two haplefs Danes 
 Prick'd forth, and on his Helm difcharg'd their 
 
 Fury : 
 
 Then rouz'd the Lion ! To my wond'ring Sight 
 His Stature grew twofold, before his Eye 
 All Force feem'd wither'd, and his horrid Plume 
 Shook wild Difmay around , as Heav'n's dread Bolt, 
 He mot, he pierc'd our Legions ; in his Strength 
 His fhouting Squadron gloried, naming on 
 
 Where e'er he led their Battle full five Times, 
 
 Hem'd by our mightier Hoft, the Foe feem'd loft, 
 And fwallow'd frorn my Sight ; five Times again 
 Like Flame they iflued to the Light And thrice, 
 Thefe Eyes beheld him, they beheld Gujtaws 
 Unhors'd, and by a Hoft girt fingly in j 
 And thrice he broke thro' all. 
 
 Criftina. My Blood runs chill. 
 
 i Lan
 
 72 GUSTAVUSVASA, 
 
 Laer. With fuch a ftrenuous, fuch a laboured 
 
 Conflict, 
 
 Sure never Field was fought ! until Guftavus 
 Aloud cry'd, Vidory ! arid on his Spear 
 High rear'd th* imperial Diadem of Denmark. 
 Then flack'd the Battle , then recoil'd our Hoft -, 
 His, echo'd, Victory ! And now would know 
 No Bounds ; Rout follow'd, and the Face of Fight 
 She heeds me not. 
 
 Crtftina. O, ill ftarr'd Royalty ! 
 My Father! Cruel, dear, unhappy Father! 
 Summon'd fo fudden ! fearful, fearful Thought ! 
 Step inj fweet Mercy ! For thy Time was Ha ! 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Enter Criftiern flying without his Helmet, in Dif- 
 order, his Sword broke^ and his Garments bloody j 
 he throws away his Sword, andfpeaks. 
 
 Crift. Give us new Arms of Proof frefh Horfes 
 
 quick ! 
 
 A Watch without there Set a Standard up 
 To guide our fcatter'd Powers ! Hafte, my Friendsj 
 hafte! 
 
 We rhuft be gohe O for fome cooling Stream 
 
 To flake a Monarch's Thirft ! 
 
 Laer. A Poft, my Liege, 
 A fecond Poft from Denmark fays 
 
 Crift. All's loft. 
 
 Is it not fo ? Be gone ! Perdition choak thee 
 
 Give me a Moment's Solitude Thought, Thought, 
 Where wou'dft thou lead ? 
 
 Crift ina. He fees me not Alas, alas, my 
 
 Father ! 
 
 O, what a War there liv^s within his Eye ! 
 Whefre Greatnefs ftruggles to furvive itfelf,
 
 'The Deliverer of his Country. 73 
 
 I tremble to approach him ; yet I fain 
 Wou'd bring Peace to him Don't you know me, Sir? 
 My Father, look upon me, look, my Father! 
 Why ftrains your Lip, and why that doubtful Eye 
 Thro* Fury melting o'er me ? Turn, ah, turn 1 
 I cannqt bear its Softnefs How? nay, then, 
 There is a falling Dagger in that Tear, 
 To kill thy Child, to murder thy Criftina-. 
 
 Crift. Then thou'rt Crijtina ? 
 
 Criftina^ Yes. 
 
 Crift. My Child! 
 
 Criftina. I am. 
 
 Crift. Curfe me ! then, curfe me ! join with Heav'a 
 
 and Earth 
 And Hell to curfe ! 
 
 Criftina. Alas ! on me, my Father, 
 Thy Curfes be on me, but on thy Head 
 Fall Bleflings from that Heav'n which has this Day 
 Preferv'd thy Life in Battle. 
 
 Crift. What have I 
 
 To do with Heav'n ? Damnation ! What am I ? 
 All frail and tranfient as my laps'd Dominions ! 
 E'en now the folid Earth prepares to flide 
 From underneath me. Nature's POW'R. cries out, 
 Leave him thou Univerfe ! No Hold meHeav'nt 
 Hold me thou Heav'n ! whom I've forfaken- hold 
 Thy Creature, tho* accurs'd ! 
 
 Criftina. Patience and Peace 
 Poflefs thy Mind ! Not all thy Pride of Empire 
 E'er gave fuch blefs'd Senfation, as one Hour 
 Of Penitence, tho' painful- Let us hence- 
 Far from the Blood and Buftle of Ambition. 
 Be it my Tafk to watch thy rifmg Wifh, 
 To fmooth thy Brow, find Comfort for thy Cares, 
 And for thy Will, Obedience ; (till to cheer 
 The Day with Smiles, and lay the nightly Down 
 Beneath thy Slumbers. 
 
 K
 
 74 GUSTArUS V A S A, 
 
 Crift. O thou all that's left me ! 
 Ev'n in the Riot, in the Rage of Fight, 
 Thy guardian Virtues watch'd around my Head, 
 
 When elfe no Arm could aid for thro' my Ranks, 
 
 My circling Troops, the fell Guftmus rum'd -, 
 Vengeance ! He cry'd, and with one eager Hand 
 
 Grip'd faft my Diadem his other Arm, 
 
 High rear'd thedeathful Steel fufpended yet ; 
 
 For in his Eye, and thro* his varying Face, 
 
 Conflicting Paffions fought he look'd he flood 
 
 In Wrath reluctant Then, with gentler Voice ; 
 
 Criftina thou haft conquer'd ! Go, he cry*d, 
 I yield thee to her Virtues. 
 
 SCENE V. 
 Enter Trollio and Guards , Swords drawn. 
 
 Troll. Hafte, O King ! 
 
 The Foe has hem'd us round j O hafte to fave 
 Thyfelf and us ! 
 
 Crift. Thy Sword. ['Takes a Sword from one of 
 the Guards. 
 
 tfroll. What means my 
 
 Crift. Villain! 
 
 Well thought, by Hell ! Ha ! Yes, thou art our 
 Minifter, 
 
 The rev'rend Monitor of Vice the Soil, 
 
 Baneful and rank with ev'ry Principle, 
 Whence grow the Crimes of Kings. Firft perim 
 thou ! [Stabs him. 
 
 Who taught the Throne of Pow'r to fix on Fear, 
 And raife its Safety, from the publick Ruin ; 
 Fall thou into the Gulph thyfelf haft fix'd 
 Between the Prince and People ; cutting off 
 Communion from the Ear of Royalty, 
 
 And
 
 The Deliverer of his Country. 75 
 
 And Mercy from Complaint away, away, 
 
 Thy Death, old Man, be on thy Monarch's Head ; 
 
 On thine, the Blood of all thy Countrymen, 
 
 Who fell beneath thy Counfels. [Exeunt. 
 
 Trollio attempts to rife and then fpeaks. 
 
 Troll. Thou bloody Tyrant ! late, too late I find, 
 Nor Faith, nor Gratitude, nor friendly Truft, 
 No Force of Obligations can fubfift 
 Between the Guilty O, let none afpire 
 To be a King's Convenience ! Has he Virtues, 
 Thofe are his own ; his Vices are his Minifter's. 
 Who dares to ftep 'twixt Envy and the Throne, 
 Alike to feel the Caprice of his Prince, 
 As publick Deteftation. Ha ! I'm going 
 But whither ? No one near ! to feel ! to catch ! 
 The World but for an Inftant ! for one Ray 
 To guide my Soul ! Her Way grows wond'rous dark, 
 And down, down, down ! [Dies. 
 
 SCENE VI. 
 
 Enter 'Guftavus, Anderfon, Arnoldus, Sivard, 
 &c. in Triumph. Guflavus advances, and 
 the reft range thetnfehes on each fide of the 
 Stage. 
 
 Guft. That we have conquer 'd, firft we bend to 
 
 Heav'n ! 
 
 An d. And next to thee ! 
 All. To thee, to thee, Gujlavus ! 
 Guft. No matchlefs Men ! my Brothers of the 
 
 War! 
 Be it my greateft Glory to have mix'd 
 
 K 2 My
 
 7 6 GUSTAVUSVASA, 
 
 My Arms with yours, and to have fought for once 
 
 Like to a Dalecarlian , like to you, 
 
 The Sires of Honour, of a new-born Fame, 
 
 To be tranfmitted, from your grqat Memorial, 
 
 To Climes unknown, to Age fucceeding Age, 
 
 Till Time mail verge uppn Eternity, 
 
 And Patriots be no more 
 
 Arn. Behold, my Lord, 
 
 The Dani/h Pris'ners, and the Traytor Peterfon^ 
 Attend their Fate. 
 
 Guft. Send home the Danes with Honour, 
 And let them better learn, from our Example, 
 To treat whom next they conquer, with Humanity, 
 And. But then for Peter fin ! 
 Guft. His Crimes are great : 
 A fingle Death were a Reward for Treafon : 
 Let him ftill languifh Let him be exil'd. 
 No more to fee the Land of Liberty, 
 The Hills of Sweden , nor the native Fields 
 Of known, endear'd Idea. 
 
 And. Royal Sir, 
 
 This is to pardon, to encourage Villains ; 
 And hourly to expofe that facred Life, 
 Where all our Safety centers. 
 
 Guft. Fear them not. 
 
 The Fence of Virtue is a Chief's- bed Caution -, 
 And the firm Surety of my People's Hearts 
 Is all the Guard that e'er mail wait Guftavus. 
 I am a Soldier from my Youth ; yet Anderfm^ 
 Thefe Wars, where Man mull wound himfelf in 
 
 Man, 
 
 Have fomewhat mocking in them : truft me, Friend 3 
 Except in fuch a Caufe as this Day's Quarrel, 
 J wou'd not ihed a fingle Wretch's Blood 
 For the World's Empire ! 
 
 Arn.
 
 <Ihe Deliverer of his Country. 77 
 
 .., ... O exalted Sweden ! 
 Blefs'd People ! Heav'n ! wherein have we deferv'd 
 A Man like this to rule us ? 
 
 SCENE VII. 
 
 Enter Arvida leading in Criftina. He rum to 
 Guftavus. 
 
 Guft. My Arvida ! 
 
 Arv. My King ! O hail ! Thus let me pay my 
 Homage. [Kneels. 
 
 Guft. Rife, rife, nor fhame our Friendmip. 
 
 Arv. See, Guftavus ! Behold, nor longer wonder 
 at my Frailty. 
 
 Guft. Be faithful Eyes ! Ha ! Yes, it muft be fo. 
 'Tis me For Heav'n would chufe no other Form 
 Wherein to treafure ev'ry mental Virtue. 
 
 Criftina. Renown'd Guftavus ! mightieft among 
 
 Men! 
 
 If fuch a Wretch, the Captive of thy Arms, 
 Trembling and aw'd in thy fuperior Prefence, 
 May find the Grace that ev'ry other finds, 
 For thou art faid to be of wond'rous Goodnefs ! 
 Then hear, and O excufe a Foe's Prefumption ! 
 While low, thus low you fee a fuppliant Child, 
 Now pleading for a Father, for a dear, 
 Much lov'd , if cruel, yet unhappy Father. 
 O, let him 'fcape ; who ne'er can wrong thee more \ 
 If he with circling Nations could not (land 
 Againft thee nngle ; fingly, what can he, 
 When thou art fenc'd with Nations ? 
 
 Guft. Ha ! that Pofture ! 
 O rife furpriz'd, my Eye perceiv'd it not. 
 Criftina! thou all form'd for Excellence ! 
 I've much to fay, .but that my Tongue, my Thoughts 
 
 Are
 
 78 GUSTAVUS VASA, 
 
 Are troubled -, warr'd on by unufual Paflions. 
 *Twas hence thou had 'ft it in thy Power to ask, 
 'Ere I could offer - Come, my Friend, aflift, 
 InftrucT: me to be grateful. O Criftina ! 
 I fought for Freedom, not for Crowns, thou fair one, 
 They mail {it brighter on that beauteous Head, 
 Whofe Eye might awe the Monarchs of the Earth, 
 And light the World to Virtue My Aruida ! 
 
 Arv. O great and good, and glorious to the laft ! 
 I read thy Soul, 1 fee the gen'rous Conflict, 
 And come to fix, not trouble thy Repofe. 
 Cou'd you but know with what an eager Hafte 
 I fprung to execute thy late Commands j 
 To mield this lovely Object of thy Cares, 
 And give her thus, all beauteous to thy Eyes ! 
 For I've no Blifs but thine, have loft the Form 
 Of ev'ry Wifh that's foreign to thy Happinefs. 
 But, O, my King ! my Conq*rer ! my Guftavus f 
 It grieves me much that thou muft fhortly mourn, 
 Ev'n on the Day in which thy Country's freed, 
 That crowns thy Arms with Conqueft and Crijlina. 
 
 Guft. Alas ! your Cheek is pale YQU bleed, my 
 
 Brother ! 
 
 Arv. I do indeed to Death. 
 
 Guft. You have undone me : 
 Ram, headftrong Man ! O was this well, Arvida f 
 
 [turns from him^ 
 
 Ari). Pardon, Guftavus ! mine's the common Lot, 
 The Fate of Thoufands fall'n this Day in Battle. 
 I had refolv'd on Life, to fee you blefs'd , 
 To fee my King and his Criftina happy. 
 Turn, thou beloved, thou honour'd next to Heav'n ! 
 And to thy Arms receive a Penitent, 
 Who never more mall wrong thee. 
 
 Guft. O Arvida ! 
 Friend ! Friend ! [turns and embraces him.
 
 Deliverer of his Country. 79 
 
 Arv. Thy Heart beats Comfort to me! in this 
 
 Breaft, 
 
 Let thy Arvida, let thy Friend furvive. 
 O, ftrip his once lov'd Image of its Frailties, 
 And ftrip it too of ev'ry fonder Thought, 
 That may give thee Affliction -Do, Guftavus ; 
 It is my laft Requeft ; for Heav'n and thou 
 Art all the Care, and Bufmefs of Arvida. [Dies. 
 
 Guft. Friend ! Brother ! fpeak He's gone 
 
 and here is all 
 
 That's left of him who was my Life's beft Treafure. 
 How art thou fall'n, thou greatly valiant Man ! 
 In Ruin graceful, like the Warrior Spear 
 Tho miver'd in the Duft -fo fall Gujlavus 
 But thou art fped, haft reach'd the Gole before me -, 
 And one light La>fe throughout thy Courfe in Virtue 
 Shews only thou wer't Man, ordain'd to ftrive, 
 
 But not attain Perfection. 
 
 Doft thou too weep ? tranfcendent, lovelicft Maid ! 
 Pardon a Heart o'ercharg'd with fwelling Grief, 
 That in thy Prefence will not be exil'd, 
 Tho' ev'ry Joy dwells round thee. 
 
 Crift. O Guftavus ! 
 
 A Bofom pure like thine muft foon regain 
 The Heart-felt Happinefs that dwells with Virtue j 
 And Heav'n on all exterior Circumftance 
 Shall pour the Balm of Peace, mall pay thee back 
 The Blifs of Nations, breathing on thy Head 
 The Sweets that live within the Pray'rs of Foes 
 Subdued unto thy Merits fare, farewell ! 
 
 Guff. Thou mart not part, Cbrtftina. 
 
 Crift ina. O I muft 
 
 Guff. No, thou art all that's left to fweeten Life, 
 And reconcile the wearied to the World. 
 
 Crijlina. It will not be 1 dare not hear 
 
 Guft. You muft. 
 
 I am thy Suppliant in my Turn but O 
 
 My
 
 go GU STATUS VASA, 
 
 My Suit is more, much more than Life or Empire,- 
 Than Man can merit, or Worlds give without thee. 
 
 Criftina. Now aid me, aid me all ye chafter Pow'rs 
 That guard a Woman's Weaknefs! 'tis refolv'd 
 Thy own Example charms thy Suit to Silence. 
 Nor think alone to bear the Palm of Virtue, 
 Thou, who haft taught the World, when Duty calls^ 
 To throw the Bar of ev'ry Wifh behind them. 
 Exalted in that Thought, like thee I rife, 
 While ev'ry lefs'ning Paflion finks beneath me. 
 Adieu, adieu, moft honour'd, firft of Men, 
 I go, I part, I fly, but to deferve thee. 
 
 Guft. Yet flay -a Moment till my utt'ring 
 
 Heart 
 
 Pour forth in Love, in Wonder pour before thee, 
 Thou cruel Excellence Woud'ft thou too leave me ? 
 Not if the Heart the Arms of thy Guftavus 
 Have Force to hold thee. 
 
 Criftina. O delightful Notes ! 
 That I do love thee, yes, tis true, my Lord. 
 The Bond of Virtue, Friendmip's facred Tie, 
 The Lover's Pains, and all the Sifters Fondnefs, 
 Mine has the Flame of ev'ry Love within it. 
 But I have a Father, guilty if he be, 
 Yet is he old j if cruel, yet a Father. 
 Abandon'd now by ev'ry fupple Wretch 
 That fed his Years with Flattery. I am all 
 That's left to calm, to footh his troubled Soul, 
 To Penitence, to Virtue ; and perhaps 
 Reftore the better Empire o'er his Mind, 
 True Seat of all Dominion Yet Guftavus 
 
 Yet there are mightier Reafons O farewell ! 
 
 Had I ne'er Ipv'd I might have ftay'd with Ho- 
 nour. [Exit. 
 
 Guftavus
 
 *The Deliverer of his Country. 8 1 
 
 ljuftavus locks after Criftina, fhen turns and looks on 
 Arvida Anderfon, Arnoldus, &c. advance. 
 
 And. Behold my Lord, behold the Sons of War, 
 Of Triumph, turn'd to Tears ; while from that Eye 
 All Sweden takes her Fate j and fmiles around, 
 Or weeps with her 'Guftavus. 
 
 Am. Wik thou not cheer them, fay thou great 
 Deliv'rer ? 
 
 Siv. O General ! 
 
 I ft Dale. King! , 
 
 2d Dale. Brother ! 
 
 3d Dale. Father ! 
 
 All. Friend ! 
 
 Guft. Come, come, my Brothers all ! Yes , I will 
 
 drive 
 
 To be the Sum of ev'ry Title to ye, 
 And you mail be my Sire, my Friend reviv'd, 
 My Sifter, Mother, all that's kind and dear, 
 
 For fo Guftavus^ holds ye O I will 
 
 Of private Parfions all my Soul diveft, 
 And take my dearer Country to my Breaft; 
 To pubiick Good transfer each fond Defire, 
 And clafp my Sweden -with a Lover's Fire. 
 Well pkas'd, the Weight of all her Burdens bear ; 
 Difpenie all Pleafure, but engrofs all Care. 
 Still quick to find, to feel my People's Woes, 
 And wake that Millions may enjoy Repofe. 
 
 A Tfagi-
 
 A TRAGI-COMIC 
 
 EPILOGUE, 
 
 By Way of ENTERTAINMENT. 
 
 By Mr. OGLE. 
 Intended for Mr. Wright, Mrs. Giffard, and Mrs. Cfoff. 
 
 Mr. WRIGHT. 
 
 ELL, Ladic?, to the Court, your Plea fubmit^ 
 Box, Upper-Region, Gallery, and Pit. 
 
 Our Poet, trembling for his firft Effay, 
 Fear'd to difmifs you, tho* youfav d his Play. 
 Cry'd Nell (in Pity for the bafiful Rogue) 
 44 Give 'em a Joke ! a Joke was once in Vogue / 
 " Thus Authors us'd, in lefs judicious Times, 
 " When merry Epilogues were thought no Crimes. 
 " That (/aid Criftina) wotfd his Ruin crown , 
 " Nothing, but Virtue, takes this virtuous Town. 
 " No ! let his Epilogue be clean and chafte. 
 
 " This, is the Senfe> of ev'ry Man of Tafte ! 
 
 High rofe the Conflift, in our Room of State; 
 Inhere Tragic Kings and Queens maintain Debate. 
 When, lol we heard, 3 ' your Powers began to rife," 
 Whofe horrid Cat-Call is our worft Excife ! 
 Our inmoft Palace felt the loud Diffention ; 
 Where each new Tragedy's a new Convention. 
 Whence^ we determin d without further Pother, 
 To give you, of the One, and of the Other. 
 
 Mrs.
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 Mrs. Gi F FARD. 
 
 Our Author, on the Brave, and Chafle, relies ; 
 He thinks, the Virtuous are the only Wife. 
 And, if his Mufe, with Voice exalted, Jings, 
 Of Camps, and Courts -, of Minifters, and Kings \ 
 Tet, be not, to the Great, his Rules confined! 
 His Moral y is, a Leffon to Mankind. 
 If Virtue, beauteous -, Vice, deform'd, He draws ; 
 Tou, that applaud him, found your own Applaufe. 
 Wliere Vice, Diftafte, where Virtue, gives Delight, 
 Alike, who judge, or paint, are Juft, and Right. 
 
 Virtue, like Vice, efcapes the Public Eye, 
 In Humble Life, yet, blazes in the High. 
 Hence, 'Tragedy, that owns no vulgar Flight, 
 Shines, with the King, in a mild Sphere of Light, 
 Or vagrant, with the Tyrant, ftrains to run, 
 A burning Comet ! Not, a cheering Sun / 
 That Worth, is Worth ; be, by Guftavus known : 
 More glorious, in a Mine, than on a Throne ! 
 And, for Criftina, might I hope a Smile, 
 Lefs great, was fie, in Empire, than Exile! 
 
 Some Worth, it jhows, to aim at worthy Praije. 
 'Then, wither not, the Plant, that you may raife ! 
 Cru/h not his Touth ? No ! give him Age to fpread ! 
 For, we have heard you, rumbling o'er his Head. 
 Fell a few Flajhes, with portentous Blaze, 
 To blaft th* ambitious Branches of his Bays ; 
 Tet, if f oft Sorrows ftream'd from virtuous Eyes, 
 If rofe, from gen'rous Breafts, regaling Sighs : 
 Refreftfd, by the Attack, the Laurel Jlands, 
 And dares the loudeft Thunder of your Hands, 
 
 Mrs.
 
 EPILOGUE 
 
 Mrs. CLIVE. 
 
 Great, the Defign l I grant the Mora\ good 1 . 
 But, 'tis my Weaknefs^ I am Flejh, and Blood. 
 What Virgin, here, Jo tender, and fo kind, 
 Wou'd not, her Love, ivith her own Hands, unbind 
 Preliminaries fettle in the Dark ? 
 And, tho* fhe loft her Father , fix her Spark ? 
 Or, whenjhe bade th' Attendant, " Save him! Fly!" 
 Wou'd She not fend, a Billet, By-the-By? 
 Not Article? 9 fis Nonfenfe to fay. Not! 
 Had She no Feel, no Guefs, of What-is-Wha.t ? 
 
 At her Expcnce, the great Guftavus Jhincs j 
 My Lover, He! I'd fend him to his Mines. 
 Arvida falls ! Guftavus wails his End ! 
 And many a Sfoufe careffes Juch a Friend* 
 Well, let him wail bis Death , then y rife to Life : 
 Clafp the fond Maid^ too Jtrift to be his Wife! 
 He held, her, in his Camp -, might hcld^ alone : 
 Compuljion fome Humanity had Jho r jM. 
 ' < ?hy Countrymen will Damn 'Thee thy third Day 
 tttSy is not, fure, the true Hibernian Way ? 
 
 But, I forgive him. He's a young Beginner ! 
 Not quite a Proftitute ! And yet, a Sinner I 
 Forward, to pleafe ! Tet awkward, to Delight ! 
 He wants, a kindly Hand to guide him right ! 
 A Novice yet Inftrutt him He will mend 
 Full many a Widow wifhes fuch a Friend ? 
 Ev'n marrfd Dames, may think, a greater Curfe 
 Thejlow Performer, that grows Worfe-and-Worfe! 
 Ibis, with a Blujh, I fay, behind my Fan 
 Cheri/h the Boy, you'll raife him to a Man I 
 
 Mr. WRIGHT. 
 
 The Caufe is heard. Te Gentle, and ye Brave, 
 'Tis yours to Damn him But, you join to Jaw
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 e hen, hail Guftavus, who, his Country freed t 
 Te Sons of Britain, praife, the glorious Swede ! 
 tfSho, bravely rais'd, And generoufly released, 
 From blood-ftairi*d 'Tyrant, and perfidious Prieft, 
 The State, and Church ; expiring, at a Breath t 
 Who held, a Life of Slavery, worfe than Death ! 
 Reformed Religion ! Re-eft ablijh'd Law ! 
 And, that you dare to praife him, hail * NafTau ! 
 
 * The Deliverer of our Co'untry. 
 
 FINIS.
 
 THE 
 
 EARL of ESSEX, 
 
 TRAGEDY. 
 
 As it is now A&ing at the 
 
 Theatre-Royal in Drury-Lane, 
 
 Written by 
 
 HENRY BROOKE, Efq. 
 Author ofGUSTAVUS VASA. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for T. D A V I E S, at Shakefpear's-Head, in 
 Rufiel-Street, Covent-Garden ; and J. C O O T E, 
 in Pater-nofter-Row. M DCC LXI.
 
 A : 
 
 
 , 
 

 
 P R O L O G U E 
 
 To the EARL of E SSE'X. 
 Spoken by Mr. SHERIDAN. 
 
 TTffHenfer the brave, the gerfrotis, and the juft, 
 ** Whenever the patriot fmks tofilent duft, 
 he tragic mufe attends the mournful hearfe, 
 And pays her tribute of immortal verfe. 
 Infpir'd by noble deeds, Jhe feeks the plain, 
 In honour's caufe, where mighty chiefs are Jlain ; 
 An d bathes with tears the fod that wraps the deadj 
 And bids the turf lie lightly on his head. 
 
 Nor thus content, Jhe opens deatFs cold womb^ 
 And burfis the cearments t>f the awful tomb 
 'To caft him tip again to bid him live, 
 And to the fcene his form and prejfure give. 
 
 Thus once fam*d Effex at her voice appears, 
 Emerging from the f acred dufl of years. 
 
 Nor deem it much, that we retrace to-night, 
 A tale to which you've lifined with delight. 
 How oft of yore, to learned Athens' eyes 
 Did new Ekffras and new Pb<edras rife ? 
 In France how many 'Theban monarchs groan 
 For Laius* blood, and incejl not their own ? 
 When there new Iphigenias have thefigh, 
 Frejh drops of pity gujh from etfry eye. 
 On the fame theme tho* rival wits appear, 
 tf he h&irt fiill finds the fympathetic tear. 
 
 If
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 If there f oft pity pours her plenteous ftore, 
 For fabled, kings and empires now no more -, 
 Much more Jhould youfrom freedom's glorious plan, 
 Who fill inherit all the rights of man , 
 Much more Jhould you, with kindred Jorrows glow 
 For your own chiefs, your own domejlic woe; 
 Much more a Eritijhflory Jhould impart 
 'The warmeft feelings to each Britijh heart. 
 
 *&* 
 **>' 
 
 ADVER-
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 
 THERE are fome few Paffages in 
 the following Tragedy different 
 from thofe which are fpoken on the 
 ftage ; the reafon of which has been, 
 that in dramatic writings, many things 
 may appear ' well in the clofet, which 
 would not have a good effect in the re- 
 prefentation.
 
 Pramatis Perfonse. 
 
 TM^T/Tr^T vn A 
 
 ESSEX, ' Mr. SHERIDAN. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON, Mr. HOLLAND, 
 
 Cfecti^ \3kfl Mr. DAVIES. 
 
 RALEIGH, Mr. PACKER. 
 
 Lieutenant of the Tower, Mr. ACKMAN. 
 
 ?d 8ll 
 
 i 
 
 irb ^nr : .i ^Qr.' 
 
 QUEEN ELIZABETH, | Mrs. PRITCHARD^ 
 
 Countefs of .Rutland, Mifs MO WAT. 
 
 Countefs of Nottingham, Mrs. KENNEDY, 
 
 Guards, Attendants, &c.
 
 THE 
 
 EARL of E S S E X 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGEDY. 
 
 A C T I. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM ^CECI L: 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 A V E me ! Away ! 
 L CECIL. 
 
 Q ' I cannot No, thofe flares, 
 
 k.^(^C)^j( Th ^ ^ ee P fetch'd fighs, thefe changes 
 
 of complexion 
 Muft have a caufe, and I - 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 How dare you, fir ? - 
 'Tis poor, 'tis little in you, thus to pry, 
 To lurk, and watch me in the hour of weaknefs. 
 
 B CECIL.
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 But as the kind phyfician, who attend^ 
 To learn the malady of feme lov'd patient, 
 E'er he adventures to prefcribe the cure-, 
 To bring the healing draught, the balm of friendlhip. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Friendfhip from man ! perdition on the fex ! 
 May ev'ry evil, ev'ry pang they bring 
 To the weak hearts of fond defencelefs women, 
 Return in tenfold mifchiefs on their heads ! 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Are none exempt ? Can charity involve 
 The harmlefs with the guilty undiftinguimed ? 
 Shall he who longs to do, or furfer greatly, 
 To fave the dear lov'd object from affliction, 
 Be as the cruel wretch, who caus'd her care ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 O Cecil, if indeed you have lov'd truly, 
 If you have felt the ftings of flighted pafiion, 
 Of heart torn hope, and raging difappointment j 
 You then will caft a kindred eye of pity 
 On the moil loit, the mod undone of women. 
 
 Effex 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Ha ! what- of Eflcx ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Read that letter. 
 
 CECIL. 
 From him ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 The Traytor read, and then revenge. 
 Yet no the fcroll that would reveal my fhame, 
 His triumph thus I rend to pieces, thus 
 As I would tear the heart of the proud writer. 
 
 CECIL. 
 And could the brave, the gentle, gallant Efiex, 
 
 Could he be this barbarian ? 
 
 NOT*
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 3 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Could I tell you ? 
 
 Did fhame not fhut up utterance but in vain 
 
 I fend my eyes around to find a friend. 
 CECIL. 
 
 And can you be to feek when Cecil ftands 
 
 Before you, fuing but to be your (lave ? 
 
 Cecil whofe ftrong and felf-fupported flame 
 
 Has brav'd the lading froft of cold indifference, 
 
 O would you condefcend to try his fervice, 
 
 What is there he would not attempt ? 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 O Cecil ! 
 
 If I have feem'd or diftant, or averfe 
 To your great merit, and your kind regard, 
 Think of the caufe He claims your full refentment. 
 The cruel The ungrateful He alone 
 Engrofs'd me from the World. When foon to Ireland 
 His high commiffion bore him torn diftracted 
 Rack'd by a conflict of oppofing Paflions, 
 Strong love at length prevail'd Hear it not Cecil, 
 What thought would hide where memory recoils, 
 
 And fcarce believes tffelf I fent this man 
 
 I Cent O death to modefty ! I did fend him * 
 
 My vows, myfelf, my foul a willing (lave, 
 In a fond letter ! 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 That indeed did merit 
 
 A fair return at lead. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 A fair return ! 
 
 The proud, inhuman, the infulting villain ! 
 O for a breath, that would at diftance blaft him ! 
 Fair anfwer faid'ft thou ? No by all the powers 
 Of fhame, and rage, that work in flighted woman, 
 A rude repulfe ! 
 
 B 2 CECIL-
 
 4 The E A R L of E S S X. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 * And yet you love him ftill ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Love ! Cecil, fay you, love,? 
 Hate, hate Within it labours, fell, and deadly. 
 Know'ft thou our fex, and think'ft that a woman 
 Slighted, refus'd, can love ? No, no ! the milk, 
 The kindly flow of love is chang'd to gall, 
 Runs with invenom'd poiibn thro' my veins, 
 And like the bafilifk's, my baleful eyes 
 "Would Ihoot fwift death, and I could kill with looks. 
 
 CECIL, 
 
 Know then, the guardians of your injur'd beauty, 
 "Whifper'd e'er this to my prophetick foul 
 The vengeance due : and high as EfTex fits, 
 The love and glory of admiring England, 
 He waits but for your voice to doom his fall, 
 Then finks to quick perdition. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Down with him, 
 
 From his proud height, to the unbottom'd deep 5 
 Altho' the gorge of his wide opening gulph 
 Should fwallow thoufands. Yes, if Cecil bids, 
 Fate figns the mandate : Cecil's breath alone 
 Informs our councils, and arrays our armies ; 
 Fills out the wide expanfe of Britain's fails, 
 And fleers the veflel proudly through the world. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Praife from that mouth is high reward ! what more, 
 What may he hope who vindicates your charms, 
 And flakes your thirfty foul with noble vengeance ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 My hand, my heart are his. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 With fuch reward 
 
 In view, what mall I not atchieve ? Then know 
 
 The
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 5 
 
 The queen prepares for council ; wait her prefence,, 
 And you fliall hear of mifchief, fuch as minds 
 That foar uncommon flights alone can relifh. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 I go, I fly ! O be the moments fhort, 
 Till vengeance come to eafe my tortur'd foul ! 
 
 {Exit Nottingham 
 CECIL alone. 
 
 The fate of EiTex leaves my road fmooth pav'd 
 To love, as to ambition What altho' 
 Both objects be enforc'd ? Reluctance gives 
 Impatient blifs, and heightens the enjoyment. 
 Southampton here ! The fecond man on earth 
 Who ftirs my fear, and therefore claims myhatred. 
 A ftately branch he is, ingrafted firm 
 To the proud ftem of ourafpiring Eflex ; 
 But hew the hoftile trunk, and every bough 
 Partakes the kindred ruin. 
 
 Enter SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Fair morning wait upon the brave Southampton. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 Not fo, my Lord, there hangs a cloud upon it ; 
 Pregnant with pois'nous vapours, as they fay, 
 ExhaPd from Cecil's breath, to blaft the land, 
 And nip her brighteft bloffoms. 
 CECIL. 
 
 - Good my lord, 
 
 Is myftery the mode ? What means your Lordlhip ? 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 No myftery to Cecil's confcious fpirit : 
 'Tis rumour' d that fome dark malignant faction 
 Are leagu'd with hell, in plotting an impeachment 
 Of the moft loyal heart that England holds, 
 Qux great, our glorious Eflfex. 
 
 B 3 CECIL.
 
 6 The EARL of E S S E X. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 . > I have heard 
 
 Somewhat of this, and as I know the earl 
 Valiant and noble, wifli he may find means 
 To clear the charge of guilt. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 Guilt ! faid you guilt ? 
 
 Come mew this monfter of your own creation. 
 The phantom that ftate wizzards conjure up 
 Amid the depth of their nocturnal councils, 
 To make their power look dreadful o'er the land, 
 And fcare our Britons from the fide of virtue. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 My lord your zeal to this unhappy man, 
 Has clos'd your eyes to what a nation fees 
 With clear, unfwayM difcernment ; his ambition^ 
 His late cabal with rebels, and the ilorm 
 Brew'd, and concerted with his Iriih colleagues 
 To wreak the peace, and honour of his country. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 Rather concerted in the cabinet, 
 Where fpurious treafons are begot, and taught 
 To call fome pre-appointed viclim, father; 
 As ftatefmen pleafe to bid, where'er they find 
 Talents to crofs, or virtue to offend them, 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Be witnefs for me that I urge you not 
 To this raih mood, but rather warn Southampton 
 To bear himfelf aloof, fedate, and ieparate ; 
 Left he be held a partner of that guilt 
 Which fuch attachment warrants. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 Patience heaven ! 
 
 Shall infolence unpunifh'd thus prefume 
 To blot the vifage of untainted loyalty ? 
 Dare you proclaim a hunting thro' the land, 
 And point out worth and honour for the quarry ? 
 
 Bafe
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 7 
 
 Bafe politician ! By the facred name 
 That warms a Briton's breaft, by liberty I 
 There's not a peafant in the train of Effex, 
 But has a fund of golden honefty, 
 Beyond what Cecil, and his clofe cabal, 
 With all their worth can weigh. 
 CECIL. 
 
 I anfwer not fu.ch railing Fare you well 
 
 And if you are a friend to bold Southampton 
 Bid him not crofs the way that Cecil walks, 
 Or look to fall with Effex. 
 
 {Exit Cecil. 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 Fall with Effex ! 
 
 Statefman 'tis falfe, he fits above your foaring, 
 To.o high for Cecil with his cumbrous load 
 Of grov'ling guile to reach Yet fince he dares 
 To threat thus openly, the danger's near. 
 I'll in to council ftraight, and there perhaps 
 Their fecret machinations may break forth. 
 
 Scene draws and difcovers the QJJ E E'-N, N O T- 
 T I N Q H A M, CECIL and Attendants. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 From Spain, my lords, have you had tydings lately 
 By any private letters, that import 
 Their new defigns ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Not any, royal madam. 
 
 O^U E E N. 
 
 'Twas rumour'd fome time fince, that they intended 
 A fecond vifit, and a new armada -, 
 But the laft pacquet from our agent there,- 
 ^Speaks no fuch purpofe. 
 
 5 4 No,
 
 8 The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 C E C I L. 
 
 No, my glorious miftrefs, 
 
 They're lick, war-furfeited, they yet do pant 
 From the fore memory of their old encounter. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 While time fh,all travel down from age to age, 
 Leading white-handed faith, and liberty 
 To nations yet unborn, oft mall they turn, 
 And thro' paft worlds roll back their grateful eye, 
 On your difdnguiuYd day ! Wherein the powers 
 Of darknefs were confederate , when Rome 
 Rofe up with all her champions, to impofe 
 Chains on the limbs, and night upon the mind : 
 Then had the worlds of freedom, and of truth, 
 Return'd to chaos , but Elizabeth, 
 Heaven's minifter below, lent forth her Tons 
 Of light, and order j her immortal Drake, 
 Her glorious EfTex,' and all conquering hoft 
 Of freeborn Britons : heaven that day avow'd 
 His virgin champion, and confirm'd the gift, 
 Th 5 eternal gift of liberty to man, 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Yes, my all dear, my ftill unconquered people ! 
 You have deriv'd a glory on your queen, 
 That lifts her lex above the conquering chiefs 
 Pf Egypt, or of Macedon : they fought 
 Impciing llavery, we conferring freedom. 
 
 C E C I L. 
 
 You are -.00 gracious , .heaven but make us equal 
 To the leaft part of all your wondrous bounties ! 
 So mould Tyrone, and wild rebellion, foon 
 Sink underneath the force of loyalty, 
 Arfd Britain's hoft {till find a faithful leader. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 Why,< Cecil, have you freih accounts from Ireland? 
 
 t: E c i L.
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Nothing, my foy^al miftrefs, more than ufual, 
 Old ills repeated. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 Now the fnake begins 
 To wind his venom'd train. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 What ills, good Cecil ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Amazing grace ! how willingly your majefty 
 Forgets the faults committed by a fifbject 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 That EfTex (you wbuld fay) fo vers'd in conqueft, 
 
 For once became remifs, and loft a feafon 
 
 Is not that all ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 And holds clofe amity 
 
 With the moft dreadful foe of queen, and country, 
 The fierce Tyrone , confers in fecret with him , 
 Parlies with traitors, and cabals with rebel';, 
 No friend to Britain prefent, whence eniuc 
 
 Scandalous truces, fhameful to 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Hold, Cecil 
 
 You grow inveterate, 'tis his firft offence ; 
 
 None here can boaft perfection : EiTex too, 
 
 Like us, good ftatefman, may not want his failings. 
 
 I would not be extreme to condemnation, 
 
 Nor clear in his excufe. ; I've therefore fent him 
 
 Commands of purpos'd chiding, that enjoin 
 
 Quick reparation ; never more to bend 
 
 His brow unlaurel'd to the coaft of Britain.
 
 10 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 Enter Sir WALT HER RALEIGH, and oilers 
 
 of the Commons. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 May it pleafe your majefly, your faithful Raleigh, 
 And others in commifllon from your Commons, 
 Attend wich their addrefs, and fome fe"w bills, 
 Humbly prefented for your people's fafety. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Ay, that's a theme, to which my charmed ear 
 Could lift for ever Welcome to your queen, 
 To your true fervant welcome ! Give me to know 
 How I may beft attain the glorious end 
 For which alone I wiih to live-, to fcaft 
 Upon 'that royal luxury of foul, 
 The peace, the weal, the bliis of my kind people, 
 
 RALEIGH. 
 
 Immortal health, and never ending joys, 
 To the imperial majefty of England ! 
 Bright ftar of Chriftendom ! the virgin light 
 Which guides our fteps to truth, our arms to honour! 
 Queen of true-hearted Britons ! who do wilh 
 The fun mould be extinguilh'd in his orb, 
 Ere you their, better glory fliould decline, 
 And leave your realms in more lamented darknefs ! 
 Your parliament in care of thefe your kingdoms, 
 (Who live but in your life) prefent three bills 
 With humbleil fuit to pafs them into acts 
 For the dear fafety for your throne, and perfon. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Let Cecil fee what they contain. 
 CECIL, 
 
 The firft 
 
 Is for eftablifhing a train'd militia 
 Thro' every mire ; and for a farther levy 
 Of certain horfe, and foot, as a ftrong guard 
 
 Of
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 3 1 
 
 Of fafety, to our queen's mofl facred peribn. 
 The fecond That two hundred thoufand pounds 
 Be rais'd in part for payment of thofe troops. 
 Farther to be difpos'd of as our fovereign 
 In her dear pleafure mall appoint. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 : How poor 
 
 Were thanks to fuch a people ! but be fure 
 For you I'll prove a thrifty ufurer ; 
 And every talent trufled to your queen, 
 Shall be return'd with fivefold intereft 
 Of love, and due beneficence. Proceed. 
 
 C E. C I L. 
 
 The third confifls of feveral articles 
 Expreffive of your fubjects juft abhorrence 
 Of plots, and treas'nous practices concluding 
 With a fubmiffive prayer, mod humbly offer'd 
 For the impeaching Robert earl of Eflex. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 Who dares impeach him ? whence this infolence 
 Without my privity ? Am I awake ? 
 Say, am I England's queen ? do you know me, Not- 
 tingham ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 You are our queen, our royal miftrefs ? 
 
 Q_U E E N f 
 
 No! 
 
 'Tis falfe, a waxen pageant, fet aloft 
 
 For flatefmen's hands to mould, an.d move at will. 
 
 How was I ; jlFd ! Ha ! Rebels ! well ye warn 
 
 Of plots, and.treafonous practices Ye fmooth ones, 
 
 Who, like hyaena, make your fly approaches, 
 
 By whine, and cringe then leap with quick furprize, 
 
 And rend your feeder. Come, what would you farther? 
 
 ? Tis yours to dictate, my imperial matters ! 
 
 At your command I'll drench my innocence 
 
 In the moft brave and loyal bload of England ; 
 
 Tread
 
 12 The J ARL of ES SEX. 
 
 Tread o.ut offenfive virtue, pluck fidelity- 
 Even from the heart of Britain. You my matters ! 
 Shall rule unrival'd then, and your ambition 
 Be prop'd by guardians like unto yourfelves , 
 Fools for your fenate, knaves for every office, 
 And cowards for commanders. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 Horrid plot! 
 
 Moil wicked combination ! what mail guard 
 The throne or kingdom, when their fences thus 
 Are fapt in fecret, or confefledly 
 AfiaiPd in open day ? when even your EiTex, 
 That glorious man, by whofe undaunted courage 
 The^ cowards that impeach him live in fafety; 
 When he muft fall to make a public breach, 
 Where mafk'd ambition may encroach on majefty, 
 And treafons gain free entrance. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 That I have lov'd thee, Britain O how truly ! 
 With fuch a love ! too much of that But had I, 
 Had I the fpirit of my father Harry, 
 I had array'd my majefty in terrors, 
 And thence deriv'd refpect ; held the rein hard, 
 And the lam active i then you had known your ruler : 
 Yes, ye petitioners for blood ! you then 
 Should have been glutted, even with the blood 
 Of your own crew, untill the gorged Itream 
 Had choak'd your faction. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Firft, and beft of monarchs, 
 
 Vex nor your royal heart -, not all our fives 
 Are worth the leaft emotion, that may give 
 Your ibvereign mind difturbance. 
 
 C^U E E N. 
 
 O 'tis plain 
 
 I've reign'd too long-, their hunger is variety : 
 They've ta'en a jewiih furfcit of their fweets, 
 
 And
 
 The E ARL- of E S S EX. 13 
 
 And thence have turn'd to loathing. 'Tis enough 
 Their pleafures be fulfilPd Thou pageant fceptre, 
 Thou banifher of truth, that do'ft invite 
 The bow of flattery, and the fmile of falfliood ; 
 Thus do I hurl thee to thy worfhipers, 
 
 And am myfelf alone 
 
 [Throws away the fceptre. 
 RALEIGH. 
 
 queen ador'd, rever'd to adoration ! 
 
 Lo ! to the duft beneath your dread rebuke, 
 All aw'd, and humbl'd, ^our repentant fubjects , 
 Fall proftrate for forgivenefs. 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Dare not then 
 
 To dictate to me farther; I'm a Briton 
 
 1 was born free as you, and know my priviledge. 
 Henceforward you mail find that I'm your queen, 
 The guardian and proteclrefs of my fubjecls , 
 And not your inftrument to crufh my people : 
 No paflive engine for cabals to ply, 
 
 No tool for faction I mall henceforth feek 
 For other lights to truth ; for righteous monarchs, 
 Juftly to judge, with their own eyes mould fee ; 
 To rule o'er freemen, mould themfelves be free. 
 
 [Exeunt, 
 
 The END of the FIRST ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Enter Countefs of RUTLAND ^SOUTH- 
 AMPTON. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 IS he arriv'd ? I mall run mad with joy ! 
 Is my Lord come indeed ? 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 . Too Cure, too lure ! 
 
 But Oh ! that gulphs, far funk beneath all fathom, 
 And wide as ocean flows, were now betwixt you ! 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 Now by the fudden tranfports of my heart, 
 Which bounds, and kindles, fpite of thy foreboding^ 
 What mean thofe fears ? what ill hath chanc'd, what 
 
 change, 
 
 Since late the Queen, like circling providence, 
 Planted her heav'nly guardianfhip around him, 
 And fcreen'd him from his envious foes ? 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 . Alas ! 
 
 His ramnefs has undone us. His return, 
 Againft the appointment of his high commifliori, 
 And in the palpable and confcious breach 
 Of the Queen's abfolute commands -, hath forfeited 
 All his proud titles, honours, offices 
 Perhaps his precious life. 
 
 RUTLAND.
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 15 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 O where, where is he ? 
 
 Fly,- thou dear friend ! flop, intercept, conjure him 
 Quick back to Ireland, ere the blabbing wind 
 Can whifper his arrival. Tho* the world, 
 For one lov'd look, were fhor-t and poor of purchafe, 
 What's world, or looks, or J, or all to Eflex ? 
 Fly, thou dear Friend' 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 Alas ! 'tis now too late 
 
 He's juft at hand Fame fays within this hour 
 He enters London. As I hailed hither, 
 I met the haughty Cecil, envious Raleigh, 
 And treacherous Nottingham in clofe cabal : 
 From ear to ear death murmur'd, and alkance 
 They cafl a fmile of fcorn, and with their eyes 
 Bid me defiance as they pafsM. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 Ah friend ! 
 
 I fink beneath my fears, my heart dies in me. 
 I'll to the Queen this moment ; fly, fall proflrate, 
 Cling to her royal feet, declare our marriage, 
 Weep, pray, conjure her, yet if not for Effex, 
 Not for her Rutland's fake to lave him, yet 
 Even for the little trembling pledge I bear him, 
 For whofe moil precious fafety fhe flands charg'd 
 To her whole people. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 Stop beware of that, 
 
 There's not another (lep 'twixt that and ruin. 
 Time prudence checks my tongue Let it fuffice, 
 All other treafons would appear as loyalty 
 To that dread fecret ! that alone is wanting 
 To leal the doom of EfTex Soft, the Queen ! 
 Severe and flow me comes ; upon her brow, 
 
 In
 
 1 6 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 In mute, but difcontented characters, 
 
 I read her inward tumult You had heft retire. 
 
 [Exif Rutland. 
 
 Enter QUEEN, CECIL, RALEIGH, 
 
 NOTTINGHAM, md Attendants. 
 
 E E N. 
 Is Eflex then return'd ? 
 
 C E C 1 L. 
 . - He is. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 - What hither ? 
 
 To London ? 'tis impofiible - 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Juft now arriv'd. 
 
 QJJ E E N, 
 
 - - Are law and loyalty but names ? 
 Arriv'd againft our perfonal injunctions ! 
 'Tis treafon but to think it. 
 
 CECIL, 
 
 - Will your Majefty 
 Be pleafed to fee him ? 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 - Shall I then publifh 
 
 Your royal will, forbidding him the court ? 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Neither How dare you, Sir ? What, muft I (till 
 Be guided, nor allow'd my proper judgment ? 
 Muft every faucy minion call'd to council 
 Straight arrogate controul ? and claim to be 
 Dictator to his Queen ? 
 
 O U T H-
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 17 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 Firft, beft, and brighteft 
 Regent of hearts ! whofe voluntary throne 
 Riles fupreme, amid the blifsful tracts 
 Of liberty and reafon ! at your feet 
 A faithful fubjeft falls. O royal Miftrefs, 
 I tremble to excufe my valiant friend : 
 He may be ra(h, impetuous, of a temper 
 Not tun'd to each occafion , for the Earl 
 Has artful foes, who ftudioufly provoke 
 The faults for which they ambufh. But that he 
 Is firm, and loyal ; that his heart o'erflows 
 With fulneis of his Queen ; with truth, and faith, 
 And wondrous gratitude ; I would flake down 
 The worth of my eternal foul to warrant. 
 
 Enter a Gentleman, who wbifpers S O U T H- 
 A M P T O N. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Whate'er Southampton may be as a fubjedt, 
 I fee he is a friend at leail to EiTex. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 May it pleafe your Majefty, the Earl is come, 
 And waits your royal plealure. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Tell the rebel 
 
 Yet hold I have better thought Yes, I will fee him 
 But it mail be to fling his haughty foul : 
 Anger would give him confequence Contempt 
 fs what he leail can bear. Give him admittance. 
 
 Enter
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 Enter ESSEX. 
 
 ESS E X. 
 
 Health to the virgin majefty of England ! 
 Your fervant, your true foldier, Queen of monarchs ? 
 For the firft time now trembles to approach you, 
 As being here in confcious diibbedience 
 Of your dread orders. Yet, when I havemewn 
 That 'twas the laft neceflity compell'd me 
 (Thanks to the artful malice of my foes) 
 To this now feemingly unduteous aft ; 
 When I have fhewn that no alternative 
 Was left me, but to feem or difobedient, 
 Or bear a traytor's name ; I mall rely 
 Upon your majefty's accuftom'd grace, 
 Weighing the jealous honour of the foldier, 
 To palliate, if not clear, the fubjecYs fault. 
 - I'm charg'd with guilt, with being falfe, difloyal, 
 Falfe to my Queen, to England falle , could Efiex 
 Bear fuch a charge, and live ? No fvvift as thought* 
 And bold as innocence, fearlefs of danger, 
 Of death, or what is worfe His Queen's difpleafure- 
 He comes to front his foes -, even to the teeth 
 Of malhze comes he, to afiert his honour, 
 And claim due reparation of his wrongs. 
 
 Q^U E E.N. 
 
 Cecil, are thofe petitions anfwer'd yet v 
 Which late I gave in charge ? 
 
 C E C I L" 
 They are, an't pleafe you. 
 
 E S S E X. 
 
 What not a word, a look ? not one blefs'd look- 
 Of wonted influence, whofe kindly warmth- 
 Might chafe thefe envious, and malignant clouds 
 With which your fervant is begirt ? Nay then- 
 My
 
 The EARL of E S S E X. 19 
 
 My night comes on apace I Tee I fee 
 The birds of dark and evil omen round me , 
 Cecils, and Raleighs : how they fcent their feafl 
 Sagacious ravens, how they fnuff from far 
 Thepromis'd carcafs Be it ib forEfTex 
 Is but the creature of imperial favour, 
 By his Queen's voice exalted into greatnefs, 
 And by her breath reduc'd again to nothing. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Ha ! that's mournful 
 
 I muft not liften to that well known voice ; 
 I feel the woman rifing in my breaft 
 But roufe thee, Queen of Britain, be thyfelf. 
 What, does the traytor ftill abide our pfefence ? 
 All who have truth, or fealty to their Queen, 
 Follow me flraight. 
 
 [Exeitni all but Effex. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 Ha ! is it then fo ? 
 What fpurn'd, contemn'd, infulted ! 
 Not heard, fcarce feen ; contemn'd ! how, how feels 
 
 that ? 
 'Contempt and EfTex pair'd ! 
 
 Enter SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 What, one friend left ? 
 
 Then Effex ftill is rich. 
 
 - 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 My foul's cleft, 
 
 Be firm ! be all yourfelf ! lee from the throne 
 Proud Cecil comes, commhTion'd to difcharge 
 Its thunder at thy head. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 I fee, my brother 
 
 Never did that Leviathan appear, 
 
 C 2 But
 
 so The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 But as the prophet of fome coming wreck ; 
 Foretafling ill, and writhing in his noftrils 
 The promile of a tempeft. 
 
 Enter C E C I L and R A L E I G H, 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Hear ye, Sir, 
 
 What the unqueftion'd majefty of England 
 With gentleft mercy tempering awful juftice, 
 By us pronounces Robert Earl of Eflex, 
 She here diverts you of your trufts, and offices ; 
 Your dignities of governor of Ireland, 
 Earl rnarfhal, mailer of the horfe, prime general 
 Of all her forces, both by land, and fea , 
 And lord lieutenant 6f the feveral counties 
 Of Efiex, Hereford, and Weflmorcland. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Then I'm divefted well what more ? for thefe 
 Are but the lightnefs of a fummer's robe, 
 The gauds and outward trappings of her Efiex. 
 What farther ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 That you inftantly depart 
 
 The Court, and ftir no farther than your houfe, 
 Without an order from the Queen, and council. 
 And laftly, 'tis herpleafure, that you fend 
 Your ftaff by us. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Ha ! that indeed requires 
 
 Some paufe- 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 What fay you ? What may we return 
 In anfwer to her Majefty ? 
 
 ESSEX,
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 21 
 
 E S S E X. 
 
 . But wilt thou 
 Wilt thou be lure exprefsly to deliver 
 What EfTex gives in charge : 
 
 CECIL, 
 I will mod truly. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Then tell her, tieafon never harbour'd yet 
 In bold blunt truths, or openeis of action : 
 It feeks cloie covert in the fmiles of courts, 
 Fleers in the cringe, and fkulks behind the vizard. 
 Tell hermy hone, ft Cecil ! tell thy miftrefs, 
 That treafon is a ftatefrnan, near her throne, 
 Who holds his Queen befieg'd, and calls it guar- 
 
 dianfhip ; 
 
 Who feals th' imperial fenfe ; cius the dear ties 
 'Twixt fovereign and fub]ecfc , fills her church 
 With profelytes to vice, and lets corruption 
 Aloft, even on the feats of injur'd juftice : 
 For guilt feeks fellowmip, and league v/kh guilt, 
 And vice fupports his kindred. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 r I mall remember. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 . Tell her too, 
 
 That while me flumber'cl, that arch felon, Cecil 
 Scal'd her high feat, and feized the reins of empire j 
 Thence bids the dews defcend, and thunders roll 
 To his direction ; fheds her bounties down 
 Where his vile minions for vile ends may profper : 
 But ever plants the bolt, and deadly blaft, 
 Where worth, or \vifdom flourim Wretched Britons ! 
 Is there a patriot, is there yet a man, 
 Whofe blood, whofe toils, whofe virtues have acquir'd 
 Aught to his country's fervice ; 'tis a crime 
 
 C 3 Set
 
 22 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 Set down for capital ; a barbed mote, 
 Fretting the eye of envy, and of Cecil. 
 Kut O ! the brave, the valiant never fcape him, 
 For cowards ftill are cruel. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Well obferv'd- 
 
 This I mail tell, and that Southamptonfaid it. 
 
 RALEIGH. 
 
 My Lords, in fpeakihg thus, you tax her majefty 
 Ofweaknels, and injustice both. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 I care not 
 
 Suggeft whate'er your malice may devife, 
 'Tis equal all to EfTex. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 May we then 
 
 Preiume your anfwer fumm'd in this ? 
 
 ESSEX. 
 You may. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 You'll not return your ftaff by us. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 I will not. 
 
 From my Queen's hand did I receive that ftaff, 
 Nor will I yield it back to any other. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Fare ye well, lords 
 
 [Exeunt Cecil and Raleigh. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 ' Now are they fraught with venom, 
 Which they will ftrait difcharge, with all the force 
 Of ipiteful rage, into the royal ear. 
 
 i avv;iv to counteract their poifon. 
 
 ESSEX.
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 2$ 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Yes my Southampton, hade, fay to the queen 
 That EfTex now adjures her by his fer vices, 
 If ever they found favour in her fight, 
 To grant him but a hearing, a fhort hearing ; 
 From her own lips let him receive his doom, 
 To her own hands reftore his offices, 
 And he will yield unmurmuring to his fate. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 J fly, my lord, and doubt not yet to gain 
 
 An interview Oh ! may its end be profperous. 
 
 [Exit Southampton, 
 ESSEX. 
 
 "Where now is Eflex ? Where the late rebuke 
 
 Of nations, hoftile to the peace of Britain ? 
 
 Who fpread their lands with rout, their feas with 
 
 terror ! 
 
 Deminifh'd-r mrunk As tho' he had never tri- 
 
 umph'd ; 
 
 As tho' he ne'er had conquer'd for his country. 
 O hard earn'd glory ! long wrought pile of greatnefs ! 
 Are your enchanted works no more than To, 
 
 A word, and vanifh ? Now Where are they now ? 
 
 The rulhing mob The fhouting multitude 
 
 The fweeping levee and the bending circle ? 
 All fled, all mute, and lonefome now around me! 
 As tho' I walk'd o'er graces and charnel ground ; 
 As tho' I carried famine in one hand, 
 And peflilence in t'other. 
 
 Enter RUTLAND. 
 
 RUTLAND 
 
 -rMy Eflex ! 
 
 4 ESSEX.
 
 24 The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Rutland ! O, my better angel ! 
 
 How has thy prefence fili'd this (olitude ! 
 
 And like a beam from heaven difpers'd the gloom 
 
 That overfpread my foul. 
 
 R U T L A N P. 
 
 I could not bear 
 
 To think you were fo near me, and not rum 
 
 To match one look But I mutt hafte 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Fear nothing. 
 
 R U T L A N D. 
 We mail be feen. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 No eye is bent this way, 
 No footilep turn'd ; for a difcarded favourite, 
 'Shun'd like the plague, makes tfvery place a defert. 
 
 H U T L A N D, 
 
 May I then look ! indulge my longing eyes ? 
 1 cannot fpeak to thee, my heart's too full. 
 Eilex ! you turn away ! L>ne , 
 
 ESS}-: 
 
 : Alas my love 
 
 What object now is EiTcx for thy eyes r 
 Stripp'd of his honours, all his glories withered, 
 A bare, and fightlefs trunk ! 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 O ElTex, Effex ! 
 
 Can'fl thou think fo meanly of thy Rutland, 
 As to believe the gaudy pageantry, 
 The trappings of ambition, ever made thee 
 More loyely in my fight ? No, Effex, no, 
 
 I lov'i
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 25 
 
 I lov'd thee for thyfelf. Thy pon^ous titles, 
 Thy fplendid dignities, commands in war, 
 I look'd upon as my word enemies, 
 Which interpos'd, and held me from my lord. 
 Are they remov'd ? then there's no obftacle 
 Between his Rutland, awd her foul's elect ; 
 And thus me claims him, thus me folds him in, 
 From war, and from ambition, cruel rivals ! 
 For all Hie wedded, all (he ever wifn'd, 
 Her wealth, her every want, her world is here, 
 And fcorns addition. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Heaven make me worthy, 
 
 Of fo much tendernefs! yes, I will own 
 
 Ambition had its charms , but 'twas in hopes 
 
 To raife my love as high above her fex 
 
 In dignity, as fhe tranfcends in merit : 
 
 Elfe had I never barter'd one bled hour 
 
 Of thy fbciety for what the world, 
 
 Thro' a proucjl life of conquelt, and dominion, 
 
 Could yield in abfence. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 r And will you then 
 
 No longer Men to delu.fi ve fame ? 
 
 No more be guided by the witching fires 
 
 Of wand'ring glory ? Homeward wilt thou turn, 
 
 Where love, and Rutland, have prepared the feat 
 
 Of humble rapture, and of inward peace ? 
 
 A little empire of ferene delights, 
 
 Of guardian virtues, and obTervant fmiles, 
 
 Ail ready, waiting for their lord's arrival. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 O, my fantaftick folly, that could Men 
 To the enchantments of that fyren fame! 
 
 But
 
 26 The E A R L of E S S E X, 
 
 But now the fpell is ended ; never more 
 
 Shall vain ambition tempt me to forego 
 
 My foul's fubftantial blifs. Adieu falfe fplendours } 
 
 My reft is fix'd even here We'll find fome fpoc 
 
 Secluded from the world, like that fair garden. 
 
 Where firft the princely parent of mankind, 
 
 Bleft in his confort's fweet fbciety, 
 
 Wifli'd for no other pleafure : there we?ll live, 
 
 Far from the haunts of men, from vice, and folly 
 
 Reign in each other's hearts with mutual fway, 
 
 The nobleft royalty ! Be love our treafure, 
 
 We (hall be wond'jous rich ! love our ambition, 
 
 And who exalted like us ? 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 (!) my ErTex ! 
 
 What a new paradife were there ! to know 
 No pangs of parting ; fee thee every day, 
 Andfometimes all the day Sweet holiday ! 
 Peace round my pillow , and my morning fun 
 Cheer 'd by thy prefence ; and thine eyes to fpeal; 
 Love's language ; and thy fmiles to interfufe 
 The fwell of cordial joy O, my lov'd EiTex, 
 That life indeed were bleft ! 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 ' Ha ! who comes here ? 
 
 Be not alarm'd my love, it is my friend. 
 
 Enter SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 "Well, my Southampton 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 Heavens, what madnefs this ! 
 
 Sould any eye behold you And the queen 
 
 Has juft enquired for you Fly with fpecd. 
 
 RUTLAND.
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 27 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 Alas ! from what a happy dream of heaven, 
 Haft thou awak'd me ! what is human blifs ? 
 A moment's meeting, a long age of abfence ! 
 One rich, and precious drop of cordial joy, 
 Drench'd in a current of infipid time, 
 Or deep affliction. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Light, and life of EfTex, 
 
 From thee be evil far : we foon lhall meet 
 To part no more. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 Farewel Remember, Rutland 
 
 Knows not one happy hour, when thou art from her. 
 
 [Exit Rutland. 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 The queen to my importunate requeft 
 Has granted you a hearing, be prepar'd : 
 You mud command your temper, for believe me 
 ? Tis on the warmth of that, the generous warmth, 
 (Which ftill accompanies the nobleft natures) 
 Your foes rely, to fire the fubtle train, 
 Which they have laid to blaft your hopes for ever. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Well, I will try altho' 'tis wond'roushard 
 Calmly to bear th* envenom'd fhafts of malice ; 
 And pois'nous tooth of foul mouth'd calumny ! 
 Yet I will try Be truth my only weapon, 
 Patience my fliield. But no diffimulation 
 Shall with its bafe alloy, bring down the ore, 
 The pure, rich ore, of which the noble mind 
 By nature's hand is form 'd, . below truth's ftandard. 
 
 No,
 
 28 The E ARL of ESSEX. 
 
 No, let me perifh, e're one grain of falfhood, 
 
 Infect, and leaven that Integrity 
 
 Of foul, in which man's dignity confifts. 
 
 Had I the choice to make, I fwear by heaven, 
 
 J fhould efleem it far more eligible, 
 
 To fall with honour, than to rife by bafenefs. 
 
 e END of the S E C N D A C T,
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 ********.***;*.***'******** 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 CECIL and NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 NO more Bright Nottingham We ftrive in 
 vain 
 
 Effex can only be fubdu'd by Eflex ; 
 He ftands impregnable to all befide : 
 And if his native pride, and proper pafilons, 
 Serve not to pull his own deftruclion on -him ; 
 He bids for perpetuity in favour. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 The queen, I fear, has motives for her favour, 
 Which queens may feel, but not avow ; unmark'd 
 Within this hour I ftole upon her privacy ; 
 Her brow was funk from royalty ; and fad, 
 And defolate her afpect -, as of one 
 Betroth'd to lonelinefs ; in whom the pride 
 Of power, and beauty, was no more remember'd. 
 I liften'd But her broken accents fpoke 
 A voice fupprefs'd by grief -, while down her cheek 
 Stole the pale tear, which ever as file wip'd, 
 A piteous heir fucceeded. 
 
 CECIL,
 
 3 o The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 1 perceive 
 
 She is much mov'd of late, and prone to ilart: 
 Of fudden paflion, even beyond her temper. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 How did fhe brook the haughty eari's reply 
 To her laft meflage ? 
 
 C E C I L. 
 
 Never did I fee her 
 
 So (lung, fo thoroughly enkindled Straight 
 She ifTued hafty orders for impeachment , 
 When in the very flroke of inflant fate, 
 Southampton came, and with a fubtle tale 
 Calm'd all her rage : And now is Effex fent for, 
 To plead to what Southampton boldly ftiles 
 The gall of falfe accufers. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Curs'd be his tongue ! 
 
 For then the ground we've gain'd wilt all be loft. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 I fee the queen but feeks fomc thin pretext 
 To cover inclination j fome fmooth terms 
 Of fo< t fubmiffion, or acknowledged error, 
 To reinftate this minion of her fancy, 
 In wonted height of arrogance. But fee 
 Her clofet opens Let us- not appear 
 To pry on her retirements. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 You withdraw, 
 
 I'll wait within her call. 
 
 [Exit Cecil. 
 
 Enter
 
 The E ARL of ESSEX. 31 
 
 Enter QJJ E E N. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 The proud, infenfible, ungrateful wretch ! 
 The thanklefs, kindlefs, faithlefs, barbarous EfTex ! 
 Falfe to his loving queen, his friend, his patron ; 
 
 Falfe to his Hold thee there, for I will tear him 
 
 From my fond boforn j tho* the vital drops 
 
 Of my fad heart mould follow, Queen of Britain 
 
 To what art thou reduc'd ? with not one friend ; 
 
 Forlorn, and defolate, amidft a realm, 
 
 Whom as a parent bird, with hov'ring wings 
 
 Thy daily love has gathered in from danger, 
 
 And fofter'd with thy life, -Ha ! Nottingham \ 
 
 I thought I had been alone. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Pardon a duty 
 
 Perhaps too forward i Ah, my royal miftrefs ! 
 
 All is not well' Upon my knees I beg . 
 
 Somewhat hangs heavy on your mind, or haply* 
 Your precious health's in danger. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Rife, my Nottingham 
 
 I am in health, and thank thy tendernefs ; 
 Only a little troubled that my people 
 Grow weary of my love : I have reign'd long ; 
 Such is the nature of inconftant man, 
 The pufeft ore of happinefs below, 
 Without variety, will lofc its value ; 
 Whilft novelty can give the vilell drofs 
 Both (lamp and currency. Prithee my friend. 
 What fay the people to this haughty man, 
 And his late conduit ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 - Pleafe your majefty, 
 
 They, feem to blame him highly. 
 
 QJJ E E X.
 
 The EARL of E S S E X, 
 
 E E N. 
 Blame him, %'ft thou ? 
 
 - NOTTIN'GHA M. 
 Indeed it was not well. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Not well The Tray tor I 
 
 And is that ali ? Come, come, fpeak plainly to me. 
 Is it thus tamely that my fubjecTs fee 
 This daring infult to my crown ? Or warrh'd 
 With duteous zeal, and loyal indignation, 
 Vent freely their reproaches ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Thus commanded, 
 
 I mall without difgnife fpeak what I've heard 
 Of this imperious foldier. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 Aye, pray do 
 
 Be plain What fays the world of me, and Eflex ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Of 'you they never fpeak, but in a prayer 
 Of due thankfgiving, and of wifhes breath'd 
 As incenfe up to heaven, for length of life, 
 And days of happy omen. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Well, proceed 
 
 Of Effex then 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Of him they utter terms 
 
 Of due reproach, and plenteous imprecation. 
 His popularity, they give to pride, 
 That cringes to be courted , his beneficence 
 To niggard bribes for flattery -, his high courage 
 To bear-like brutal rafhnefs j his achievements 
 
 To
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 33 
 
 To a mean fondnefs for the blab of fame : 
 
 And all his acts ftil'd patriot, all his labours, 
 
 His rifques, his wounds, his conquefts for his country i 
 
 To clofe and treacherous plottings on her rights, 
 
 And facred liberties. For he's ambitious, 
 
 Dark, dreadful, and afpiring, as the fiend 
 
 Who firft rais'd war in heaven, and tumbling thence 
 
 Unpeopled Paradiie , and fo they wifh 
 
 The fall of Efcx may be quick, and 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 , Hold 
 
 No more Thou haft rail'd thyfelf quite out of 
 
 breath. 
 
 In thee 'tis bafe, 'tis barbarous infolence 
 To echo thus the vilenefs of the rabble. 
 Unhappy Eflfex ! truly haft thou ferv'd 
 A falie bafe world, and now haft none to friend, 
 Save her thou haft offended. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Pleafe your majefty 
 Your own exprefs command 
 
 QUEEN. 
 
 Away, away - 
 
 Thou fee'ft thy queen, misfortune, and the world 
 All bent againft one man, and yet can'ft find 
 Within that ruthlefs and obdurate breaft, 
 No room for pity. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Madam, I hope 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Well, well, no more of it 
 
 *Tis paft, and 1 forgive Send Rutland hither. 
 
 [Exit Nottingham. 
 
 What has my paffjon done P Perhaps unfolded 
 The very fecret it attempts to cover , 
 
 ,D What
 
 34" The EARL of E S S E X. 
 
 "What I would hide from thought. Why (lands' my 
 
 foul 
 
 ypon the watch to liften and enquire 
 Tydiugs, which mofl it dreads to learn, the faults. 
 And errors .of my KOex ? Why my heart, 
 -Why art thou prohe to utter terms of blame 
 Agamfc the cruel troubles of thy quiet ? 
 Yet can'ft not .-bear the flighted cehfure drop'd 
 From any-other ' Tongue, as' tho' all crimes 
 Againft myfeif w?re light, and what is fpoke 
 Againft my EfTex, flood alone for treafon. 
 
 Enter' RUTLAND. 
 
 i 
 
 My Rutland, I did fend for thee my girl ; 
 I have obfcrv'd that thou art fad of late. 
 Why are thy lovely eyes deprefs'd with forrow ? 
 Can 1 do aught that may diipcl the cloud, 
 That envious cloud, which hangs upon thy beauties, 
 And robs me of my friend ? 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 Ah, queen of grace ! 
 
 And heavenly goodnefs ! you opprefs your fervant, 
 With this excels of condefcenfibn. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 . Why- 
 
 I love thee well, my Rutland, well, Tind warmly y 
 Trufl me I do.' Injurious. Nottingham, 
 Hath' held difpleafing converfation with me, 
 Touching my lord of Efiex ;" infomuch' 
 That I did fend her from my, fight in anger. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 Ha ! that clear name, flarts every pulfe within me ! 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 Thou blufheft, Rutland. 
 
 RUTLAND.
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 At the wond'rous grace, 
 
 The wond'rous goodnefs of my queen. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 - Indeed 
 
 Thou'rt of a grateful nature, ever fweet, 
 And kindly tempered. Come then to rny Bofom, 
 And mare its warmeft love. Tell me, my Rutland, 
 Is it not pity that fo brave a man, 
 So form'd for gallant acls, and upright honour, 
 That Eflex mould be falfe, mould prove a traytor ? 
 And goaded by ambition, mould attempt 
 The fceptre of his queen , to whom he owes 
 A countlefs debt of favours ; by whom raifed 
 Beyond a fubjedl'S'ftate, he proudly now 
 Would grafp the crown, which feems within his 
 reach. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 It cannot be, it is impoflible ; 
 The foul of Effex is above fuch bafenefs, 
 Such black ingratitude. Ah ! royal miftrcfs ! 
 Had you but heard him, on the breath of praife 
 Lift up the exalted name of England's queen, 
 As I have often heard him ! - 
 
 E E N. 
 
 - - Say'ft thou Rutland, 
 
 Haft thou heard Eflex talk of me ? 
 
 R U T L A N D. 
 
 - Of you ? 
 
 He owns no other theme. In courts I grant 
 He is no minion, but a foldier bold, 
 And jealous of his honour : but when his truth 
 Is free to heaven, and honeft ears, 'tis then 
 He vents the fwell of gratitude, and tunes 
 His words to loyalty, his voice to love. 
 
 D 2 Your
 
 36 The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 Your acls,^ your laws, your virtues, and your beau- 
 ties, 
 
 Your every excellence of mind and perfon, 
 Vary his numbers thro' a ceafelefs round 
 Of untir'd praife ; and all is of his miftrefs, 
 And all of England's virgin majefty, 
 And all is full of you. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Indeed my Rutland, 
 
 I would fain hope that Effex ftill is honeft : 
 
 But then he's fo ungovern'd, ram, fo headftrong, 
 
 Nor law, nor duty hold him : I do fear, 
 
 I greatly fear, with fafety to my fame, 
 
 I may no more protect him. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 ~ Not protect him ! 
 
 By th i bright flar of mercy in your foul, 
 
 That mines on the diftreft Oh fay you not 
 
 That he is honed ? Yes he ftill is loyal, 
 
 Faithful, and firm : the virgin light of heaven 
 
 E're yet it mingles with our grofier elements, 
 
 Is not more pure. O will you not remember 
 
 His worth, his truth, his toils, and his atchieve- 
 
 ments ? 
 
 A wond'rous ftory all ! high deeds of fame 
 That gird the crown of England's queen with glory. 
 His valour too ! his valour royal madam ! 
 It foils the heroes of romance : a name 
 So formidable to the foes of Britain, 
 It fpares our Englifh hoft, and of itfelf 
 Difcomfits armies. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Ha ! this heat is more 
 
 Than friendfhip's warmth ; 'tis from a ftronger fire 
 She loves him Aye, 'tis fo And is herfelf 
 Too lovely ! wretched chance ! What have I done ? 
 
 Juft
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 37 
 
 Juft conjur'd up a fecond ftorm to wreck me. 
 Leave me. {Exit Rutland. 
 
 Enter CECIL, RALEIGH, NOTTING- 
 HAM, fcfr. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 May it pleafe your majefty, my lord of Eflex, 
 Return'd by your command, entreats admittance. 
 C^U E E N. 
 
 Let him appear. 
 
 Now queen of Britain, now fupport thy ftate ! 
 Now guard thy treacherous heart, but for this once, 
 Againft its dear, its infolent controuler, 
 And fear no future foe Come hither Nottingham. 
 
 Enter ESSEX, and SOUTHAMPTON, 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Before I plead my caufe, permit me thus, 
 Moft gracious miftrefs, thus in due proftration, 
 To pay my grateful thanks, for this laft favour 
 In granting me a hearing ; that once ended, 
 To my queen's juftice I fubmit my life, 
 And what is dearer to me far, my honour : 
 Implicitly to your tribunal bow, 
 Humbly prepar'd, and equally refign'd 
 To either fentence. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 My lords, what fuppliant's this ? Can this be he, 
 Our late imperious fubjecl: ? He, who holds 
 A ftaff of independence, and a ftate 
 That fcorns to yield to our fupremacy ? 
 O, thefe are gallant acts ! and well become 
 The boafted name of our all conquering Eflex ! 
 
 D 3 Who
 
 3 8 The EARL' of ES SE X. 
 Who bravely turns his courage on his queen ; 
 But where his duty calls him to the combat, 
 Can coolly condefcend to terms of peace, 
 And gentle treaty. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Is it come to this ? 
 
 To be a term of ridicule, and mockery, 
 Where moft I would be priz'd ? caft by my Queen 
 To public fcorn,and mean contempt? Then Eflex 
 Then art thou fallen indeed ! Why this, my miftrcfs ? 
 Are there not chains, and dungeons ; blocks, and axes ? 
 Thefe had been fitter inftruments of royalty, 
 
 And done a nobler juftice on your ibldier 
 
 I think your majefty was pleas'd to fpeak 
 Touching fomc treaty, as a charge againft me 
 Of ibmething criminal. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Yes, with Tyrone, 
 
 Your parley ; and your truce Difcharge thofe ftains, 
 Your covert articles with England's rebels. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Alas, how foon pretences may be found 
 To make the envy'd fall Of treaty Yes 
 I do avow it. Am not I your general ? 
 Impower'd for war, for peace, to treat, to fight. 
 Levy, difband, to punim, and to pardon. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 And fliould the mighty Eflex have confin'd 
 Thefe powers to peace alone, even when rebellion 
 Led forth his hofts, and dar'd him to the combat? 
 Whilft he 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Shrunk like a coward Is't not fo ? Ha! madam ! 
 
 Eflex, and cowardice !-4et thofc ftand forth 
 
 Who
 
 The EARL of ES SEX. 39 
 
 Who dar'd to march them Ask your minifiers 
 Why they withtld my army from the North, 
 By keeping back my due recruits, and fubfidies. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 You grow too bold You are cali'd here to plead, 
 Not to impeach Your army was fufficient. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 No, royal madam, it was not fufficlent 
 To war with heaven, to fight againfl Omnipotence ! 
 It was confum'd with fevers, and difeafes ; 
 For Eficx could have rVar'd no other foe*. 
 There's not a cafuift in Rome's artful fchool, 
 Or Cecil's darker council, vvho can mark 
 The flighted lapfe of duty in your fcrvant ; 
 And mall he not retaliate, mall he not 
 Unwind the fubtlc clue, which leads his Queen 
 To cruel farcafm, and unjuft reftntmcnt. 
 
 O U E E N. 
 Unjuft, and cruel ! hold no more I charge you! 
 
 E S: S E X. 
 
 Notfpeak, not fpeak ! madam, f am your fubjecl ; 
 The world contains not one more dutedus ; yee 
 Here I muft not be filent Thoughts to (laves, 
 But fpeech to Britons Yes I will aflert it, 
 The freedom of my native land, tho' death 
 Did crofs me to the teeth A criminal' SeBarM 
 His priviledge to plead ! 'tis evident - 
 My life's confpir'd, my glories all traduc'd ; 
 Thefe bofom'd fnakes, and ear-informing fycophants 
 Gape for my plenteous heirfhip -, even my Queen 
 Foredooms her fubjecl:, and gives up her foldier, 
 A facrifice to faction. 
 
 D 4 q_U E E N.
 
 40 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Oh, he'il be loft ! Undo himfelf, and me ! 
 Whar, I confpire, traduce, foredoom thy fentence ! 
 Know, thou proud wretch, thou haft no other friend : 
 Thou who art fo obfervant ! who didft fpurn 
 My orders, letters, meflages But hold, 
 Beware how thou doft fhake my wrongs too much, 
 Left they fall thick, and heavy on thy head. 
 Rafh fool, and undifcerning ; Yet thus far 
 I do forgive thee ; pardon thee that life, 
 I did confpire But for thy offices 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 ' I throw them at your feet and proud indeed 
 
 To be acquitted of all debt to majefty ! 
 Now give them up to cowards, courtiers, parafites ; 
 And d-ub them champions ; in whofe doughty guar- 
 dian fhip 
 
 Your Effex can't be mifs'd : whilft he is banifh'd, 
 And bears no mark of royal gratitude. 
 But wounds for toils, for dangers ignominy, 
 And fufferings for allegiance : haply lent 
 To defarts, or to herd with favages 
 There he may find more equity, and honour, 
 Than in the faith of princes. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 . My lord, my lord ! 
 
 Recall your temper. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 The audacious traytor ! 
 
 ESSEX 
 
 Traytor! ha, traytor ! yes, bccaufe I fenc'd 
 
 Your throne , this breaft, this fcarr'd breaft ftill its bul- 
 wark i 
 
 For
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 4 t 
 
 For covering England with my fpreading laurels, 
 Whilft your fafe fubjects flept beneath the fhade ; 
 For humbling Spain, your proud, and dreaded rival, 
 And wafting all their India to your Thames ; 
 For building up the fame of England's Queen 
 So high, it flames a beacon to the world. 
 Said 1 your fame ? Your life your life kind miftrefs ! 
 For faying that, and cutting bold Northumberland, 
 And hoftile. Weilmoreland, fhort by the head : 
 
 This did the faithlefs, and degraded EfTex 
 
 But I'll remove the traytor from your fight. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Hold, Sir 
 
 Go not without reward \_Strikeshim. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Death ! hell ! from whence ? my Queen- 
 
 {Half draws bis fword. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 What would the villain ? 
 
 Dares he attempt my life ? 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Ram woman ! 
 
 Were you a man, you durft not Your hot father, 
 Bold Harry, durft not rifque it. What talk I 
 Ot Harries ? not young Ammon, as whofe nod 
 The fervile Earth fell proftrate, had furviv'd 
 To boaft this defperatedeed. 
 
 'CLU E E N. 
 
 May the mark fbick like Cain's, for thy rebellion ! 
 Thou madding wretch, untam'd, and dangerous ever. 
 I give there up I will no more againft 
 Thy own outrageous lolly, ftrive to fave thee. 
 
 Like
 
 up The EARL of E S S E X. 
 
 Like thy laft hopes, I leave thee to the ftings 
 Of guilt and defperation now caft forth, 
 Unpitied and unbleft of earth, and heaven, 
 And thy too partial queen. 
 
 [Exeunt all but EfTex ^^Southampton. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 What have you done ? ruin'd yourfelf and friends 
 By your high carriage. Fly, my lord, yet fly, 
 Follow the Queen, intreat, implore her pardon. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Away! The fpot of infamy is on me ! 
 The blow has fir'd my foul, and all within, 
 Is deafning uproar Never 'till this hour 
 Was EfTex fit for treafons, cruel joys, 
 And glutting horrors ! Get thee hence, Southampton, 
 For I'm "the tumbling of a thoufmd towers, 
 Ruins that threaten far, to involve all 
 Who fap, or prop, within a like perdition. 
 
 SOUTH-AM FT ON. 
 
 >r L c- -ii j 
 
 I rear no rum, when my friend s in danger j 
 If thou muft fall, thou fhalt not fall alone: 
 Southampton never will forfake his Efifex, 
 But fhare his acjverfe, as his prosperous fortune, 
 Away then, let us fly this dang'rous place. 
 
 . 
 
 E O s, A . . 
 
 Aye, there thou fay'ft, my friend, avoid all courts, 
 
 The bane of native dignity, and greatnefs. 
 
 But fhall it be ? Shall drones, and wafps alone 
 
 Devour the treafur'd fweets of all the land, 
 
 And drive the .bees from their long-labour'd manfion ? 
 
 No let us purge, or overturn the hive 
 
 There yet, is feeling yet is fire in England! 
 
 I'll
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 43 
 
 I'll to the flreets, the city, wake, alarm, 
 And kindle every fpark of flumb ? ring virtue : 
 Rouze ev'ry Briton to his country's call, 
 And in her freedom (land, or perifli in her fall. 
 
 [Exeunt, 
 
 The END of the THIRD ACT, 
 
 ACT
 
 44 The EARL of E S S E X. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Enter federally CECIL and N O T T I N G- 
 HAM. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 HA ! Cecil welj and is he, is he taken ? 
 CECIL. 
 
 Joy ! joy ! my Nottingham he's funk for ever, 
 Caught in the very aft of broad rebellion : 
 Eflex is fall'n, no more to rife. No more 
 Shall politicians fet the gins of fcate, 
 Or nets of circumvention -, for the lion, 
 In his blind rage has rum'd upon the toil, 
 Where he may roar, and tear, and gnafh in vain^ 
 But never fhall get free. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Oh, it o'erjoys me, 
 
 Feeds the keen hunger of my vengeful foul, 
 To fee this pride, this infolence of manhood, 
 This fcorner hurl'd down from his dazzling height \ 
 To fee him drop with all his train of glory, 
 And vanifh in the dud Ha ! Cecil. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Hold, 
 
 The Queen, if poffible conceal your tranfport. 
 
 Enter
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 45 
 
 Enter QJJ E E N and Attendants. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 What is he crufh'd ? This trampler on authority ; 
 The lofcy one ! and is he fall'n ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 He is - 
 
 Thanks to the facred power who guards yourma- 
 jefty ! 
 
 E E N. 
 
 Then he is humbled at the laft This proud one ! 
 The manner of it Cecil ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 - When the earl 
 
 Withdrew from court, all mad, and chaf'd with paf- 
 
 fion, 
 
 He hurried to his houfe -, and feverally 
 Summoned the friends in whom he moft confided. 
 A num'rous band they were of lawlefs fpirits, 
 Whofe joy is riot, and whofe hopes take fire 
 From the wild fpark of dazling novelty, 
 And gainful revolution. In their council 
 It was refolved, Southampton Ihould attend 
 To form the numbers who were yet expected ; 
 While the arch rebel march'd, as he did boaft, 
 To raife the city. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 What my faithful citizens ! 
 Could he hope that ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 - He did ; and as he pafs'd, 
 The vulgar, ever eager of events, 
 
 Pour'd in from every fide, and fwell'd the concourfe. 
 
 To
 
 46 The E A R L of E S S E X, 
 
 To right, to left he bended, and as one 
 
 Train'd to the Areopagus of old, 
 
 Or Rome's prevailing roitrum, with fmooth aft 
 
 Of mute emotion, thro' the diftant eye, 
 
 He fought to reach the heart. To all around, 
 
 His voice now funk, now rais'd to exclamation, 
 
 Appealing to the wifdom of the mob, 
 
 Againfl ftate policy , much did he talk 
 
 Of crowns begirt with' evil counfellors ; 
 
 Of truft mifplac'd Good monarch's, but mifled 
 
 By wicked minifters Stale topicks all ; 
 
 Yet thefe will glofs, and colour every caufe, 
 
 While man mall kick at government He then 
 
 Defcended tohimfelf; fpoke piteoufly 
 
 Of fuff'ring virtue , number'd o'er his wrongs, 
 
 And counted every fear ; the time, the place, 
 
 The peril too of each ; all borne he faid 
 
 For them, and for their Children : then he wept* 
 
 And they wept too, foft fouls ! as tho' each galh 
 
 Had bled anew. 
 
 E E N. 
 
 Alas ! I wonder not, 
 
 That fight had melted even his queen. to pity. 
 
 Proceed 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 The earl perceiving in their eye 
 The work of paffion Straight he cry*d, arm, arm ! 
 ( For truth, for liberty ! arm ye my friends ! 
 Off 4vith your galling riders ! down oppreflion ! 
 If not for Effex, for your felves, your fons, 
 Your lateft iffue ! what are you to feel, 
 If me they fpare not ? what muft 'fall the fold, 
 When their great guardian's murder'd ? Here he 
 
 paus'd : 
 
 But none reply'd , for tho' his mournful ftory 
 Had filled their hearts wich ibrrow, yet the clofe 
 Bore fuch a frightful face of dangerous treafon, 
 
 That
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 47 
 
 That terror foon fucceeded One flunk off, 
 
 Another 'follow'd ; 'till all foft and filent, 
 Like fnovv they melted from his fide. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 How then ? 
 
 How look'd the rebel left alone ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 At once 
 
 Fear, guilt, and difappointment, rufh'd upon him ; 
 
 Amaz'd he haften'd where his barge attended, 
 
 And reach'd his houfe by water, at the tims 
 
 "When your brave troops had forc'd the outward gate, 
 
 And made Southampton, . and his faction prisoners : 
 
 Then might you fee the indignant rebel cad 
 
 A look of defperadon at high heaven, 
 
 As one renouncing hope -, forth flew his fword 
 
 As he would ruih on death , but fore begirt 
 
 At length he yielded to ignoble hands, 
 
 And clos'd the tale of EfTex. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 * 1 once hop'd 
 
 His morning fun, that brightned as he rofe, 
 Might alfo fet with equal rays of honour. 
 Where is the earl ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Under a fufficient guard 
 
 In order for his fending to the Tower. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 Ha ! order'd to the Tower, whofe orders, fir r 
 
 CECIL. 
 Madam, the earls are yet without. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 'Tis well 
 
 To prifon with Southampton But for EfTex, 
 
 rn
 
 48 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 I'll fee him e'er he goes : let him appear 
 
 And all withdraw. 
 
 [Exeunt all but the queen; 
 Heavens ! what a fcene is this ? 
 
 How mall I bear it ? Be compos'd my heart ! 
 
 Can that be Eflex ?- The diftreft, 'the fall'n, 
 
 The forlorn Eflex ! What a ftate hears ! 
 
 Still undiminim'd, (till himfelf- 1 - A way 
 
 "With pomp, and borrow'd luftre then ; true greatnefs 
 
 Shall build a feat of lovelier majefty, 
 
 With Eflex, and misfortune. 
 
 Enter ESSEX. 
 
 Eflex it is not thus we fhould have met 
 
 You ought to know it is not I did hope< 
 
 But 'tis no matter You may fpeak, my lord. 
 If you have ought to offer. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 Nothing, madam. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 'Tis well, and yet perhaps 'twere better, fir, 
 You'd think again Our meetings fhan't be frequent. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 It might have been your majefty's good pleafure 
 To fpare ev'n this I fought it not. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 1 know it 
 
 Ungrateful man, I know it But I hold 
 No longer parley with thee It is finifh'd 
 Thou everlafting troubler of my quiet, 
 Soon, foon we mail be both at peace. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 Enough 
 
 I have my death, and you your with 
 
 Q^U L E N.
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 49 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 1 EiTcx ! 
 
 I wifh thy death ! you knowBut let me calmly 
 Demand of thee, what was it that could tempt thee, 
 To court, invite, and pull down on thine head 
 A ruin fo reluctant ? To o'erbear 
 All law, all order ? 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Is that yet to learn ? 
 
 When every packet brought me frefh advices 
 Of the malicious plottings of my foes ; 
 Yet I could o'erlook that, fecure in innocence, 
 Could wait my time : but when I found my Queen 
 Had liften'd to their tales , under her hand 
 Confirm'd, foon as I faw that doubts and jealoufies 
 
 Were deeply rooted I no longer paus'd 
 
 Law, order, even your own injunctions then 
 Were but as chaff before the wind ; I flew 
 To fee with my own eyes if k were true, 
 That I had loft your favour That once gone, 
 The animating foul of all my hopes, 
 The end of all my thoughts, and all my actions , 
 The world had nothing in^ it worth my care, 
 And life or death were equally indifferent. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Was that the motive ? why was not I inform'd ? 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Inform'd ! which way ? Was I once heard, regarded : 
 When proftrate I implor'd my Queen to hear me, 
 Was me not cold, and deaf, as thawlefs ice, 
 Or ears of adamant P Rejected, fpurn'd, 
 Caft to the rav'ning jaws of my purfuers, 
 Like the lone pard, I was at length compell'd 
 To turn upon my hunters. But had Elfex, 
 Had EfTex been the traytor he is deem'd, 
 
 E He
 
 50 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 He had not fmgly fac'd a hoft of foes, 
 But led up troops, inur'd to victory 
 Beneath his banner, to a man'prepar'd 
 To fight, or fall for EflTex. 
 
 E E N. 
 
 * - There is fome weight 
 
 In that, and 1 would fain believe your motive 
 "Was fuch as you declare Yet, Eflex, Effex I 
 Oh thy rafh pride ! if thou had'ft condefcended 
 But to the light appearance of reproof, 
 From thy kind Queen - . 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 - Appearance, Madam ? 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 And when I would have colour'd to the world 
 Subftantial favour, with a fhcw of chiding 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 A fhew of chiding ! O my gracious miftrefs, 
 Did you >not hate me ? Did you not indeed 
 Abhor, deteft your foldier ? 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 i No, too well - 
 
 Too well I lov'd thee, proud, unbending man ! 
 
 Could I have hated thee, I had been happy. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Ha ! Lightning blaft me firft !" my Queen in tears I 
 E E N. 
 
 Away thou hot, thou undifeerning EiTex ! 
 Could'it thou not truft a friendmip, that had flood 
 Firm as th' irrevocable doom of fate, 
 Acrainft thy enemies ? their daily murmurs, 
 All their loud plaints, petitions, and impeachments 
 
 Dafh'd
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 51 
 
 Dafh'd back with indignation on the front 
 
 Of thy accufers Might not fuch a friend 
 
 Expecl fome fmall conceffion ? Did'ft thou grant it ? 
 
 Did'ft thou not ftand in haughty oppofition ? 
 
 Fly to the city, levy cruel war 
 
 Againft thy Queen, againft thy kind protector ? 
 
 Who could almoft have pray'd for thy fuccefs, 
 
 Altho 3 her crown, altho' her life perhaps, 
 
 Had been the barbarous forfeit. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 * O my miftrefs ! 
 
 You have undone me Your o'erpow'ring goodnefs 
 Has crufh'd my heart I fee my folly now, 
 My crime broad flaring in my face- O wretch, 
 Blind wretch ! Yet let me not be charg'd 
 Beyond my proper guilt The weight of that 
 Alone will overwhelm me. It was pride, 
 Unparallei'd prefumption, arrogance 
 Beyond example But your crown ! Your life ! 
 Toattempt thofe Ono In all the wilds 
 Of frenzy, fuch a thought could never enter 
 This loyal bofom. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Fain would I believe 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Believej ah, royal madam, can you doubt it ? 
 By the dread fecrets of that unknown world, 
 To which your fervant haftens, no His thoughts 
 Ne'er aim'd at fuch damnation- Then Even then 
 When I did think your hatred of your Effex 
 Rofe to a hoftile loathing I had then 
 Laid down my life to purchafe to my Queen, 
 Accefs of days, and honour. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 O ! no more 
 
 Enough, my foldier I have been to blame j 
 
 E 2 We
 
 52 The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 We both have err'd, miftaking each the other. 
 Fatal miftake ! how can it be repair'd ? 
 What's to be done ? 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Nothing for me, my frenzy 
 Has borne me far beyond the bounds, beyond 
 The reach of mercy : I muft die - 
 Your fame, your peace, your future welfare, all 
 Demand this facrifice, and I will go 
 A willing victim ; *tis the only way 
 To expiate my crime. Yet e're I fall 
 Thus on my knee let me implore 
 
 ^ E E N. ^ 
 -- Rife Eflex, 
 I cannot fee you thus. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 -- -Permit me, madam ! 
 
 The hour's at hand, when all you fee of EfTex, 
 
 Shall be reftor'd to duft ; fay, my bleft miflrefs, 
 
 Say, if my blood may wafh my ftains away ? 
 
 Will you then drop your heavenly pardon down 
 
 Upon the guilt, and folly of your Eflex ? 
 
 And when forgot by others, may he hope 
 
 To find fome place within his Queen's remembrance t 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 I cannot fpeak to this down fwelling heart ! 
 May heaven beftow on both, a pardon free ' 
 And full, as that which now I grant to thee. 
 Can Eflex too forgive his Queen the blow, 
 Her ralhnefs gave him. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 - 'Tis too much ! Too much 
 
 This condefcenfion ! 'tis a cruel goodnefs, 
 
 It pierces to my foul, 
 
 QJJ E E N
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 53 
 
 CLU E E N. 
 
 * Our time is mort 
 
 Soon will the lords, your judges be afiembled 
 For life, or death You (land upon the brink ! 
 I fear I would do much 'Tis true my fame 
 Is dear The pleafure of my people too, 
 
 .'Tis peril unto both Yet EfTex Yet 
 
 I cannot fee thee loft Here is my gage 
 Take it, and with it take my royal word, 
 That whenfoever you return this ring, 
 Whate'er be your requeft, it mall be granted, 
 To my crown's value. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 On my knee I take it- 
 
 A radiant token, like the fhowery bow, 
 When firft the patriarch hail'd it in the heavens \ 
 Blefs'd envoy of divinity appear'd, 
 And grace to wayward man ! 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Farewel ! Who waits ? 
 
 Enter Lieutenant of the tfower. 
 
 There take your pris'ner hence, and guard him fafe, 
 Until his hour of trial. 
 
 [Exeunt E S S EX and lieutenant. 
 
 Now I feel 
 
 My heart more eafy, all may yet be well. 
 
 Enter RUTLAND and Ladies. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 Where is my Queen ? Where is my royal miftrefs ? 
 Yet hold Recall your fentence At your feet 
 I throw myfelf for mercy Mercy ! 
 
 g 3 QJJ E E N.
 
 5 4 The E AP.L of ESSEX. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 Ha ! What do'ft thou mean ? 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 Q ! never will I rife, 
 
 But here take root, the very plant of forrow, 
 'Till you will hear, and grant j 'till I've implor'd, 
 Obtain'd my full petition. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 This is frenzy ! 
 
 Thou do'ft amaze me Rutland Rife. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 No, no. 
 
 Thus will I kneel, and weep, hold for ever ; 
 Cling to your feet, incumber all your fteps, 
 For pity- 'Till you do relent -For pardon ! 
 Pity, and pardon ! 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 Quick, declare your meaning. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 I fear And yet I muft The worft is filence 
 
 "Will you then promife ? Will you then prepare ? 
 It is a itory that may ftart your patience. 
 
 My lord Your fervant Your ill-fated foldier 
 
 Ycur Efiex Save him Save him ! 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 Ha! what fald'ft thou? 
 
 O my prophetic foul ! Is't thy concern ? 
 How? Wherefore? ' 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 rSavchim! 
 
 :>ave my |c4| lard Your Liicx -Save his hie, 
 
 And lave the life of Rutland O ! he is 
 
 He is my hu Pound 
 
 QJJ E E N,
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 55 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Heavens ! thy hufband ! 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 , Yes : 
 
 A dear, a fatal name it is. 1 fee it, 
 
 By the dread fpark that quickens in your eye, 
 We were in fecret married, a fhort while 
 Before my haplefs lord fee out for Ireland, 
 On his laft expedition. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 Serpents ! vipers ! 
 
 My curfe it is to bofom fuch alone ! 
 
 And all my foft'rings, all my nourifiiments, 
 
 Are paid me back in poifon Married ! married ! 
 
 Then thou art wedded to thy death. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 . -My death ! 
 
 Alas ! that's nothing ; would my death appeafe you 
 
 His life is all I afk O royal madam ! 
 
 You cannot know You never had a hufband ; 
 
 You cannot feel how dreadful are the terrors, 
 The agonizing pangs of a fond wife, 
 Who fears to lofe the hufband of her heart, 
 J-Ier firft, her only love ! 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 O ! I am rack'd ! 
 
 Off, off! I fay with thofe detefled hands ! 
 RUTLAND 
 
 I will not, cannot E're you caft me from you, 
 
 Think, feel, how I am torn-r-My throbbing heart, 
 My frantic pulfes, how they ftart, and beat, 
 To break their limits My affrighted infant 
 Who know no guilt, yet trembles at your fury, 
 And ftarts, as confcious of his father's danger. 
 
 4 QJJEEN.
 
 56 The EARL of ESSEX.' 
 
 QJU E E N. 
 
 Quick, tear her from me- Drag her from my 
 
 fight 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 O if you are woman, born of woman Firft 
 Say but that he mall live- Shall he not live ? 
 My love, my Eficx, my life's lord. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 Why am not I obey'd ? Hence Tear her hence - 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 Oh, thefe inhumane creatures ! I'm too weak, 
 My laft of ftrength forfakes me, and I fink 
 Into'defpair's deep gulph. 
 
 ,Q^U E E N. 
 
 Be that thy portion ! 
 
 May comfort never find thee ! may thy offspring, 
 If it mould fee the light, prove a frefh fource 
 Of torment to thee May we never meet ! 
 Be our appointments wide as pole from pole, 
 Nor let that hated afped mock me more. 
 
 [Exit Queen. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 Yet flay, return And Rutland fhall aflift 
 
 To frame new curfes on herfelf She's gone 
 
 His doom is feal'd He dies Then welcome all, 
 The blacker! plagues, that ever clung to mifery ! 
 May woes, on woes be heap'd, 'till the full meafure 
 Overwhelm my foul, arid crum me into reft. 
 
 [Exit, 
 
 ; ThcENDofthe FOURTH ACT.
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 57 
 
 rgS*^#*^<^(^ 
 
 A C T V. 
 
 SCENE, /&? Tower. 
 
 > 
 
 C E C J L, <HW/ Lieutenant of the Tower. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 IF you regard your prefent place, or hope 
 For any future favour, to a moment you will 
 Obferve my orders. 
 
 LIEUTENANT. 
 JMoft religioufly. 
 
 Enter NOTTINGHAM, 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Sir, by her Majefty's command, I bring 
 A meffage to my lord of EfTex. 
 
 LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Madam, 
 
 I mall acquaint my lord. 
 
 C E- C I L. 
 
 How's this, my Nottingham ? 
 
 To Efiex from the Queen, and you the mefTenger ? 
 Is me not yet refolved ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Not fix'd a moment. 
 Firft when me heard the traytor was condemn'd, 
 
 She
 
 5$ The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 She flatted, and her colour turn'd to milk ; 
 
 Then blufhing, fcarlet deep, fhe flrove to hide 
 
 Her inward tumult ; thank'd the lords his judges, 
 
 And bad that execution mould be fpeedy. 
 
 But paufing faid, upon a farther thought, 
 
 She'd wait to hear if yet the criminal 
 
 Had aught to offer Then retir'd, and pafs'd 
 
 An hour in private Sent in hade to call me ; 
 
 Bid me draw near, look'd wiftfully upon me, 
 
 And will'd me to convey her laft of mefTages, 
 
 To ruin'd EfTex Let him know, faid fhe, 
 
 I can no longel^bar the preffing claims 
 
 Of juftice on him Yet if he has reafons 
 
 That are of weight to ftay his execution, 
 
 Let him deliver them by you Then blufh'd ; 
 
 Breatli'd a (hort figh, and preffing clofe my hand, 
 
 Enjoin'd me to be fecret, and return 
 
 With fpeed and privacy, whatever Efiex 
 
 Should give in anfwer. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Ha ! this covert rnefTage, 
 
 I like it not Would heaven the deed were done | 
 Aye then but now 'tis doubtful working all, 
 And curs'd fufpenfion. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Cecil, do not fear, 
 
 But I mall render a well-pleafing ifllie 
 Of this fame interview with my beloved ! 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 There reft my hopes ; ftate policy already 
 Hath fpent its fhafts, and waits the mafter ftroke 
 From your fuperior genius. I will hence 
 With Raleigh to the Queen, and ilrive to fix 
 Her wavering mind. 
 
 [Exit Cecil. 
 
 N O T-
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 59 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Come now revenge, thou idol 
 Of flighted woman ! Come, and ftecl my breaft 
 Againft all fenfe of pity, or remorfe. 
 
 Enter ESSEX. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Fair vifitant, to whom may Eflex ftand 
 Indebted for this grace ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Chiefly, my lord, 
 
 To the Queen's majefty ; and fome fmall matter 
 To one who loving well, tho' moft unhappily, 
 Has not yet learn'd entirely to erafe 
 The fond impreflion. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 * Your reproof is gentle 
 
 Were Rutland to be born, I muft admit 
 All hearts had then been Nottingham's. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Your pardon 
 
 No more of hearts I pray but for your friendfhip, 
 I will difpute it even with her who claims 
 Pofleflion of your heart The Queen, my lord, 
 Commends the value of her pity to you -, 
 And kindly afks if you have ought to offer 
 In mitigation of your fentence ? 
 
 ESSEX. 
 Nothing. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Some light exception, touching law, or form -, 
 Apparent malice in the profecution ; 
 Error of judgment but the flighteft hinge, 
 Whereon to hang her mercy. 
 
 ESSEX.
 
 60 The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Not the flighteft 
 
 Tell her, moft fair, and charitable meflenger, 
 My courfe of tryal has been free and equal ? 
 I ftand felfcenfur'd in my guiltinefs : 
 And mercy what in mercy may enfue, 
 Is all her own, unpleaded. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 . How, my lord, 
 
 No more than fo ? this cannot, muft not be. 
 The appointed time is on you ; this fhort hour 
 May feal your doom O let me beg, implore you, 
 As if for my own life, to ufe the means 
 
 Are left you to preferve yourfelf, your friend 
 
 Say, have you not a farther plea ? you hefitate- 
 
 A farther caufe for hope ? You have, I know it-~ 
 Intruft me with it ; by yon heaven I fwear, 
 I will not leave the Queen 'till fhe has granted 
 My utmoft wifh. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 I have not merited 
 
 This kind concern ; but yet your generous warmth 
 
 Demands my confidence. Behold this fignet! 
 
 It is a talifman, and bears a charm, 
 
 By royal breath infus'd, of ,pow'r to fave 
 
 Ev'n from the jaws of death. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 O let me catch it 
 
 That I may fly 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Hold, generous fair one ! firft 
 Hear my requeft prefent this to the jQueen 
 From dying EfTex Say her dying Effex 
 Adjures her by the virtue of this ring, 
 To fave his friend, to fpare Southampton's life, 
 And he {hall fall content. 
 
 NOT-
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. or 
 
 NOTTINGHAM.; 
 
 flint not thus 
 
 The royal bounty Do not circumfcribe 
 The bounds of mercy By the lame requeft, 
 By the fame breath, a life more precious far 
 May be preferv'd it muft it fhall. 
 
 E S S E X. 
 
 I dare not 
 
 Urge fuch a fuit Yet if my gracious miftrefs 
 Still thinks me worth preferring, I am not 
 So weary of the world, but I would take 
 The boon with grateful heart, and live to thank her. 
 But O, be fure you urge my other fuit ; 
 Save my Southampton's life, let him not fall 
 A victim to my crimes Alas ! he knows 
 No guilt, but friendfhip. So may confcious peace 
 Sweeten your days, and brighten your laft moments. 
 
 [Exit Efiex. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Now he is mine ! at lead in deatrTmy own, 
 
 For ever feal'd ; tho' not for love's light rapture, 
 
 For hatred, full as joyous deeper far, 
 
 And more enduring. Now to take him fudden, 
 
 When the full tide returning fraught with hope, 
 
 Lifts him elate To plunge him down at once 
 
 To the eternal bottom This, aye this 
 
 Alone can fatiate 'Tis the luxury 
 
 Of eager-ey'd revenge. The Queen no matter 
 
 1 am prepar'd be but my vengeance fafe, 
 And for the reft, events are equal all. 
 
 Enter the QUEEN. 
 
 QUEEN. 
 Well, my dear Nottingham, haft feen the earl ? 
 
 N O T-
 
 62 The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Madam, I have. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 I could not be at peace within my palace, 
 For crowds that urg'd petitions in his favour. 
 Well, and what pafs'd ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Madam- - 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 Say - . 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 E E N. 
 Madam I wim* -What mean'ft thou ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 I wifli your majefly had fpar'd your fervant 
 This Jingle office. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 Why ? - 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 I had not been 
 The unwelcome bearer of ungrateful tydirigs. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 Inform me quick ungrateful tydings fay'ft thou ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 O, on my knees I beg, my royal miftrefs, 
 You would enquire no farther. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 Thou dofl amaze me ! 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 You lately held me for an enemy 
 To this brave man, and ftill may think me apt 
 To mifmterpret - 
 
 QJJ E E N.
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 63 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 No, I will believe thee. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 He's here at hand Your majefty in perfbn 
 May now inform yourfelf - 
 
 E E N. 
 
 No more, I charge you - 
 Be full, and fpeedy Give me up the whole 
 Of what has pafs'd. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 I muft obey you then- - 
 And yet I fear When firft the earl appeared 
 He wore a kind of haughty diicontent, 
 That leem'd to mock misfortune ; fcarce he deign'd 
 To note that I was prefent. 
 
 Q^U E E N. 
 
 - What, fo high ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Yet not ungraceful. Greatly I deplor'd 
 The precipice to which mifdeeming error, 
 Or accident had led him bid him yet 
 Not to defpond for much was in the power 
 Of royal pity Then I minded him 
 Of your paft favours All his honours, offices, 
 Your late fupport againft his powerful foes, 
 And this laft act of your divine companion, 
 That would not let him finally be loft, 
 But fentyour fpecial le r van t to con-cert 
 The means of fafety to him. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 - Then he did melt. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Let me fcop here for fure fuch height of pride, 
 In one of lefs exalted qualities, 
 
 Were
 
 64 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 Were not to be endur'd Still as I fpoke, 
 Pie look'd, and mov'd, and turn'd, and chang'd im- 
 patient ; 
 
 Favours ! he cry'd, what favours ? pofts of danger, 
 And empty titles for efTcntial fervice : 
 ' Yes me has well avow'd her grace to EfTex, , 
 In all her public feoffs, and open infults, 
 Laid as a fubtle train to fire my temper 
 To ads obnoxious to the law ; and then 
 Her jury of pack'd peers, and this fmooth mefiagc 
 To lull me to the laft. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Hold, Nottingham 
 
 O, he's the mod accurs'd for deep ingratitude, 
 That e'er prov'd falfe to friendmip- Tell me, Not- 
 tingham, 
 
 I can no longer wait the tedious preface- 
 Say, did he claim no mercy at our hands ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 Not any, madam. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 Spoke he of no pledge ? 
 No obligation that I had to fave him ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 No, on my honour. 
 
 QUEEN. 
 
 By thy hopes of mercy, 
 
 Anfwer as at the laft tremendous bar-* 
 No pledge, no token, lent he not a ring ? 
 Look at me,, and reply ; did he not fend 
 A ring in anfwer ? 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 You amaze me, madam ! 
 
 I'm quite to feek in this What ring ? what token ? 
 
 Had
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 65 
 
 Had you but told me, had your majefty 
 Once hinted fuch a thing, I had requir'd it. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 O, I am choak'd ! he pulls his own deftruction 
 In his blind fury on himfelf. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Alas, 
 
 Tokens of mercy ! he difclaim'd the offer : 
 fie faid, he wou'd no more of royal mercy ! 
 Such as was fhewn to Rutland, to his wife -, 
 As tho' the Britifh breed of noble bloods, 
 Were (laves for pride tofpurn. 
 
 QUEEN. 
 No more, no more 
 
 I'm all on fire This fever of the blood, 
 It thirfts to death ! Who waits ? 
 
 Enter CECIL and RALEIGH. 
 
 My lords, 
 
 See fpeedy execution done on Effex- 
 
 I have determined not to quit the Tower, 
 While he is mafter of his head Lord Cecil, 
 Do you and Raleigh fee it done. 
 
 [Exeunt Queen and Nottingham. 
 RALEIGH. 
 
 Think you, my lord, how long a woman's will, 
 Altho* the firft, and foremoft of her lex, 
 May hold its purpofe ? 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 If a fav'rite point 
 
 Mayhap, an hour or fo , therefore the half 
 
 hall now fuffice us Raleigh Who attends ? 
 
 F Enter
 
 66 The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 Enter an Officer. 
 
 Bid the lieutenant have his pris'ners ready. 
 
 [Exit Officer. 
 
 Now we may hope for funny days in England, 
 When this all-covering cloud is overpaft ; 
 Whofe greatncfs did imbibe the beams of majefly, 
 Nor fuffer'd ought to pafs but by tranfmifilon 
 Thro' its own radiant ikirts. 
 
 Enter Lieutenant of the Tower, with ESSEX and 
 SOUTHAMPTON guarded. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 My lord of Efiex, 
 
 We bring an order for your Execution. 
 
 I have a chriftian's hope you (land prepar'd ; 
 
 For even a portion of the prefent hour 
 
 Muft be your lall of life.. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 Ha ! jfhort indeed, 
 For infinite intendments ! 'tis thy will 
 
 heaven ! collect me to it : give me ftrengtli 
 To face this king of terrors fill my breaft 
 With hope, and purefl faith, that on the block 
 
 1 may lye down, as on the plaintlefs bed 
 
 Of (leeping infancy. Thanks, gracious heaven ! 
 I feel my granted prayer , and a new vigour 
 Springs in my breaft ! I now can fmile at death. 
 But oh, my friend ! no pardon yet arriv'd ! 
 Can the Queen falfify her word ? 
 
 SOUTH*
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 67 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 Come, Eflfex 
 
 Let us now leave a leflbn to our foes, 
 How men mould die. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Were I alone to fufTer, 
 I think I fhould not give them caufe to fcorn me, 
 
 But oh ! 'tis here 
 
 A weight of lead on my afpiring fpirit, 
 Th'at I have rent the virtues of Southampton 
 Untimely from the world. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 Be witnefs heaven ! 
 
 The deareft wifh Southampton's foul could form, 
 Would be to live for ever with his EfTex : 
 The next, thus join'd to lie in death together.* 
 
 Enter Lieutenant of the 'Tower. 
 
 LIEUTENANT. 
 
 My lord Southampton, 
 
 I have a meffage for your private ear. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 Speak out, nor fear to wound me with the tydings : 
 The worft is death, and that is paft already. 
 
 LIEUTENANT- 
 
 My lord, I muft intreat you will withdraw , 
 Something of moment from her majefty. 
 
 [Exeunt Southampton and Lieutenant. 
 
 F 2 ESSEX,
 
 68 The E A R L of E S S E JC, 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Cecil, when you approach an hour like this, 
 You then may learn how low ambition is ; 
 How groundlefs is the quarrel, which contends 
 For this vain world 'Till then 'till then and eVcr* 
 The foes of EiTex have free pardon. Ha ! 
 
 Enter S ; O U T H A M T O N and Lieutenant. 
 
 What new difbefs ? what can this mean ? in tears ! 
 Nay then the ftroke muft be fevere indeed, 
 That mocks the manly firmnefs of thy foul. 
 O that the bitter cup were all my Own I 
 What is it, fay ? 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 It is it is O mifery ! 
 
 'Tis torture 'tis the death contriv'd by tyrants, 
 It is the fpinning of life's lingering thread 
 To agony unfpeakable ; it is 
 The death of friendlhip, the attempt to rend 
 Th' eternal bonds of foul and foul afunder. 
 The Queen hath fent me 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Warrant of death. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 No, worfe 
 
 ESSEX. 
 Can there be worfe ? 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON; 
 Yes, pardon. 
 
 ESSEX.
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 69 
 
 ESSEX. 
 Catch the found, 
 
 Ye choiring angels, and with hovering wings 
 Of ever wakeful 'tendance guard my Queen, 
 Whofe mercy at an hour like this has fpar'd 
 The guilt, the life of Effex, in his friend. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 No, no, my brother, 
 
 We will not part Southampton does difclaim 
 Her barbarous mercy What a joylefs wild 
 This world would be without thee ! where alas, 
 Where fhould I find the bofom to partake 
 And double every joy ? Where mould I find 
 The tender fympathizing heart to feel, 
 And lighten ev'ry woe ? No more the tongue 
 Of friendfhip, fweeteft mufic to the ear ! 
 Should greet my defart fenfe : no more my hours. 
 In focial raptures fteal away unmark'd , 
 Thofe blefTed hours when foul with foul converfes, 
 Tranfparent, pure, as from their bodies freed. 
 O EfTex, think upon the early ties 
 That in our tender years join'd our fond hearts ; 
 Think how they grew, how they were twin'd to- 
 gether ; 
 
 And mall they now be parted ? No, my Effex, 
 In life we have been one, and in our deaths 
 We will not be divided. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 There is a caufe, a precious caufe, my brother, 
 
 Thou (1111 muft live, to love, to ferve, to fave him, 
 All that mall fuddenly be' left of Effex , 
 Where yet he lives, much more than to himfelf, 
 Thro' every pulfe, and trembling chord infus'd 
 With quick, and dear fenlation Lend thy bofom . ' 
 F 3 To
 
 7 o The E A R L of ESSEX. 
 
 To hide one tear that will not be witheld, 
 
 Yet here 'tis due from manhood O my wife !- < 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 I had forgot Yes, Effex, I will live _ 
 For., thy dear fake I'll make aweary pilgrimage, 
 To guide thy other ielf thro' all the thorns . 
 And mazes of the world ; 'till the wiih'd hour 
 By fate appointed comes, when we mall meet 
 To part no more. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 Cherifh, protect, fupporther. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 Ever, ever. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Then the great bufmefs of the world is over 
 You two make all my treafure left on earth ; 
 Comfort each other, we fhall meet hereafter 
 In happier climes The heaven I have in view 
 Will not be perfect elfe Till then, farewell. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. 
 Whilft I have fpeech to fay 'till then, farewell 
 
 \_Exit Southampton, 
 
 ESSEX. 
 Now on, my lords, and execute your office. 
 
 \TLxeunt Cecil and Raleigh. 
 
 Enter
 
 The EARL of E S S E X. 71 
 
 Enter RUTLAND and Le> J w. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 Where is he ? let me catch him ! hold him ! fave 
 him! 
 
 Rum on the ftroke that would attempt his: life 
 
 Oh EfTex, oh my lord- 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 This is too much ! 
 
 Too much for man ! I hop'd ah cruel dear ; 
 Were not eternity, and fudden death, 
 Of weight fufficient to a mortal nature ? 
 And art thou come to reinforce their powers, 
 And weaken what was left of man about me ? 
 
 R U T L A N D. 
 The Queen, my love the queen permits this meet- 
 
 in g 
 And therefore grants, that we mall part no more. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 What doft thou mean ? Thy looks are wild, ( and 
 
 keen , 
 
 They pierce my foul Retire, my angel do 
 Let me prevail, and recoiled: thy fpirits, 
 But for a moment. 
 
 R U T L A N b. 
 
 'Tis impoffible 
 
 High heaven doth know it is impoflible 
 
 I cannot leave thee never will I leave thee, 
 Sure we may die together 
 ESSEX. 
 
 My foul's treafure ! 
 
 It is in vain, the hand of ftronger fate 
 
 Compels, and we muft part. 
 
 F 4 LIEUT-
 
 72 The EARL of E S S E X. 
 
 LIEUTENANT- 
 My gracious lord, 
 "Your lateft minute is at hand 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 What's tliis ? 
 
 An axe ! a.n executioner ! 'Tis dreadful f 
 I'm not prepar'd for this Is it a dream ? 
 If you have pity, wake me. 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 A fhort abfence ' 
 
 No more 'Tis but to bid one dear farewell, 
 'Till we do meet to part no more. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 Ah whither would'ft thou ? Think not to efcape me 
 No barbarous Efiex, thou malt never part me, 
 I'll cling to thee in death. - - - 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 This, this, cuts keen 
 
 And deep, beyond the mallow reach'cf fleel ; 
 
 It is the quick of foul that here is pierc'd ! 
 
 Hafte, hafte, in pity as I (land difpatch me 
 
 Is there not one, one hand of friendly mercy, 
 
 To lodge a poniard here ? 
 
 Quick, drag me to the block Help me tofunder 
 
 Yet hurt her not It is in vain ^She grafps me 
 
 As in the agonies of death Loft wretch ! 
 
 And wert thou born to this ? Accurs'd the hour 
 
 That gave me up. to light! Yet more accurs'd 
 
 That hour I once deem'd happieft over all 
 The world calls happy, to this blefTcd ftovver 
 
 Tying my baleful influence- 'Ha ! fhe's going, 
 
 Her fpeechleis lip grows livid, and thofe orbs, 
 Wane from their peerlefs luftre- Gently, gently, 
 Now loolc her hold Support her. 
 
 LIEUT-
 
 The EARL of ESSEX. 73 
 
 LIEUTENANT. 
 
 Now, my lord, 
 
 'Twere beft to feize the occafion The time's paft 
 
 My orders are 
 
 ESSEX. 
 
 Come then, and pufh me off, 
 Down the dark void that fpreads upon futurity. 
 Oh ! my loft love! 
 
 Gem ! for which the world were richly fold! 
 If there's a heaven, can counterpoife thy lofs, 
 It is indeed beyond imagination ! 
 
 Night comes upon me When my eyes have ta'en 
 Their laft, laft look- The bitternefs of death 
 Is paft And the world now is nothing. 
 
 [Exeunt Efiex, &c. 
 
 Enter QUEEN, NOTTI NGH AM, Ladies 
 and Gentlemen, &c. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Is he then gone ? To death ? Efiex to death ! 
 And by my order ? Now perhaps This moment 
 Hafte Nottingham, difpatch 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 What would your majefty ! 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 1 know not what, I am in horrors, Nottingham, 
 In horrors worfe than death Does he ftill live ? 
 Run, bring me word Yet ftay Can you not fave 
 
 him 
 
 Without my bidding ? Read it in my heart 
 Jn my diftraction read O, fure the hand 
 
 That
 
 74 The EARL of ESSEX. 
 
 That fav'd him, would-be as a blefTed angel's 
 Pou'ring foft balm into my rankling bread. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 If it mall pleafe your majefty to give 
 
 Exprefs commands, I fhall obey them ftreight 
 
 The world will think it ftrange But you are 
 
 Queen. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 
 Hard-hearted Nottingham ! to arm my pride. 
 My fhame, againft my mercy. Ha! what's here? 
 A fight to ftrike refentment dead, and roufe 
 
 Soft pity even in a barbarous breaft 
 
 It is the wife of Efiex ! 
 
 Rife Rutland, come to thy repentant miftrefs : 
 See the Queen bends to take thee to her bofom, 
 And fofter thee for ever Rife. 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 Which way ? 
 
 Dp you not fee thefe circling fteeps ? 
 
 Not all the fatjiom lines that have been loos'd 
 To found the bottom of the faithlefs main, 
 Could reach to draw me hence. Never was dug 
 A grave fo deep as mine! Help me, kind friend, 
 
 Help me to put thefe little bones together 
 
 Thefe are my meffengers to yonder world, 
 To feek for fomekind hand to drop me down, 
 A little charity. 
 
 QJJ E E N. 
 Heart-breaking founds ! 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 
 Thefe were an infant's bones But hufh Don't 
 
 tell 
 
 Don't tell the Queen 
 
 An unborn infant's May be if 'tis known 
 
 They'll fay I murderM it Indeed I did not 
 
 It was the axe How ftrance foe'er, 'tis true ! 
 
 Help
 
 The E ARIv of ESS EX. 75 
 
 Help me to put them right, and then they'll fly , 
 
 For they are lighr, and not like mine, incumber'd 
 With limbs of marble, and a heart of lead. 
 Q U E E N. 
 
 Alas ! her reafon is difturb'd ; her eyes 
 
 Are wild, and abfent Do you know me, Rutland ? 
 
 Do you not know your Queen ? 
 
 RUTLAND. 
 O yes, the Queen ! 
 They fay you've power of life, and death Poor 
 
 Queen ! 
 
 They flatter you. You can take life away, 
 But can you give it back? No, no, pooi Queen. 
 
 Look at thefe eyes They are a widow's eyes 
 
 Do you know that ? Perhaps indeed you'll fay, 
 
 A widow's eyes mould weep, and mine are dry ; 
 That's not my fault, tears fhou'd come from the 
 
 heart, 
 
 And mine is dead 1 feel it cold within me, 
 
 Cold as a ftone But yet my brain is hot 
 
 fye upon this head ! it is ftark naught ; 
 Befeech your majefty to cut it off, 
 
 .The bloody axe is ready Say the word, 
 
 (For none can cut off heads without your leave) 
 
 And it is done 1 humbly thank your highnefs, 
 
 You look a kind confent. I'll but juft in 
 And fay a prayer or two. 
 From my youth upwards I Mill faid my prayers 
 Before I flept -, and this is my laft fleep. 
 
 Indeed 'tis not thro' fear, nor to gain time 
 
 Not your own foldier could meet death more bravely. 
 
 You (hall be judge yourfelf. We muft make 
 
 hafte 
 
 1 pray be ready If we lofe no time, 
 
 I mall o'ertake and join him on the way. 
 
 {Exit Rutland. 
 QJJ E E N.
 
 76 The E A R L of E S S E X. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Follow her clofe, allure her to fome chamber 
 Of privacy ; there footh her frenzy, but 
 Take care fhe go not forth. Heaven grant I mav 
 
 not 
 
 Require fuch aid myfelf ! for fure I feel 
 A ftrange commotion here. 
 
 Enter an Officer. 
 
 OFFICER. 
 
 May it pleafe your majefty, 
 The earl, as he addrefs'd him to the block, 
 Requefted but the time to write thefe lines , 
 And earneftly conjur'd me to deliver them 
 Into your royal hands. ' 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Quick What is here ! Juft heaven ! fly, take 
 
 this fignet 
 
 Stop execution, fly with eagle's wings 
 
 What art tliou ? Of this world. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Ha ! I'm difcover'd 
 
 Then be it fo Your majefty may fpare 
 
 QJJ E E N. . 
 
 Stop, (lop her, yell ! Hence to fome dungeon., 
 
 hence 
 
 Deep funk from day -, in horrid filence there 
 Let confcience talk to thee, infix its flings, 
 Awake reinorfe, and defperate penitence ; 
 And from the torments of thy confcious.guik 
 May hell be all thy refuge ! 
 
 \Exit Nottingham, guarded. 
 
 Enter
 
 The E A R L of E S S E X. 77 
 
 Enter CECIL, RALEIGH, &V. 
 
 CECIL. 
 
 Gracious madam, 
 
 1 grieve to fay your order came too late ; 
 "We met the meflenger on our return 
 From feeing the earl fall. 
 
 Q_U E E N. 
 
 Cecil, thou do'ft not know what thou haft done 
 
 ronounc'd fentence of death upon thy Queen. 
 
 Cecil 1 will no more afcend my throne, 
 
 The humble floor fhall ferve me ; here I'll fit 
 
 With moaping melancholy my companion, 
 
 'Till death unmark'd approach, and fteal me to my 
 
 grave. 
 Cecil I never more will clofe thefe eyes 
 
 In fleep, nor tafte of food And Cecil now, 
 
 Mark me You hear Elizabeth's laft words. 
 
 *>
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 Written by Mr. G A R R I C K. 
 
 Spoken by Mrs. P R I T C H A R D, in the Char* 
 
 rafter of Queen ELIZABETH. 
 
 TF any here, are Britons but in name, 
 * Dead to their country's bcppinefs and fame: 
 Let 'em depart this moment Let 'em fly 
 My awful pre fence, and my fearching eye I 
 
 No more your Queen, but upright judge 1 come, 
 <T0 try your deeds abroad^ your lives at home ; 
 'Try you in ev'ry point, from [mall to great, 
 Tour Wit, Laws, Fafhions, Valor, Church 
 
 and State ! 
 
 Search you, as Britons ne'er were fearch'd before : 
 " tremble ! for you hear the lion roar I " 
 
 Since that moft glorious time that here 1 reign' d, 
 An age and half! What have you loft or gairfd ? 
 Tour Wit Whatever your poets Jing or fwear j 
 Since Shakej'pear's time is fcmewhat ivorfe for wear. 
 Tour Laws are good, your Lawyers good of courfe , 
 The fir earns are furely ckc.r, when clear the four ce : x 
 In greater ftore thcfe blejftkgs new are fent ye ; 
 Where I had one attorney, you have twenty. 
 Falhions, ye fair, dcferve- nor praife nor blarney 
 Unlefs they rife as foes to fenfe cr foame ; 
 Wear ruffs, or gauze But let your /kill befuch, 
 Rather to (hew too little, than tea much.
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 A^ for your Valour here my lips I clofe 
 
 Let thofe who beft have prov'd itfpeak Tour foes. 
 
 Tour Morals, Church, and State, are ftill behindr 
 
 But foft prophetic fury fills my mind! 
 
 I fee thro* time Behold a youthful hand> 
 
 Holding thefceptre of this happy land j 
 
 Whofe heart with juftice^ love, and virtue fraught 
 
 Born amongft Britons^ and by Britons taught ; 
 
 Shall make the barking tongues of faftion ceafe^ 
 
 And weave the garland of domeftic peace : 
 
 Longjhatt he reign no ftorms to beat his breaft, 
 
 Unruly pajjlons that difturb'd my reft ! 
 
 Shall live, the blejflings he beftows, tojhare, 
 
 Reap all my glory ', but without my care. 
 
 FINIS.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 T R AGE D Y. 
 
 As it is ACTED at the 
 t H E AT R E R O Y A L in Drury-Lane. 
 
 LONDON, 
 
 Printed for LOCKYER DAVIS and CHARLES REYMERS, 
 
 againft Grays-Inn-Gate y Holbourn\ 
 And at Lord Bacon 's Head in Fleet-Street. 
 
 M D C C L V I. 
 [Price One Shilling and Six-pence.]
 
 IL ne fatit pourtant pas eroire que les GrecS 
 manquent de Feu. Tout s'anime au coiv- 
 traire, tout parle, tout agit dans leurs Ecrits. 
 Mais c'eft plus 1'Adion c le Spectacle que les 
 Paroles, & plus la PafTion & le Sentiment que le 
 Difcours , au lieu- que les Francois ont fouvent 
 donne dans le Difcours & les Paroles pour fup- 
 pleer au Spectacle ou a la Paffion. Combien de 
 Portraits, de Sentences, & de Lieux communs 
 bien frappes, ont arrache des Applaudifiemens 
 qui devoient etre referves a 1'emotion Theatrale 
 qu'on ne fentoit pas ? ce n'eft que le fang froid 
 qui applaudit a la Beaute des Vers dans un Spec- 
 tacle. 
 
 BRUMOY, Tbeat. dss Cms.
 
 TO HIS GRACE 
 
 The Duke of DEVONSHIRE, 
 
 Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. 
 
 My LORD, 
 
 IT was the frequent Practice of 
 the ancient Greek Tragedians, to 
 make their Compofitions for the 
 "Theatre fubfervient to the Welfare 
 of the State. The Legislator's Wif- 
 dom was inforced by the Poet's Art. 
 Public Guilt was ftigmatized, and 
 public Virtue applauded. Of this 
 Kind fomewhat is, or ought to be, 
 fhadowed out in the following Tra- 
 gedy. 
 
 A 2 But
 
 iv DEDICATION. 
 
 But it may poffibly be afked, 
 " Why this Addrefs from a Writer 
 " who is, and determines to remain, 
 * c unknown ?" 
 
 My LORD, it comes from one, 
 who, altho' he hath not wanted Op- 
 portunities, hath ever fcorned to pro- 
 ftitute Addrefles of this Kind to 
 Views of Intereft. But if it hath 
 for once happened in his Time, that 
 Virtue and Power are eminently 
 united ; his honeft Difdain of offering 
 Incenfe to the one, {hall not intimi- 
 date him from avowing his Reve- 
 rence of the otbey. 
 
 More efpecially, the natural Re- 
 lation which the Defign of this Tra- 
 gedy bears to your Grace's Conduct, 
 gives its Author a kind of equitable 
 ^Title, without Leave, to prefix your 
 Name. Thus, while he delineates 
 Rebellion, he contrafts it with true 
 Royalty : And to an Example of Se- 
 . dition
 
 DEDICATION. v 
 
 dltion drawn from ancient Days, op- 
 pofes a Character from modern Life, 
 who in the higheft Station, and moft 
 perilous Times, hath been the Re- 
 Jlorer of Unity and Concord. 
 
 I am, 
 
 My LoRDy 
 
 with the higheft Efteem y 
 your GRACE'S. 
 
 moft obedient Servant, 
 
 A *' 
 
 The AUTHOR.
 
 PROLOGUE} 
 
 Written by the AUTHOR of the TRAGEDY, 
 
 Spoken by Mr. HOLLAND in the Charadler 
 of the Genius of Britain. 
 
 (nr*9 warn the Sons of Freedom to be wife, 
 
 Lo, Britain's guardian Genius quits the Skies, 
 With Pity, Heav'n hath feen thro* many an Age^ 
 The bold Invader lur'd by Faction's Rage ; 
 Seen the dark Workings of Rebellion's Train, 
 While Patriots planned, and Heroes bled in vain. 
 
 Behold, your Country's faithlefs Foe, once, more 
 With threatning Squadrons crowd yon bojllle Shore, 
 Behold OppreJ/ion's bloody Flag unfurl 1 'd: 
 See Bolts prepared, to chain the We/lern World. 
 Riff) Britons, rife ! to Heav'n and Virtue true : 
 Expiring Liberty looks up to You ! 
 Pour on the common Foe your Rage combined, 
 And be the Friends of Freedom and Mankind ! 
 
 No more let Difcord Britain'* Peace dcftroy ; 
 Nor f pur n thafe BleJJings, Reafon bids enjoy : 
 Oh) weigh thofe BleJJings in her equal Scale ! 
 Say, When did Jujlice wear a winter Veil? 
 When did Religion gentler Looks difclofe, 
 To blefs her Friends, and pity ev'n her Foes ? 
 A richer Harveji ivben did Commerce reap ? 
 When rode your Fleets more dreadful o'er the Deep? 
 
 Or
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 Or when more bright (bear, Envy ! hear, and own f) 
 Did Truth, did Honour beam from Britain's Throne ? 
 
 Seize then the Happinefs deny'd your Foes : 
 Nor blindly f corn the Gifts which Heav'n bejlows : 
 Gifts, the World's Envy ! happy Britain'* Pride / 
 For which, your generous Fathers toll' d and dyd! 
 Let Union lift the Sword, dirett the Blow, 
 And hurl a Nation's Vengeance on its Foe ! 
 As your bold Cliffs, when Tides and Tempejls roar 9 
 Fling back the mad'nihg Billows from the Shore*. 
 One Head, one Heart, one Arm, one People, rife f 
 Nor fall, divided Valour's Sacrifice ! 
 
 But if, by Hops of proud Invafion led, 
 Unaw'd Rebellion lift her gory Head j 
 Treafon, attend ! here view the Rebel's Fate 3 
 Nc.r hope, thy Arm can flake a free-born State .' 
 See Blood and Horror end what Guilt began 3 
 And tremble at tiiffPoes, in Athelftan.
 
 The P E R S O N S. 
 
 ENGLISH. 
 
 ATHELSTAN, Duke of Mercla, Mr. GARRICKV 
 SIWARD, his Lieutenant, Mr. DAVIES. 
 
 EGBERT, an Officer, Mr. Ross. 
 
 THYRA, Mrs. GIBBER. 
 
 ED WIN A, her Fellow Captive, Mrs. BENNET, 
 
 * DANES. 
 
 HAROLD, his Lieutenant. Mr. HAVARD. 
 GOODWIN, Mr. BURTON. 
 
 DUNELM, Mr. JEFFERSON. 
 
 S C E N E, the Danijh Camp near London. Time, 
 from the' Evening, till Midnight.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 A C T I. 
 
 SCENE I. ?ke open Camp. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 DTHMUNoa Warrior ? By our Gods 
 
 of Denmark, 
 I cou'd have fack'd ten Cities fmce the 
 
 Morn. 
 The lingering Sun goes down, and yet 
 
 beholds 
 The Dan'tjh Sword hang pow'rlefs o'er the Foe. 
 
 To him^ D o N E L M. 
 
 DUN ELM, wefl met. What means this vile DeJay ? 
 What haft thou feen ? 
 
 D u N E LM. 
 From yonder Eminence, 
 Ev'n now, I faw proud London wrapt in Fire. 
 HAROLD, behold yon dufky* Wreaths of Smoke : 
 Yon pitchy Cloud is fraught with glorious Ruin. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Indeed J 
 
 B Du-
 
 2 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 D U N E L M. 
 
 I faw the Flames befiege the Tow'r 
 
 Which proudly had fcorn'd the general A/Fault 
 
 Of Denmark's Pow'r. Soon fpread the fulphur'd Fires, 
 
 Mining it's Bafe : at length, with horrid Cram, 
 
 The Pile fell headlong, like a Wreck of Nature. 
 
 And as it fell, a hollow Murmur pierc'd 
 
 Mine Ear, thatfeem'd an Army's dying Groan. 
 
 I faw the Breach in the proud City's Wall, 
 
 Where our brave Danes poiir'd in, while Shouts of 
 
 Conqueft 
 
 Difmay'd the flying Rear. HAROLD, ere this, 
 The City's won. 
 
 H A R O LD. 
 
 No more Fm forry for't. 
 
 DUNE L M. 
 
 What! when our Troops thro' ten longMoons have toil'd, 
 Till Siege and fell Difeafe have thin'd our Ranks, 
 Before this Capital, this haughty London^ 
 The Miftrefs of the Ifland. When her Tow'rs 
 Are humbled in the Duft ! ev'n then to wear 
 That clouded Eye ! Much it might fuit a Briton ; 
 But ill becomes a Dane. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Have I not Caufe ; 
 To hate our General ? 
 
 DUN E L M. 
 Grant it : yet tio Caufe 
 To hate the Victories his Sword hath gain'd 
 For Denmark's Weal. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 Difhonour blaft his Laurels ! 
 Ere fmce I won full Glory from our Wars, 
 He- checks my Valour, left itfhould o'ertop, 
 And fhadow his Behold, this very Day, 
 When mighty London falls a Prey to Denmark^ 
 I'm pent within the Circuit of a Camp, 
 
 On
 
 ATHELSTAN. 3 
 
 On an obfcure and ignominious Charge. 
 
 My Sword, inglorious, fleeps within its Scabbard, 
 
 Depriv'd its Prey. Yes : well he knew, this Arm 
 
 Had led the Storm : as erft it did, to him 
 
 And his Compeers ; when Norway's frozen Cities 
 
 Sunk at my Frown ; when thro' conflicting Hofls 
 
 I op'd the dreadful Track ; while far behind 
 
 He loyter'd in the Breach, and poorly reap' d 
 
 The Gleanings of my Faulcion. 
 
 DUN ELM. 
 Peace, brave HAROLD. 
 Nor let Diflention blot* the gen'ral Triumph. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 Here, DUNELM, here (hall deep Revenge lie pent, 
 Muft'ring it's Rage : but foort th' impatient Flood 
 Shall buril the Mound, and overwhelm his Pride. 
 Yes : may I ne'er more win the Wreath of Conqueft ; 
 Ne'er fall triumphant in the Field of Fame ; 
 But groan out Life, ftretch'd on th' unmanly Couch; 
 If I repay notGoTHMUNo's uncaus'd Hate, 
 With deadlieft Vengeance ! 
 
 ' DUN EL M. 
 Let thy Vengeance wait 
 
 Some darker Hour. Behold, where GOODWIN comes, 
 His Eye fpeaks Victory : and his glad Step 
 Prevents the welcome Tidings of his Tongue. 
 
 SCENE II. rfotbem GOODWIN. 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 
 Hail, valiant HAROLD ! This great Day {hall fhine 
 In Denmark's Annals. GOTHMUN'D fends thee greeting.} 
 With the glad News of England's Overthrow. 
 Himfelf -fhall foon arrive. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 Brave GOODWIN, welcome: 
 More welcome for thy Tidings. London then, 
 
 B 2 England's
 
 4 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 England 's chief Boaft, is fall'n. 
 GOODWIN. 
 Ev'n now it burns. 
 
 See yon afcending Clouds. Yon pillar'd Smoke, 
 That hides the Welkin, is it's laft Remain. 
 The Englijk Pow'rs have left the bleeding Ramparts ; 
 The wide Breach choak'd withHeaps of Slain, on which 
 We mounted to the Storm. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 How went the Day ? 
 Where fought our Gen'ral GOTHMUND ? 
 
 G o o D w 1 5i. 
 On the Thames. 
 
 Soon as the Signal of Aflault was given, 
 The Danljh Fleet came on. Our Standard then, 
 The Raven, hov'ring on his Wing, appear'd 
 With ominous Glare ; and feem'd to croak Deftructioru 
 Then furiousGoTHMUND, from the crowded Decks 
 Follow'd by fhouting Thoufands, leapt to Shore 
 With ruinous Aflault : 
 
 HAROLD.' 
 What? no Refinance ? 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 
 Yes ; bloody was the Fray : The Scale of War 
 Hung doubtful; till the mighty ATHELSTAN, 
 Mercians brave Duke, to Denmark's aid came on ; 
 Spur'd by a keen Revenge more ftrong than Glory, 
 Led his revolted Mercians up the Breach, 
 And mingled in the Storm. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 What next enfu'd ? 
 
 GOOD WIN. 
 
 Confufion and wild Rout. For England's Pow'r, 
 Dreading the vengeful Sword of ATHELSTAN, 
 Shrunk from his Rage : then Denmark's Star prevail'd : 
 The Britons fled : and now, by Right of War, 
 The City's Wealth, it's captive Youth and Virgins, 
 Are fall'n the Soldiers Plunder.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 5 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 It feems then, GOTHMUND owes full half his Conqueft 
 To ATHELSTAN'S Revenge. 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 Aye, more than half. 
 
 Ne'er did fuch deadly Valour fweep the Field : 
 His hoary Head clafp'd in a fteel rib'd Helm, 
 He fprung to Vengeance, and forgot old Age. 
 With fuch a headlong Cour/e he led the War, 
 That Denmark's Troops, nay his own firey Mercians 
 Linger'd behind : while he, attended only 
 By Death and Fate, which at his right Hand reg'd, 
 Thin'd the retreating Foe. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Thank we the Gods, 
 
 Who fow Diffention in thefe Britijb Hearts ! 
 Elfe, ne'er had this fair City fall'n our Prey ! 
 
 D UN E L M. 
 
 Know ye the Caufe why this proud Duke of Mercl* 
 Revolted from his King ? 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 Pride and Revenge. 
 
 Some fuit deny'd him, which the royal Bounty, 
 Unequal to the Cravings of it's People, 
 Granted his Foe. No more. His firey Spirit 
 Mounted to fudden Rage : with fecretLevy 
 He mufter'd all his Pow'rs, and join'd with Denmark 
 To overwhelm his Country. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Be it ours, 
 
 To nurfe this ufeful Treafon : Thus invading. 
 While we divide, w conquer. 
 
 DUN EL M. 
 Hark ! I hear 
 The Shouts of Victory. 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 GOTHMUND approaches. 
 
 B His
 
 6 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 His Troops come laden with the precious Spoil 
 Of this imperial City. Captive Maids, 
 The fvveet Reward of Valour, grace his Triumph : 
 And Infants, doom'd to drink the bitter Draught 
 Of endlefs Shvery in a foreign Clime. 
 
 S C E N E III. To them, GDTHMUND in Triumph. 
 
 A Train of Pr if oners. And EGBERT in Chains , 
 
 as a Prifomr. \ 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 Hail, valiant GOTHMUND ! Denmark's proudeft Boaft ! 
 Whom mighty ODIN, the dread God of War, 
 Hath crown'd with England's Cpnqueft ! 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Faithful HAROLD, 
 
 The City's won. London, whofe haughty Tow'rs 
 We ihook fo long with terrible AfTault, 
 At length is fall'n, and blazes to the Sky. 
 'Twas Pity, HAROLD, on fo great a Day, 
 When the rich Plunder qf the War was feiz'd, 
 Thy- Valour loft it's Prey. But fair Divifion 
 Of our acquired Spoil, of Wealth and Captives, 
 Shall bring thee Recompenfe. 
 
 HAROLD 
 
 I thank thee,' Gen'ral. 
 
 Devoted to thy Will, I held my Charge, 
 
 To guard our Camp from the out-fallying Foe : 
 
 A Charge lefs fplendid than the Poft in Battle; 
 
 Yet, as conducing to the general Weal, 
 
 No whit lefs honourable. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 HAROLD, behold 
 
 This Train of Captives : to thy Charge I give them : 
 But chiefly that ftern Youth, whpfe Arm oppos'd : - i 
 Singly to mine, long held the Conflict doubtful. 
 No common Ranfom (hall redeem him hence. 
 Why doft thou frown ' [to EGBERT. 
 
 EGBERT.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 7 
 
 EG BE RT. 
 
 Becaufe I dare to fcorn 
 My Country's Foe. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 So haughty in thy Chains ? 
 What Title bear'ft thou ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 'Tis enough for thee, 
 To know me ftill a Briton : thence to fear me. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 A Conqu'ror fear his Captive ! By our Gods, 
 Speak but another Word, audacious ChriJliaH) 
 I'll plunge thee in the deep Norwegian Mine, 
 Among thefe Slaves the Vaflals of my Sword, 
 To toil in Darknefs thro' the live-long Year, 
 Till baleful Damps confume thee. 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Yes : bury me in Darknefs ; in the Depth, 
 Where Slavery drinks the peftilential Vapour ; 
 For that I've liv'd to fee my Country's Fall ! 
 I dare thee to the Deed, rapacious Dane ! 
 But well I know, thy Hand expe&s the Ranfom ; 
 Nor aught but Av'rice chains thy Cruelty; 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 What? Shall I wafte the Hours in fruitlefs Parle 
 With an audacious Slave! Lo, Jltfercia'sDuke 
 Comes with his warlike Train. Retire, ye Slaves ; 
 And at an awful Diftance bow to Valour. [They re- 
 tire backwards. 
 
 This firey ATHELSTAI* ! Yes, I cou'd curfe [Afide. 
 His Sword victorious, and wide wafting Arm 
 That blafted all my Wreaths ; and won the Praife 
 Of this eventful Day ! Hence envious Fame 
 Shall tarnifh GOTHMUND'S Glory ; while fhe whifpers, 
 Or haply to the liftning World procraims, 
 That Britain conquer'd Britain. Come ; fell Hate ! 
 Pour ail thy Poifon on my Heart ; and turn 
 
 B 4 Friend (hip
 
 8 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Friendfhip to Enmity ! Should he revolt? 
 
 The Rebel dare not : Nor can e'er repafs 
 
 The Gulph which he hath leapt ; and fevers him 
 
 For ever from his Country. Yet 'tis meet 
 
 That Prudence greet him with fair Speech, and Smiles j 
 
 Till fomedefir'd Occafjon yield Pretence, 
 
 And fpurn him off, to Shame. 
 
 Let Denmark's Raven wave his dreadfu.1 Wing, [ Aloud. 
 
 To hail the glad Approach of ATHELSTAN : 
 
 And found, in Honour of our firm Ally, 
 
 The Instruments of War. 
 
 SCENE IV. To them, ATHELSTAN; with 
 bis 'Train. 
 
 GOT HJVI u N D. 
 
 I greet thee, ATHELSTAN. Thy mighty Arm, 
 On this great Day, hath fham'd it's former Doings. 
 Thro' the red Tracks of Death I faw thee feek 
 The King. His Troops, ftricken with coward Guilt, 
 Fled trembling at th,e Sight of injur'd Valour 
 Wak'd into Wrath. Yes, wondrmg Denmark faw, 
 How Terror ftalk'd. before thee thro' the Streets, 
 While thy broad Faulcion flam'd j and dread Revenge 
 Frown'd on thy Helm like Fate. 
 
 ATHELSTAN, 
 No Flattery, GOTHMUNP. 
 
 Balm to the Fool's, it wounds the brave Man's Ear. 
 My Sword hath reap'd full Vengeance on its Foes; 
 And vanquifh'd ETHEL RED with Tears and Groang 
 Shall rue the Wrongs he did me. 
 
 G O T H M U N D. 
 
 Valiant Duke, 
 
 Such Vengeance well became fuch Wrongs as thine. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 My Wrongs were loud for Vengeance. Pity wept : 
 But Reaibn choak'd her Voice : For awful Juftice 
 Muft drop her Sword, unnerve her lifted Arm, 
 
 Unbridled
 
 ATHELSTAN. 9 
 
 Unbridled Pow'r turn Order into Chaos, 
 Shou'd Pity melt at proud Oppreflion's Fall. 
 What Youth is that, who from the captive Throng 
 Comes forth with haughty Strides ? 
 
 G O T H M U N D, 
 
 An unknown Briton : 
 
 Yet fierce in Battle ; for his Sword was fatal 
 To many a Dane ; and midft the falling Ranks 
 Rag'd like a Whirlwind. Mark his fearlefs MI'CJV 
 He wears the Pride of Conqueft, tho' in Chains. 
 His Eye devours thee, ATHELSTAN.- 
 
 ATHEL STAN. 
 I reck not. 
 Let him come on : I'll meet his Pride unmovM, 
 
 [EGBERT advancing* 
 Who dares to frown on ATHELSTAN ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 A Briton. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Who art thou ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 One, who heedlefs of thy Rage, 
 Dares throw his Scorn on Guilt. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Audacious Captive ! 
 Think'ft thou I fear thy frown ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Oh, bleeding England ! 
 Behold thy fatal Foe ! [He burfts info Tear*, 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Weep'ft thou, brave Youth ? 
 Tho' I have pour'd Deftru&ion on thy King, 
 I wage no War with Captives. Gen'rous Warrior, 
 My Pow'r fhall fhield thee, and unbind thy Chains. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Stand off. I chufe to wear them. 
 
 ATHEL-
 
 io ATHELSTAN. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Why that Choice ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Left thcfc brave captive Britons, fliackled there, 
 Should brand me for a Traitor. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Heed thee well. ::f 37 
 
 Think what thou art, and where. 
 
 EGBERT, 
 Thank Heav'n, 
 I am not ATHELSTAN ! *<*"& 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Nay, I can frown too. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Blufh, rather blufh ! The crimfon Hue of Shame 
 Wou'd better fuit thy Crimes ! 
 
 G O T H M U N D, 
 
 Peace, arrogant Youth ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Who gave to thee this Privilege of Scorn ? 
 This Right of Infult and bold Accufation ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 That Pow'r who gave me Reafon and Humanity : 
 That awful Pow'r Above, who bids me dare 
 To ftrip falfe Treafon of her Mafk of Pride^uulj 
 And mew the Hag, in her own Shape and Hue, 
 The fouleft Fiend of Hell. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Thy Chains protecT: thee ! 
 
 G O T H M U N'D. 
 
 GOODWIN, lead forth thefe Captives to the Fleet; 
 
 And let the firft fair Breeze that fills the Sail 
 
 Waft them to Denmark's Shore. HAROLD, bear 
 
 hence, 
 And guard that Infolent. . ;.- D [Pointing to EGBERT. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Farewell, brave Friends ! 
 
 My
 
 ATHELSTAN. n 
 
 My faithful Countrymen ! 1 weep your Fate, 
 Doom'd to th' Oppreffions of a barbarous Clime ! 
 Oh, may fome friendly Storm in Pity rife, 
 And bid the Fury of devouring Seas 
 In Mercy fwallow you ! Accurfed Treafon ! 
 Lo, thy devoted Train ! Oh falfe, falfe ATHELSTAN ! 
 [Ex. EGBERT, HAROLD, GOODWIN, 
 
 DUNELM, and Captives* 
 ATHELSTAN, 
 Go, froward Briton f 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 Valiant ATHELSTAN, 
 
 Heed not a Captive's Clamour. Dewnark now 
 Boafts thee her Friend. And for undoubted Proof 
 Of that Efteem, wherewith I note thy Valour ; 
 Behold the precious Spoils my Arm hath won 
 Amid the gen'ral Plunder : Gold or Captives, 
 Lands, Palaces, whate'er inventive Paffion 
 Can fancy for Enjoyment, waits thy Will : 
 Command it ; for 'tis thine. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Of Gold, or Lands, 
 
 The Plunder of trie War, I reck not aught. 
 For, to the noble Mind, a great Revenge 
 Outweighs all other Good. This I have reap'd 
 Full-meafur'd ; Of my thanklefs Country's Blood 
 My Sword hath drank, ev'n to Satiety.;- ^ 
 No other Boon it craves. 
 
 G O T H M U N D t 
 
 Brave ATHELSTAN, 
 
 Ev'n as thou wilt. Has then no precious Spoil 
 
 Inrich'd thy Valour.? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Yes : one beauteous Captive, 
 Won in the City's Storm : and now confign'd 
 To SIWARD'S Care, a brave and faithful Friend, 
 Who leads her hitherward. So winning fweet ! 
 
 The
 
 12 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 The furly Troops gaz'd on her as fhe pafs'd, 
 And Silence fpoke their Wonder. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 Such a Fair 
 
 May haply mourn in fecret ; that her Lot 
 Fell to thy aged Arm. Some youthful Warrior 
 Might better fuit her Wifh. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 I mean, to fhield her 
 From the rude Will of infolent Defire. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Indeed ! 
 
 ATHE LSTAN. 
 Indeed. It was her chafte Requeft. 
 And mark me : Tho' my Arm hath quell'd it's Foes, 
 Yet ATHELSTAN would blufh, to wreak his Vengeance 
 On a defencelefs Woman. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 By what Chance 
 Did'ft thou obtain this Captive ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 While the Storm 
 
 Rag'd in the Streets ; Fate led my conqu'ring Band, 
 Where this fair Captive mourn'd the Lot of War. 
 I found her kneeling ; with uplifted Eyes, 
 And Majefty refign'd, imploring Heav'n. 
 Rouz'd by the Shouts of War, fhe rofe : Her Train, 
 Fill'd all the Place with female Lamentation : 
 But fhe, in Grief fuperior, check'd their Cries, 
 And grac'd her Woes with regal Dignity. 
 With fuch a noble Mien fhe fu'd for Mercy, 
 ThatVengeance flood fubdu'd : while namelefs Graces, 
 Beauty, and Mildnefs, and majeftic Grief, 
 Like Guardian Pow'rs which Heav'n had planted round 
 
 her, 
 
 Check'd the rude Accefs of unhallow'd Rage : 
 That ev'n the Sons of Violence drop'd the Sword, 
 
 To
 
 ATHELSTAN. 13 
 
 To gaze at awful Diftance. Tow'rd her Tent, 
 This Way {he moves with her attendant Train. 
 Behold her here. 
 
 SCENE V. ?o them, THYRA, EDWINA, 
 SIWARD, and female Attendants. 
 
 G O T H M U N D. 
 
 Indeed, fupremely fair. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 THYRA, be comforted : Nay, dry thefe Tears, 
 Elfe [hall I deem my too officious Cares 
 Loft on a thanklefs Heart. 
 
 THYRA. 
 Oh, ATHELSTAN i 
 
 Whofe Mercy fpeaks thee brave ! Forgive thefe Tears, 
 For my dear Lord, to me than Life more dear, 
 Thefe Sorrows flow ! Indeed, my thankful Heart 
 Melts in warm Gratitude to thy kind Care, 
 Which fav'd me from the Horrors of this Day, 
 But, Oh !< my Hulband ! 
 
 G O T H M U N D. 
 
 Why thefe dreaming Tears ? 
 
 What of her Hufband ? Did he fall in Battle ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 That is her Fear : 
 Tho' Rumour yet fpeak doubtful of his Fate. 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Too fure, he's fall'n ! Ye gen'rous Warriors, hear,- 
 Hear a poor Captive's Pray'r ! Oh, let your Guards 
 Conduct my faithful Servants to the Field : 
 Or give me Safe-guard thro* the deathful Scene ; 
 I will diveft me of my Woman's Fear, 
 And with a Scythian Boldnefs tread in Gore 5 
 Drag off the Heaps of overwhelming Foes, 
 Till I have found my EGBERT'S dear Remains, 
 To give them Burial. The laft, mourntul Duty 
 I e'er can pay his Love. 
 
 ATHEL-
 
 , 4 ATHELSTAN, 
 
 ATHELSTAN* 
 Defponc! not, Fair one : 
 Haply, he yet may live. 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Oh, flatt' ring Hope ! 
 
 Grant me but That! But That, ye Pow'rs of Heav n! 
 
 GoTHMUND. 
 
 Now, by our Gods of Denmark^ ATHELSTAN, 
 This is too bright a Fair, for Age like thine 
 Idly to gaze on. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Beauty, thus affli&ed, 
 Merits my Pow'r's Proteaion. 
 
 GOTHMUND, 
 Is fhe not 
 The Captive of thy Sword ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 True, but the Sword 
 That won, fhall guard her. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 What if GOT H M u N D'S Will 
 Shou'd raife this Fair one from the captive Throng, 
 To grace his Bed ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 By Law of War (he's mine; 
 And I have fworn Protedlion. 
 
 GOT H MUND. 
 
 From thy Foe 
 
 To fhield thy Captive, were a Talk of Praife 
 Worthy thy Arm. But when a true Ally, 
 Thy Friend in War, intreats fo fmall a Boon 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 GOTHMUND, the Friend whofe erring Wifh demands 
 What Honour cannot yield I pray, no more 
 
 GoTHM UND. 
 
 If GOTHM UK D'S Friendfhip, in thy thanklefs Heart, 
 Infenfible to all my proffer'd Bounty, 
 
 Stands
 
 ATHELSTAN. 15 
 
 Stands at fo cheap a Price Proteft thy Captive.- 
 Let thy Pow'r fhield her as it may. Lead on. 
 
 {Exit GoTHMUND. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Imperious Dane ! Would'ft thou bend ATHELSTAN 
 Beneath thy Pride ? His parting Words and Looks 
 Darted Contempt. This the Reward of Conqueft ? 
 This, Valour's Recompenfe ? 
 
 S I W A R D. 
 
 'Twas what I fear'd. 
 Why did Revenge feduce thee from thy King ! 
 Bear Witnefs, Heav'n, if e'er I trod the Field, 
 Or bar'd my Sword in feeming Aid of Denmark^ 
 Save in the honeft Hope, to check thy Vengeance. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 What ? To a thanklefs King, a favour'd Foe 
 Bafking beneath the royal Smile, to yield 
 With coward- like Submiffion ? Friend, no more. 
 The Dye of Fate is thrown. 
 
 S i w A R D. 
 Didft thou not fee, 
 
 How Paffion kindled, while with ardent Gaze 
 He ey'd fair THYRA'S Charms ? His Soul hath caught 
 A fwift and deep Infection. Mark th' Event. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Weak is thy Fear. Tho' bold in Violence, 
 He dare not wake my Rage. 
 
 TH YR A. 
 Oh gen'rous Duke, 
 
 Behold me at thy Feet ! I fee the Storm 
 Faft gath'ring o'er my Head ! Redeem, redeem me 
 From this rapacious Dane ! I dread not Death j 
 Whofe Image, from my earlieft Age of Woe, 
 Hath been the calm Companion of my Thoughts. 
 Then let thy Arm, which on this fatal Morn 
 Did fhield me, now compleat it's gen'rous Care. 
 My forfeit Life is thine. In Pity kill me, 
 
 x Ere
 
 16 A T H E L & T A N. 
 
 Ere yet Difhonour blot my Innocence. 
 
 AT HE LS T A N. 
 
 By my good Sword, which won thee in the Storm , 
 Again I fwear, not Denmark's proudeft Threat 
 Shall wreft thee from me.^SiwARD, are my Mercians 
 Camp'd in their feparate Quarter ? 
 S i w A R D. 
 Aye, my Lord : , 
 
 Weftward, a Mile ; on a fair rifmg Ground, 
 Faft by the River's Brink. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 This Night I meant 
 
 To pafs in Council with the General GOTHMUND* 
 On future Enterprise. But fmce his Pride 
 Brooks no Controul ; wou'd Heav'n I had not come ! 
 Since it is thus : At leaft his Pride (hall feek me; 
 And if I find him bent on Violence, 
 The Morning Sun (hall fee me quit his Camp. 
 Haft thou prepai'd fair THYRA'S Tent by mine ? 
 
 Siw ARD. 
 I did command it fo. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Retire we then. 
 
 T H Y R A. 
 
 I merit not thy Care. Why fhou'd I live, 
 When my dear Lord is loft, and England fall'n ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Touch not on That : For by this Arm it fell. 
 Yes : I have wafh'd my Footfteps in the Blood 
 Of my defpairing Foes. But oh, for whom ! 
 I'll think no more. Come, THYRA, to thy Tent. 
 
 End of the F i RS T Ac T. 
 
 ACT
 
 ATHELSTAN. 17 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 S C E N E I. The open Camp, 
 
 GOTHMUND, HAROLD, DUNELM. 
 
 G O T H MU ND. 
 
 HAST thoU hot feen her, HAROLD ? 
 HAROLD. 
 
 Much I have heard. 
 
 Her Beauty dwells on ev'ry Soldier's Tongue, 
 
 And half eclipfes Conqueft. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Oh, fuch Beauty ! 
 
 HAROLD, her Eye's bright Beam might thaw the cold 
 Norwegian's Breaft ; or warm the frozen Sons 
 Of Lapland into Love. Oh Earth and Heav'n ! , 
 My Soul's on Fire ! The Glories of the War, 
 The Wreaths of Conqueft ficken on her yght. 
 Avaunt, Ambition ! yield thy Throne to Love ! 
 HAR.OLD, fhe muft be mine. 
 
 HA ROLD. 
 What lets thee then ? 
 
 What Bar fo ftrong, to guard her from thy Wifh ? 
 Each cobweb Hindrance to thy Breath Ihall yield, 
 If thou but will her Thine. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 May I ne'er tafte the Warrior's Lot in Death, 
 Ne'er quaff the rich Meath in th' infernal Courts, 
 W T here mighty ODIN rules the glorious Dead, 
 If I not feize her Beauties. But, brave HAROLD, 
 This delicate Captive is no common Food, 
 C
 
 i8 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Like what we fnatch in ev'ry City's Plundef, 
 
 For grofs Defire to feed on. I wou'd win 
 
 Her Soul's Confent : wou'd kindle mutual Paffion, 
 
 To meet my Flame : At leaft, by fair Perfuafion 
 
 Wou'd temper Pow'r ; that the Effect might feem 
 
 Without all Shqw of Violence. HAROLD, hafte thee 
 
 To the fair Captive's Tent. Tell her, the Gods 
 
 Of Denmark claim their wonted Sacrifice 
 
 Of captive Youths, and thirft for England' 's Gore. 
 
 But ifhu* dear Confent fhall crown my Wim, 
 
 Our Gods propitious will accept her Smile, 
 
 In Ranfom for their Blood, Paint forth the Terrors 
 
 Of the dread Sacrifice ; the Victims bound j 
 
 The howling Incantations of our Priefts 
 
 Invoking Hell ; the glittering Faulcion bar'd ; 
 
 The ftreaming Gore, and Horrors of the Altar. 
 
 The mournful Tale mall melt her into Grief, 
 
 And Pity plead Confent. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 I wait thy Will. 
 Yet were my Counfel worthy GOTHMUND'S Ear 
 
 G OT H M U N D. 
 
 What woud'ft thou ? Say. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Some captive Briton beft 
 Wou'd bend her Pride. 
 
 GOTH M u N D. 
 Not fo. Thefe ftubborn Britons, 
 Unconquer'd ev'n in Chains, defy our Swords ; 
 Awful in Ruin : Like their kindred Oaks, 
 Tho' blafted by the Thunder of the War, 
 They proudly bear their fcorched Ribs aloft, 
 And brave the Pow'r that ftruck them. Therefore, HA- 
 That Hope is vain. [ROLD, 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 Perfuafion, fure, wou'd flow 
 
 Prompt, and more pow'rful from fome Captive'sTongue, 
 
 To
 
 A T H E L S T A N. 19 
 
 To Death or endlefs Slav'ry doom'd ; yet footh'd 
 With Hope v and promis'd Freedom. For the Speech 
 Of mimic Art is weak and fmewlefs, 
 To the ftrong Workings of the lab'ring Soul, 
 When Paflion glows within. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 *Tis well advis'd. 
 
 Then lead fome captive Briton to her Tent, 
 On this great Purpofe. But o'er all I fear 
 This haughty ATHELSTAN ; He claims her His, 
 By Law of Battle ; and hath fworn Protection. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 Is GOTHMUMD'S Pow'r fo weak, then, that he dreads 
 A Traitor's Frown ? 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Nay, by our Gods, I'll feize her ; 
 Tho 1 he, and all the witching Pow'rs of Hell, 
 Tho' the weird Sifters, and each horrrble Shape 
 That haunts the midnight Foreft, hemm her round 
 With Magick Incantation. HAROLD, fpeed thee. 
 J'll wail thee in my Tent. [Exit GoTHMVND. 
 
 SCENE II, 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 Now, Spirit of Mifchief, rife ! Welcome, foul Fiend, 
 That rid'ft the Carr of Njght ; and fcatter'ft Plagues 
 With unfeen Hand ! DUNELM, he fears me not : 
 Nor dreams what Tempeft foon {hall blacken round. 
 Did'ft thou not mark that frowning Captive, EGBERT ? 
 
 P U N E L M. 
 
 I did, 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 He heft will bear the General's Love 
 To THYRA'S Tent Command him hither, DUNELM. 
 
 [Ex't DUNELM. 
 His gen'rous Heart (hall burn with fierce Difucun ; 
 
 C 2 And
 
 20 ATHELSTAN, 
 
 And ftrengthen THYRA'S Virtue into Scorn, 
 Which Pity cannot bend. So black a Purpofe 
 Known and proclaim'd, may haply rouze to Rage 
 The Duke of Mercia ; in whofe fiery Breaft 
 Lies Fury, ripe to catch, and blaze in Flames. 
 Oh, for fome fwift Occafion, that my Breath 
 May kindle Difcord into deadly Feud ! 
 Like angry Clouds that fail on warring Winds, 
 Their fierce conflicting Wrath fhall meet in Thunder, 
 And Ruin clofe the Fray ! 
 
 SCENE III. To him, EGBERT; 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 Welcome, brave Youth. 
 
 Thy Fame, and known Pre-eminence in Valour, 
 
 Have call'd thee to a generous Tafk of Duty, 
 
 For Britain'sWezL Thou know'ft, by Doom of War, 
 
 Full fifty Captives to our Gods muft bleed. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 So doom your fancy'd Gods, the vain Creation 
 Of Fear and Cruelty. But righteous Heav'n, 
 That fees your Blindnefs with a pitying Eye, 
 Detefis the Sacrifice. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Prevent it then. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Name but the Means. If my devoted Blood 
 Can fave my guiklefs Countrymen from Death, 
 I yield it to the Altar. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Valiant EGBERT, 
 
 A gentler Tafk is thine. A captive Beauty 
 Brightens yon Tent : She hath fubdu'd our General. 
 The Rage of Love is on him. If thy Tongue 
 Can win her to his Bed. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 HAR? L D ,nomorc.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 21 
 
 Think'ft thou, becaufe I drag the Chain of War, 
 My Soul muft wear your Shackles ? Fall'n a Captive, 
 I bear a Briton's Heart : The Coward only 
 Earns Safety by Diflionour. 
 
 HARPLD. 
 Yet many a Briton 
 
 Wou'd deem it Service, worth a brave Man's Care, 
 To fave devoted Innocence from Death, 
 At this cheap Price. Weigh'd with the Blood of Man* 
 What is this unknown Woman's Weal or Woe, 
 This captive THYRA'S Honour? 
 
 EGBERT, 
 THYRA? THYRA? 
 
 WhatTHYRA? 
 
 HAROLD, 
 
 ^THELSTAN'S fair Captive THYRA. 
 What Terror's in that Name ? What wonder moves thee? 
 
 Ye Pow'rs of fleav'n ! HAROLD, if thou'rt a Man 
 
 If ever brave Companion touch'd thy Bread ; 
 
 Jf e'er the tender Names of Wife and Hufband, 
 
 The bleeding Anguifh of defpairing Virtue, 
 
 The Love of Worth, or Piety to Heav'n, 
 
 Did fway thy Heart to great and gen'rous Deeds, 
 
 Or melted thee to Pity, hear me now ! 
 
 That THYRA is my Wife ! 
 
 HAROLD, 
 Indeed? thy Wife? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 So fure, as Infamy is hov'ring o'er her, 
 My Wife ! Devoted to this Ruffian's Luft \ 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 EGBERT, I love the Valour of a Foe : 
 And Worth like thine turns Enmity to Praife. 
 How will thy Bofom burn with honeft Rage, 
 Whenhifiing Scorn proclaims 
 
 3 EGBERT*
 
 22 ATHELSTAR 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Oh, thou haft (hook 
 
 My firmeft Fortitude ! I thought her dead. 
 When flie was loft, what more cou'd KG BERT fear ? 
 Hence cold Defpair had gathered o'er my Soul, 
 Wrap'd it in Ice from ev'ry Senfe of 111, 
 And chain'd the ftruggiing Tear. But her lov'd Name 
 Hath rouz'd me from this Lethargy of Woe, 
 Hath thaw'd the frozen Horrors of my Heart, 
 And melted me to Childhood. Grief and Joy* 
 And Fear, and Hope, in tumult rife within me : 
 While thro' the moiftened Ghanels of mine Eyes 
 Thefe Sorrows flow : Yes, for thy Sake, thy EGBERT 
 Weeps his Captivity ! 
 
 HAROLD, 
 Wafte not in Tears 
 
 The precious Minutes. Speed thee to her Tent. 
 Difhonour and Pollution hover o'er it. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Perdition feize the Robber ! Gen'rous HAROLD, 
 Lead me to aid this helplefs Innocence. 
 Hear me, brave Countrymen ! and witnefa Heav'n, 
 That to redeem your death-devoted Blood, 
 EGBERT wou'd yield his own But oh, my Wife ! 
 What ! yield her to a Ruffian's Luft ? Nay rather, 
 I'll dafh her Beauties into Wounds and Horror, 
 For Luft to ftart at. Lead me to her Tent, 
 My lab'ring Heart will burft ! 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Th' attending G'uard 
 Shall guide thee to her Tent. [Exeunt. 
 
 S C E N E IV. Changes to THYRA'S rent. 
 
 T H Y R A, E D W I N A. 
 
 Sure, 'tis fome warning Pow'r that whifpers here. 
 My beating Heart forebodes th' Approach of Fate, 
 And labours with th' Event. ED WIN A, come : 
 
 Friend
 
 A T H E L S T A N. 23 
 
 Friend of my Life, dear Partner of my Woes ! 
 Teach me to combat thefe furrounding Terrors, 
 That overwhelm my Soul ! 
 
 EDW i N A. 
 
 Take Comfort, THYRA : 
 All may be well. 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Oh, this unpitying Dane ! 
 Raging with Infolence, and red with Slaughter ! 
 What cannot he attempt ! 
 
 EDWIN A. 
 Diftruft not Heav'n. 
 
 The valiant ATHELSTAN hath vow'd Protection. 
 Wrong not his generous Care. 
 
 TH YR A. 
 May ev'ry Pow'r 
 
 That watches o'er the juft and brave, protect him, 
 A-wd crown his Days with Honour ! 
 
 S C E N E V. <To them, D u N E L M, 
 
 DUNELM. 
 
 Beauteous Captive, 
 
 A Meflenger from GOTHMUND ^ 
 
 THYRA. 
 Oh, my Fears ! 
 
 DUNELM. 
 He wills, that all depart, 
 Save only Thee : for he hath much to fay, 
 Meet for thy private Ear. 
 
 THYRA. 
 Alas, ED WIN A ! 
 
 What mall I do ! Oh leave me not, EDWINA ! 
 Undone, undone ! 
 
 DUNELM. 
 
 Nay, weep not, beauteous Captive. 
 Let all depart; elfe ye provoke his Rage, [Ex. DUN. ED. 
 C 4 THYRA.
 
 24 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 TH YR A. 
 
 Now which Way (hall I turn me ! Whither fly 
 
 To fhun thefe gather ing Horrors ! Wou'd I had fallen 
 
 Beneath the Battle's Fury ! That the Spear 
 
 Had pierc'd my Heart ! Or that fome flaming Tow'r 
 
 Had been my funeral Pile ! Why was I fpar'd, 
 
 To fink in deeper Woes ! Oh, pitying Heav'n, 
 
 If e'er thy Care regarded Innocence, 
 
 Reftore me to my Lord ! 
 
 SCENE VI. Tober, EGBERT. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Behold him here ! 
 
 TH Y R A. 
 
 Is't poflible ! 'Tis He! my Lord ! my Hufband | 
 Oh happy Change ! Oh Blifs unfpeakable ! 
 Support me, heav'nly Pow'rs ! Support me, EGBERT , 
 I faint, I faint ! Oh, take me to thy Breaft ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Thou Crown of all my Joys ! Thou Caufe belov'4 
 Of all my bittereft Pangs | Do I once more 
 Infold thee in thefe Arms ! 
 
 T H Y R A. 
 
 Too bounteous Heav'n ! 
 
 And are my Sorrows fled ! Shall Hope once more 
 Vifit this Breaft ? And do I live to fee thee ! 
 Alas, my Lord ! thro' what unnumber'd Woes, 
 Thro' what a Sea of Horrors have we paft, 
 Since laft we parted ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Such is Heav'n's high Will. 
 England is fali'n ! The Majefty of Empire 
 Is funk hy Fate ! DeftrucHon rears her Banner : 
 Tile fatal Raven croaks ; and Britain's weeping Genius, 
 Yielding his Charge, flits to fome hr.ppier Clime ! 
 
 THYRA.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 25 
 
 TH YR A. 
 
 Oh fatal Day ! be thou for ever Wept ! 
 
 Yet ev'ry future Morn fhall hear my Praife, 
 
 And Gratitude fmcere arife to Heav'n, 
 
 For this dear Boon, this Cure of ev'ry Woe, 
 
 'That I have found my EGBERT ! Say, my Lord, 
 
 Who led thee to thefe Tents ? 
 
 Ep B E RT. 
 
 Thro' the wide Wafte 
 
 Of mortal War, I fought my virtuous THYRA, 
 To fave her from the Foe : But fought in vain. 
 Then rufhing on the thickeft War, my Sword 
 Edg'd by Defpair, I mow'd my Way j to where 
 GOTHMUND, intrench'd in triple Rows of Spears, 
 Stood like our Country's Fiend. He met my Arm. 
 But foon th'o'erwhelming Files that hemm'd him round 
 Ended the mortal Strife ; and led me hither, 
 The Captive of his Pride. 
 
 TH YR A. 
 Bleft, bleft Event ! 
 
 Sure, 'twas fome unfeen Angel rul'd thy Fate ; 
 Now, barbarous GOTHMUND, I defy thy Threats ! 
 Qh Coward ! to infult a helplefs Captive ! [Bur/is into 
 EGBERT. [Tears. 
 
 Soul of my Soul ! The frowning Fates furround us ! 
 That thou art here, reftor'd to Life and Me, 
 This grateful Tear I offer up to Heav'n ! 
 ut if fome heavier Ruin hangs unfeen, 
 tJnkind and cruel was the Sword that fpar'd thee ! 
 
 T HYR A. 
 
 But thou art come, like fome bleft Pow'r from Heav'n, 
 To banim all my Fears ! Ah, why that Groan ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Dear THYRA ! See, thefe Chains! 
 
 T H Y R A.
 
 26 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 THYR A. 
 Wou'd I cou'd wear them for thee ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Generous THYR A ! 
 
 I know thy Love : I do believe thou woud'ft. 
 Think then, what Pangs muft rend thy EcBERT'sHeartj 
 To fee thy Worth infulted, drag'd)by Pow'r 
 To foul Difhonour j while this cruel Chain 
 Binds down his honeft Vengeance ! 
 
 T H Y R A . 
 
 Since I have found thee, 
 Tho' fetter'd in this ignominious Chain, 
 I know not why, but ev'ry Fear is fled : 
 There's Safety in thy Arms. 
 
 EG B RR T. 
 My Soul's beft Part ! 
 Wrap not thy Heart in blind Security ! 
 Helplefs thou feeft me here, as Age or Childhood : , 
 I fear the rifing Storm. Forgive me, THYR A, 
 Jf in the Temneft of my Rage, thefe Chains 
 Shou'd ftrike thee to the Earth i the cruel Tafk 
 Of defp'rate Love ! and blot that Heav'nly Form 
 With deadly Wounds and Blood ; to refcue thee 
 From this remorfclefs Dane ! 
 
 T H Y R A, 
 
 But ATHELSTAN, 
 
 Who fav'd me midft the Horrors of this Day--- 
 
 EG BERT. 
 Who ? Mtfcia's Duke ? 
 
 T H Y R A. 
 
 Hath bravely fworn Protection. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Curfe the Traitor ! 
 
 'Twas he, whofe Sword, unlheath'd by lawlefs Fury 
 Againil his Country, and the beft of Kings, 
 
 Hath
 
 ATHELSTAN. 27 
 
 Hath broughf Deftru&ion on us. May his Treafon 
 fall, like an impious Arrow (hot at Heav'n, 
 And cleave his hoary Head ! 
 
 TH YR A. 
 Yet, if I err not; 
 
 Ere this, Conviction of his Crime hath wrought 
 Repentance in his Heart. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 No : plead not for him : 
 He hath undone us all ! 
 
 THY R A. 
 Forgive me, EGBERT, 
 If Gratitude work ftrong within my Soul. - 
 He fav'd me from the Dane. A Mind fo noble, 
 Tho' headlong driv'n down by the Tide of Pafliofl, 
 Muft foon return to Virtue. 
 
 EGBERT, 
 Cou'4 I hope it? 
 
 Cou'd I but hope he wou'd rejoin our Arms, 
 We yet might refcue Thee, and re.cue England! 
 
 THY R A. 
 
 J3ehold, he comes! Now, EGBERT, curb thy Rage. 
 Think : He is ftill the Guardian of my Honour. 
 AfTume the winning Eloquence^of Grief, 
 JLab'ring beneath it's Wrongs : His generous Heart 
 Will melt in Sympathy. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 My virtuous THYRA, 
 
 For thee, and for my bleeding Country's Sake, 
 I'll choak the Pang I groan with. 
 
 SCENE VII. To them, ATHELSTAN, SIWARD. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Down, proud Heart ! 
 Oh, I am rent with Anguifli! Never more 
 
 Shall
 
 28 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Shall fair Peace keep her Sabbath in my Breaft ! 
 Unthankful Dane! 
 
 S I W A RD. 
 
 What lei's cou'd Reafon fear 
 From unrelenting Robbers ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Blind Revenge ! 
 
 Oh whither haft thou led me ! Say, proud Captive, 
 Who brought thee to thefe Tents ? 
 
 THY R A. 
 Brave ATHELSTAN, 
 
 This is my Lord, my EGBERT. Honor'dEcBERT, 
 Lo, Mercians Duke, who fav'd me from Pifhonpur. 
 
 ATHELSTAN, 
 Yet, rul'd by fallen Pride, he fcorns to thank me, 
 
 EG BERT. 
 
 That thou didft fave her from the Rage of War, 
 Binds me thy Friend : But that thy trait' rous Arn\ 
 Hath madly drawn thy Sword againft thy King^ 
 Unties that private Bond of Man with Man, 
 And bids me ftand thy Foe. -">.,, 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 To injur'd Honour \ ^ 
 A brave Revenge was due. 
 
 . EGBERT, 
 Oh ATHELSTAN ! 
 
 Thy Vengeance, in its fatal Courfe, hath fwept 
 Thy Friends and Foes in one promifcuous Ruin ! 
 Childhood and Age, the Gentle and the Brave, 
 And helplefs Innocence which never wrong'd thee, 
 Have felt the Fury of thy mad Revenge. 
 Had'it thou been England's Friend, thefe bloody Danes t 
 Had fled our Shores '. No Briton then had drag'd 
 Thefe ignominious Chains ! nor helplefs THYR A 
 Had call'd in vain on Earth and Heav'n to fave her ! 
 
 THYRA.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 29 
 
 TH Y R A. 
 
 Dire is our Fate's Decree, when EGBERT weeps ! 
 Oh cruel GOTHMUND ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Falfe, falfe ATHELSTAN ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 No more : Why rend ye thus my tortur'd Heart ? 
 Thy Words are Scorpions in my Breaft. Rafh Man, 
 Take backthyTHYRA : Guard her as thou can'ft : 
 Farewell : I'll hear no longer. 
 
 T H Y R A, [catching bis Garment* 
 Gen'rous Duke ! 
 
 Leave us not thus ! Leave us not to Deftru&ion ! 
 We have no Hope but thee ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. [breaking from her. 
 Thy tears are vain. 
 
 Si WA R D. 
 Spurn not her Griefs 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Si WARD, if thou'rt my Friend 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Nay, but thou yet (halt hear me : Acrofs thy Stepg 
 I'll throw my Body, tho' thy Hand were arm'd 
 With Lightning, till thou hear me 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Urge me not : 
 Urge not thy Fate 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Alas ! can Fate do more ! 
 Oh ATHELSTAN ! but that I know thy Virtues, 
 I wou'd not ftoop t' intreat thee. Life I reck not. 
 Then fpite of thee, I dare to be thy Friend : 
 Yes ; I will fearch thy Heart ; will there dethrone 
 Ufurping Paflions that have banifh'd Reafon, 
 Eclips'd thyVirtues in their noon-tide Sphere, 
 Anddarken'd all their Brightaefs ! 
 
 ATHEL-
 
 $o ATHELSTAN, 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Let me pafs 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 By Heav'n, I will not, till I have paid the Debt 
 Due to thy generous Soul. Yes ; thou haft beeri 
 My THYRA'S guardian Genius : Hear rne now, 
 Hear Me, as thine : Sent by all-gracious Heav'n, 
 Kindly to w>:rn thee of that Sea of Guilt, 
 In which thy Rage hath plung'd thee ! Hear the Voice 
 That calls thee, to return to Honour's Path ; 
 Bravely to quit thy guilty League with Denmark^ 
 And fave poor bleeding England ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN* 
 Witnefs Heav'n, 
 
 How dear hath England* s Happinefs and Fame 
 Been to mv Soul ! How, on this dreadful Morn$ 
 When Vengeance led me to the Field of Death, 
 My bleeding Heart wept for my Country's Woe, 
 And half fubdu'd Revenge ! Behold thefe Tears 
 Thefe Tears proclaim, I am a Briton ftill ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Then a a Briton's Part. " 
 
 ATHELSTAN, 
 Ungrateful King ! 
 
 Why didft thou wake my Rage! why urge my Vengeance 
 To lead Deftruction on ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Nay, wrong him not. 
 
 'Tis Pafiion's Blindnefs rules thee. Heav'n and Earth 
 Witnefs the untir'd Bounties of his Hand. 
 But when bold Expeftation, nurs'd by Vanity, 
 Brooks no Denial ; and afTumes to weigh 
 Its own fantaftic Worth j what earthly Pow'r 
 Can fatisfy it's Cravings, or fill up 
 Th' unfuthom'd Meafure of Self- Love and Pride! 
 
 Si WARD.,
 
 ATHELSTAN. 3l 
 
 S i WAR D. 
 
 Or grant thy Worth neglecled : Grant the Slave, 
 Fool, Flatterer, Whifperer, reptile Sycophant, 
 To thee prefer'd in Honour : Virtue ftill, 
 Wrapt in the Majefty of calm Difdain, 
 And felf rever'd, in her own Dignity 
 Wou'd check Revenge j wou'd welcome Injury 
 With manly Scorn, and for the publick Weal 
 Forget all private Wrong. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 No more, no more I 
 Wou'd Heav'n, I had not done it. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Imperial London! 
 
 Fair England's Boaft ! The Glory of thelfles ! 
 How art thou falFn ! Thy Palaces and Tow'rs, 
 Low- level 'd with the Duft, now fmoke in Afhes ! 
 Heav'n ! as we pafs'd in Chains the Streets along, 
 How the loud Shrieks of ravifh'd Maids and Matrons, 
 The Groans of Britons weltring in their Blood, 
 Of Infants writhing on the bloody Spear, 
 Transfix'd my Heart ! 
 
 T H Y R A. 
 
 In vain the holy Prieft, 
 
 The trembling Sire, and widow'd Wife, in vain 
 Clung to their Altars, and implor'd for Mercy: 
 The Ruffian Foe with facrilegious Hand 
 Dragg'd them to Death j and to his Idols grim 
 Did Ihed their innocent Blood ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 What have I done ! 
 Oh Britain ! haplefs Britain f 
 
 S i w A R D. 
 Doft thou weep ? 
 
 Come, fair Repentance, Daughter of the Skies ! 
 Soft Haibinger of foon returning Virtue ! 
 The weeping Mefienger of Grace from Heav'n ! 
 
 3 . Lovely
 
 32 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Lovely in Tears. Now melt his generous Heart 
 Infufe kind Pity for his Country's Woes ! 
 Wake his great Soul j and bid him fhine once 
 It's Pride, Support, and Glory ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 >Tis too late ! 
 Oh Madnefs ! Headlong Madnefs ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Ne'er too late 
 
 To turn to Virtue ! THYRA, SIWARD, kneel ; 
 And fue for Mercy tdour ruin'd Country! [They kneel. 
 
 THYRA. 
 Cou'd a poor helplefs Captive's Pray'r be heard ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Behold in us, Millions of guiltlefs Britons 
 
 SIWARD. 
 Pleading for Life and Freedom ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Hear the Groans v' 
 
 Of martyr' d Chriftians 
 
 THYRA. 
 Bleeding for their Faith 
 
 SIWARD. 
 
 Imploring Help from thee ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Rife, Britons, rife. 
 I yield, I yield ! Yes ; England^ I am thine ! 
 
 EGBERT. [They rife. 
 
 Oh happy Change ! 
 
 SIWARD. 
 Oh generous ATHELSTAN ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 And yet to {loop ! meanly to fue for Pardon ! 
 
 S i w A R^ D. 
 
 He, he alone degrades his State, who ftoops 
 To wrongful Deeds ; thefe done,' 'tis truly brave 
 To fue for Pardon, and who ftoops, is greateft. 
 
 ATHEL-
 
 ATHELSTAN. jj 
 
 ATHE LSTAN. [embracing them. 
 Come to my Heart ! my Friends ! my Guides to Peace ! 
 Your Words, like Light from Heav'n, have pierc'd my 
 OhBlindnefs, Frenzy) --Gen' rous, injur'dKing, [Soul! 
 How can I e'er behold thee ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Truft his Goodnefs. 
 
 His chief Delight is Mercy : and when Juftice 
 Demands the awful Sacrifice of Life, 
 Reludlant he confirms the harm Decree. 
 
 S i WA R D. 
 
 Ev'n now a trufty Spy return'd, informs me, 
 Our valiant King, cnuft'ring his fcatter'd Pow'rs, 
 Ere Morning dawns will ftorm the Danijh Camp : 
 ]Lead but thy valiant Mercians 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Grant me, Heav'n, 
 
 On a wide Heap of routed Danes to die ! 
 J afk no more. Come> let us quit the Camp. 
 
 E Q B E R T. 
 
 Alas, brave Duke, I am a Captive here. 
 1 cannot go. A thoufand guiltlefs Britons 
 Muft bleed, fhou'd I efcape. But to thy Care ? 
 Here I bequeath a Truft more dear than Life. 
 Let THYRA be the Partner of thy Flight. 
 
 TH Y R A. 
 
 Muft I then leave my Lord ! 
 Severe Decree ! Shall I not fee my EGBERT, 
 Ere I depart ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 My ever honoured Wife, 
 Be fure thou fhalt. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 THYRA, retire : and while I feek the Dane, 
 To lull Sufpicion, wait us in thy Tent 3 
 
 D Pre-
 
 34 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Prepar'd for Flight. NowSiwARD, to my Mercians. 
 Tell them my Wrongs from Denmark : paint the Pangs 
 Of my unfeign'd Repentance : rowze their Valour 
 To quenchlefs Rage, that may atone my Guilt. 
 That to the Ghoft of ev'ry martyr'd Briton 
 We flew in Fight, a Hoft of Danes may die. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 End of the SECOND ACT. 
 
 Vir-^ab i 
 
 1 cliilw J> 
 
 ACT
 
 ATHELSTAN. 35 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. THYRA'S Tent. 
 GOTHMUND, GOODWIN. 
 
 GoTHMUND. 
 
 HE R Hufband, did'ft thou fay ? 
 GOODWIN. 
 So Rumour fpeaks. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 Amazement Then he hath play'd falfe with HAROLD, 
 And quench'd my Hope. Did'ft thou not fay, thou 
 Walking the Camp ? [faw'ft him, 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 He mot athwart the Tents 
 With proud and hafty Step, that feem'd to fcorn 
 The Ground he trod. 
 
 GOTHMUN D. 
 
 Then we mall meet him here. 
 This is his Wife's Pavilion. If he comes, 
 I mean to fpeak him fair. Perfuafion mild 
 Shall firft allure Confent : Shou'd that be vain, 
 From the falfe Calm a fudden Storm fhall rife, 
 And bury him in Ruin. Is the Guard 
 Arm'd, and at Hand to feize him ? 
 
 Goo DWI N. 
 Arm'd, and ready. 
 
 GOT HM u N D. 
 Behold, he comes. . 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 'Tis he : I fee his Chain, 
 
 D 2 That
 
 36 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 That glitters in the Moon-beam. 
 
 GoTHMUND. 
 
 GOODWIN, hence : 
 
 Wait within Call.:- [Exit GOODWIN. 
 
 S C E N E II. To him, EGBERT, 
 
 G O T H M U N Q. 
 
 Briton^ I greet thee well. 
 
 Is the fair Captive won to GOTHMUND'S Love? 
 
 Why art thou dumb ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Why do I fee thee here ? 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 Left Infult fhou'd approach fair THYRA'S Tent, 
 I come to watch her Welfare. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 As the Wolf 
 Guards the defencelefs Lamb. 
 
 GOTH M UN p. 
 Haft thou forgot 
 Whofe phain thou wear'ft ? 
 
 E G B E R T. 
 
 'Tis Thine : and thence I fcorn it. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 EGBERT, beware: Thou know'it the Victor's Pow'r : 
 Wake not his Rage. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 I bear a guiltJefs Mind, 
 Thou can'ft not conquer.^- 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Hence, audacious Captive. 
 
 I know thee THYRA'S Hufband Tremble, Briton: 
 
 }Nor fport with angr,y Pow!r. [ 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Hence, ruffian Dane / This Tent is ATHELSTAN'S. 
 THYRA'S his Captive : and kind Heav'n ordain'd him, 
 
 3 T
 
 ATHELSTAN. 37 
 
 To refcue Innocence from Luft and Rapine. 
 
 G o T H M u N D. 
 
 Yet I am calm. But have a Care, rafh Youth 
 For ATHELSTAN : What Pow'r but mine can fhield 
 From thejuft Vengeance of his injur'd King? [him 
 Whate'er the Traitor won, he won for me. 
 Like thefe rich Territories, THYRA'S mine 
 By Conqueft : Let not then weak Shame or Pride 
 Obftrucl the Victor's Wifti : Be juft, brave EGBERT, 
 And yield her Beauty to its new Pofleflbr. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Come, hotieft Prida ! Oh fill my fwelling Heart, 
 And arm mine Eye, and point my Tongue with Scorn, 
 Keen as the Scorpion's Sting ! By Heaven, this Chain, 
 This Chain alone bids Infolence be bold, 
 Which elfe were dumb, as Cowardice or Guilt ! 
 Oh, for my honeft Faulcion ! which this Morn, 
 O'erwhelming Numbers wrefted from my Hand ! 
 Yes : I wou'd hunt thee thro' the Battle's Rage : 
 Surrounding Guards, and doubling Ranks in vain 
 Should fhelter thee ! 
 
 G O T H M U N D, 
 
 Hell's Curfes blaft thy Pride ! 
 Had not the bufy Guards foreftall'd my Vengeance, 
 The Lightning of my Sword had cleft thee down. 
 Shall I bear this ? Hoa, GOODWIN ! Bring the Guard } 
 
 [To him GOODWIN, 
 
 Seize that infulting Captive : Drag him hence, 
 To dark 1 mprifonment, and feven-fold Chains, 
 Till the Fleet fail for Denmark, 
 
 SCENE III. To them* THYRA, EDWUJA. 
 
 THYRA, 
 
 Mercy 4 Mercy ! 
 
 Oh GOTHMUND> at thy Feet ! 
 
 D 3 GOTH-
 
 38 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Let go thy Hold. 
 Quick, bear him to his Prifon. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Why this Violence ? 
 I am your Captive : Bear me where ye may. 
 
 THY RA. 
 
 Muft we thus part ! - OrTcruel Dane ! In Mercy 
 Deftroy us here together ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Strive no more : 
 
 Wafte not thy generous Tears on barbarous Pow'r : 
 For what can Right, when Luft and Madnefs rule ? 
 Yield to thy Fate, Farewell ! [,v// EGBERT and 
 THYRA. [GOODWIN. 
 
 My Lord! my EGBERT ! , 
 
 Oh loft, loft, loft? 
 
 G O T H M U N 1>. 
 
 Thou yet haft Pow'r to fave him. 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Oh name the Tafk which Honour fanclifies, 
 And I will die to fave him ! Bid me roam, 
 An Exile from my Country, thro' the Climes 
 Where frozen Lapland's wintry Waftes extend ; 
 Doom me for ever to th' unwholefome Mine, 
 Where hopelefs Slav'ry toils : I'll blefs my Fate, 
 So I may fave my EGBERT. 
 
 Go T HM u N D. 
 Fear not, THYRA, 
 
 So harm a Doom That delicate Frame was form'd 
 For gentler Offices. Crown but my Love, 
 And EGBERT fhail be free. 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Peace, Monfter, Peace ! 
 
 Nor wound my chafte Ear with thy Words, which tafnt 
 The wholefome Air. 
 
 GOTH-
 
 A T H E L S T A N. 39 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 Elfe fhall my Vengeance fweep 
 
 Thy ftubborn EGBERT to far diftant Shores. 
 
 Yes : he (ball dwell with Darknefs, pine with Want, 
 
 Rot 'midft the cold Damps of a hideous Dungeon > 
 
 And live a ling'ring Death ! 
 
 TH YRA. 
 Oh horrible ! 
 Thou can'ft not mean it ! 
 
 Go T H MU N D. 
 
 By our Gods, I do ! 
 
 While thou, the Minion of the general Camp, 
 Shalt feed unbridled Luft ; till wrinkled Age 
 Doom thee at length a houfehold Drudge, the Scorn 
 Of loathing Appetite ! 
 
 THYRA. 
 Oh hear me Heav'n ! 
 
 Hear me, thus kneeling, low on Earth ! Defcend, 
 Ye guardian Pow'rs that watch o'er Innocence, 
 Defcend, and foften his relentlefs Heart, 
 Or I am loft for ever ! Hear me, GOTHMUND, 
 For the chafte Matron's Sake, who gave thee Birth ! 
 Oh, hear! 
 
 Go T HMU ND. 
 
 Nay, yield thee ; or his Fate is feal'd. 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Pity my captive State ! a helplefs Orphan, 
 With not a Friend ! an outcaft from my Country } 
 Unknown to all ; ev'n to myfelf unknown ! 
 A poor loft infant, wrecked on England's Coaft ! 
 Perhaps an Infant Dane ! Oh why, ED WIN A, 
 Why was I refcued by thy Father's Hand ! 
 Elfe had my Sorrows found a peaceful Grave 
 In the devouring Deep ! 
 
 Go T HMUND. 
 
 An infant Dane ? 
 
 Give me but Proof of That 
 
 D 4 THYRA,
 
 40 A T H E L S T A N. 
 
 Ttt YRA. 
 
 Concurrent Proofs 
 
 Befpeak me fuch : Wrong hot thy Country then : 
 
 Wrong not thy Friends : Oh think thou feeft thy Friends^ 
 
 And thy dear Relatives now plead in me j 
 
 And thus with bended Knees and lifted Eyes 
 
 Befeech thy Pity ! fpeak, EDWIN A, fpeak ! 
 
 Oh tell the Tale of Woe ? The mournful Tale 
 
 Needs not trie colouring of artful Tongues, 
 
 To melt the hardcft Heart ! 
 
 GoTHMUND. 
 
 I charge thee, Woman, 
 
 Be bold in Truth : or inftant Death awaits thee. 
 
 ED WIN A. 
 
 Hear then the Tale, which at the hallow'd Altar 
 I dare confirm. Near to the Coaft of Wiffex 
 My Father liv'd j an humble Villager. 
 'Twas on a Time when Storms had vex'd the Deep, 
 We fpy'd a Danijb Veflel driv'n on Rocks, 
 Then fwallow'd in the Flood. The Storm rag'd on : 
 And on the rolling Billows, mountain-high, 
 This helplefs Babe came floating. The next Wave 
 Had wafh'd her fo the Deep : 'Twas then my Father 
 Snatch' d her from Death. Soon as our Cottage 
 Recall'd her into Life, the lovely Babe [Warmth 
 
 Smil'd on us, all unconfcious of her Woe. 
 Tears gufh'd from ev'ry Eye. My generous Father, 
 Generous tho' poor, and now a Saint in Heav'n, 
 Embrac'd the Child, and vow'd her as his own. 
 v Beauty, with ev'ry winning Quality, 
 Grew with her Growth : She was our Village Pride. 
 EGBERT at length, drawn by her peerlefs Fame, 
 Beheld, and lov'd, and won her. 
 
 THYR A. 
 Generous EGBERT! 
 
 GOTH-
 
 A T H E L S T A N. p 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 But fay Did this poor Babe alone furvive 
 The general Wreck ? 
 
 E D wr N A. 
 
 Alone : The reft were fwallow'd 
 By the devouring Flood. 
 
 GoTHMUND. 
 But tell me, Woman, 
 Why did ye judge the finking Wreck, a Dane ? 
 
 E D W I N A. 
 
 'Tv/as from the yellow Streamers, hoifted high 
 In Signal of Diftrefs. 
 
 T H Y R A. [Taking a Chain from btr Neck. 
 Behold this Chain, [Gothmund takes the Chain. 
 
 By me held facred from my earlieft Age : 
 This, haply, may confirm the wondrous Tale. 
 
 ED WIN A. 
 
 That very Chain adorn'd her infant Neck : 
 Inwrought with myftic Figures, it hath tir'd 
 Each letter'd Sage's Eye. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 The Signatures 
 
 Are of a Runic Import : which our Bards, 
 And Priefts, and Sages magic-taught, can fpell. 
 I'll bear it to their Search. 
 
 THYRA. 
 May Heav'n infufe 
 Soft Pity to thy Heart I 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 Cou'd I but win [fures : 
 
 Fair THYR A'S Love ! The Camp fhall pour its Trea- 
 Freedom and Wealth, the Spoils of conquer'd England) 
 Shall join to grace thy Tent : while thou fupreme 
 ShaJt triumph o'er thy Fate, and blefs the Hour 
 That fpoke thy Birth, and gave thee to the Dane. 
 
 THYRA. 
 Oh mighty GOTHMUND ! 
 
 GOTH-
 
 42 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 GoTHMUND. 
 
 Nay, dry thefc Griefs j tho' much indeed they grace thee. 
 
 Come ; let thine Eyes beam with their own foft Fires, 
 
 And all thy Form awaken into Beauty. 
 
 Dwell not with fruitlefs Woe : Let bitter Tears 
 
 Rain from the Captive's Eye, condemn'd to Exile, 
 
 And endlefs Slav'ry : But a happier Lot 
 
 Awaits fair THYRA'S Choice, and pleads Acceptance. 
 
 TH Y RA. 
 My EGBERT! OmyHufband! 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Weep no more ; 
 Thy Tears can ne'er recall him. 
 TH Y R A. 
 Little know'ftthou; 
 
 What ftrong eternal Bands of mutual Love 
 Have knit our Souls : Divided Happinefs 
 We ne'er can know. Joy, like one common Sun, 
 Muft Ihine on Both or Neither : and if Night 
 Hath overcaft his Fate ; my Sun of Life 
 With his, is fet for ever. Give me the Chain. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Nay, by my Sword, the Chain 
 Is dearer to me than a Diamond's Mine. 
 This Chain's the Clue, (hall guide me to thy Birth; 
 Which, once reveal'd, fhall ev'ry Tie diflblve 
 That binds thee to thefe Britons. Denmark then 
 Shall claim thee Her's ; and GOTHMUND plead her 
 Rights. [Exit GOTHMUND. 
 
 THYR A. 
 
 Unfriended Innocence implores in vain f 
 EDWIN A, range the Camp !_feek out my EGBERT ' 
 Te 11 him, his THYRA kneels in vain for Mercy, 
 And bid him fly to fave her ! Oh, I rave f 
 E'en -now, relentlefs Ruffians bind him down, 
 In the drear Depth of dark Imprifonment j 
 Far from his helpiefs THYRA. 
 
 SCENE
 
 ATHELSTAN. 43 
 
 S C E N E IV. To tlem, AT HE L STAN. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Sure, the Voice 
 
 Of Female Lamentation ftruck mine Ear. 
 THYRA ! whom do I fee ? What, drown'J in Tears? 
 
 TH YR A. 
 Oh, loft, for ever loft ! Thi$ barbarous Dane I 
 
 ATHEISTAN. 
 Whs* of him? 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Bent to do a Deed of Horror, 
 Ev'n now he hath.dragg'd to dark Imprifonment 
 My guiltlefs Lord ! He threatens inftant Violence ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Curs'd be the Day on which he touch'd our Shores ! 
 Come ; let us from the Camp : Ere this, my Mercians* 
 Warn'd of th' Oppreffions of this bloody Dane, 
 And touch'd with Pity for their Country's Woes, 
 Burn to rejoin their King. Come, gentle THYRA, 
 ED WIN A, come. My Prefence fhall protect you, 
 Safe thro' this hoftile Camp. 
 
 THYRA. 
 Too generous, Duke ! 
 Can I defert my Lord ! 
 
 AT H E LST AN. 
 
 Then ftay, till GOTHMUND 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Oh, fave me, ATHELSTAN ! 
 Hafte, let us hence ! I have ao Help but thee ! 
 Alas, my virtuous EGBERT, muft I leave thee ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Nay, fear not for him : Ere yon Moon hath rode 
 Her Circuit round the Skies, I'll pour my Thunder 
 On thefe accuifed Danes, and give him Freedom. 
 SIWARD, ere this, throughout the Ranks hath wak'd 
 4- Brave
 
 44 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Brave Difcontent, and kindled all my War. . 
 Come, let us quit the Camp. ^ 
 
 , S C E N E V. ft them, GOODWIN. 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 Hear, ATHELSTAN! 
 
 Our General fends thee Greeting. Sacred ever 
 He deems the Rights of War : yet Pow'rs ally'd 
 Own the Priority of peaceful Claim. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 'Tis granted. What of this? 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 That captive Fair, 
 
 Won by thy Prowefs in the City's Storm, 
 By Law of War is Thine : An earlier Right 
 Our General pleads : For Proofs of Circumftance 
 Speak her by Birth a Dane. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 No falfe Pretence 
 
 Shall wile her Virtues from me. THYRA, fpeak :- 
 Is't not a feign'd Pretence ? 
 
 THYRA. 
 Oh mighty Duke ! 
 
 Tho' Ruin hangs upon the Acknowledgment } 
 I fear, I am a Dane ; and thence unworthy 
 A generous Briton's Care ! 
 
 AT HE L s T A N. 
 Wrong not thy Worth : 
 For, as within the Foreft's howling Depth, 
 Where grifly Bears, andPards, and Tigers roam, 
 The wild Rofe blooms ; So oft in favage Lands 
 Untutor'd Virtue, dwells : Where'er 'tis found, 
 It claims Defence : Virtue is Virtue's Care, 
 Alike inev'ry Clime. Then tell me, GOODWIN, 
 For ere I yield my Captive, I will know; 
 
 , ..... What
 
 ATHELSTAN. 45 
 
 What Proofs of Circumftance 
 
 GOODWIN, [producing the Chain. 
 
 Behold this Chain 
 
 With Runic Chara&ers 
 
 ATHELSTAN. [feizing the Chain. 
 Ye Pow'rs of Heav'n, 
 That weave th' inextricable Maze of Fate ! 
 What do I fee ! If 'tis your facred Will 
 To make me bleft, now lend a pitying Ray ! 
 This very Chain, my once victorious Arm 
 Rent from the proud Neck of a flaughter'd Dane.* 
 bh Joy, Oh Grief ! Oh Rapture to my Soul ! 
 How, when, where, whence? Speak, GOODWIN! 
 
 [THYRA, fpeak ! 
 Or Hope and Doubt will heave my Heart toburftingl 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Ah me! I was a helplefs Infant, loft 
 Ere Mem'ry yet was feated in the Brain ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Oh blefled Hope ! Such was my EMMA too ! 
 EDWIN A, can'ft thou tell? Range, range the Round, 
 Where Mem'ry hoards her Treafures, and brings back 
 Old Time ! Confirm the Whifpers of fweet Hope, 
 And give me back my Child ! 
 
 E D W I N A, 
 
 Heav'n ! doft thou weep 
 A Daughter loft ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 And long have wept in vain ! 
 Since (he was loft, full twenty Years have fhe3 
 Their various Woes on my poor orphan'd Child ! 
 When furious HALFDEN ravag'd Mercians Cities, 
 Then was my Child (this very Chain fhe wore !) 
 Snatch'd from her Cradle by unpitying Danes 
 And thence convey'd to Denmark's barbarous Shore ! 
 
 THYRA. 
 Oh gracious Heav'n ! 
 
 EDWINA.
 
 46 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 ED WIN A. 
 On that lamented Time, 
 This very Chain circling her infant Neck, 
 By my dear Father's Hand was THYRA fnatch'd 
 From the devouring Deep ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Tis She ! My Child ! my Child ! [Embracing her. 
 
 THYRA. 
 My Father ! 
 
 E D W I N A. 
 
 Gracious Heav'n ! 
 
 Who can behold this Sight, and not diflblvc 
 
 In Tears of Joy ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 And was it mine, to lave thee ! 
 Oh Pow'rful Nature ! For fince firft I faw thee, 
 My EMMA'S Sweetnefs ftruck on ev'ry Senfe : 
 Some foft Anra&ion drew! fome unknown Charm 
 Work'd in my SouJ, and bade me wifh thee Mine ! 
 Hafte, GO'ODWIN, haile to GOTHMUND : there difclofe 
 This Tale of Juy, this wondrous Burft of Blifs ! 
 Tell him, that Nature cancels ev'ry Claim, 
 And gives my EMMA to her Father's Love ! 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 
 I'll forthwith to his Tent : A Minute's Round 
 Shall bring thee his Refolve. . [#/*GooDwiN 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Eternal Providence ! 
 
 To whofe all-feeing Mind, th' unmeafur'd Round 
 Of wide Events is prefent ! far beyond 
 The narrow Ken of a weak mortal Eye ! 
 Deep and unfearchable, yet juft and true, 
 Are thy ador'd Decrees, O Pow'r divine ! 
 Thou ev'n beyond the Darings of fond Hope, >'^ R n, 
 Haft from the Bofom of the raging Seas 
 Rcftor'd my long-loft Daughter ! 
 
 [Embracing herpajjionately* 
 THYRA.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 47 
 
 THY R A. 
 
 Happy, happy ! 
 
 Oh Blifs unfpeakable ! And do I live, 
 
 Thus to be prefs'd to a fond Parent's Heart ! 
 
 To hang upon his Breaft ! To know the Joy, 
 
 The heart-felt Raptures that attend the Names 
 
 Of Child and Daughter ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Darling ef my Soul ! 
 
 Oh Comfort of my Age; Yet, yet one Grief 
 Checks the fweet Tumult of my honeft Joy ! 
 One piercing Grief lies heavy on my Soul! 
 
 T H YR A, 
 
 Can I relieve thy Pain ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Not all the lenient Balms thy Love can pour, 
 Can ever give me Reft 1 Oh Madnefs, Madnefs ! 
 I have undone my Country ! 
 
 THYRA. 
 Alas, the Pity! 
 Think not fo deeply of it. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Oh, I am vile ! 
 
 I dare not lift my guilty Eyes to Heav'n ! 
 Yet Heav'n hath (how'r'd a Bleffing on my Head, 
 Beyond the World's wide Empire ! What may this 
 Sure, 'tis the Prelude to fome dire Event ! [mean ! 
 A pafling Gleam, fent by almighty Vengeance, 
 To deepen future Woe ! 
 
 THYRA. 
 Nay, rather deem it 
 
 The kind Encouragement of Heav'n, vouchfaf'd 
 To thy returning Virtue ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Heav'n is juft, 
 
 Yet merciful : Let me but refcue England^ 
 Andlfhallyetbebleft! 
 
 SCENE
 
 {8 ATHELSTAN. 
 SCENE VI. To them, GOODWIN. 
 
 GopDWIN. 
 
 Hear, Mercians Dujce ! 
 
 POTHMUND decrees, that ev'ry Right of Peace 
 
 Yields to the Conqu'ror's Pow'r; and claims his Captive. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Sooner your Swords fhall drink my warm Life-blood 
 
 GOO D WIN. 
 
 ]EIoa! DUNELM Bear her off! 
 
 [DuNELM and the Guard appear , and feize THYRA. 
 T H Y R A. [as they carry her off Jt niggling. 
 Help! Help! Undone! 
 Dear Father, help! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 [Part of the Guard remain and intercept him. 
 Damnation! Treach'ry ! Treach'ry! 
 Slaves, let me pafs 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 Not this Way, by the Gods 
 
 ATHELSTAN. [drawing his Sword. 
 By Heav'n, I'll mow my Paflage with my Sword. 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 Difarm him [the remaining Guards difar.m him. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 1 alii Joa 3' 
 Villains ! give me back my Daughter ! 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 
 Rave not, old Man ! She now is Go THMUNTD'S Charge. 
 ATHELSTAN. [Ex. GOODWIN and Guards. 
 Inhuman Dogs ! Tell me in Pity tell me 
 Where is my Daughter! Give me back my Daughter ! 
 Oh, Mercy, Mercy, Heav'n! V. m.sb istfasi <vs? 
 
 ED w INA. 
 Alas, my Lord ! 
 I fear She's loft for ever ! H T A 
 
 ATHELSTAN. A^ n - v 
 Vengeance ! v^engeance , 
 EDWINA, 'come ! I'll to this bloody Dane, 
 
 And
 
 ATHELSTAN. 49 
 
 And frown him into Stone ! Loud in his Ear 
 J'll thunder all my Wrongs; andfhake his Soul 
 With Sounds as dire, as when at general Doom 
 The dreadful Trump fhall wake the guilty Dead ! 
 Should he be deaf to injur'd Nature's Claim, 
 I'll to my Mercians , and let Joofe Revenge ' 
 Swift o'er thefe ruffian Danes I'll pour the Flood 
 Of War; and drown the guilty Camp in Blood; 
 Rage thro' their Tents, like fierce confuming Fire j 
 And among Heaps of flaughter'd Foes expire ! 
 
 End of the T H i R D A c T. 
 
 E ACT
 
 50 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. GOTHMUND'S ftnt. 
 GOODWIN, DUNELM. 
 
 GOODW I N. 
 
 IS fhefecur'd? 
 DUNE L M. 
 
 Faft : Barricado'd ftrong 
 
 By doubled Ranks of Guard : whofe levell'd Spears 
 Hem round the Tent. 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 
 Did not the Duke of Mercia, 
 Attempt to wreft her from them ? 
 DUNELM. 
 Yes : with Fury, 
 
 Fierce as the foaming Boar that whets his Tufks, 
 When the bold Hunter hath deftroy'd his Young, 
 He clamour'd to the Guard. They mock'd his Rage. 
 Thrice he eflay'd, with phrenzy-like Defpair, 
 To pierce their Ranks : Then Fury funk to Grief. 
 Melting in Tears, he fu'd for one fmall Grace : 
 Pray'd that EDWINA, her late fellow Captive, 
 Might (hare her Griefs. His Suit in Sport was granted- 
 EDWINA now weeps o'er her. But he comes, 
 To plead his Right with GOTHMUND. 
 
 GOOD w i N. 
 Fierce will be 
 Their meeting Frown ; when Rage encounters Rage ; 
 
 In either Breaft a Storm. 
 
 Du-
 
 ATHELSTAN. 51 
 
 DUNEL M. 
 
 I'll to my Watch : 
 
 E'en let the Tempeft roar. [Exit DUNELM. 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 My Charge is here. 
 
 SCENE II. fobim, ATHELSTAN. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Vile Caitiff! Where's thy General? 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 Fair Words, Briton. 
 
 Choak thy foul Breath. The General's in his Tent. 
 What woud'ft thou ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Tell him, ATHELSTAN is come. 
 His Heart will fpeak the reft. 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 Ev'n now he fits 
 
 On fecret Council > Nor can Clamour gain 
 Admittance to his Ear. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Infidious Hell-hound ! 
 
 Or bring us Face to Face ; or by yon Heav'n, 
 His Tent (hall be a Cobweb to my Rage. 
 I'll tear the fheeted Cordage from its Bafe, 
 And give it to the Winds : I'll call fo loud, 
 The Heav'ns {hall echo me ; and the chafte Stars 
 Eclipfe with Horror at th' infernal Deed 
 Which his fell Heart conceives. 
 
 SCENE III. Tcfl&flWj-GOTHMVND. 
 
 GoTHMUND. 
 
 What lawlefs Clamour 
 Breaks on my Tent ? 
 
 E 2 ,AT HEL-
 
 52 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 A T H E L S T A N. 
 
 What lawlefs Rapine late 
 Invaded mine ? 
 
 GoTHMUND. 
 
 Thou fhalt be anfwer'd bravely. 
 
 AT HEL ST A N. 
 
 I will be anfwer'd truly. Think not, GOTHMUND, 
 That Frowns can terrify ; or vile Evafion 
 Silence, my loud-tongu'd Wrongs. Speak tell m?, 
 Why this audacious Infult on the Rights [Dane, >-*- 
 Of fworn Alliance, and the Laws of War ? 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 Am I not here fupreme ? Whate'er was won, 
 W"as won beneath my Banner. Thou, proud Duke> 
 Wert but a Wheel within the vaft Machine 
 That tore up England's Freedom. Yes, thy Sword 
 Was but the Inflrument of GOTHMUND'S Will. 
 I was the Soul, the all-direling Pow'r 
 That rul'd the War : Whate'er ye won, ye won 
 Each for himfelf indeed j but all for me. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Oh Falfehood, foul as Hell ! What Dane fo vile, 
 But now enjoys the Conqueft that he reap'd ? 
 Behold tli' unpitying Riot of the Camp, 
 Rich with the Spoils of my poor ruin'd Country ! 
 How ev'ry Soldier lords it o'er the Heap 
 Of Plunder which he won ! 
 
 GOTHMUND* 
 
 So GOTHMUXD Wills. 
 
 But did fo dear a Prize inrich their Tents* 
 
 As lately brighten'd ATHELSTAN'S; my Voice, 
 
 Swift as the Virtue of a magic Spell, 
 
 Shou'd leave them void as thine. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Curt'd InCience 
 
 Of barb'rous Pow'r ! Yet think not ATHELSTAN 
 JRoli'd in the furdi'd Lift of GOTHMUND'S Slaves. 
 
 J plead
 
 ATHELSTAN. 53 
 
 I plead the Law of War ; and claim my Captive. 
 
 G O T H M U N D. 
 
 Thine ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Mine : by Right of War. 
 
 G O T H M U N D. 
 
 Hence, prating Peda-nt! 
 
 Thou {halt be frock'd, ,and mantled in the Garb 
 
 Worn by your Cell-bred Monks. By Right of War ? 
 
 L)oft thou not fee, what Thoufands hemm me round, 
 
 Dreadful in crefted Helms ? Thefe plead the Rights 
 
 Of GOTHMUND and of Denmark. Think' ft thou, Briton^ 
 
 We touch 'd thefe Shores, to parley with our Slaves 
 
 In weak Contention ? Violence is our Law. 
 
 The Sword is Valour's God : 'Twas thine this Morn : 
 
 And now 'tis GOTHMUND'S. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Blufh, Ingratitude ! [Heart ! 
 
 What Sword but ATHELSTAN'S ! Down, fwelling 
 No ! heav'nly Pow'rs ! I dare not call you down, 
 In witnefs to my Wrongs ! Yet this from thee ! 
 Oh thanklefs Dane ! 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Go, preach thy Follies, ChrijUan^ 
 To the obfcure and coward Sons of Peace. 
 I wing a loftier Air; where Eagle-Glory 
 Soars high above Reproach. Fair THYRA'S mine. 
 More dear than half the Spoils of conquer'd Britain. 
 Thou ne'er (halt fee her more. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 O ftern Decree ( 
 Yet hear me, GOTHMUND ! HearaParent's Pray'r!-- 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 A Parent's Pray'r ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Yes : THYRA is my Child ; now fcarce reftor'd 
 To the fond Wifhes of her aged Father, 
 Till plung'd in deeper Woe .' 
 
 E 3 GOTM-
 
 54 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Go T H M UND. 
 
 THYRA thy Child? 
 
 A thin Pretence ? She was an infant Dane; 
 
 Snatch'd from a Wreck that funk on England's Coaft. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 ThatWreckwas rich with conquer'dMERC JA'sPlunder. 
 My Child was there. Each fpeaking Circumftance, 
 The well-known Chain, the fatal Time, the Place, 
 All rifmg into Proof, proclaim her mine : 
 Mine, GOTHM..ND, mine: The only Pledge of Love, 
 Her dying Mother left. Behold thefe Tears 
 That trickle down my Cheek. Oh think what Pangs 
 Muft inly rend the Heart df ATHELSTAN, 
 Ere he cou'd weep ! Let gentle Pity then 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 Pity ! The Foe to ev'ry manly Deed ? 
 The Bane of Victory : a timorous Child, 
 Scar'd at the gorgeous Pride and Pomp of War j 
 Fit, only fit, to rule a Woman's Breaft ! 
 Avaunt \ I fcorn its Cries ! What ! Mercta's Duke 
 Diffolv'd in Woman's Tears ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Yet, there are Times, 
 
 When Tears are brave and honeft : Such are thefe : 
 Ennobled by Humanity and Love. 
 *Tis Nature pleads within me : Scorn not, GOTHMUND, 
 Her generous Feelings! On fome future Hour, 
 When Fate (hall frown on Denmark ; fome dear Child, 
 Thy Soul's beft Treafure, may be torn from thee ! 
 Woud'ft thou not weep ? Oh, timely wife, beware ! 
 Nor heap an injur'd Father's Curfes on thee ? 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 Is this brave ATHELSTAN ? Beneath whofe Spear 
 Squadrons have funk, unequal to its Rage ? 
 The Warrior's fled. Hence, Dotard, hence : and take 
 Th' effeminate Staff and Spindle 3 beft befitting 
 A Soul fo like a Woman. 
 
 ATHEL-
 
 ATHELSTAN. 55 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Hell and Horror ? 
 
 Pangs! choaking Pangs! No burft not yet, my 
 
 Till I have reap'd Revenge. [Heart ; 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Revenge ? old Man ! 
 
 Hence, Traitor t feek for Vengeance where thou 
 Hafte thee toErHELRED : go tell thy King, [may'ft. 
 GOTHMUND hath injur'd thee. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Rufh down, ye Heav'ns f 
 Ye pitying Thunders, rivet me to Earth ! 
 And fave me from this Hell-hound^ Voice, that (hakes 
 My Frame to Diflblution f 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Such Reward 
 Shall ev'ry Traitor find. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Oh, I cou'd tear thefe white Hairs from their Roots ! 
 Curs'd be the Pine on which ye plough'd the Seas ! 
 Curs'd be th' unhallow'd Breeze that filPd your Sails ? 
 Curs'd be the Tides that bore you to our Coaft ! 
 But doubly curs'd am I, whofe headlong Rage 
 Yes ; righteous Heav'n ! with Tears of burning Anguifh, 
 I own thy Juftice on me ! 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 Hence, vile Rebel ! 
 
 Hence, nor pollute myCamp. For know, thatTreafon 
 And proftituted Faith, like Strumpets vile, 
 The Slaves of Appetite, when Luft is fated, 
 Are turn'd adrift to dwell with Infamy, 
 By thofe that us'd them. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Oh, for my honeft Sword ! I burn, I burn ! 
 And Hedff.s Fires arc here ! Th' invenom'd Shaft 
 Drinks up my poifon'd Spirit. Come, wild Fury! 
 
 E 4 Come
 
 56 A T H E L S T A N. 
 
 Come with thy Blood-fhot Eyes, and mad'ning Foam? 
 Oh, nerve me to the ten-fold Strength of Phrenzy ! 
 That I may rend up Rocks and footed Trees, 
 And hurl Deftru&ion on him } 
 
 GOTH M u N D. 
 Quit my Tent : 
 
 Think'ft thou, a Warrior crown'd with Glory's Wreath 
 Can dread the Foam of headlong Rage ? Or (land 
 Aw'd by the Phrenzy of a Madman's Brain ! 
 Hence ! vent thy Ravings to the ftormy Seas : 
 They'll heed thee, more than I. - 
 
 ATHELSTAN, 
 Yes : I will go. 
 
 Thou think'ft me helplefs, friendlefs, and difarm'd : 
 Yet (halt thou rue my Wrongs. By Heav'n I'll come 
 In Terror clad ; more dreadful than the Peft 
 That walks in midnight Darkne.fs. Yes : I'll go. 
 But, barbarous Dane I Take heed of my Return ! 
 
 [Exit ATHELSTAN.J 
 
 SCENE IV. To him, D u N E L M, 
 
 GoTHMUND. 
 
 Hoa, DUNELM ! 
 
 Guard each Avenue of the Camp. 
 
 Forbid yon Traitor's Egrefs : If he attempt 
 
 To 'fcape the Watch, arreft him : For his Heart 
 
 Labours with Ruin : He is falfe to Denmark. 
 
 [Exit DUNELM.] 
 
 Go, credulous Dotard ! Cou'd thy Folly hope 
 To win the Friendfhip of thy Country's Foe ? 
 Ev'n fuch, thro' ev'ry Age, (hall be the Lot 
 Of Brttijb Blindnefs, when it aids Invafion : 
 The Slave of Conqutft firft ; and then her Scorn : 
 The Scaffolding on which Ambition mounts ; 
 Then fpurns it to the Earth, a Refufe vile, 
 
 Fit
 
 ATHELSTAN. 57 
 
 Pit for Contempt to tread on. Welcome, HAROLD, 
 Haft feen our Captive EGBERT ? 
 
 To him, HAROLD, 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Aye, my Lord. 
 
 G o T H M u N D. 
 Didft thou declare my purpos'd Thought? 
 
 HAROLD. 
 I did. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 
 How did he meet it ? 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Firft, with frantic Rage 
 
 He fhook his Chains, and curs'd thee by his Gods, 
 I told him, Rage and frantic Banns were vain. 
 If he refign'd fair THYRA to thy Arms, 
 (Since only He cou'd win her to thy Wifh,) 
 Freedom was his. -But if his ftubborn Pride [waft him 
 Shou'd thwart thy Will ; To- morrow's Breeze fhou'd 
 To Chains, to Darknefs, and the dreary Depth 
 Of Norway's mine : while fhe, imprifon'd here, 
 The Vaflal of Defire, fhou'd fate thy Wifh. 
 
 GOT H M UND. 
 Pid not the threatned Vengeance bend his Pride ? 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 A fullen Paufe took Place. His fixed Eyes 
 Devour'd the Ground : as if fome mighty Thought 
 Labour'd within him ; and to fecret Council 
 Call'd inward ev'ry Pow'r ; that for a while 
 Each idle Senfe flood vacant. 
 
 GOTHMUND. 
 What enfu'd ? 
 That Paufe from Rage did, fure, befpeak Confent, 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 It did. Yet with evading Speech he anfwer'd, 
 Cannot thy General wait fome happier Hour, 
 
 When
 
 5S ATHELSTA-N. 
 
 When Time hath heal'd her Woes ? On that, I tohj 
 Unconquerable Paflion fwell'd thy Breaft ; [him, 
 
 He might as foon controul the Tides, impell'd 
 By yon fair Planet's Influence. - 
 
 G O T H M U N D. 
 
 Aye : tho' Storms, 
 
 And raging Seas confpir'd with ev'ry Orb, 
 
 To drown the lofty Shore ! 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Such was my Hint. 
 
 He faid, the burning Blufh wou'd ftain his Cheek, 
 Shou'd the furrcunding Guard that led him to her, 
 Witnefs his Shame : I gave him fix'd Aflurance, 
 That my Command fhou'd keep the Guard at Diftance : 
 While he, admitted to her lonely Tent, 
 Unheard fhou'd plead his Life, and GOTHMUND'S Love. 
 On this, he gave Confent. n'w i/ 
 G o T H M u N D. 
 Then hafte thee, HAROLD. 
 Bid GOODWIN lead the Captive to his Wife : 
 See him rec,all'd : That done, draw off thy Guard 
 To a more diftant Station from her Tent. 
 For ere the Noon of Night, on Paflion's Wing 
 I'll fly, to celebrate the Rites of Love. 
 Yet wear a watchful Eye, intent tho' diftant : 
 Haply, he means to wile her from our Camp. 
 
 HA R o L D. 
 My Life (hall anfwer it.--- 
 
 G O T H M U NT D. 
 
 At length {he's mine. 
 
 Deceit hath colour'd o'er my bold Attempt. 
 
 Now, fiery ATHELSTAN, go curfe thy Folly: 
 
 Rave to the Winds and Seas, and rend the Air 
 
 .With twice their Clamour ! Earewel, valiant HAHOLD: 
 
 Speed my Refolve : I'll to my inner Tent. 
 
 [Exit GOTHMUND. 
 HAROLD.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 59 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 Now, Vengeance, thou art mine ! Unthankful GOTH- 
 To pay my honeft and deep-printed Scars [MUND ! 
 With vile Negleft ! Go, headlong Fool of Paffion ! 
 Whofe flattering Whifper cou'd alone infufe 
 This Dream of Hope, that EGBERT e'er fhall ftoop 
 To gather Life from Shame ! Yes, he {hall go : 
 Yet not to mould her into vile Compliance, 
 But arm her fainting Virtue with new Strength, 
 Equal to this dread Conflict. Yet, left Fear, 
 Or Woman's Weaknefs fink beneath the Trial, 
 A better Hope remains :-- -MERCIANS brave Duke : 
 Yes, injur'd ATHELSTAN ! Thy Arm {hall be 
 The dark and fearlefs Minifter of Fate ; 
 And give me deep Revenge. [Exit HAROLD. 
 
 SCENE V. Changes to the open Camp. 
 
 DUNELM. ATHELSTAN, following. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Yet hear me, DUNELM ! 
 For Pity's fake, relent. 
 
 D U M E L M. 
 
 Peace, clam'rous Tongue ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 What ! {hall your Guards fpurn me with- Infolence ? 
 Your barbarous Camp imprifon me ? 
 
 DUNELM. 
 No more. 
 Within this Mound, the General's Voice is Law. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 She is my Child ! Art thou, too, deaf to Mercy ? 
 
 DUNELM. 
 Vex me not, Briton ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 But releafe my Daughter! 
 Give me my Child, and let me quit your Camp, 
 My Dukedom's Wealth is thine! 
 
 Dw-
 
 60 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Du Js?,EL M. 
 
 Thy Dukedom's Wealth ? 
 
 Vain Man! Thy Pow'r is fwallow'd up in Conqucft; 
 
 Thy Titles vanifh'd with thy Country's Freedom : 
 
 Thy boafted Wealth is fled to Denmark's Shore: 
 
 Thy Pdace doom'd for Danes to riot in. 
 
 Peace then : and thank bur Bounty, that we leave thee 
 
 Life, and the general Air. [Exit DUNELM. 
 
 ATriELSTAN. 
 
 Oh mercilefs ! 
 
 Yet, righteous Pow'rs! what Claim have I to Mercy! 
 
 Did I fhew Mercy, on this fatal Morn, 
 
 To my poor bjeeding Country ; when this Arm 
 
 MadeWidows childlefb!--Dar'fi thou then, bold Wretch, 
 
 Dar'ft thou againft th' afflicting Hand of Heav'n 
 
 To rife, and plead for Mercy!- Rather bow thee 
 
 Low in the Duft ! Yes, thou (halt be my Bed, 
 
 [Throws himfelf on the- Ground^ 
 Cold Earth! Here will Hie, till Anguim end me ! 
 Now rife, ye Ghofts of my wrong'd Countrymen* 
 Ye Spe&res pale, rife with your gaping Wounds, 
 " And hideous Yell! -Bring with you dire Defpair 
 From the dread Caverns of eternal Night, 
 Where deep me dwells with agonizing Groans, 
 And fleeplefs Terrors! Rife, array'd in Blood! 
 Plant round your Horrors! 'till affrighted Reafon 
 Start from my Brain ; and I, the Prey of Phrenzy, 
 Like the fierce Mountain- Wolf in Madnefs foaming, 
 JIowl to the midnight Moon! 
 
 SCENE VIII. Tohim, HAROLD.*' 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Tvras fure, the Voice 
 
 Of ATHELSTAV. What! proftrate on the Ground. 1 
 Art thou not ATHEL STAN I 
 
 ATHEL-
 
 AtHELSTAN. 61 
 
 ATHEL STAN. 
 I. am that Wretch 
 
 Which once was ATHF.LSTAN! Fair England's Boaft, 
 I rcar'd my Head in Honour: now behold me 
 Low-level'd with the Earth; a hideous Ruin ; 
 Where, 'midft the Defolations of my Soul, 
 Defpair and Anguifh dwell! 
 
 HA ROL D. 
 What heavy Woe 
 Hath we^gh'd thee to the Dull ? -Speak, valiant I)uke. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Whoe'er thou art, Oh kave me to my Pangs! 
 If thou'rt a Dane ; know, I deteft and curfe thee. 
 If thou'rt a Briton, wafte not generous Pity, 
 But pour thy Curfe on Me! 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Know'ft thou not HAROLD ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 HAROLD ? My Woes had fwallow'd all Attention : 
 Indeed, I knew thee not. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Why this Defpair ? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Alas, my Child, my Child! But thou'rt a Dane, 
 And know'ft not Pity! 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Haplefs ATHELSTAN! 
 The Colour of thy Grief indeed is deep : 
 Thou know'ft not half thy Woesl 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Thy Words are dark. 
 
 Oh my prophetic Soul ! I dare not afli thee. 
 But if thou bear'ft a Tale, with Horrors fraught, 
 Which Pity dreads to tell j In Mercy kill me : 
 Strike deep thy friendly Sword into my Breaft ; 
 For I am robb'd of Mine !-My injur'd Daughter ! 
 Is it not fo ? 
 
 A HAROLD,
 
 62 ATHELSTAN; 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 The fatal Hour approaches. 
 For ere the Night hath won the Vault of Heav'n, 
 GOTHMUND, refolv'd on impious Violation, 
 Will plunge her in Difhonour. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Plagues and Palfy, 
 
 Difeafe and Peftilence confume the Robber, 
 Infect his Blood, and wither ev'ry Pow'r ! - 
 Oh HAROLD ! why, why did'ft thou pierce my Soul 
 With this heart-breaking Tale ! I knew it not : 
 Blafthim, ye Fiends! -Why fleeps thyThunder, Heav'n! 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Know, that Heav'n's Thunder fleeps not. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Say'ft thou, Dane ? 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Heav'n's Thunder fleeps not, if thou dar'ft to wield it. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. [Rifmg. 
 
 By Heav'n, I dare. Where is the flaming Bolt ? 
 I'll hurl it on him, tho' with dire Rebound 
 It ftrike me to the Centre! 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Fear not, ATHELSTAN. 
 Behold it here [He draws a Dagger. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 A Dagger! Let me grafp it! [He takes the Dagger. 
 Oh precious Gift } more precious than the Plank 
 Thrown to the drowning Wretch! I'll to his Tent, 
 And plunge it in his Heart f 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Curb thy fell Rage. 
 I'll give thee fafer Vengeance. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Generous HAROLD! [Pride. 
 
 I know the Wrongs thou bear'ft from GOTHMUND'S 
 Where ? when ? Oh fpeed thee ; for my Soul's on Fire ! 
 
 HAROLD.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 63 
 
 HAROLD, 
 
 ftnow then, I rule the nightly Watch that Guards 
 Devoted THYRA'S Tent. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Indeed! 
 
 HAROLD. 
 
 The Files, 
 
 At my Command, fhall move to fuch due Diftance, 
 
 That by a fecret Path I'll give thee Entrance, 
 
 Then, when the midnight Spoiler comes 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Oh Vengeance! 
 
 By Heav'n, his mangled Arteries fhall /pout 
 Fountains of Blood! 
 
 HAR OLD. 
 
 Yet, left Sufpicion wake, 
 To intercept thy Entrance, or thy Flight 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Oh, for fome Dane's Difguife ! 
 
 HAROLD* 
 I will array thee 
 In Safety's Garb : Wilt thou be plum'd like GOTHMUND? 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Yes: for Revenge, I'll wear the Shape of GOTHMU^D, 
 Or any Fiend in Hell. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Come on, brave Duke. 
 I will prepare thee for the mortal Conflict. 
 'Fate crown thy Wifh! GOT HM UNO hajh injured me, 
 
 AT HELSTAN. 
 
 Yet, weigh'd with mine, thy Injuries are light : 
 Mine fink the groaning Scale! 
 
 HAROLD. 
 The more befits thee 
 That mortal Weapon. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Yes : Revenge {hall thank
 
 64 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Thy honeft Hand, which gave it : And thou, HAROLD* 
 Shalt thank my brave Revenge. Come, valiant Dane, 
 We'll /oam the midnight Camp, like prowling Wolvea, 
 Trooping in queft of Blood ! Now, injur'd Nature, 
 Brace my old Arm! Oh touch this deadly Steel 
 With more than Aconite! Give it the Speed, 
 And fiery Stroke of Lightning, when it flioots 
 Thro' the dun Sphere of Night ; too fwift for Thought, 
 Or Fear, of flowDefence! Now ruthlefs GOTHMUND! 
 Vengeance awak'd fhall flake her Thirft in Blood ; 
 And Juftice, riding on the raven Wing 
 Of midnight T)arknefs, wrapt in clouded Wrath, 
 Comes like avenging Heav'n ! 
 
 End of the Fo u R T H ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 A T H E L S T A N. 65 
 
 A C T V. 
 
 SCENE I. A grove, by TH Y R A 's Tent. 
 EGBERT, GOODWIN. 
 
 Goo DWIN. 
 
 BE H O LD the Path, which leads to TH YR A'S Tent: 
 This Grove, thro* which the Moon fcarce throws 
 
 her Beam, 
 
 Well (bits thy purpos'd Privacy.The Guards, 
 Which lateclos'd round the Tent, by HAROLD^* Order 
 Have left this Entrance free. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 The Path is dark : Nor can I aught defcry, 
 Save the faint Glimm'ring of a diftant Lamp, 
 That lights the inner Tent. Is this dark Path 
 The folc Approach ? 
 
 GOODWI N. 
 It is. But if thy Purpofe 
 Be undivulged Secrefy of Converfe, 
 Call forth thy THYRA to this ample Round, 
 Where neither Ear can hear, nor Tongue betray thec : 
 The diftant Guard here circles round the Wood : 
 But on yon oppofite Side, the Centinels 
 Hemm in the Tent, a clofe compacted Body : 
 No Whifper can efcape their watchful Ear. 
 
 EGBERT- 
 
 'Tis well: I'll call her hither. Leave me, GOODWIN: 
 So HAROLD gave Command. Her Weal and mine 
 Hang on the Purport of my Thought 3 which alks 
 Her private Ear. 
 
 I? GOOD-
 
 66 A T H E L S T A N. 
 
 GOODWIN. 
 
 Heave thee to thy Wifhes. \_Exlt GOODWIN. 
 
 EG BERT. 
 
 Where is my Wife i Come forth, thou innocent Lamb* 
 To Slaughter doom'd 1 Oh fpeed thee ; for ev'n now 
 The bloody Tiger, eyes thee in the Fold ! 
 Wilt thou not hear the Shepherd's friendly Voice, 
 That warns thee from thy Foe? THYRA dear 
 Itisthy EG BERT calls! [THYRA! 
 
 SCENE II. To him, THYRA, EDWINA. 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 My Lord! my EGBERT ! 
 Do 1 once more behold thee ! Oh, my Lord ! 
 Unutterable Woe ! [She bur/Is into Tears. 
 
 EGBERT. [Embracing her. 
 
 Thou Sum of all my Wifhes ! 
 My Soul's far dearer Part ! Yes, I will mix 
 My Tears with Thine: Thy Wrongs demand them all! 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Undone ! undone ! Oh EGBERT ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Deareft THYRA ! 
 EGBERT wou'd die, to fave thee ! 
 THYRA. 
 
 I know, thou woud'ft. 
 Js there no means of Refcue ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 None, my Love. 
 
 This Grove is hemm'd round by a Guard of Danes, 
 Who own no Law, fave cruel GOT HM UNO'S Will; 
 WhofeBofom, facred Pity never touch 'd 
 With foft Compun&ion ; nor for other's Woe 
 Call'd forth the generous Tear. 
 
 T H y R A-I 
 Oh, I am loft I 
 
 Ye
 
 ATHELSTAN. 67 
 
 Ve Saints and Angels, Minifters of Grace I 
 If ye do waft the Pray'rs of Innocence 
 Up to the Throne of Mercy, hear me now f 
 Oh, from your Manfions of unclouded Blifs, 
 Let Heav'n fend down your lifter- Angel, PIT Y 5 
 And melt his Heart's fell Purpofe ! 
 EGBERT. 
 Hope not Pity? 
 
 In vain thy Father (for I have heard thy Story) 
 With Tears and Grief's Intreaty ftrove to melt him. 
 He fpurn'd him with Difdain. But when 1 tell 
 The Talc of Shame, that heaves my throbbing Breaft ! 
 Oh THYRA ! hide my Blum \ 
 
 TH YRA. 
 
 What mean thy Words ? 
 Can Fate yet fwell the Number of our Woes ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Think' ft thou that EGBERT, for a Life of Shame, 
 Wou'd fell thee to Difhonour ? 
 
 THYRA. 
 Heav'n forbid f , 
 
 EGBERT* 
 
 On that infernal Errand am I come. 
 So GOTHMUND wills. Why doft thou turn thee from 
 THYRA. . [me? 
 
 Am I betray'd by EGBERT ?---Gracious Heav'n, 
 Be thou my Help ! If EGBERT hath p.rov'd falfe, 
 All human Faith is vain f 
 
 EG BERT. 
 Thou Heav'n of Love ! 
 
 Thy Virtue charms me ! On this Tafk of Shame 
 GOTHMUND indeed hath fent me. Virtuous THYRA, 
 Far diftant is my Purpofe. Think not EGBERT 
 Wou'd vilely purchafe Life.- But oh, my Love, 
 Thy fatal Hour comes on ! Ev'n now, the Ruffian^ 
 With luftful Rage and fierce Impatience flown, 
 Prepares him for thy Tent ! 
 
 F 2 THYR.A.
 
 68 A T H E L S T A N. 
 
 THYRA. 
 Is there not Hope, 
 
 That England's Pow'r* beneath the Veil of Night, 
 May ilorm this guilty Camp, and give us Freedom ? 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Heav'n fpeed their Valour ! But, alas ! that Hope 
 Too late (hall vifit Thee ! Ev'n now he comes, 
 To rob this facred Temple, where pure Chaftity 
 And Honour long have dwelt .' 
 
 THYRA. 
 Oh fatal Tidings ! 
 Wilt thou not ftay, to fave me ? 
 EGBERT. 
 Deareft THYRA! 
 
 The unrelenting Guard that brought me hither, 
 Ev'n now expedts, and foon fhall tear me from thee ! 
 
 THYRA. 
 Oh Horror ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Now, my THYRA, arm thy Heart 
 "Vyith manly Strength : drive all the Woman thence. 
 Seeft thou this deadly Steel ? [He draws a dagger* 
 
 THYRA. 
 
 Oh welcome, welcome ! 
 
 Thy Looks are dreadful, and I read thy Purpofe. 
 If 'tis the Meflenger of honeft Death, 
 Behold my Breaft ! I'll blefs the friendly Stroke ; 
 And blefs Thee for this laft, moft generous Proof 
 Of Faith and Love fmcere 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Yes f I have read 
 
 Of a ftern Father, who, feverely kind, 
 And deaf to ftruggling Nature's loud Appeal, 
 Shed his dear Daughter's innocent Blood, to fave her 
 From an Invader's Luft :---A jufter Purpofe 
 Glows in my Breaft- Why fhou'cl the Brave and Good 
 Fall felf- devoted ? Let the guilty Heart 
 
 Bleed
 
 A T H E L S T A N. 69 
 
 Bleed for its Crimes. Then take this honeft Dagger : 
 And when the Robber comes, with dauntlefs Arm 
 Plunge it into his Heart. 
 
 TH YR A. 
 Alas, my Lord ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 What? does the treacherous Blood forfake thy Ch&ek? 
 Thou who, unmov'd, coud'ft dare it's deadly Point, 
 Not dare infiicl: the Blow! Thou lovely Weaknefs ! 
 Courage with Softnefs join'd ! O fweet Perfection ! 
 Yet muft thou ftrike ! Oh think, how future Times, 
 Ages unborn, mail blefs thy friendly Hand ! 
 Howthechafte Praife of Matron-Tongues (hall faint thee, 
 And wondring Babes, refcu'd from Slav'ry's Woe 
 By this brave Deed, mail lifp my THYRA'S Name ! 
 
 TH YR A. 
 What, flam my Hand with Murder ! Heav'n forbid ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Blafpheme not Juftice. What ! when thou'rt purfu'd 
 Ev'n to Perdition's Brink ; malt thou not turn, 
 And flay the fell Deftroyer ? 
 
 THYR A. 
 Oh, my Heart ! 
 
 Alas, my Arm is weak ! I am unpra&is'd 
 In Deeds of Blood ! 'Tis terrible to think ! 
 What then,- to do / When I flaou'd flrike, the Dagger 
 Wou'd faulter in my Hand ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 Let Danger rowze thee ; 
 Fear make thee bold. Ev'n now the Spoiler comes! 
 
 T H Y R A. [catching him. 
 
 Oh fave me, EGBERT ! 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Hark ! the Guard requires me ! 
 I muft be gone. 
 
 T H YR A. 
 
 No, we will never part. 
 
 F 3 KGBERT.
 
 ;o ATHELSTAN. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 We muft ! we muft !- Hark ! GOODWIN calls again. 
 Another Moment brings Deftruc"lion on thee. 
 Speed thy Refolves Farewel ! [Going, 
 
 T H Y R A. 
 
 Oh horrible ! 
 
 Give me the Dagger! [She takes the Dagger. 
 
 EGBERT. 
 
 Angels ftrengthen thee ! 
 
 Now, prove thee worthy of a Briton* s Love, 
 
 By one brave Blow, redeem thyfelr from Shame ; 
 
 Thy EGBERT from the Depth of poifon'd Dungeons ; 
 
 Thv groaning Country from the Scourge of Denmark ! 
 
 Retire: he'll feek thee in the inner Tent ; 
 
 And when he comes ; Oh Heaven direct her Hand ! 
 
 [Exit EGBERT. 
 THYR A. 
 
 Farewel, my honour'd Lord ! Here am I left, 
 
 With not a Friend to aid, but this dire Weapon ! 
 Now, pitying Heav'n, protect me ! Hark ! what 
 In ev'ry Sound I hear the Ravifher ! -- [Noife ! 
 
 How dreadful Silence, at the Dead of Night ! 
 Pregnant with Horrors ! Oh, thou fatal Weapon, 
 Dark Minifter of Death ! Oft haft thou arm'd 
 Th' Affafiin's Hand with Fate ! This once befriend 
 Defparring Innocence. 
 
 Come, Matron-Courage! Thou who didft infpire 
 The brave Bethulian; and with dauntlefs Step, 
 Pidft lead her to the proud AJjy, tan's Tent ! 
 Now aid my trembling Hand ! Teach me, like her, x 
 Fearlefs to ftrike where Juftice points the Blow ! 
 That when he comes, This may revenge our Wrongs, 
 And fet my Country free. [She puts up the Dagger. 
 
 ED wi N A, 
 Harkf didft not hear 
 The Tread of Feet, as $uftling thro' the Grove ? - 
 
 SCENE
 
 AT K E LS T AN. 71 
 
 SCENE III. $0 them HAROLD, ATHELSTAN, 
 on the oppofite Side of the Stage. 
 
 T H Y R A. [Aflde to ED WIN A. 
 
 Oh, blafting to mine Eyes ! The Robber comes ! 
 Clad in his gorgeous Plume ! 
 
 EDWIN A, 
 
 Retire we hither, [They retire to thefartbejl 
 
 Till he hath gain'd the Tent. [part of the Stage. 
 
 HAROLD. [To ATHELSTAN. 
 
 This Way, brave Friend. 
 
 AT HELST AN. 
 
 Soft ! left the Guard 
 
 O'erhear us Profperoufly we have eluded 
 
 The unfufpecYmg Watch. I dread the Sound 
 
 Of my own Footfteps. --Lead me, gen'rous HAROLD, 
 
 Where I may lurk unfen. 
 
 HAROLD. 
 Thro' that blind Path, 
 
 He muft approach her Tent. 'Tis form'd for Ambufli : 
 Dark as his purpos'd Deed. Go, hide thee there. 
 And when he comes For e'er a Minute's Round 
 He means to come 
 
 ATHELSTAN. [Draws a Dagger. 
 
 NowGoTHMUND, Fate draws near. [ance ! 
 
 Down, throbbing Heart ! Thou fhalt have fpeedy Venge- 
 H A HOLD-, allThanks are poor! [Athel/ian enters the Tent. 
 HAROLD. [Aloud to ATHELSTAN. 
 Hold thy Refolvej 
 
 And Fate fhall crown thy Wifh. [Exit HAROLD. 
 THYRA. . ~ [Advancing. 
 
 Oh, dreadful Sounds, 
 
 To which, the Midnight Thunder's Voice were mild ! 
 . F 4 Hold
 
 72 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 " Hold thy Refolve, and Fate (ball crown thy Wffli!' ' 
 Then lam loft !---EDWINA, let us fly, 
 Rum thro' thefe Woods, and truft his mercilefs Guards: 
 They may have Pity ! 
 
 E D W I N A. 
 
 Rather, linger not. 
 
 Purfue the Robber thro' that gloomy Path : 
 Its Darknefs aids thy Purpofe. Hafte thee, hafte thee : 
 This Moment's thine : The next, perhaps, is GOTH- 
 
 [MUND'S. 
 
 T H Y R A . [ Drawing the Dagger. 
 
 Then, Heav'n afiift me ! ---Oh, thou treach'rous Arm, 
 Why doft thou tremble thus! What mean thefeHorrors, 
 That freeze my Blood ! -Did I not hear a Voice ? 
 With hollow Groans,it cry'd, " Hold, hold thyHand!"- 
 Infernal Fiends, why do you thus befet me? 
 Hence, bloody Spe6tres, nor afflidl my Senfe : 
 Go, glare on Guilt : for I am innocent !- 
 A vaunt, falfe Terrors ! Now be firm, my Heart ! 
 Oh, my revolting Hand!- I dare not ftrike. - 
 Hence, feminine Fear ! The Coward turns to Valour, 
 When goaded by Defpair ! [She enters the PaJJage. 
 
 E D W I N A. 
 
 Heav'n guide her Dagger, 
 And bury it in his Heart ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. [Iftthin. 
 
 Oh Treachery ! 
 Die, Villain, die ! 
 
 ED WIN A. 
 Ye bleffed Pow'rs, proted her ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. [Entering with his Dagger 
 Whoe*er thou art, falfe Dane, [bloody. 
 
 I bear thy Life-blood on my Dagger's Hilt. 
 
 EDWINA.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 73 
 
 ED WIN A. 
 \Vho? ATHELSTAN IWhat Blood ?~I fear, I fear! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 If Fate be juft, 'tis GOTHMUND'S. Where's my 
 EDWINA. [Child? 
 
 Oh, cou'd eternal Darknefs bury Her, 
 Or bury Thee ! Or Thunder ftrike thee dead ; 
 And fave thee from that killing Sight, which foon 
 Shall turn thee into Horror, thou wert happy ! 
 For thou haft done a Deed [She enters the PaJJagt , 
 THYRA. [Within. 
 
 I bleed ! I die ! 
 EDWINA ! EDWINA ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Chain'd down by Terror, 
 
 I wait the Bolt of Fate ! That Voice of Death, 
 Dreadful as Lightning from the Midnight Cloud, 
 Hath cleft my Brain ! Nor ever did the Flames 
 Of Hell difcover, to the hopelefs Damn'd, 
 A Glympfe of deeper Horror! Where's my Child! 
 Oh Torture, Torture ! 
 To him EDWINA, leading THYRA wounded and 
 
 fainting. 
 THYRA. 
 Help me ! Oh ! my Father ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN.' 
 
 Oh Heav'n and Earth ! Death ! Murder ! Parricide! 
 [She falls : he throws himfelf on the Ground by her. 
 Speak, EMMA, fpeak ! How is it with thee ? 
 
 THYRA. 
 Oh ! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. [Rifing and traverfing the Stage. 
 Can'ft thou not fpeak ? Hoa! help! (he bleeds to Death! 
 No Friend to help! hear me, ye barbarous Danes! 
 Behold a Sight, fliall make the flinty Heart 
 
 Of
 
 74 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Of favage Pow'r weep Blood! My Child! my Child! 
 'Twas I that kill'd thee ! [Kneels ever her. 
 
 TH YRA. 
 Cen'ft thou e'er forgive 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Forgive! Forgive! 
 
 TH y HA. 
 My .parricidal Hand, 
 
 That aim'd an impious Blow. Content I die : 
 Yes gladly yield my Life : pleas'd to have 'fcap'd 
 A Fate more dreadful ; had my guilty Arm 
 Shed my dear Father's Blood ! 
 
 AT H EL S T A N. 
 
 Oh Scorpion Stings ! 
 
 Thou dear expiring Saint! What! afk Forgivenefs 
 Of him who murder'd thee! She faints, fhe faints! 
 Oh tell thy Murd'rer, tell thy wretched Father, 
 Leave me not to Diftraclion, tell me, tell me, 
 Thou doft forgive my Crime! 
 
 THY R A. 
 Witnefs, ye Pow'rs, 
 
 How I forgive ! Kind Heav'n, afTwage his Pangs! 
 Oh EGBERT ! muft I never more behold thee! 
 Bid my dear Lord remember me Alas ! 
 My fwimmingEyes grow dark! Where is myFather! 
 Where is my Hufband! lay me down in Peace! 
 Oh Heav'n receive my Soul [She dies. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 She's dead! fhe's dead! 
 Stay, bleffed Saint! hover awhile in Air, 
 And take thy loft, thy wretched Father with thee! 
 That ne'er muft be ! For (he is fled to Heav'n, 
 Where Peace and Virtue dwell ! Where Guilt and 
 Murder and Parricide, muft never come ! [Treafou, 
 Open, thou Earth ! Oh, drag me down, ye Fiends, 
 TO endlefs Anguifli! Heap the fulph'rous Torture 
 
 On
 
 ATHELSTAN. 75 
 
 On my accurfed Head! Exhauft the Stores 
 Of hcav'nly Wrath awak'd ! Yet weak will be 
 Your fiercer! Vengeance, to that inward Hell 
 That Rages here [Strides his Erea/i, and throws 
 
 [bimfelf on the Body. 
 
 SCENE VII. Xolnm Si WARD and Officers. 
 
 S I W AR D. 
 
 Hoa, ATHELSTAN, where art thou ? 
 
 The King hath ftorm'd the Camp: theAuware flying: 
 
 England again is free. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Too late Oh, Oh! 
 
 S I W AR D. 
 
 What means this Scene of Blood! Ah!THYR A flain! 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Behold the Work of this accurfed Hand ! 
 Lo, where fhe lies! A dark and fatal Error 
 With facrilegious Fury arm'd the Father 
 Againft his blamelefs Child ! 
 
 S I W A R D. 
 
 Oh Sight of Woe! 
 
 Poor bleeding Innocence! Let honefl Vengeance 
 
 Rowze thee from Grief. To fire thy Soul to Conqueft, 
 
 I hafted thro' the Camp ; and left the Field, 
 
 Where valiant EGBERT, freed from Denmark's Chain, 
 
 Hath buried deep his Sword in GOTHMUND'S Heart, 
 
 And leads thy Mercians, clad in gloomy Terror, 
 
 O'er Heaps of flaughter'd Danes! Rife, valiant Duke; 
 
 Rife from this Trance of Woe! The Danes are flying. 
 
 ATHE LSTAN. 
 
 Oh never,- never will I rife from hence! 
 Go, tell thy injur'd King, that ATHELSTAN, 
 Wounded by Penitence, wept his Wrongs in Blood! 
 Tell him, thou faw'ft me leaning o'er my Child, 
 Raving in Pangs of Horror and Defpair, 
 A Sight to melt ftern Juftice into Tears! 
 
 Oh
 
 76 ATHELSTAN. 
 
 Oh tell him, SIWARD, naplefs ATHELSTAN 
 Tho' guilty, yet not vile, fclf punifh'd fell! 
 Now die and be at Peace! Now traiterous Heart, 
 Receive thy juft Reward! [He raifes bis Arm to Jlab 
 SIWARD. [himfelf, they prevent him. 
 Prevent his Fury, 
 
 ATHELSTAN. [Struggling. 
 
 Off nor tempt your Fate! 
 Dreadful is armed Rage, that pants for Death ; 
 By Ills exafperated ; Such is mine j 
 Made fatal by Defpair! Then ftiun my Fury! 
 My Dagger thirfts but for my own Life Blood : 
 Why muft it rufh on yours! Too much, too much, 
 My murderous Hand hath fpilt! Oh EMMA, EMMA I 
 [He finks and drops the Dagger. 
 SIWARD. 
 
 Support and raife him. Hear me, ATHELSTAN! 
 Hear Friendfhip's Voice! It is thy SIWARD calls. 
 His Cheek turns pale. Alas, my generous Friend, 
 How are thy Virtues loft ! 
 
 AT H ELST A N. 
 
 Oh dire Event! 
 
 Was it for this, thy dear, thy virtuous Mother 
 IndurM the Child-bed Pang! Was it for this, 
 She fofter'd thee at her chafte Matron-Breaft! 
 And, in the Fondnefs of parental Hope, 
 Styl'd thee the Joy of our declining Years! 
 Oh fatal, fatal Blow! 
 
 Si WA R D. 
 
 Lift up thine Eyes! 
 
 In Pity to thy weeping SIWARD, fpeak! 
 
 Hear, generous ATHELSTAN! 
 
 OFFICER. 
 He heeds thee not. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Thus to be flaughter'd by thy Father's Hand! 
 
 My EMMA Oh, my Child! 
 
 SIWARD.
 
 ATHELSTAN. 77 
 
 S I W A R D. 
 
 An agonizing Sweat 
 
 Sits on his Brow : The Hand of Death is on him. 
 
 ATHELSTAN. 
 Oh! Oh! Oh! [Dus. 
 
 Si WARD. 
 
 He dies! he dies ! His ftrong confli&ing Griefs 
 Have burft his mighty Heart! Oh, ATHELSTAN! 
 Thy Friends (hall weep, and ev'ry generous Foe, 
 Confefsthy Virtues, and lament thy Fate ! 
 Had ft thou been true! what brighter Name had deck'd 
 Thy Country's Story! But thy tow'ring Spirit, 
 Deep-fhaken by the Tempeft of Revenge, 
 From its Uprightnefs tottering, bore thee down 
 Ev'n to Perdition's Depth Yet may the Woes 
 Which Heav'n's avenging Hand hath heap'd upon thee 
 Recorded ftand, a Monument of Juftice! 
 That when in future Times a King fhall reign, 
 Brave, good, and juft, the Father of his People, 
 Th' abhorr'd Example may avert thofe Ills 
 Thy traitrous Arm hath wrought That blackRcbellion 
 May never rear her Standard ; nor unfheath 
 Her guilty Sword, to aid the fell Invader! 
 .That Fa&ion's Sons in thee their Fate may read ; 
 That by the Father's Crime the Child fhall bleed, 
 And private Woe to publick Guilt fucceed. 
 
 End of /fo F i F T H Ac T.
 
 EPILOGUE, 
 
 Written by Mr. GAR RICK, 
 Spoken by Mrs. GIBBER. 
 
 CfOfteak Ten Words, again Pve f etch' d my Breath; 
 The Tongue of Woman Jiruggles hard with Death. 
 Ten Words! w : U that fuffice? Ten Words -no more. 
 We always give a Thousand to the Scare. 
 
 What can provoke thefe Wits their Time to wajle^ 
 To pleafe that fickle, feet ing Thing call'd Tajie ? 
 It moc'ks all Search, for Subftance has it none ; 
 Like Hamlet's Ghoji 'Tis here 'Tis there 'Tis gene. 
 How very few about the Stage agree ! ^ 
 
 As Men with different Eyes a Beauty fee? s. 
 
 So judge they of that ftately Dame Queen-Tragedy. j 
 
 The Greek-read Critic, as his Miflrefs holds her t 
 And having little Love, for Trifles fcolds her : 
 Excufes -want of Spirit, Beauty, Grace, 
 But ne'er forgives her failing Time, and Place. 
 How do our Sex ofTaJie in Judgment vary ? 
 Mifs Bell adores, what's loath' d by Lady Mary : 
 The firji in Tendernefs a very Dove, 
 Melts like the feather' d Snow, at Juliet's Love: 
 Then, fighing, turns to Romeo by her Side, 
 " Can you believe that Men for L'.ve have dy'df '* 
 Her Ladyjhip, who vaults the Goarjtr's Back, 
 Leaps the ban' d Gate, and "calls you Tom and Jack; 
 Detefts thefe Whinings, like a true Virago ; 
 She' sail for Daggers! Blood! Blood! Blood! lagolj 
 
 A third,
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 A third, whofe Heart defies all Perturbation^ 
 
 Yet dies for Triumphs, Funerals, Coronations ! 
 
 Ne'er ajks which Tragedies fuccced, or failj 
 
 But whofe Proceffion has the longeft Tail. 
 
 The Youths, to whom France gives a new Belief, 
 
 Who look with Horror on a Rump of Beef: 
 
 On Shakefpear's Play >s 9 with Jhrugg'd up Shoulders J} are, 
 
 Thefe Plays ? They're bloody Murder -s, O Barbarei 
 
 And yet the Man has Merit Entre Nous, 
 
 He'd been damn'd clever , had he read Boffu. 
 
 Shakefpear read French ! roar s out a fur ly Cit: 
 
 When Shakefpear wrote, our Valour match' dour Wit : 
 
 Had Britons then been Fops, tjhieen Befs had hang'd 'em \ 
 
 Thofe Days, they never read //^French, They bang'd 'em. 
 
 IfTafle evaporates by too high Breeding, 
 And eke is overlaid^ by too deep Reading ; 
 Left then in fear ch of this, you lofeyour Feeling^ 
 And barter native Senfe in foreign Dealing j 
 Be this neglefffdTruth to Britons' known, 
 NoTafes, n* Modes become ytu, but yeur vw*< 
 
 FINIS 
 
 .
 
 By the fame AUTHOR, 
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGEDY. 
 
 The SECOND EDITION.
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGEDY. 
 
 As it is Performed at the 
 
 THEATRE S-R O Y A L 
 
 I N 
 
 D R U R T-L A N E 
 
 AND 
 
 (.? V E N 3T- G A R D E N. 
 
 The FOURTH EDITION. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for T. CASLON, T. LOWNDES, W f NICOLL, 
 and S. BLADON. 
 
 M.DCC.LXX. 
 [Price One Shilling and Six-pence. J
 
 P ROLOGUE, 
 
 Written by Mr. G A R R i c K, and f PC ken by him 
 in the Cbaratttr of a Country Boy. 
 
 Meafter! Meafter! 
 
 IS not my Meafter here among you, pray ? 
 Nay, fpeak my Meafter wrote this fine new Play 
 The Aftor-Folks are making fuch a Clatter! 
 They want the Pro-log- I know nought o' th' Matter I 
 He mult be there among you look about . 
 A Weezen, pale-fac'd Man, do find him out 
 Pray, Meafter, come or all will fall to Sheame 
 Call Milter - hold -I muft not tell his Name. 
 
 Law ! what a Croud is here ! what Ncife and Pother! 
 Fine Lads and Lafles ! one o' top o't'other [Pointing to the Rows 
 I cou'd for ever here with Wonder geaze ! of Pit and Gattery\\ 
 I ne'er faw Church fo full in all my Days ! 
 Your Servant, Surs ! what do you laugh for ? Eh \ 
 You donna take me fure for one o' th' Play ? 
 You Ihou'd not flout an honeit Country-Lad, 
 You think me Fool, and I think you half mad : 
 You're all as ftrange as I, and ftranger too, 
 And, if you laugh at me, I'll laugh at you. * \Lauglring. 
 I donna like your London Tricks, not I, 
 And fince you rais'd my Blood, I'll tell you why ? 
 And if you wull, fince now I am before ye, 
 For want of Pro-log, I'll relate my Story. 
 
 I came from Country here to try my Fate, 
 And get a Place among the Rich and Great ; 
 But troth I'm fick o' th' Journey I ha' ta'en, 
 I like it not wou'd I were whoame again. 
 
 Firft, in the City I look up my Station, 
 And got a Place, with one of th' Corporation, 
 A round big Man he eat a plaguy deal, 
 Zooks ! he'd have beat nVe Ploomen at a Meal ! 
 But long with him I cou'd not make abode, 
 For, coti'd you think't ? He eat a great Sea-Toad ! 
 It came from Indies 'twas as big as me, 
 He call'd it Belly-patch, and Capapee : 
 Law ! how I ftar'd ! I thought, who knows, but I, 
 For v/ant of Monfrers, may be made a Pye ; 
 Rather than tarry here for Bribe or Gain, 
 I'll back to whoame, and Country-Fare apain. 
 
 A 2 Heft
 
 PROLOGUE, 
 
 I left Tlta^-eater ; then I farv'd a Lord, 
 And there they promii'd ! but ne'er kept their Word, 
 While 'mong the Great, this Geaming Work the Trade i< 
 They mind no more poor Servants, than their Ladies. 
 
 A Lady next, who lik'd a fmart young Lad, 
 Hir'd me forthwith but, troth, I thought her mad. - 
 She turn'd the World top down, as 1 may fay, 
 She chang'd the Day to Neet, the Neet to Day ! 
 I flood one Day with Coach, and did but ftocp 
 To put the Foot-board down, and with her Hoop 
 She cover'd me all o'er where are you, Lout ? 
 Here, Maam, fays I, for Heaven's lake let me out. 
 I was fo flieam'd with all her freakifh Ways, 
 She wore her Gear fo fhort, fo low her Stays 
 Fine 'Folks ihew all for nothing now-a-Days ! 
 
 Now I'm the Poet's Man I find with Wits, 
 There's nothing fartain Nay, we eat by Fits. 
 Our Meals, indeed, are flender, 1 what of that ? 
 There are but three OR'S Mealier, I, and Cat. 
 Did you but fee us all, as I'm a Sinner, 
 You'd fcarcely fay,- which of the three is thinner. 
 
 My Wages all depend on this Night's Piece, 
 But mou'd you find that all our Swans are Geefe ! 
 E'feck I'll truft no more to Meafter's Brain, 
 
 EPILOGUE, 
 
 Written by Mr. G A R K I C R. 
 
 Spoken by Mr. WOODWARD in the Character of 
 a fine Gentleman, 
 
 EnierSfea&irrg to the People without.- 
 
 PSHAW! damn your Epilogueand hold your Tongue- 
 Shall we of Rank be told what's light or wrong.? 
 Had you ten Epilogues you fhou'd not ipeak 'em, 
 Tho' he had writ 'em all in Linguum Grecum. 
 I'll do't by all the Gods ! (you muft excufe me) 
 Tho' Author, Aftors, Audience, all abufe aie ! 
 
 TV
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 To the Audience. 
 
 Behold a Gentleman ! and that 's enough ! 
 Laugh if youpleafe I'll take a Pinch of Snuff! 
 I come to tell you (let it not furprize you) 
 That I'm a Wit and worthy to advife you. 
 How cou'd you fuffer that fame Country Booby, 
 That Pro-logue fpeaking Savage, that great Looby, 
 To talk his Nonfenfe ? give me Leave to fay 
 'Twas low damn'd low! but fave the Fellow's Play-** 
 7_,et the poor Devil eat, allow him that, 
 And give a Meal to Meaftir, Min, and Cat ; 
 But why attack the Fafhions ? Senfeiefs Rogue ! 
 W.e ha\e no Joys but what refult from Vogue : 
 The Mode ftiou'd all control nay, ev'ry Paffion, 
 Scnfe, Appetite, and all, give way to Faihion : 
 I hate as much as he, a Turtle-fcaft, 
 But 'till the prefent TV//*?.- Rage has ceas'd, 
 I'd ride a hundred Miles to makemyfelf a Beaft. 
 I have no Ears, yet Op'ras I adore ! 
 Always prcpar'd to die toficep no more! 
 The Ladies too were cavp'd at, and their Drefe, 
 He wants 'em ail ruff'd up like good Queen Befs ! 
 They are, forlboth, too much expos'd, and free 
 Were more expos'd, no ill Effects I fee, 
 for more, or jefj, 'tis all the fame to me. 
 Poor Gaming too, was maui'd among the reft, 
 That precious Cordial to a high-LfeBreaft ! 
 When Thoughts ariie I always game or drink, 
 An Englijb Gentleman fliou'd never think 
 TheReaion's plain, which ev'ry Soul might hiton- 1 - 
 What trims a Frenchman, o-verfets a Briton ; 
 Jn us Reflection breeds a fober Sadnefs, 
 Which always ends in Politicks or Madnefi : 
 I therefore now propofe - by your Command, 
 That Tragedies no more {hall cloud this Land ; 
 Send o'er your Shakefpearfsto the Sons of France, 
 Let the fit grow grave Lejt us begin to dance ! 
 Banilh your gloomy Scenes to foreign Climes, 
 Referve alone to blefs thefe golden 1'imes, 
 A Fa:Ce or two and ffoetfauard's Pantomimes ! 
 
 A 3 D R A*
 
 DRAMATIS P ERS O.N M. 
 
 Acbmet) 
 Otkman> 
 Sa 9 
 
 Officer, 
 Slave, 
 
 Zapbira, 
 Irene, 
 
 Slave, 
 
 DRURY-LANE. 
 As originally perform'd. 
 Mr. Moflbp. 
 Mr. Garrick. 
 Mr. Huvard. 
 Mr. Davies. 
 Mr. Ufher. 
 Mr. Mozeen. 
 Mr. Walker. ' 
 
 Mrs* Gibber. 
 Mifs Minors. 
 
 COVEKT-GARDEN T . 
 
 Mr. Benfley, 
 Mr. Savigny. 
 Mr. Clarke. 
 Mr. Hull. 
 Mr. Gardner. 
 Mr. Fox. 
 Mr. Bates. 
 
 Mrs. Yates, 
 Jlfifs Miller. 
 Mifs Pearce. 
 
 OFFICERS, ATTENDANTS, and SLAVES. 
 
 SCENE, the Royal Palace of ALGIERS. 
 
 TIME, a few Hours about Midnight. 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 " "J 1 R A G ED Y, as it was anciently compofed, hath been ever held the 
 " graveft, moraleft, and moft profitable of all other Poems. Hence 
 " Philofophert, and other graver Writers, as, Cicero, Plutarch, and others, 
 "** frequently cite out of Tragic Poet*, both to adorn and illuftrate their 
 Biicouvfe. The Apoftle Paul himfelf, thought it not unworthy to infert 
 
 a Verfe of a Greek Poet into the Text of Holy Scripture. Heretofore, 
 
 Men in nigheft Dignity have laboured, not a little, to be thought able to 
 
 compofe a Tragedy, Of that Honour Diwyjius the Elder, was no lefs 
 
 ambitious, thaa before, of his attaining to the Tyranny. Aig:ti>us Csefar 
 
 alfo had begun his AJO.X, but unable to pleafe his own Judgment, left 
 
 it unfinished. Seneca rhe Philofopher, is by fome thought the Author of 
 
 thofe Tragedies, at leaft the beft of them that go under that Name. 
 
 Gregcry NaxiarKtcn, a Father of the Church, thought it not unbefeeming 
 
 the Sanctity of his Perfon to write a Tragedy, which is intitled, ( brij) 
 
 Suffering. This is mentioned, to vindicate Tragedy from the fmall Efteem, 
 
 or rather Infamy, which, in the Account of many, it undergoes at this Day." 
 
 So far the great Afiltt>n: who ftrcngthcn'd thcfe Examples by tis ow, 
 
 The Author hath nothing more to add, fave only, that he hath aimed to 
 
 write his Piece, in its tjjjen'ial Parts, according lo the Model of ancient 
 
 Tragedy, fo far as modern Ideas and Manners wou'd permit. And he is fo 
 
 gratefully fenfible of that favourable Reception it hath met with from the 
 
 Public, that in every future Attempt, he will afluredly labour to merit their. 
 
 farther Regard?, by keeping in his Eye the fame reat Originals-
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Enter O T H M A N and a S L A y E 
 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 Stranger, fay 'ft thou, that enquires of OTHMAN ? 
 A ^ SLAVE. 
 
 He does ; and waits Admittance. 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 Did he tell 
 His Name and Quality ? 
 
 SLAVE. 
 That, he declin'd ; 
 But call'd himfelf thy Friend. 
 
 OTHMAN. 
 Where didft thou fee him ? 
 
 SLAVE. 
 
 Ev'n now while Twilight clos'd the Day, I fpy'd him 
 Mufing amid' the Ruins of yon Tow'r 
 That overhangs the Flood. On my Approach, 
 With Afpea item, and Words of Import dark, 
 He quetfion'd me of OTHMAN. Then the Tear 
 
 A 4 Stole
 
 S BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Stole from his Eye. But when I talk'd of PowY 
 And courtly Honours here conferr'cl on thee, 
 His Frown grew darker : All I wifn, he cry'd, 
 Is to confer with him, and then to die. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 What may this mean ? Conduct the Stranger to me, 
 
 [Exit Slave. 
 
 Perhaps ibme worthy Citizen, return'd 
 From voluntary Exile to ALGIERS, 
 Once known in happier Days. 
 
 Enter S A D r. 
 
 Ah, SADI here ( 
 My honour'd Friend ! 
 
 SADI. 
 
 Stand off pollute me not. 
 
 Thefe honeft Arms, tho' worn with Want, difdain 
 Thy gorgeous Trappings, earn'd by foul Difhonour. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Forbear thy rafh Reproaches : for beneath 
 This Habit, which to thy miftaken Eye 
 Befpeaks my Guilt, I wear a Heart as true 
 As S ADI'S to my King. 
 
 SADI. 
 
 Why then beneath 
 
 This curfed Roof, this black Ufurper's Palace, 
 Dar'ft thou to draw infected Air, and live 
 The Slave'of Infolence ! Why lick the Duft 
 Beneath his Feet, who laid ALGIERS in Ruin ? 
 But Age, which fhou'd have taught thee honeft Caution, 
 Has taught thee Treachery ! 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Miftaken Man ! 
 
 Cou'd Paffion prompt me to licentious Speech 
 Like thine . 
 
 SADI.
 
 BARBAROSSA, 
 
 S ADI. 
 
 Peace, falie one ! Peace ! The Slave to Pow'r 
 .Still wears a pliant Tongue. O Shame to dwell 
 With Murder, Luft, and Rapine ! did he not 
 Come from the Depths of BARCA'S Solitude, 
 With fair Pretence of Faith and firm Alliance ? 
 Did not our grateful King, with open Arms, 
 Receive him as his Gueft? O fatal Hour! 
 Did he not then with hot, adult'rous Eye, 
 Gaze on the Queen ZAPHIRA ? Yes, 'twas Luft, 
 Luit gave th' infernal Whifper to his Soul, 
 And bade him murder, if he would enjoy ! 
 Q, complicated Horrors ! hell-born Treach'ry ! 
 Then fell our Country, when good SELIM dy'd! 
 Yet thou, pernicious Traitor, unabafh'd 
 Can'it wear the Murd'rer s Badge. 
 
 O T H M A K. 
 
 Yet hear me, SADI 
 
 S ADI. 
 What can Difhonour plead ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Yet blame not Prudence, 
 
 SADI. 
 
 Prudence ! the ftale Pretence of ev'ry Knave I 
 The Traitor's ready Mafk ! 
 
 OTH M A N. 
 Yet ftill I love thec ; 
 Yet unprovok'd by thy intemperate Zeal. 
 Bethink thee!- might I not infult thy Flight 
 With the foul Names of Fear or Perfidy ? 
 Didft thou not fly, when BARBAROSSA'S Sword 
 Reek'd with the Blood of thy brave Countrymen? 
 What then did I ?- Beneath this hated Roof, 
 In Pity to my widow'd Queen 
 SADI. 
 
 la Pit ?
 
 30 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 O T H M A K. 
 
 Yes, SADI : Heav'n is Witnefs, Pity fway'd me. 
 
 S A DI. 
 Words, Words ! Diflimulation all, and Guilt ! 
 
 OTHM AN. 
 
 With honeft Guile I did inroll my Name 
 In the black Lift of BARBAROSSA'S Friends : 
 In hope, that Come propitious Hour might rife, 
 When Heav'n would dam the Murd'rer from his Throne, 
 And give young SELIM to his orphan'd People. 
 
 SADI. 
 Indeed ! can'ft thou be true ? 
 
 O T H M AN. 
 
 By Heav'n, I am. 
 
 Why then difTemble thus ? 
 
 Q T H M A N. 
 
 Have I not told thee ? 
 
 I held it vain, to ftem the Tyrant's Pow'r , 
 By the weak Sallies of an ill-tiin'd Rage. 
 
 Enough : I find thee honeft : And with Pride 
 Will join thy Counfels. This, my faithful Arm, 
 Wafted with Mifery, mall gain new Nerves 
 For brave Refolves. Can aught, my Friend, be done ? 
 Can aught be dar'd ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 We groan beneath the Scourge, 
 This very Morn,n falfe Pretence of Vengeance, 
 For the foul Murder of our honor'd King, 
 Five guiltlefs Wretches perifh'd on the Rack. 
 Our long- lov'd Friends, and braveft Citizens, 
 Self-banifti'd to the Defert, mourn in Exile : 
 While the fell Tyrant lords it o'er a Crew 
 Of abject Sycophants, the needy Tools 
 Of Pow'r ufurp'd ; and a degenerate Train 
 Of Skives in Arms. 
 
 3 SADI.
 
 BARBAROSSA, n 
 
 SADI. 
 
 O my devoted Country ! 
 But fay, the widow'd Queen my Heart bleeds for her. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 If Pain be Life, {he lives : But in fuch Woe, 
 As Want and Slavery might view with Pity, 
 And blefs their happier Lot ! Hemm'd round by Terrors^ 
 Within this cruel Palace, once the Seat 
 Of ev'ry Joy, thro' fev'n long tedious Years, 
 She weeps her murder'd Lord, her exil'd Son, ' 
 Her People fall'n : the Murd'rer of her Lord, 
 Returning now from Conqueft o'er the MOORS, 
 Tempts her to* Marriage : fpurr'd at once by Lulr, 
 And black Ambition. But with noble Firmnefi;, 
 Surpafling Female, fhe rejects his Vows, 
 Scorning the horrid Union. Meantime he, 
 With ceafelefs Hate, purfues her exil'd Son j 
 And Oh ! detefted Monfter ! [He W ^ s , 
 
 SADI. 
 
 Yet more Deeds 
 Of Cruelty ! Juft Heav'n ! 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 His Rage purfues 
 
 The virtuous Youth, ev'n into foreign Climes. 
 Ere this, perhaps, he bleeds. A murd'jnng Ruffiaa 
 Is fcnt to watch his Steps, and plunge the Dagger 
 Into his guiltlefs Breaft. 
 
 SADI. 
 
 Is this thy Faith ! 
 
 Tamely to witnefs to fuch Deeds of Horror ! 
 Give me thy Poignard ; lead me to the Tyrant, 
 What tho' furrounding Guards 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Reprefs thy Fury. 
 Thou wilt alarm the Palace, wilt involve 
 
 rf, thy Friend, in Ruin. Hdlj* th* hence ; 
 
 Hafte
 
 12 -B A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 Hafte to the Remnant of our loyal Friends, 
 And letmaturer Councils rule thy Zeal. 
 
 SADI. 
 
 Yet let us n'er forget our Prince's Wrongs. 
 Remember, OTHMAN, (and let Vengeance rife) 
 How in the Pangs of Death, and in his Gore 
 Welt'ring, we found our Prince ! The deadly Dago-er 
 Deep in his Heart was fix'd ! His Royal Blood, 
 The Life-blood of his People, 6'er the Bat.h 
 Ran purple ! O remember ! and revenge ! 
 
 OTHM AN. 
 
 Doubt not my Zeal. Buthafte, and feek our Friends. 
 Near to the weftern Port ALMANZQR dwells, 
 Yet unfeduc'd by BARBAROSSA'S Power. 
 He will difclofe to thee, if aught be heard 
 Of SELIM'S Safety, or (what more I dread) 
 Of SELIM'S Death, Thence beft may our Refolves 
 Be drawn hereafter. But let Caution guide thee.. 
 For in thefe Walks, where Tyranny and Guilt 
 Ufurp the Throne, wakeful Sufpicion dwells. 
 And fquint-ey'd Jealoufy, prone to pervert 
 Ev*n Looks and Smiles t6 Treafon. 
 
 SADI. 
 
 I obey thee. 
 Near ta the weftern Port, thou fay'ft. 
 
 O T H M A N 
 
 Ev'n there. 
 
 Clofe by the blafted Palm-tree, where tiie Alofque 
 O'erlooks the City. Hafrc thee hence, my Friend. 
 I would not have thee found within thefe ~W alls. 
 
 [FIcunfi. 
 
 And hark thefe warlike Sounds proclaim th' Approach 
 Of the proud BARBAROSSA, with his Train. 
 Begone 
 
 SADI. 
 Mav dire Difeafc and Pcftilcnce
 
 BARBAROSSA. 13 
 
 Hang o'er his Steps ! Farewel- -Remember, O T H w A N, 
 Thy Queen's, thy Prince's, and thy Country's Wrong. 
 
 [Exit S ADI. 
 
 O t H M A N'. 
 
 When I forget them, be Contempt my Lot ! 
 Yet, for the Love I bear them j I muft wrap 
 My deep Refentments in the fpecious Guife 
 Of Smiles, and fair Deportment. 
 
 Enter BARBAROSSA, Guards, Sic. 
 BAREAROSSA; 
 
 Valiant OTHMAN, 
 Are thefe vile Slaves impai'd ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 My Lord, they are. 
 BAXBAROSSA. 
 Did not the Rack extojt Confeflion from them ? 
 
 O T H M A N* 
 
 They dy'd obdurate : While the melting Crowd 
 Murnjur'd out Pity for their Groans and Anguifh, 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Curfc on their womanifh Hearts ! what, pity Slares 
 Whom my fupreme Decree condemn'd to Torture ? 
 Are ye not all my Slaves, to whom my Nod 
 Gives Life or Death ? 
 
 OT H M AN. 
 
 To doubt thy Will is Treafon. 
 BARBAR.OSSA. 
 
 I love thee, faithful OTHMAN : But why fits 
 That Sadnefson thy Brow ? For oft' 1 findthee 
 Mufing and fad ; while Joy for my Return, 
 My Sword victorious, and the MOORS o'erthrown, 
 Pvefounds through all my Palace. 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 Mighty Warrior ! 
 The Soul, intent on Offices of Lov?, 
 
 Will
 
 i 4 B A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 Will oft' neglect, or fcorn the weaker Proof 
 Which Smiles or Speech can give. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Well : be it fo. 
 
 To guard ALGIERS from Anarchy's Mifrule^ 
 1 fway the regal Scepter. Who deferves, 
 Shall meet Protection : And who merits not, 
 Shall meet my Wrath in Thunder. But 'tis ftrange, 
 That when with open Arms, I wou'd receive 
 Young SELIM; wou'd reftore the Crown, which Deatl* 
 Heft from his Father's Head He fcorns my Bounty, 
 Shuns me with fullen and obdurate Hate, 
 And proudly kindles War in foreign Climes, 
 Againft my Pow'r, who fav'd his bleeding Country. 
 OTH MAN. 
 
 'Tis ftrange, indeed 
 
 Enter A L A D i N. 
 
 A L A D i N. 
 
 Brave Prince, I bring thee Tydings 
 Of high Concernment to ALGIERS and Thee. 
 Young SELIM is no more. 
 
 O T H M A N". 
 
 Indeed ! 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 Indeed ! why that Aftonifhment I 
 He was our bittereft Foe. 
 
 OTH MAN.' 
 
 So perifh all 
 Thy caufelefs Enemies f 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 What fays the Rumour ? 
 How dy'd the Prince, and where ? 
 AL ADI N. 
 
 The Rumour tells, . 
 
 That flying to OR AN, he there begg'd Succours 
 From FERDINAND of SPAIN, t'invade ALGIERS. 
 
 BAR-
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 15 
 
 B ARE AROSS A. 
 
 From Chriftian Dogs ! 
 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 How I league with Infidek J 
 ALADIN. 
 
 And there held Council with the haughty SPANIARD;, 
 To conquer and dethrone thee : But in vain : 
 For in a dark Encounter with two Slaves, 
 Wherein the one fell by his dauntlefs Valour, 
 SELIM at length was flain. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Ungrateful Boy ! 
 
 Oft' have I courted him to meet my Kindnefs ; 
 But {till in vain ; he fhunn'd me Jike a Peftilence : 
 Nor cou'd I e'er behold him, fmce the Down 
 Cover'd his manly Cheek. How many Years 
 Number'd he ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 I think, fcarce thirteen, when his Father dy'd, 
 And now, fome twenty. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 OTHMAN, now for Proof 
 Of undlflembled Service. Well I know, 
 Thy long expericnc'd Faith hath plac'd thee high 
 In the Queen's Confidence: The Crown I wear 
 Yet totters on my Head, till Marriage-Rites 
 Have made her mine. OTHMAN, {he muft be won. 
 Plead thou my Caufe of Love : Bid her dry up 
 Her fruitlefs Tears : Paint forth her long Delays, 
 Wake all thy Eloquence : Make her but mine, 
 And fuch unfought Reward (hall crown thy Zeal, 
 As ihall out-foar thy Wiihes. 
 
 OTHMAN, 
 
 Mighty King, 
 Where Duty bids, I go, 
 
 BAR-
 
 16 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 BARB'AROSSJA. 
 
 Then hafte thce, O T H M A x 
 Ere yet the Rumour of her Sort's Deceafe, 
 Hath reach'd her Ear ; ere yet the mournful Tale 
 Hath whelm'd her in a new Abyfs of Woej 
 And qucnch'd all foft Affection, fave for him. 
 Tell her, I come, borne on the Wings of Love ? 
 Hafte fly I follow thee. [Exit OT 
 
 NOWJ ALADIN, 
 
 Now Fortune bears us to the wifh'd-for Port : 
 We ride fecure, on her moft profp'rous Billow. 
 This was the Rock 1 dreaded. Dofl not think 
 Th' Attempt was greatly daring ? 
 ALADIN. 
 
 Ay ; and rieceffaryi 
 
 What booted it, to cut the old Serpent off, 
 While the young Adder netted in his Place ? 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 True : We have conquer'd now s ALGIERS is mine* 
 Without. a Rival. Thus great Souls afpire ; 
 And boldly fnatch at Crowns, beyond the Reach 
 Of Coward Confcience. ^Yet I wonder much, 
 OMAR returns not: OMAR, whom I fent 
 On this high Truft. I fear, 'tis he hath fall'n-. 
 Didft thou not fay two Slaves ericounter'd SELIM ? 
 
 A L A D i K. 
 Ay, two 5 'tis rumour' d fo. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 And that one fell ? 
 
 A L A. I N. 
 
 Ev'afo: By SELiM'sHand; while his Companion 
 Planted his happier Steel in.SELiM's Heart. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 OMAR, I fear, is falFii. From my Right-hand 
 I gave my Signet to the trufty Slave : 
 And bade him fend it, as the certain Pledge 
 
 Of
 
 BARBAROSSA. 17 
 
 Of SELIM'S Death ; if Sicknefs or Captivity, 
 
 Or wayward Fate, fliou'd thwart his quick Return. 
 
 A L A D I N. 
 
 The Rumour yet is young ; perhaps foreruns 
 The trufty Slave's Approach. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 We'll wait th' Event. 
 
 Mean time give out, that now the widowed Queen 
 Hath dry'd her Tears, prepar'd to crown my Love 
 By Marriage-Rites : Spread wide the flatt'ring Tale : 
 For if Perfuafion win not her Cenfent^ 
 Pow'rlhall compel. 
 
 AL A DIN. 
 
 It is indeed a Thought, 
 Which Prudence whifpers. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Thou, brave ALADIN, 
 
 Haft been the firm Companion of iny Deeds : 
 Soon fhall my Friendfh:p's Warmth reward thy Faith.- 
 This Night my Will devotes to Feaft and Joy, 
 For Conquelt o'er the MOOR. Hence, ALADIN* : 
 And fee the Night-Watch clofe the Palace round. 
 
 [Exit ALADIN', 
 
 Now to the Queen. My Heart expands with Hope. 
 Let high Ambition flourish : In SELIM'S Blood 
 It's Root is ftruck : From this, the rifmg Stem 
 Proudly fhall branch o'er AFRIC'S Continent, 
 And i'tretch from Shore to Shore. 
 
 Enter IRENE. 
 
 What, drown'd in Tears ? ftill with thy Folly thwart 
 Each purpofe of my Soul ? When Pleafurcs fpnng 
 Beneath our eet, thou fpurn'ft the proffer'd Boon, - 
 To dwell with Sorrow. Why thefe fullcn Tears ? 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Let not thefc Tears offend my Father's Eye ; 
 They are the Tears of Pity. From the Queen 
 I come, thy Suppliant. 
 
 B B.AR-
 
 j8 BARBAROSS A. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 'On fome rude Requcft. 
 Wkat wou'dil thou urge ? 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Thy dread Return from W:w, 
 And proffer'd Love, have open'd ev'ry Wound 
 The foft and lenient Hand of Time had clos'd. 
 If ever gentle Pity touch'cl thy Heart, 
 Now let it melt! Urge not thy harfli Command 
 To fee her ! Her diftra&cd Soul is bent 
 To mourn in Solitude. She afks no more. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 She mocks my Love. How many tedious Years 
 Have I endur'd her Coyaefs ? Had not War 
 And great Ambition, call'd me from ALGIERS, 
 Ere this, my Pow'r had reap'd what fhe denies. 
 But there's a Caufe, which touches on my -Peace, 
 And bids me brook no more her falfe Delays. 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 O, frown not thus ! Sure, Pity ne'er deferv'd 
 A Parent's Frown ! Then look more kindly on me,. 
 Let thy confenting Pity mix with mine, 
 And heal the Woes of weeping Majefty ! 
 Unhappy Queen ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 What means that gufhing Tear ? 
 
 IRE N-E. 
 
 Oh never {hall IRENE tafte of Peace, 
 While poor ZAPHIRA mourns ! 
 
 BARB A R o s s A. 
 
 Is this my Child'? 
 
 Perverfe and ftubborn ! As thou-lov'ft thy Peace, 
 
 Dry up thy Tears. What ! damp the geaeral Triumph 
 That ecchoes through ALGIERS! which now fhall pierce 
 The vaulted Heav'n, as foon as Fame mail fpread 
 Young SELIM'K Death, my Empire's bittcrdi Foc. 
 
 IRENE.
 
 B A R B A R O S 8 A, 49 
 
 IRENE. 
 Oj geherous SELIM ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Ah ! There's more in this! 
 Tell me* IiiENE : On thy Duty, tell me: 
 As thou doft wifh, I would not caft thee off, 
 With an incenfed Father's Curfes on thee, 
 Now tell me why, at this detefted Name^ 
 Afrefh thy Sorrow ftreams ? 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Yes, I will tell thee, 
 
 For he is gone ! arid dreads thy Hate no more ! 
 My Father knows, that fcarce five Moons are paft, 
 Since the MOORS feiz'd, arid fold me at ORAX, 
 A hopelefs Captive in a foreign Clime ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Too well I know, and rue the fatal Day. 
 But what of this ? 
 
 IRE NE. 
 
 Why fhou'd I tell, what Horrors 
 Did then befet my Soul ?-- -Oft' have I told thee, 
 How midft the Throng, a Youth appear'd ; His Eye 
 Bright as the Morning Star ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 And was it SELIM ? 
 Did he redeem thee ? 
 
 I R E X E. 
 
 With unfparing Hand 
 
 He paid th' allotted Ranfom : And o'erbade 
 Av'rice and Appetite. At his Feet I wept, 
 DiiTolv'd in Tears of Gratitude and Joy, 
 But when t told mv Quality and Birth, 
 He iirarted at the Name of BARBAROSSA; 
 And thrice turn'd pale. Yet, with Recovery mild, 
 Go to ALGIERS, he cry'd ; protect my Mother, 
 And be to-Her, what SELIM is to Thee. 
 
 B 2 Ev'n
 
 ib BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Ev'n fuch, my Father, was the geri'rous Youth, 
 Who, by the Hands of bloody, bloody Men, 
 Lies number'd with the Dead. 
 
 BARBAROSSA, 
 
 Amazement chills me ! 
 
 Was this thy unknown Friend, conceal'd from me ? 
 Falfe, faithlefs Child ! 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Cou'd Gratitude do lefs ! 
 
 He faid thy Hate purfu'd him ; thence conjur'd me, 
 Not to reveal his Name. 
 
 BARB AROS s A. 
 
 Thou treacherous Maid ! 
 To (loop to Freedom from thy Father's Foe ! 
 
 IRENE. 
 Alas, my Father ! 
 He never was thy Foe. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 What ! plead for SELIM ! 
 Away. He merited the Death he found ! 
 Oh Coward ! Traitrefs to thy Father's Glory ! 
 Thou fhou'dft have liv'd a Slave, been fold to Shame, 
 Been banifh'd to the Depth of howling Defarts, 
 Been aught but what thou art, rather than blot 
 A Father's Honour by a Deed fo vile : ' 
 Hence, from m) Sight.Hence, thou unthankful Child ! 
 Beware thee ! Shun the Queen : nor taint her Ear 
 With SELIM'S Fate. Yes,' fhe fhall crown my Love - t 
 Or by our Prophet, fhe fhall dread my Pow'r. 
 
 [Exit BARBAROSSA, 
 IRE NE. 
 Unhappy Queen ! 
 
 To what new Scenes of Horror art thou doom'd \ 
 O cruel Father ! Haplefs Child ! whom Pity 
 Compels to call him cruel ! Gen'rous SELIM ! 
 Poor injured Queen ! who but intreats to die 
 In her dear Father's Tents ! .Thither, good Queen, 
 
 3 My
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 31 
 
 7vfy Care fhall fpeed thee, while Sufpicion fleeps k 
 
 What tho' my frowning Father pour his Rage 
 
 On my defencelefs Head ? Yet Innocence 
 
 Shall yield her firm Support ; and confcious Virtue 
 
 Gild all my Days. Cou'd I but fave ZAPHIRA, 
 
 Let the Storm beat. I'll weep and pray, till (he 
 
 And Heav'n forget, my Father e'er was cruel. [Exit. 
 
 ACT
 
 22 BARBAROSSA, 
 
 ACT IF. 
 
 ZAPHIRA and Female Slaves difcover'd. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 WHEN fhall I. be at Peace ! O, righteous Heav'n, 
 Strengthen my fainting Sou), which fain wou'd rite, 
 To Confidence in thee ! But Woes on Woes 
 O'ervvhelm me ! Firft my Hufband ! now, my Son ! 
 Both dead ! both flaughter'd by the bloody Hand 
 Of BARBAROSSA ! Sweet Content, farewel ! 
 Farewel, fweet Hope ! Grief is my Portion here ! 
 O dire Ambition ! what infernal Pqw'r 
 Unchain'd thee from thy native Depth of Hell, 
 To ftalk the Earth with thy deftruciive Train, 
 Murder and Luft ! to watte domeffcic Peace, 
 And ev'ry Heart-felt Joy ! 
 
 Enter O T ti M A N T . 
 
 O faithful QTHMAN ! 
 Our Fears were true ! My SEXIM is no more ! 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Has then the fatal Story reach'd thine Ear? 
 Inhuman Tyrant ! 
 
 Z A PH i R A. 
 
 Strike him, Heav'n, with Thunder ! 
 Nor let ZAPHIRA doubt thy Providence. 
 
 O rri M A N. 
 
 'Twas what we fear'd. Accufe not Heav-'n's high W^l, 
 Nor ftruggle with the ten-fold Chain of Fate. 
 That links thee to thy Woes ! O, rather yield, 
 And wait the happier Hour, when Innocence 
 Shall weep no more. Reft in that pleafmg Hope, 
 And yield thyfelf to Heay'n. My honour'd Queen, 
 The King 
 
 ZAPHIRA.
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 23 
 
 Z A P H IR A. 
 
 Whom ftil'ft thou King ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 'Tis BARBAROSSA. 
 He mean? to fee thee. 
 
 Z A PH IR A. 
 
 Curfes blaff the Tyrant ! 
 Does he affume the Name ef King? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 He docs. 
 
 Z APHIR A. 
 
 O Title vilely purchas'd ! by the Blood 
 Of Innocence ! By Treachery and Murder ! 
 May Heav'n incens'd pour down its Vengeance on himj 
 Blalt all his Joys, and turn them into Horror ; 
 Till Phrenzy rife, and bid him curfe the Hour 
 That gave his Crimes their Birth ! My faithful OTHMAN, 
 My fole furvivmg Prop ! Canft thou devife 
 No fecret Means, by which 1 may efcape 
 This hated Palace ! with undaunted Step 
 I'd roam the Wafte, to reach my Father's Vales 
 Of dear MUTIJA ! Can no means be found, 
 To fly thefe black'ning Horrors that furround me ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 That Hope is vain ! The Tyrant knows thy Hate, 
 Hence, Day and Night, his watchful Guards furround thec, 
 Impenetrable as Walls of Adamant. 
 Curb then thy mighty Griefs : Juftice and Truth 
 He macks as Shadows : Roufe not then, his Anger ; 
 Let foft Perfuailon and mild Eloquence, 
 Redeem that Liberty, which item Rebuke 
 W0u'"d rob thee of for' ever. 
 
 Z A PHI R A. 
 
 Cruel Talk ! 
 For Royalty fo bow, an injur'd Queen 
 
 B 4 T
 
 24 BARBAROSSA, 
 
 To kneel for Liberty ! And, Oh Pto whom ! 
 Ev'n to the Murd'rer of her Lord and Son ! 
 O perifh firft, ZAPHIRA ! Yes, I'll die ! 
 For what is Life to me ! My dear, dear Lord ! 
 My haplefs Child ! Yes, I will follow you. 
 
 OT H M A N. 
 
 Wilt thou not fee him, then ? 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 I will not, OTHMANJ 
 Or if I do, with bitter Imprecation, 
 More keen than Poifon fliot from Serpents Tongues^ 
 I'll pour my Curfes on him ! 
 
 O T H M A X. 
 
 Will ZAPHIRA 
 
 Thus meanly fink in Woman's fruitlefs Rage, 
 When fhe fhould wake Revenge ? 
 Z A P PI i R A. 
 Revenge ? -O tell me- 
 Tell me but how ! what can a helplefs Woman ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Gain but the Tyrant's leave, and reach thy Father : 
 Pour thy Complaints before him : Let thy Wrongs 
 Kindle his Indignation, to purfue 
 This vile L T furper, till unceafing War 
 Blaft his ill-gotten Pcw'r. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. [Rifmg. 
 
 Ah ! fay'ft thou, OTHMAN ? 
 
 Thy Words have fhot like Lightning thro' my Frame; 
 And all my Soul's on Fire ! Thou faithful Friend! 
 Yes ; with more gentle Speech I'll footh his Pride ; 
 Regain my Freedom ! feek my Father's Tents ; 
 There paint my countlefs Woes. His kindling Rage 
 Shall wake the Vallies into honeft Vengeance : 
 The fudden Storm fhall pour on BARBAROSSA \ 
 An,d ev'ry glowing Warrior fteep his Shaft 
 Jn deadlier Poifoi^ to revenue my Wrongs. 
 
 OTU--
 
 BARBAROSSA. 25 
 
 O THM AN. 
 
 There fpoke the Queen. But as thcoi lov'ft thy 
 
 Freedom, 
 
 Touch not on SELIM'S Fate. Thy Soul will kinale, 
 ,And Paffion mount in Flames that will confume thee. 
 
 ZAPHIR A. 
 
 My murder'd Son ! Yes, to revenge thy Death, 
 I'll (peak a Language which my Heart difdains. 
 
 O THM AN. 
 
 Peace, Peace! The Tyrant comes : Now injur'd Queen 
 Plead for thy Freedom, hope for juft Revenge, 
 And check each rifmg Paffion ! [Exit O THM AN. 
 
 Enter BARBAROSSA. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Hail, fov'reign Fair ! Thrice Honor'd Queen ! in whom 
 Beauty and Majefty confpire to charm ! 
 Behold the Conqu'ror, whofe deciding Voice 
 Can fpeak the Fate of Kingdoms, at thy Feet 
 Lies conquer'd by thy Pow'r ! 
 
 ZAPHIR A. 
 
 O BARBARO.SSA! 
 
 JSomore the Pride of Conqiieft e'er can charm 
 My widow'd Heart ! With my departed Lord 
 My Love lies bury'd ! I fhould meet thy Flame 
 With fullen Tears, and cold Indifference. 
 Then turn thee to fome happier Fair, whofe Heart 
 May crown thy growing Love, with Love fmcere - 3 
 For 1 have none to give ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Love ne'er mould die : 
 
 *Tis the Soul's Cordial : 'Tis the Fount of Life ; 
 Therefore fhou'd fpring eternal in the Breaft. 
 One Object loft, another fhcu'd fucceedj 
 And all our Life be Love. - 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 Urge me no more : Thou might'ft with equal Hope 
 Wop the cold Marble weeping o'er a Trnb a
 
 26 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 To meet thy Wifties I But if gen'rous Love 
 Ehvell in thy Breaft, vouchfafc me Proof imcere : 
 Giveme*fafc Convoy to my native Vales 
 Of dear M u T i j A, where my Father reigns. 
 
 B ARBAROtfS A. 
 
 O blind to proffer'd Blifs I what, fondly quit 
 This lofty Palace, and the envy'd Pomp 
 Of Empire, for an Arab's wand'ring Tent f 
 Where the mock Chieftain leads his vagrant Tribes 
 From Plain to Plain, as Thirft or Famine ("ways ; 
 Obfcurcly vain ! arid faintly fuadows out 
 TheMajefty of Kings ! -Far other Joys 
 Here, fliall attend thy Call : The winged Bark 
 For thee {hall traverfe Seas ; and ev'ry Clime 
 Be tributary to Z A? Hi R A'S Charms. 
 To Thee,, exalted Fair, fubmiffive Realms 
 Shall bow the Neck ; and fwarthy Kings and Queen^ 
 From the far-diftant NIGER and the NILE,, 
 Drawn captive at my conqu'ring Chariot- wheels, 
 Shall kneel before thee. 
 
 Z A P H I R A. 
 
 Pomp and PosvYare Toy?, 
 Which ev'n the Mind at Eafc may well difdain. 
 But, ah? what Mockery is the t-.nfel Pride 
 Of Splendor, when by waiting Woes, the Mini 
 Lies defolate within ! Such, fuch, is mine ! 
 O'erwhelm'd with Ills, and dead to every Joy j 
 Envy me not this laft Requeft, to die 
 In my dear Father's Tents ! 
 
 BARBAROS S.-A% 
 
 Thy Suit is vain 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 Thus kneeling at thy Feet 
 
 BARB AROSE A. 
 
 Thou thanklefs Fair ! 
 Thus to repay the Labours of my Love ! 
 friad 1 not feiz'd the Throne when S EL I M dy'd, 
 
 Ere
 
 RARB-AROSSA. 27 
 
 re this, thy Foes had laid ALGIERS in Ruin: 
 1 chcck'd the waning Pow'rs, and gave you Peace. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 Peace doft thou call it ! what can worfe be fear'd 
 From the War's Rage, than Violence and Blood ? 
 Have not unceafmg Horrors mark'd thy Reign; 
 Thro' fev'n long Years, thy flaught'ring Sword hath reek'd 
 With guiltlefs Blood. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 With guiltlefs Blood ? Take heed 
 Roufe not my flumb'ring Rage ; Nor vindicate 
 Thy Country's Guilt and Treafon. 
 Z APH IRA. 
 
 Where Violence reigns, there Innocence is Guilt, 
 And Virtue, Treafon. Know, ZAPHIRA fcorns 
 Thy Menace. Yes, thy flaught'ring Sword hath reek*d 
 With guiltlefs Blood. Through thee, Exile and Death 
 Have thin'd ALGIERS. Is this thy boafted Peace ? 
 So might the Tyger boall the Peace he brings, 
 When he o'crleaps by Stealth, and waftes the Fold. 
 
 BARBAROSSA, 
 
 Ungrateful Queen ! I'll give thee Proof of Love, 
 Beyond thy Sex's Pride ! But make thee mine, 
 I will defcend the Throne, and call thy Son 
 From Banifhment to Empire. 
 
 Z A PJI i R A, 
 
 Oh, my Heart ! 
 Can I bear this ! 
 
 Inhuman Tyrant ! Curfes on thy Head ! 
 JVIay direRemorfe and Anguifh haunt thy Throne, 
 And gender in thy Bofom fell Defpair ! 
 Defpair as deep as mine ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 What means ZAPHIRA? 
 What means this Burft of Grief ? 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 Thou fell Deftroyer ! 
 
 I Had
 
 2 8 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Had not Guilt fteel'd thy Heart, awak'ning Confcience 
 Wou'd flalh Convidion on thee, and each Look, 
 Shot from thefe Eyes, be arm'dwith Serpent-horrors, 
 To turn thec into Stone ! Relentlefs Man ' 
 Who did the bloody Deed ? Oh, tremble Guilt, 
 Where'er thou art ! Look on me ! Tell me, Tyrant, 
 Who flew my bjamelefs Son ? 
 
 . . .,. - -BARBAROSSA. 
 
 What envious Tongue, 
 
 My Foe, hath dar'd to taint my Name with Slander ? 
 This is the Rumour of fome coz'ning Slave, 
 Who thwarts my Peace. Believe it not, 2 A P H I R A. 
 Thy S E L i M lives : Nay more, he foon fhall reign, 
 If thou confent to blefs me. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 Never ! Oh, never Sooner wou'd I roam 
 An unknown Exile through the torrid Climes 
 Of AfRic, fooner dwell with Wolves and Tygcrs, 
 Than mount with thee my murder'd S E L i M'S Throne ! 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Raih Queen, forbear j Think on thy Captive-ftate ; 
 Remember, that within thefe Palace-walls, 
 I am omnipotent : That every Knee 
 Bends at my dread Approach : That Shame sfnd Honour, 
 Reward and Punifhment, await my Nod, 
 The Vaflals of my Pleafure. Yield thee then ; 
 Avert the gath'ring Horrors that furround thee, 
 And dread my Pow'r incens'd. 
 
 ZAPHIR A, 
 
 Dares thy licentious Tongue pollute mine Ear 
 With that foul Menace ? Tyrant ! Dread'ft thou not, 
 Th' all-feeing Eye of Heav'n, its lifted Thunder, 
 And all the red'ning Vengeance which it ftores 
 For Crimes like thine ? Yet know, thy Threats are vain, 
 Tho'robb'd by thee of ev'ry dear Support, 
 No Tyrant's Threat can awe the free-born Soill, 
 That greatly dares to die. [Exit ZAPHIRA. 
 
 BAR-
 
 BARBAROSSA. 29 
 
 B ARE AROSS A. 
 
 Where ftiould fhe learn the Tale of S E LIM'S Death I 
 Cou'd O T H M A N dare to tell it ? If he did, 
 My Rage fhall fvveep him, fwifter than the Whirlwind, 
 To inftant Death ! Curfe on her Steadinefs ! 
 She lords it o'er my Heart. There is a Charm 
 Of Majefty in Virtue, that difarms 
 Reluctant Pow'r, and bends the ftruggling Will 
 From her moft firm Refolve. 
 
 Enter ALA DIN. 
 
 Oh, ALADIN ' 
 
 Timely thou com'ft, to cafe my lab'ring Thought, 
 That fvvells with Indignation and- Defpair. 
 This ftubborn Woman 
 
 ALADIN. 
 What, unconquer'd ftill ? 
 
 BARBAROSS A. 
 
 The News of S E L i M'S Fate hath reach'd her Ear. 
 Whence could this come ! 
 
 ALADIN. 
 
 I can refolve the Doubt. 
 A female Slave, Attendant on Z A p H i R A, 
 O'erheard the Meflenger who brought the Tale, 
 And gave it to her Ear. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Perdition feize her 1 
 
 Nor Threat can move, nor Promife now allure 
 Her haughty Soul : Nay, fhe defies my Pow'r: 
 And talks of Death, as if her female Form 
 Infhrin'd fome Hero's Spirit. 
 
 ALADIN. 
 
 Let her Rage foam* 
 I bring thee Tydings that will cafe thy Pain, 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 Say'ft thou ? Speak on O give me quick Relief!. 
 
 ALADIN. 
 The gallant Youth is come, who flew her Son. 
 
 BAR-
 
 30 BARBAROSSA, 
 
 B ARBAROSS A. 
 
 Who? OMAR! 
 
 ALADIN. 
 
 No; unhappy OMAR fell 
 
 By S E L i M's Hand. But A c H ME r, whom he join'cf 
 His brave Aflbciate, fo,$he Youth bids tell thec, 
 Reveng'd his Death by S^ELIM'S. 
 
 1> A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 Gallant Youth ! 
 
 Bears he the Signet ? 
 ALADIN, 
 
 ' Ay, 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 That fpeaks him true. .Conduct him, ALADIN. 
 
 [Exit ALADII*. 
 
 This is beyond my Hope. The fccret Pledge 
 Reftor'd, prevents Sufpicion of the Deed, 
 While it confirms it done. 
 
 Enter Ac H MET .and ALA- DIN, 
 
 ACHMET. 
 
 Hail, mighty BARBAROSSA ! As the Pledge [Kneeh, 
 Of S E L I M'S Death, behold thy Ring reftored : 
 That Pledge will fpeak the Reft. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Rife, valiant Youth ! 
 
 Butfirft, no more a SLAVE---! give thee Freedom., 
 Thou art the Youth whom OMAR (now no more) 
 Join'd;his Companion- in this brave Attempt ? 
 ACHMET. 
 
 I am. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Then tell me how you fped. Where found ye 
 That InColent! 
 
 Ac H M E T. 
 
 We found him at OR AN, 
 Plotting deep Mifchief to thy Throne and People 
 
 BAR-
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 31 
 
 BARB A ROSS A. 
 Weil ye repaid the Traitor. 
 
 A C H M E T. 
 
 As we ought. 
 
 While Night drew on, we leapt upon our Prey, 
 full at his Heart brave OMAR aim'd the Poignard, 
 Which SELIM fhunning, wrench'd it from his Hand, 
 Then plung'd it in his Ureaft. I h?.fted on. 
 Too late to fave, yet I reveng'd my Friend ; 
 My thirfty Dagger, with repeated Blow, 
 Scarch'd every Artery : They fell together, 
 Gafping in Folds of mortal Enmity; 
 And thus in Frowns expir'd. 
 
 J3ARBAROSSA. 
 
 Well had tliou fpe<J. 
 Thy Dagger did its Office, faithful ACH.MET; 
 
 And high Reward ihall wait thee. One Thing more 
 
 Be the Thought fortunate ! Go, feek the Queen. 
 For know the Rumour of her SELIM'S Death 
 Hath reach'd her Ear: Hence dark Suspicions rife, 
 Squinting at me. Go, tell her, that thou faw'ft 
 Her Son expire ; that with his dying Breath, 
 He did conjure her to receive mv Vows, 
 And give her Country Peace. - That, fure will lull 
 Safpicion. AL ADIK. that fure will win her. 
 ALA DIN. 
 
 *Tis wifely -thought. It muft. 
 
 Enter O T H M A N T . 
 B A R B A R O S S A 
 
 Mo ft welcome, OTHAIAN. 
 Behold this gallant Stranger. He hath done' 
 The State good Service. Let fome high Reward 
 Av/ait him, fuch as may 6'erpay hi.> Zeal. 
 Conduct him to theQiieen; for he hath Tyding* 
 Worthy her Ear, from her departed Son ; 
 Such as may win her Love Come, A L A D I N : 
 Ths Banquet waits our Pretence : Fdtul Joy 
 
 Laughs
 
 :<2 B A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 Laughs in the manting Goblet ; and the Night, 
 Illumin'd by the Taper's dazzling Beam> 
 Rivals departed Day. [Exe. BARB, and ALAD, 
 
 ACHMET. 
 
 What anxious Thought 
 
 Rolls in thine Eye, and heaves thy lab 'ring Breaft ? 
 Why joiii'ft thou not the loud Excefs of Joy, 
 That riots- thro' the Palace ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Dar'ft thou tell me, 
 On what dark Errand thou art here? 
 ACHMET. 
 
 I dare. 
 
 Doft thou not fee the favage Lines of Blood, 
 Deform my Vifage ? Read'ft not in mine Eye 
 Rcmorfelefs Fury ? I am SELIM'S Murd'rer. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 His Murd'rer I 
 
 ACHMET. 
 
 Start not from me. 
 
 M? Dagger thirds not but for regal Blood. 
 Why this Amazement ? 
 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 Amazement ? No 'Tis well .'tis as it fhould be. 
 He was indeed a Foe to BARBAROSSA. 
 
 ACHMET. 
 
 And therefore to ALGIERS : Was it not fo ? 
 Why doll thou paufe ? What Paflion fhakes thy Frame ? 
 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 Fate, do thy worft ! I can no more difTemble ! 
 Can I unmov'd behold the murd'ring Ruffian, 
 Smear'd with my Prince's Blood !---Go, tell the Tyrant, 
 OTHMAN defies his Pow'rj that, tir'd with Life, 
 He dares his bloody Hand, and pleads to die. 
 
 ACHMET. 
 
 What, didft thou love this S E L i M ? 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 AHMenlov'dhim. 
 
 He
 
 BARBAROSSA. 33 
 
 JHewasof fuch unmix'd and blamelefs Quality, 
 That Envy, at his Praife ftood mute, jior dar'4 
 To fully his fair Name ! Remorfelefs Tyrant ! 
 
 ACHMET. 
 
 .1 do commend thy Faith. And fmce thou lov'ft him, 
 I'll whifper to thee, that with honeft Guile 
 I have deceiv'd this Tyrant BARBAROSSA ; 
 S E L i M is yet alive. 
 
 O THM A N. 
 
 Alive ! 
 ACHMET. \ 
 
 Nay, more . 
 SELIM is in ALGIERS. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 Impoffible ! 
 ACHMET. 
 Why, if thou doubt'ft, I'll bring him hither, ftraight. 
 
 O T H M A N, 
 
 Not for an Empire ! 
 
 Thou might'ft as well bring the devoted Lamb 
 Into the Tyger's Den. 
 
 ACHMET. 
 
 Nay, but I'll bring him 
 Hid in fuch deep Difguife, as (hall deride 
 Sufpicion, tho* fhe wear the Lynx's Eye . 
 Not ev'h thyfelf couldft know him. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Yes, fure : too fure, to hazard fuch an awful 
 Trial ! 
 
 ACHMET. 
 
 Yet feven revolving Years, worn out 
 In tedious Exile, may have wrought fuch Change 
 Of Voice and Feature, in the State of Youth, 
 As might elude thine Eye. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 No Time can blot 
 
 The Alem'ry of his fweet majeftic Mien, 
 The Luftre of his Eye J Nay, mare, he wears 
 
 C A
 
 34 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 A Mark indelible, a beauteous Scar, 
 Made on his Forehead by a furious Pard, 
 Which, ruflii'ng on his Mother, SELIM flew. 
 
 ACHMET. 
 A Scar! 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Ay, on his Forehead, 
 
 ACHMET. 
 What, like this ? [Lifting his Turban. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Whom do I fee I am I awake ! my Prince ! \Kneels* 
 My honour'd, honour'd King ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 .'"% Rife, faithful OTHMAN. 
 
 Thus let me thank thy Truth f [Embraces him. 
 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 Oh, happy Hour ! 
 SELIM. 
 
 Why dofl thou tremble thus ? Why grafp my Hand ? 
 And why that ardent Gaze ? Thou canft not doubt me ? 
 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 Ah, no ! I fee thy Sire in ev'ry Line. 
 How did my Prince efcape the Murd'rer's Hand ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 I wrench'd the Dagger .from him ; and gave back 
 That Death he meant to bring. The Ruffian wore 
 The Tyrant's Signet : Take this Ring, he cry'd, 
 The fole Return my dying Hand can makethee 
 For its accurs'd Attempt : This Pledge reftor'd, 
 Will prove thee flain : Safe may'ft thou fee ALGIERS, 
 Unknown to all. This faid, th' Aflaffin dy'd. 
 
 OTHMAN. 
 But how to gain Admittance, thus unknown ? 
 
 S E L i M. 
 
 Difguis'd as SELIM'S Murderer I come: 
 T'i' Accomplice of the Deed : The Ring rcftcr'd, 
 Giiu'd Credence to my Words. 
 
 OTH-
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 35 
 
 O T H M A N. , 
 
 Yet ere thou c.am'ft, thy Death was rumour'd here. 
 S E L i M. 
 
 I fpread the flatt'ring Tale, and fent it hither ; 
 That babbling Rumour, like a lying Dream, 
 Might make Belief more eafy. Tell me, OTHAIAN, 
 
 And yet I tremble to approach the Theme, 
 
 How fares my Mother ? does flie ftill fuftain 
 Her native Greatnefs ? 
 
 O T HM A N. 
 
 Still : In vain the Tyrant 
 
 Tempts her to Marriage, tho' with impious Threats 
 Of Death or Violation. 
 
 S E LI M. 
 
 May kind Heav'n 
 
 Strengthen her Virtue, and by me reward it ! 
 When {hall I fee her, OTHMAN ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Yet, my Prince, 
 I tremble for thy Prefence. 
 
 S EL I M. 
 
 Let not Fear 
 
 Sully thy Virtue : 'Tis the Lot of Guilt 
 To tremble. What hath Innocence to do with Fear ? 
 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 Yet think (hould BARBAROSSA 
 S E L i M. 
 
 Dread him not 
 
 Thou know'ft, by his Command, I fee ZAPHIRA, 
 And wrapt in this Difguifc, I walk fecure, 
 As if from Heav'n fome guardian Pow'r attending-, 
 Threw ten-fold Night around me. 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Still my Heart 
 Forebodes fome dire Event ! O quit thefe Wills ! 
 
 S E L i M. 
 
 Not till a Deed be done, which ev'ry Tyrant 
 Shall tremble when he hears. 
 
 C 2 OTH-
 
 <;6 B A & B A R O S S A. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 What means my Prince ? 
 
 S E L I M. 
 
 To take juft Vengeance fora Father's Blood, 
 A Mother's Suit" 'rings, and a People's Groan. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Alas, my Prince ! Thy fingle Arm is weak 
 To combat Multitudes ! 
 
 S L I M. 
 
 Therefore I come, 
 
 Clad in this Murd'rers Guife Ere Morning fhines, 
 This, OTHMAN this fliall drink the Tyrant's Blood. 
 
 [Shews a Dagger, 
 
 O T H M A N T . 
 
 Heav'n fhield thy precious Life Let Caution rule 
 Thy headlong 2t'al * 
 
 S E L I M. 
 
 Nay, think not that I come 
 Blindly impell'd by Fury or Defpair: 
 For I have feen our Friends, and parted now 
 From SADI and ALMANZQR. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Say what Hope ? 
 
 Mv Soul is all Attention. 
 
 S LI M. , 
 
 Mark me, then 
 
 A chofen Band of Citizens this Nis;ht 
 Will itorm the Palace ; while the glutted Troops 
 Lie drencli'd in Surfeit ; the confcd'rate City, 
 Bold thr#* Defp-air, have fworn to break their Chain 
 By one wide Slaughter. I, mean time, have gaiu'd 
 The Palace, and will wait ft' appointed Hour, 
 To guard ZAPHJRA from the Tyrant's Rage, 
 Amid' the deathful Uproar. fc 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Heav'n protect thee- - 
 "Ti: ureadfal -What'- the Hour ! 
 S ? r. I M, 
 
 I left our Friends 
 
 In
 
 BARBAROSSA. 37 
 
 In fecret Council. Ere the dead of Night 
 Brave SADJ will report their laft JR.efolves.-~ 
 Now lead me .to the Queen. 
 
 O T H M A v. 
 
 Brave Prince, beware ! 
 
 Her Joy's or Fear's Excefs, wou'cj fure betray thce. 
 Thou malt not fee her, till the Tyrant perim ! 
 
 S E L i M. 
 
 I muft. I feel fome fecret Impulfe urge me. 
 Who knows that 'tis not the laft parting Interview, 
 We ever (hall obtain ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Then, on thy Life, 
 
 PO not reveal thyfelf. Aliume the Name 
 Of SELIM'S Friend; fent to confirm her Virtue, 
 And warn her that he lives. 
 
 S E L i M. 
 It mail be fo: I yield me to thy Will. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Thou greatly daring Youth ! May Angels watch, 
 And guard thy upright Purpofe ! That ALGIERS 
 May reap the Blellings of thy virtuous Reign, 
 And all thy Godlike Father Ihine in thee ! 
 SEL JM. 
 
 Oh, thou haft rouz'd a Thought, on which Revenue 
 Mounts with redoubled Fire ! Yes, here, ey'n here, _ 
 Beneath this very Roof, my honor'd Father 
 Shed round his BlefTings, till accurfed Treach'ry 
 Stole on his peaceful Hour ! O, blefTed Shade! 
 If yet thou hoyer'lt o'er thy once-lov'd Clime, 
 Now aid me to redrefs thy bleeding Wrongs ! 
 Infufe thy mighty Spirit into my reaft, 
 Thy firm and dauntlefs Fortitude, unaw'd 
 By Peril, Pain, or Death! that undifmay'd, 
 I may purfue the juft Intent : and dare 
 Or bravely to revenge, or bravely die. [Exfunt. 
 
 C 3 ACT
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Enter IRENE. 
 
 CA N Air-drawn Vifions mock the waking Eye ? 
 Sure 'twas his Image ! Yet, his Prefence here 
 After full Rumour had confirm'd him dead ! 
 Beneath this hoftile Roof to court Deflruction ! 
 It ftaggers all Belief! Silent he (hot 
 Athwart my View, amid' the glimmering Lamps, 
 With fwift and G hod-like Step, that feem'd to fhuu 
 All human C.onverfe. This way, fure he mov'd. 
 But oh, how chang'd ! He wears no gentle Smiles,'! 
 But Terror in his Frown. He comes. 'Tis He : - 
 For OTHMAN points him thither, and departs. 
 Difguis'd, he feeks the Queen : Secure, perhaps, 
 And heedlefs of the Ruin that furrounds him. 
 O generous SELIM ! can I fee thee thus ; 
 And not forewarn fuch Virtue of its Fate ! 
 Forbid it Gratitude! 
 
 Enter S E L 1 M, 
 S E L I M, 
 
 Beftill, ye Sighs! 
 
 Ye flruggling Tears of filial J-ove, be ftill. 
 Down, down fond Heart ! 
 
 IRENE. 
 "Why, Stranger, doll thou wander here ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 Oh, Ruin ! [Shunning her, 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Bleft, is IRENE ! Blcft if SELIM lives ! 
 
 SELIM.
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 39 
 
 SELI M. 
 Am I betray'd ! 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Betray'd to whom ? To Her 
 Whofe grateful Heart would rufh on Death to fave thee. 
 
 SELI M. 
 It was my Hope, 
 
 That Time had veil'd all Semblance of my Youth, 
 And thrown theMalk of Manhood o'er my Viiage. 
 Ami then known? 
 
 I RF NE. 
 
 To none, but Love and Me.- 
 To me, who late beheld thee at OR AN } 
 Who faw thee here, befet with unfeen Peril, 
 And flew to fave the Guardian of my Honour. 
 
 SELI M. 
 
 Thou Sum of ev'ry Worth ! ThouHeav'n of Svvaetnefs? 
 How cou'd I pour forth all my Soul before thee, 
 In Vows of endjefs Truth ! -It mult not be ! 
 This is my deftin'd Goal ! TheManfion drear, 
 Where Grief and Anguiih dwell ! where bitter Tears, 
 And Sighs, and Lamentations, choak the Voice, 
 AnJ quench the Flame of Love ! 
 IRENE. 
 
 Yet, virtuous Prince, 
 Tho' Love be filent, Gratitude may fpeak. 
 Hear then her Voice, which warns thee from thcfe Walls.- 
 Mine be the grateful Talk, to teil the Queen, 
 Her SELIM lives. Ruin and Death inclofe thee. 
 O fpeed thee hence, while yet DeftrucHon flceps ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Too generous Maid ! Oh, Heav'n ! that BARBAROSSA 
 Shou'd be IRENE'S Father. 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Injur'd Prince J 
 Lofe not a Thought on me ! 1 know thy Wrongs, 
 
 C 4 And
 
 40 B A R B A R S S A. 
 
 And merit not thy Love. No, learn to hate me^ 
 Or if IRENE e'er can hope fuch Kindnefs, . 
 Firft pity, then forget me I 
 
 S E L i M. 
 When I do, 
 May Heav'n. pour down its righteous Vengeance Qn me ! 
 
 IRENE. , 
 
 Hence ! hafte thee, hence ! 
 
 S E L i M. 
 Wou'd it were pofiible | 
 
 IRENE. 
 What can prevent it ? 
 
 S E L i M. 
 
 Juftice ! Fate, arid Juflice ! 
 A murdsr'd Father's Wrongs ! 
 
 I R E N E. 
 
 Ah, Prince, take heed ! 
 1 have a father too ! 
 
 S E L i M. 
 
 What did I fay? -my Father ? not my Father.- 
 Can I depart till I have feen ZAPHIRA ? - 
 IRENE. 
 
 Juftice, faid'ft thou ? 
 
 That Word hath ftruck me, like a Peal of Thunder ! 
 Thins Eytifc which wont to melt with gentle Love, 
 Now glares with Terror ! Thy Approach by Night 
 Thy d'ark Difguife, thy Looks, and fierce Demeanor, 
 Yes, all confpire to tell me, I am loft ! 
 Think, SELIM, what IRENE muft indure, 
 Shou'd flic be guilty of a Father's Blood ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 A Father's Blood ! 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Too fure. In vain thou hid'ft 
 Thy dire Intent ! Forbid it ? Heav'n, IRENE 
 
 Shou'dl
 
 BARBAROSSA, 4* 
 
 Should fee Deftruclion hov'ring o'er her Father, 
 And not prevent the Blow ! 
 
 SEL IM. 
 
 Is this thy Love, 
 Thy Gratitude to him who fay'd thy Honour ? 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 'Tis Gratitude to him who gave me Life : 
 He who prefervM me claims the fecond Place. 
 
 SELIM. 
 Is he not a Tyrant, Murderer ? 
 
 IRENE. 
 O fpar.2 my Shame ! I am his Daughter ftill ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 Woud'ft thou become the Partner of his Crimes ? 
 
 IRENE. 
 Forbid it, Heav'n ! Yet I muft fave a Father ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Come on then. Lead me to him. Glut thine Eye 
 XVithSELiM's Blood- 
 Ik EN E. 
 
 Was e'er Diftrefs like mine t 
 O SELIM can I fee my Father perifti ! 
 Wou'd I had ne'er been born ! \lVee$>s. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Thou virtuous Maid \ 
 My Heart Weeds for thee \ 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 "Quit, O quit thefe Walls ! 
 Heav'n will ordain fome gentler, happier Means, 
 To heel thy Woes ! Thy dark Attempt is big 
 With Horror and Definition ! Generous Prince ! 
 JRefign thy dreadful Purpofe, and depart ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 May not I fee Z APHIRA, ere I go ? 
 Thy gentle Pity will not, fur*, deny us 
 71ie mournful Rleafure of a parting Tear ? 
 
 IREN?
 
 .j.-2 B'ARBAfcbSSA. 
 
 I R E N . 
 
 Go, then, and give her Peace. But fly thefe Walls, 
 As foonas Morning (nines : -Elfe, tho' Defpair 
 Drives me to Madnefs j- yet to fave a Father ! 
 O SELIM ' fpare my Tongue the horrid Sentence ! 
 Fly ! ere Deftruction feiz thce ! JEwV IRENE. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Death and Ruin ! 
 
 Muft I then fly ?--- what ! Coward-like betray 
 My Father, Mother, Friends ? Vain Terrors, hence ! 
 Danger looks big, to Fear's deluded Eye. 
 But Courage, on the Heights and Steeps of Fate, 
 Dares fnatch her glorious Purpofe from the Edge 
 Of Peril : And while fick'ning Caution fhrinks, 
 Or felf-betray'd, falls headlong down the Steep; 
 Calm Refolution, unappal'd, can walk 
 The giddy Brink, fecure. Now to the Queen.- 
 How fhall I dare to meet her thus unknown ! 
 How ftifle the warm Tranfports of my Heart, 
 Which pants at her Approach ! Who waits ZAPHIRA ? 
 Enter a female SLAVE 
 
 SLAVE. 
 
 Whence this Intrufion, Stranger ? at an Hour 
 Deftin'd to Reft ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 I come, to feek the Queen, 
 On Matter of fuch Import, as may claim 
 Her fpeedy Audience. ^ 
 
 SLAVE. 
 
 Thy Requeft is vain 
 
 Ev'n now the Queen hath heard the mournful Tale 
 Of her Son's Death, and drown'd in Grief flic lies. 
 Thou canft not fee her. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Tell the Queen, I corrte 
 On MefTage From her dear, departed Son j 
 And bring his laft Requeft 
 
 SLAVS.
 
 B A R B A Pv O S S A. 43 
 
 SLAVE. 
 
 I'll haftc to tell her. 
 
 With all a Mother's tend'reit Love flie'il fly, 
 To meet that Name. [.Exit SLAVE. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 O ill-diflembling Heart !-.-- My ev'ry Limb 
 Trembles with grateful Terror I Wou'd to Heav'n 
 I had not come ! Some Look, or ftarting Tear, 
 Will fure -betray me. Honeft Guile affift 
 My lault'ring Tongue ! 
 
 Enter Z A P H i R A. 
 Z AP H i R A. 
 
 Where is this pious Stranger? 
 Say, generous Youth, whofe Pity leads thee thus 
 To feek the weeping Manfions of Diftrefs ! 
 Did'ft thou behold in Death my haplefs Son ? 
 Did'ft thou receive my SELIM'S parting Breath? 
 I)id he remember me ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Aloft honour'd Queen ! 
 
 Thy Son, Forgive thefe gufhing Tears, which flow 
 To fee Diftrefs like thine ! 
 
 Z A PHI R A. 
 
 I thank thy Pity ? 
 
 'Tis generous thus to feel for others Woe. 
 What of my Son ? Say, didft thou fee him die ? 
 
 S E L i M. 
 
 By BARBARO s s A'S dread Command I come, 
 To tell thee, that thefe Eyes alone beheld 
 Thy Son expire. 
 
 Z A P H i R A. 
 Oh Heav'n ! iny Child } my Child I 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 That cv'n in Death, the pious Youth rememher'd 
 His royal Mother's Woes. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 Where, where was I ? 
 
 Relcntfcft
 
 44 BARSAROSSA. 
 
 JRelentlefs Fate ! that I fhou'dbe deny'd 
 The mournful Privilege, to fee him die ! 
 To clafp him in the Agony of Death, 
 And catch his parting Soul ! O tell me all, 
 All that he laid and look'd : Deep in my Heart 
 That I may treafure ey'ry parting Word, 
 Each dying Whifper of my dear ? dear Sou ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Let not my Words offend. What if he faid, 
 Go, tell my haplefs Mother, that her Tears 
 Have'itream'd too long ; Then bid her weep no more j 
 Bid her forget the Hufband and the Son, 
 In BARBAROSSA'S Arms ! 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 O, falfe as Hell ! 
 
 Thou art fome creeping Slave to B A R B A R o s s A, 
 Sent to furprife my unfufpeling Heart ! 
 Falfe Slave, begone ! My Son betray me thus ! 
 Could he have e'er conceiv'd fo bafe aPurpofe, 
 jVly .Griefs for hiui fhou'd end in great JDifdain ! 
 But he was brave ; and fcorn'd a Thought fo yily I 
 Wretched ZAPHIRA ! How art thou become 
 The Sport of Slaves !O Griefs incurable ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Yet hope for Peace, unhappy Qijeen ! Thy Woes 
 May yet have End. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 Why weep'ft thou. Crocodile ? 
 Thy treacherous Tears are vain. 
 
 S ELIM. 
 
 My Tears are honeft. 
 I am not what thou think 'ft. 
 
 Who art thou then ? 
 S ELIM. 
 
 Oh, my full Heart ! I am thy Friend, and S E L I M*s 
 I come not to infujt but heal thy Woes -
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 4 j 
 
 Now check thy Heart's wild Tumult, while I tell thee 
 Perhaps thy Son yet lives. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 O, gracious Heav'n ! 
 
 Do 1 not dream ? fay, Stranger, diclft thou tell me, 
 Perhaps my S L I M lives ? What do I afk ? 
 Fond, fond, and fruitlefs Hope ! What mortal Pow'r 
 Can e'er re-animate his mangled Coarfe, 
 Shoot Life into the cold and filent Tomb, 
 Or bid theruthlefs Grave give up its Dead ! 
 SELIM. 
 
 pow'rful Nature, thou wilt lure betray me ! \^AJUe. 
 Thy SELIM lives : For fince his rumour'd Death, 
 
 I faw him at OR AN. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 Ye heav'nly Pow'rs 
 
 Didft thou not fay, thou faw'ft my Son expire? 
 Didit not ev'n now relate his dying Words ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 It was an honeft Falfhood, meant to prove 
 ZAPHIRA'S unftain'd Virtue. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 Why but O T H M A N. . 
 
 T H M A N affirm'd that my poor Son was dead 
 And I have heard, the Murderer is come, 
 
 In triumph o'er his dear and innocent Blood. 
 SELIM. 
 
 1 am that Murderer. Beneath this Guife, 
 
 1 fpread th' abortive Tale of SELIM'S Death, 
 And haply won the Tyrant's Confidence. 
 
 Hence gain'd Acccts : And from thy SELIM tell thee, 
 SELIM yet lives ; and honours all thy Virtues. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 O, generous Youth, who art thou ? P'roni what Clime 
 Coir**s fuh edited Virtue, as dares g\\a 
 
 A Pauie
 
 46 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 A Paufc to Griefs like mine ! As dares approach, 
 
 And prop the Ruin tott'ring on its Bafe, 
 
 Which felfifh Caution fhuns ! Oh, fay who art thou ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 A friendlefs Youth, felf-baniih'd with thy Son ; 
 Long his Companion in Diftrefs and Danger : 
 One who rever'd thy Worth in profp'rous Days : 
 And more reveres thy Virtue in Diftrefs. 
 
 Z APHIR A. 
 
 O tell me then mock not my Woes, 
 But tell me truly, does my SELIM live ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 He does, by Heav'n ! 
 
 ZAP HI RA. 
 
 And does he ftill remember 
 His Father's Wrongs, and mine ! 
 SELIM. 
 
 He bade me tell thee, 
 That in his Heart indelibly are ftamp'd 
 His Father's Wrongs, and Thine : That he but waits 
 'Till awful Juftice may unfheath her Sword, 
 And Luft and Murder tremble at her Frown ! 
 That till the Arrival of that happy Hour, 
 Deep in his Soul the hidden Fire (hall glow, 
 And his Breaft labour with the great Revenge ! 
 
 ZAPHIR A. 
 
 Eternal Bleflings crown my virtuous Son ! 
 I feel my Heart revive ! Here, Peace once more 
 Begins to dawn. 
 
 SELIM. 
 Much hoaor'd Queen, farewcl. 
 
 Z AP H I R A. 
 
 Not, yet, not yet; indulge a Mother's Love ! 
 In thee, the kind Companion of his Griefs, 
 Methinks I fee my SELIM (land before me. 
 Depart not yet. A thoufand fond Requefts 
 
 1 Croud
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 47 
 
 Croud on my Mind. WHhes, and Pray'rs and Tears, 
 Are all I have to give. O bear him thefe ! 
 
 S E L I M. 
 
 Take Comfort then ; for know thy Son, o'erjoy'd 
 
 To refcue thee* wou'd bleed at ev'ry Vein ! 
 
 Bid her, he faid, yet hope we may be bleft ! 
 
 Bid her remember that the Ways of Heav'n, 
 
 Tho' dark, are juft: That oft fome Guardian Pow'r 
 
 Attends unfeen to fave the Innocent! 
 
 But if high Heav'n decrees our Fall, O bid her 
 
 Firmly to wait the Stroke, prepar'd alike 
 
 To live or die ! and then he wept, as I do. 
 
 Z A PH IR A. 
 
 O righteous Heav'n ! Thou haft at length o'erpay'd 
 My bitt'reft Pangs ; if my dear SELIM lives, 
 And lives for me ! hear my departing Pray'r F [Knetlr. 
 
 O fpare my Son ! Protect his tender Years ! 
 
 Be thou his Guide through Dangers and Diftrefs ! 
 
 Soften the Rigours of his cruel Exile, 
 
 And lead him to his Throne ! , when I am gone, 
 
 Blefs thou his peaceful Reign ! Oh, early blefs him 
 
 With the fweet Pledges of connubial Love j 
 
 That he may win his Virtue's juft Reward, 
 
 And tafte the Raptures which a Parent's Heart 
 
 Rezps from a Child like him ! Not for myfelf, 
 
 But my dear Son,- accept my parting Tears ! 
 
 [Exit ZAPHIRA. 
 SEL IM. 
 
 Now, fwel ling Heart, 
 
 Indulge the Luxury of Grief! Flow Tears ! 
 And rain down Tranfport in the Shnpe of Sorrow! 
 Yes, I have footh'd her Woes ; have, found her noble : 
 And to have giv'n this Refpite to her Pangs, 
 O'erpays all Pain and Peril I Pow'rful Virtue \ 
 How infinite thy Joys, when ev'n thy Griefs 
 Are pleafing ! Thu, fuperrot to the Frcwns 
 
 Of
 
 48 E A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 Of Fate, canft pour thy Sunihine o'er the Soul, 
 And brighten Woe to Rapture ! 
 
 Enter OTHMAN and SADI. 
 
 JHonor'd Friends [ 
 How goes the Night ! 
 
 SADI. 
 
 'Tis well nigh Midnight, 
 OTHMAN, 
 
 What in Tears, my Prince ? 
 SELIM, 
 
 But Tears of Joy : For I have feen Z A p H I R A, 
 And pour'd the Balm of Peace into her Breaft : 
 Think not thefe Tears unnerve me, valiant Friends j 
 They have but harmoniz'd my Soul j and wak'd 
 All that is Man within me, to difdain 
 Peril, or Death. What Tydings from the City ? 
 
 SADI. 
 
 All, all is ready. Our confed'rate Friends 
 Burn with Impatience, till the Hour arrive. 
 
 SELIM. 
 What is the Signal of th' appointed Hour ? 
 
 SADI. 
 
 The Midnight Watch gives Signal of our Meeting ; 
 And when the lecond Watch of Night is rung, 
 The Work of Death begins. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Speed, fpecd ye Minutes ! 
 
 Now let the rifmg Whirlwind fhake ALGIERS, 
 And Juftice guide the Storm ! Scarce two Hours hence* 
 
 - SADI. 
 Scarce more than one. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 But as ye love my Life, 
 Let your Zeal haften on the great Event : 
 The Tyrant's Daughter found, and knew me here j 
 And half fufpeds the Caufe. 
 
 O T H M A N.
 
 BARBAROSSA. 49 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Too daring Prince, 
 Retire with us ! Her Fears will fare betray thee I 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 What ? leave my helplefs Mother here a Prey 
 To Cruelty and Luft I'll perifti firft : 
 This very Night the Tyrant threatens Violence : 
 I'll watch his Steps : I'll hauut him thro' the Palace; 
 And, fhou'd he meditate a Deed fo vile, 
 I'll hover o'er him like an unfeen Peftilence, 
 And biaii him in his Guilt ! 
 
 SAD i. 
 
 Intrepid Prince ! 
 
 Worthy of Empire ! Yet accept my Life, 
 My worthlefs Life : Do thou retire with O T H M A N ; 
 I will protect Z A P H i R A. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Think'il thou, SADI, 
 That when the trying Hour of Peril comes, 
 SELIM will flirink into a common Man ! 
 Worthlefs were he to rule, who dares not claim 
 Pre-eminence in Danger. Urge no more. 
 Here {hall my Station be : And if I fall, 
 O Friends let me have Vengeance ! Tell me now, 
 Where is the Tyrant ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Revelling at the Banquet 
 SELIM. 
 'Tis good. Now tell me how our Pow'rs are deftin'd ? 
 
 SADI. 
 
 Near ev'ry Port, a fecret Band is pofted : 
 By thefe the watchful Centinels muft perifh : 
 The reft is eafy : For the glutted Troops 
 Lie drown'd in Sleep ; the Dagger's cheapefl Prey. 
 A L M A N z o R, with his Friends, will circle round 
 The Avenues of the Palace. O T H M A N T and I 
 Wjll lead our brave Confederates (all fvvora 
 
 D To
 
 5 b B A R B A R O S A. 
 
 To conquer or to die) and burft the Gates 
 
 Of this foul Den. Then tremble, BARBAROSSA ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Oh, how the Approach of this great Hour 
 Fires all my Soul ! But, valiant Friends, I charge you, 
 Referve the Murd'rer to my juft Revenge ; 
 My Poignafd claims his Blood. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Forgive me Prince ! 
 Forgive my Doubts U-Think fhou'd the fair IRENE - 
 
 SELIM, 
 
 Thy Doubts are vain. I wou'd not fpare the Tyrant 
 Tho' the fweet Maid lay weeping at my Feet ! 
 Nay, fhou'd he fall by any Hawd but mine, 
 By Heav'n I'd think my honor'd Father's Blood 
 Scarce half reveng'd ! My Love indeed is ftrong ! 
 But Love firall yield to Juftice ! 
 S ADI. 
 
 Gallant Prince ! 
 Bravely refolv'd ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 But is the City quiet ? 
 
 SADI, 
 
 All, all is hufh'd. Throughout the empty Streets, 
 Nor Voice, nor found. As if th' Inhabitants, 
 Like the prefaging Herds that feek the Covert 
 Kre the loud Thunder rolls, had inly felt 
 And Ihunn'd th' impending Uproar. 
 OTHM AN. 
 
 There is a folemn Horror in the Night too, 
 That pleafcs me : A general Paufe thro' Nature : 
 
 The Winds are huih'd 
 
 SADI. 
 
 And as I pafs'd the Beach, 
 The lazy Bill*w fcarce cou'd lafh the Shore : 
 No Star peeps thro' the Firmament of Heav'n 
 
 SELIM.
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 51 
 
 S E L I M. 
 
 And lo where Eaftward, o'er the fallen Wave, 
 The warning Moon, depciv'd of half her Orb, 
 Rifes in lood : Her Beam, well-nigh extinct, 
 Faintly contends with Darknefs [Belltclh. 
 
 Hark .'what meant 
 That tolling Bell ? 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 It rings the Midnight Watch. 
 S AD j. 
 
 This "was the Signal 
 
 Come, OTHM AN, we are calFd : The pafling Minutes 
 Chide our Delay : Brave O T H M A N, let us hence. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 One laft Embrace ! nor doubt, but crown'd with Glory, 
 We foon fhall meet again. But oh, remember, 
 Amid' the Tumult's Rage, remember Mercy ! 
 Stain not a righteous Caufe with guiltlefs Blood ! 
 Warn our brave Friends, that we unfheath the Sword, 
 Not to deftroy, but fave ! Nor let blind Zeal, 
 Or wanton Cruelty, e'er turn its Edge 
 On Age or Innocence ! or bid us ftab, 
 Where the moft pitying Angel in the Skies 
 That now looks on us from his bleft Abode, 
 Wou'd wifhthat we fhould fpare. 
 OT H M A N. 
 
 So may we profper, 
 As Mercy fhall direct us ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Farewel, Friends [ 
 
 Intrepid Prince, Farewel ! [Ext. OTH. and SADI. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Now Sleep and Silence 
 
 Brood o'er the City. The devoted Centinel 
 Now takes his lonely Stand ; and idly dreams,, 
 Of that To-morrow, which fhall never cana^ ! 
 
 Da In
 
 52 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 In this dread Interval, O bufy Thought, 
 
 From outward Things defcend imothyfelf ! 
 
 Search deep my Heart ! Bring with thee awful Conference* 
 
 And firm Refolve ! That in th' approaching Hour 
 
 Of Blood and Horror, I may (land unmov'd } 
 
 Nor fear to ftrike where Juftice calls, nor dare 
 
 To ftrike where fhe forbids ! Why bear I then 
 
 This dark, infidious Dagger ?- 'Tis the Badge 
 
 Of vile Affaffins j of the Coward Hand 
 
 That dares not meet its Foe Detefted Thought ! 
 
 Yet, as foul Luft and Murder,, tho' on Thrones 
 
 Triumphant, ftill retain their hell-born Quality j 
 
 So Juftice, groaning beneath countlefs Wrongs, 
 
 Quits not her fpotkfs and celeftial Nature ; 
 
 But in th' unhallowM Murderer's Difguife, 
 
 Can fan&ify this Steel ! 
 
 Then be it fo : Witnefs, ye Pow'r* of Heav'n, 
 
 That not from you, but from the Murd'rer's Eye, 
 
 I wrap myfelf in Night ! To you I ftand 
 
 Reveal'd in Noon-tide Day ! Oh, cou'd I arm 
 
 My Hand with War ! Then, like to you,, array 'd 
 
 In Storm and Fire, my fwift-avenging Thunder 
 
 Shou'd blaft this Tyrant. But fince Fate denies 
 
 That Privilege, I'll feize on what it gives : 
 
 Like the deep-cavern'd Earthquake, burft beneath him, 
 
 And whelm his Throne, his Empire, and himfelf, 
 
 In one prodigious Ruin ! 
 
 ACT
 
 BARBAROSSA. 53 
 
 ^ ^^f*^^,*,/*^,*^,*^,*, 
 
 a $ - & -6- 4~a-..&...$-..6 $ -&-&- -ft- -ifc- 
 v*vV WW- " 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 //r IRENE </ ALADIN. 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 BUT didft thou tell him, ALADIN, my Fears 
 Brock no Delay ? 
 
 ALADIN. 
 I did. 
 IRENE. 
 
 Why comes he not ! 
 
 Oh, what a dreadful Dream !---'Twas furely more 
 Than troubled Fancy : Never was my Soul 
 Shook with fuch hideous Phantoms ! Still he lingers ! 
 Return, return : And tell him that his Daughter 
 Dies, till (he warn him of his threatning Ruin. 
 
 ALAD IN, 
 Behold, he comes. [Exit ALADIN, 
 
 Enter BARBAROSSA. 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Thou Bane of all my Joys ! 
 Some gloomy Planet furely rul'd thy Birth ! 
 Ev'n now thy ill-tim'd Fear fufpends the Banquet, 
 And damps the feftal Hour. 
 
 J R E N 7 
 
 Forgive my Fear ! 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 What Fear, what Phantom hath poflefs'd thy Brain ? 
 
 IRENE, 
 
 Oh guard thee from the Terrors of this Night j 
 "errors lurk unfein ; 
 
 P 3
 
 54 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 B ARE AROSS A. 
 
 What Terror ? fpeak. 
 
 Wou'dft thou unman me into female Weaknefs ? 
 
 Say, what thou dread'ft, and why ? I have a Soul 
 To meet the blackeft Dangers undifmay'd. 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Let not my Father check with ftern Rebuke 
 The warning Voice of Nature. For ev'n now, 
 Retir'd to Reft, foon as I clos'd mine Eyes, 
 A horrid Vifion rofe Methought I faw 
 Young SELIM rifmg from the filent Tomb: 
 Mangled and bloody was his Coarfe : His Hair 
 Clotted with Gore ; his glaring Eyes on Fire ! 
 Dreadful he {hook a Dagger in his Hand. 
 By fome myfterious Pow'r he rofe in Air. . 
 When lo, at his Command, this yawning Roof 
 Was cleft in Twain, and gave the Phantom Entrance ! 
 Swift he defcended with terrifick Brow, 
 Rufh'd on my guardlcfs Father at the Banquet, 
 And plung'd his furious Dagger in thy Bread ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Wouldft thou appal me by a brain-fick Vifion ? 
 Get thee to Reft. Sleep but as found till Morn, 
 As S E L i M in his Grave fhall fleep foj ever, 
 And then no haggard Dreams fhall ride thy Fancy \ 
 
 IRENE. 
 Yet hear me, deareft Father ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 To the Couch ! 
 Provoke me not. 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 What fhall I fay to move him ! 
 Merciful Heav'n, inftru& me what to do ! 
 
 Enter A L A D I N. 
 
 B ARE AR OSS A. 
 
 What rticart thy Looks ?-why doft thou gaze fo wildly ? 
 
 A L A D 1 N.
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 55 
 
 ALADIN. 
 
 I hafted to inform thee, that ev'n now, 
 Rounding the Watch, I met the brave ABD ALL A, 
 Breathlefs with Tydings of a Rumour dark, 
 Which runs throughout the City, that young SJELIM 
 Is yet alive 
 
 B A REAR OSS A 
 
 May Plagues confume the Tongue 
 
 That broach'd the Falfhood ! 'Tis not poffible 
 
 What did he tell thee further ? 
 
 ALADIN, 
 
 More he faid not ; 
 
 Save only, that the fpreading Rumour wak'd 
 A Spirit of Revolt. 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 O gracious Father ! 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 The Rumour lies. And, yet, your Coward Fears 
 Infca me ! What ! fhall I be terrify'd 
 By midnight Vifions ? Can the troubled Brain 
 Of Sleep out-ftretch the Reafon's waking Eye? 
 I'll not believe it. 
 
 ALADIN, 
 
 But this gath'ring Rumour- 
 Think but on that, my Lord ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Infernal Darknefs 
 
 Swallow the Slave that rais'd it ! Yet, I'll do 
 What Caution dictates. Hark thee, ALADIN^ 
 Slave, hear my Will. See that the Watch be doubled 
 Seek out this Stranger, A c H M E T j and forthwith 
 Let him be brought before me, 
 
 IREXE, 
 
 O my Father ! 
 
 I do conjure thee, as thou lov'ft thy Life, 
 Retire, and truft thee to thy faithful Guards 
 See not this A c H M E T ! 
 
 D 4 BAR-
 
 j5 BA&BAROSSA. 
 
 B ARBAROSS A. 
 
 Not fee him .'-Death and Torment ]~. 
 Think'!! thou,I fear a fingle Arm that's mortal ? 
 Mot fee him ?--- Forthwith bring the Slave before me.- 
 If he prove falfe, if hated S ELI M live, 
 
 I'll heap fuch Vengeance on him 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Mercy ! Mercy ! 
 
 B ARE AROSS A. 
 
 Mercy. To whom ? 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 To me : and to thyfelf : 
 
 To him to all-- Thou think'ftl rave ; yet true 
 My Vi lions are, as ever Prophet uttcr'd, 
 When Heav'n infpires his Tongue ! 
 
 BAREAROSSA. 
 
 Ne'er did the Moon-ftruck Madman rave with Dream? 
 More wild than thine ! Get thee to reft ; e'er yet 
 Thy Folly wake my Rage. Call Ac H MET hither. 
 
 IK EN E. 
 
 Thus proflrate on my Knees ! O fee him not. 
 SKLIM is dead: Indeed the Rumour, lies ! 
 There is no Danger near : Or, if there be, 
 AcHKiET is innocent! 
 
 B ARE AROSS A. 
 
 Off, frantic Wretch ! 
 
 7'his Ideot-Drcam hath turn'd her Brain to Madnefs { 
 Hence to thy Chamber, till returning Reafon 
 Hath calm'd this Tempelh -On thy Duty hence ! 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Yet hear the Voice of Caution ! Cruel Fate ! 
 What have I done ! Heav'n fhield my deareft Father ! 
 Heav'n fhield the Innocent ! Undone IRENE! 
 Whate'er the Event, thy Doom is Mifery. [Exit IRENE, 
 
 BARCAROSSA. 
 
 Her XVords are wrapt in Darknefs. A L A D I N. 
 Forthwith fend ACHMET hither. Mark him well. 
 
 His
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 57 
 
 His Countenance and Gefture r Then with fpeed. 
 Double the Centinels [Exit ALADIN. 
 
 Infernal Guilt ! 
 
 How doft thou rife in ev'ry hideous Shape, 
 Of Rage and Doubt, Sufpicion and Defpair, 
 To rend my Soul ! more wretched far than they, 
 
 Made wretched by my Crimes ! Why did I not 
 
 Repent, while yet my Crimes were delible ! 
 
 Ere they had {truck their Colours thro' my Soul, 
 
 As black as Night pr Hell ! 'Tis now too late ! . 
 
 Hence then, ye vain Repinings ! Take me all, 
 
 Unfeeling Guilt ! O banifh, if thou canft, 
 
 This fell Remorfe, and ev'ry fruitlefs Fear ! 
 
 Be this my Glory, to be great in Evil ! 
 
 To combat my own Heart, and, fcorning Confcience, 
 
 Rife to exalted Crimes ! 
 
 Enter S E L i M. 
 
 Come hither, Slave : 
 Hear me, and tremble :--Art thou what thou feem'M ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 Ha!~ 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 Do'ftthou paufe? -By Hell, the Slave's confounded ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 That BARBAROSSA mou'd fufpeft my Truth ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Take heed ! For by the hov'ring Pow'rs of Vengeance, 
 If I do find thee treach'rous, I will doom thee 
 To death and Torment, fuch as human Thought 
 Ne'er yet conceiv'd ! Thou com'ft beneath the Guife 
 Of SELIM'S Murderer. Now tell me :-- Is not 
 That SELIM yet alive? 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 SELIM alive f 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Perdition on thee! Doft thou echo me ! 
 Anfwer me quick, or Die! [Draws fris
 
 53 B A R B A R O S 5 A . 
 
 SELI M. 
 
 Yes, freely ftrike 
 
 Already haft thou giv'n the fatal Wound, 
 
 And pierc'd my Heart with thy unkind Sufpicion ! 
 
 Oh, cou'd thy Dagger find a Tongue, to tell 
 
 How deep it drank his Blood ! But fmce thy Doubt 
 
 Thus wrongs my Zeal, Behold my Breaft ftrike here 
 
 For bold is Innocence. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 I fcorn the Tafk. [Puts up bis Dagger, 
 Time {hall decide thy Doom. -Guards, mark me well. 
 See that ye watch the Motions of this Slave : 
 And if he meditates t'efcape your Eye, 
 Let your good Sabres cleave him to the Chine. 
 
 S E L i M. 
 
 I yield me to thy Will, and when thou know'ft 
 That SELIM lives, or feeft his hated Face, 
 Then wreak thy Vengeance on me. 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Bear him hence. 
 
 Yet, ofi your Lives, await me within Call. 
 
 I will have deeper Inquifition made : 
 
 Haply feme Witnefs may confront the Slave, 
 
 And drag to Light his Falihood. 
 
 [Exeunt SELIM and Guards, 
 Call ZAPHIRA. [Exit a SLAVE, 
 
 If SELIM lives then what is BARBAROSSA? 
 My Throne's a Bubble, that but floats in Air, 
 Till Marriage-Rites declare ZAPHIRA mine. 
 Fool that I am ! To wait the weak Effeb 
 Of flow Perfuaf'on : when unbounded Pow'r 
 Can give me all I wifh ! Slave, hear my Will, 
 Fly,- bid the Prieft prepare the Marriage-Rites, 
 JLet Incenfe rife to Keav'n ; and choral Songs 
 Attend ZAPHIRA to the nuptjal Bed. [Exit SLAVE, 
 
 I will not brook Delay. -By Love and Vengeance, 
 . f n i s Hour decides her Fate ! 
 
 Ifcnttf
 
 BARBAROSSA. 59 
 
 Enter Z A P H I R A. 
 
 Well, haughty Fair ! 
 
 tlath Reafon yet fubdu'd thee ? Wilt thou hear 
 The Voice of Love ? 
 
 Z AP HIR A. 
 
 Why doft thou vainly urge me j 
 Thou know'ft my fix'd refolve. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Can aught but Phrenzy 
 Rufh on Perdition ? 
 
 Z A P H i R A. 
 
 Therefore (hall no Pow'r 
 E'er make me thine. 
 
 JBARBAROSSA. 
 
 Nay, fport not with my Rage ; 
 Tho' yon fufpe&ed Slave affirms him dead ; 
 Yet Rumour vvhifpers, that young SELIM lives. 
 
 Z A PH I R A. 
 
 Cou'd I but think him fo ! my earneft Pray'r 
 Shou'd rife to Heav'n, to keep him far from thee ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Therefore, left Treach'ry undermine my Pow'r, 
 Know, that thy final Hour of Choice is come ] 
 
 ZAPHIRA. ' 
 
 I have no Choice. Think'ft thou I e'er will wed 
 The Murderer of my Lord ? 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Take heed, rafli Queen ! 
 Tell me thy laft Refolve. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 Then hear me, Heav'n ! 
 Hear all ye Pow'rs that watch o'er Innocence! 
 Angels of Light ! And thou, dear honor'd Shade 
 Of my departed Lord ! attend, while here 
 I ratify with Vows my laft Refolve ! , 
 
 If e'er I wed this Tyrant Murderer, 
 It" I pollute me with this horrid Union t 
 
 I Black-
 
 6o B A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 Black as Adultery or damned Inceft, 
 
 May ye,- the Minifters of Heav'n, depart, 
 
 Nor feed your Influence on the guilty Scene ! 
 
 May Horror blacken all our Days and Nights ' 
 
 May Diicord light the Nuptial Torch ! and riling 
 
 From Kc.ll, may fwarming Fiends in Triumph howl 
 
 Around th' accurfed Bed ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Begone, Remorfe ! 
 
 Guards do your Office ; Drag her to the Altar. 
 Heed not her Tears or Cries. What ? -dare ye doubt ? 
 Inflant obey my Bidding ;~or, by Hell, 
 Torment and Death fhall overtake you all ! 
 
 [ Guards go to felze Z A P H I R A f 
 Z A P H i R A. 
 
 O fpare me ! Heav'n protect me ! O my Son, 
 Wjert thou but here, to fave thy helplefs Mother ! 
 What {hall I do! Undone, undone ZAPHIRA ! 
 Enter S E L I M. 
 
 S E LI M. 
 
 Whocall'd on ACHMET ? Did not BARBAROSSA, 
 Require me here ? 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Officious Slave retire ! 
 I caird thee not. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 O kind and gen'rous Stranger, lend thy Aid ! 
 O reicue me from thefe impending Horrqrs ! 
 Heav'n will reward thy Pity ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Drag her hence ! 
 S E L i M. 
 Pity her Woes ? O mighty BARBAROSSA! 
 
 BAR B A ROSS A. 
 Jlouze not my Vengeance, Slave ! 
 
 S EL IJM. 
 
 Qhj hear me, hear rne ! [Kn/e!f. 
 KAR-
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 61 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 Curfe on thy forward Zeal ! 
 S E L i M. 
 
 Yet, yet have Mercy. 
 [Lays bold of BARBAROSSA' s Garment. 
 
 B ARE A ROSS A. 
 
 Prefuming Slave, begone ! [Strides SELIM, 
 
 S E L i M. 
 
 Nay, then, die, Tyrant. 
 
 [Rifes, and aims to fiab BARBAROSSA. 
 
 BARBAROSSA wrc/ts bis Dagger from him. 
 . BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Ah, Traitor, have I caught thee.--Hold--forbear 
 
 [To Guards ivbo offer to kill SELIM. 
 
 Kill him not yet, I will have greater Vengeance. . 
 
 Perfidious Wretch, who art thou ?~Eringthe Rack ; 
 Let that extort the Secrets of his Heart. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Thy impious Threats are loft ! I know that Death 
 And Torments are my Doom. Yet, ere I di?", 
 I'll ftrike thy Soul with Horror.-Off, vile Habit ! . 
 Let me emerge from this dark Cloud that hides me, 
 And make my Setting glorious ! If thou dar'ft, 
 Now view me ! Hear me, Tyrant ! --while with Voice 
 More dreadful than of Thunder, I proclaim, 
 That he who aim'd the Dagger at thy Heart, 
 Is SELIM ! 
 
 Z A P H I R A. 
 
 O Fleav'n ! my Son ! my Son ! [Skt fabils, 
 
 SELIM. 
 Unhappy Mother ! [Runs to emlrau her. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 Tear them afunder. [Guards fffarate them. 
 
 S E L : M. 
 BarVrous, barb'rous Ruffians- ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 Slaves, feizz the Traitor. [They cffcr t:J~.. i 
 
 SELIM.
 
 6* B A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 S E L I M. 
 
 Off, ye vile Slaves ! I am your King ! -Retire, 
 And tremble at my Frowns ! That is the Traitor ; 
 That is the Murd'rer, Tyrant, Ravifher : Seize him, 
 And do your Country Right ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Ah, Coward Dogs ! 
 
 Start ye at Words ! orfeize him, or by Hell, 
 This Dagger ends you all. [They feize him* 
 
 S E L I M. 
 
 'Tis done ! Doft thou revive, unhappy Queen ! 
 Now arm my Soiil with Patience ! 
 
 Z A PHI R A. 
 
 My dear Son \ 
 Do I then live, once more to fee my SELIM ! 
 
 But Oh to fee thee thus ! ~ [Weeping. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Can thou behold 
 Her fpeechlefs Agonies, and not relent ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 At length Revenge is mine !-- Slaves, force her hence f 
 This Hour fhall crown my Love. 
 Z A P H i R A. 
 
 O Mercy, Mercy! 
 SELIM. 
 
 Lo ! BARBAROSSA ! thou at length haft conquer'd \ 
 Behold a haplefs Prince, o'crwhelm'd with Woes, [Kneels^ 
 Proftrate before thy Feet ! Not for myfelf 
 
 I plead ! Yes, plunge the Dagger in my Breaft ! 
 
 Tear, tear me piecemeal ! But, O fpare ZAPHIRA ! 
 Yet, yet relent ! force not her Matron Honour ! 
 
 Reproach not Heav'n 
 
 .BARBAROSSA- 
 Have I then bent thy Pride ? 
 
 Why, this is Conqueft ev'n beyond my Hope ! 
 Lie there, thou Slave ! lie, till ZAPHIRA'S Cries 
 Arouze thee from thy Pofture ! 
 
 S E L i M. 
 poft thou infult my Griefs ? unmanly Wretch !- 
 
 Curfe
 
 BARBAROSSA. 6? 
 
 i/ 
 
 Curfe on the Fear that cou'd betray my Limbs, \_Rijuig. 
 Mf Coward Limbs, to this difhoneft Pofture ! 
 Long have I fcorn'd, I now defy thy Pow'r. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 I'll put thy boafted Virtue to the Trial.. 
 Slaves, bear him to the Rack. 
 
 Z A PH IR A. 
 
 O fpare my Son ! 
 
 Sure filial Virtue never was a Crime ! 
 Save but my Son ! I yield me to thy Wifh ! 
 What do I fay ! The Marriage Vow--O Horror ! 
 
 This Hour {hall make me thine ! 
 
 S E L i M. 
 
 What ! doom thyfelf 
 The guilty Partner of a Murderer's Bed, 
 Whole Hands yet reek with thy dear Hufband's Blood [~ 
 To be the Mother of deftructive Tyrants, 
 The Curfes of Mankind ! By Heav'n, I fwear, 
 The guilty Hour that gives thee to the Anns 
 Of that detefted Murderer, {hall end 
 
 This hated Life ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 Or yield thee, or he dies ! 
 
 Z APH IR A. 
 
 The Conflict's paft. I will refume my Greatnefs : 
 We'll bravely die, as we have liv'd, with Honour ! 
 
 [Embracing. 
 
 S E LIM. 
 
 Now, Tyrant, pour thy fierceft Fury on us : 
 Now fee, defpairing Guilt ! that Virtue ftill 
 Shall conquer, tho' in Ruin. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Drag them hence; 
 Her to the Altar : SELIM to his Fate. 
 
 Z A P H IR A. 
 
 O SELIM ! O my Son ! Thy Doom is Death ! 
 Wou'd it were mine !
 
 64 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 S E L I M. 
 
 Wou'd I cou'd give it thee ! 
 Is there no means to feveher ! Lend, ye Guards, 
 Ye Minifters of Death, in Pity lend 
 Your Swords, orfomekind Weapon of DeftrudUon ! 
 Sure themoft mournful Boon, that ever Son 
 Afk'd for the belt of Mothers ! 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 Deareft SELIM ! 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 I'll hear no more.Guards, bear them to their Fate. 
 
 [Guards feize ibsn, 
 S E L I At. 
 
 One laft Embrace ! 
 Farewel ! Farewel for ever ! [Guards Jlruggle with thim. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 One Moment yet ! Pity a Mother's Pangs ! 
 
 O SELIM ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 O my Mother ! [Exeunt SELIM ^i ZAPHIRA. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Mydeareft Hopes are blafted ! What is Pow'rj 
 If ftubborn Virtue thus out-foar its Flight ! 
 Yet hefhall die,--and fr.e . 
 
 Enter ALA DIN. 
 
 ALADIN. 
 
 Heav'n guard my Lord ! 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 What mean'ft thou, ALADIN ? 
 ALADIN. 
 
 A Slave arrived, 
 
 Says that young SELIM lives: Nay, fcmewhere lurks 
 Within thefe Walls. 
 
 B ARB A ROSS A. 
 
 The lurking Traitor's found, 
 Conviaed, and difarm'd.-Ev'n now he aim'd 
 This Dagger at my Heart. 
 
 A L A D I N.
 
 BARBARbSSA. 6 5 
 
 ALADIN. 
 
 Audacious Traitor ! 
 
 The Slave fays farther, that he brings the Tydings 
 Of dark Confpiracy, now hov'ring o'er us : 
 And claims thy private Ear. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Of dark Conspiracy ? 
 Where ?- Among whom ? 
 
 A L A > i N\ 
 
 The fecret Friends of SEUM, 
 Who nightly haunt the City. 
 
 BAR B AROSS A. 
 
 Curfe the Traitors ! 
 
 Now fpeed thee^ ALADIN. Send forth our Spies : 
 Explore their Haunts* For, by th' infernal Pow'rs, 
 I will let loofe my Rage. The furious Lion 
 Now foams indignant, fcorning Tears and Cries. 
 Let S E L i M forthwith die. Come, mighty Vengeance ! 
 Stir me to Cruelty ! The Rackfhall groan 
 With new-born Horrors ! I will iflue forth, 
 Like Midrtight-PeHilence ! My Breath fhall ftrew 
 The Streets with Dead ; and Havock ftalk in Gore. 
 Hence, Pity ! Feed the milky Thought of Babe;, ; 
 Mine is of bloodier Hue* 
 
 C T
 
 66 r B A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 A c T v. 
 
 Enter BARBAROSSA and ALADIN, 
 BAUBAROSSA. 
 
 IS the Watch doubled ? Are the Gates fecur'd 
 Againft Surprize ? 
 
 ALA DIN. 
 
 They arc, and mock th' Attempt 
 Of Force or Treachery. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 This whifper'd Rumour 
 Of dark Confpiracy, on further Inqueft, 
 Seems but a falfe Alarm. Our Spies, fent out, 
 And now return from Search, affirm that Sleep 
 Has wrap'd the City. 
 
 ALADIN. 
 
 But while S E L i M lives, 
 Definition lurks within the Palace Walls j 
 Is 1 or Bars, nor Ccntinels can give us Safety. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Right, ALADIN. His Hour-of Fate approaches* 
 How goes the Night ? 
 
 ALADIN. 
 
 The fecond Watch is near. 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 *Tis well : Whene'er it rings, the Traitor dies. 
 So hath my Will ordain'd. I'll feize the Occafion, 
 While I may fairly plead my Life's Defence. 
 
 ALADIN. 
 True : For he aim'd his Dagger at thy Heart. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 He did. Hence Juftice uncompell'd, mail feem 
 To lend her Sword, and do Ambition's Work. 
 
 ALADIN'
 
 BARBAROSSA. 67 
 
 A L A D I tf . 
 
 His bold kefolves have fteel'd ZAPBI&A'S Breaft 
 
 Againft thy Love : Thence he deferves to die. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 And Death's his Dooom Yet firft the Rack (hall rend 
 Each Secret from his Heart ; unlefs he give 
 ZAPHIRA to my Arms, by Marriage- Vows, 
 With full Confent j ere yet the fecond Watch 
 Toll for his Death. Curfe on this Woman's Weaknefs I 
 I yet wou'd win her Love ! Hafte, feek out OTHMAN ; 
 Go, tell him, that Deftru&ion and the Sword 
 Hang o'er young SELIM'S Head, if fwift Compliance 
 Plead not his Pardon. [ Exit A L A D I tf . 
 
 Stubborn Fortitude ! 
 
 Had he not interpofed, Succefs had crown'd 
 My Love, now hopelefs. Then let Vengeance feiae him. 
 Enter IRENE. 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 O Night of Horror ! Hear me, honour'd Father ! 
 If e'er I R E N E'S Peace was dear to thee, 
 Now hear me ! 
 
 B AR2AROSSA. 
 
 Impious ! Dar'ft thou difobey ? 
 Did not my facred Will ordain thee hence I 
 Get thee to Reft j for Death is iiirring here. 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 O fatal Words ! By ev'ry facred Tye, 
 Recal the dire Decree. 
 
 BARBARAS s A. 
 
 What wou'dft thou fay ? 
 Whom plead for ? 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 For a brave unhappy Prince, . 
 Scntenc'd to die. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 An.l juftly ! But this Hour 
 The Traitor half fulfill'd thy Dream, and aim'd 
 His Dagger at my Heart. 
 
 E 2 IRENE.
 
 68 B A R B A R O S S A, 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Might Pity plead I 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 What ! plead for Treachery ? 
 IRE NE. 
 
 Yet Pity might beftcnv a milder Name. 
 Wou'dlt thou not love the Child, whofe Fortitude 
 Shou'd hazard Life for thee ? Oh, think on that : 
 The noble Mind hates not a virtuous Foe : 
 His gen'rous Purpofe was to fave a Mother ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Damn'dwas his Purpofe: And accurftart Thou, 
 Whofe Perfidy wou'd fave the dark Affaflin, 
 Who fought thy Father's Life ! Hence, from m) Sight. 
 
 IRENE. 
 Oh, never, till thy Mercy fpare my SE L IM ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 Thy S E L i M J Thine ? 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Thou know'ft by Gratitude 
 
 He *s mine, Had not his generous Hand redeem'd me. 
 What then had been IRENE? 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Faithlefs Wretch ! 
 
 Unhappy Father ? whofe perfidious Child 
 Leagues with his deadlicft Foe; and guides the Dagger 
 Ev'n to his Heart ! Perdition catch thy Falfhood J. 
 And is it thus, a thanklefs Child repays me, 
 For all the Guilt in which I plang'd my Soul, 
 To raife her to a Throne ! 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 O fpare thefe Words, 
 More keen than Daggers to my bleeding Heart ! 
 
 Let me not live fufpeclcd ! -Deareft Father I - 
 
 Behol J my Breaft ! write thy Sufpicion here : 
 
 Write them in Blood ; but fpare the gen'rous Youth, 
 
 Who fav'd me from Difhonour J 
 
 BAR,-
 
 BARBAROSSA. 69 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 By the Pow'rs 
 
 Of great Revenge: Thy fond Intreaties feal 
 His inftant Death. In him, I'll punifh thee. 
 Away ! 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Yet hear me ! Ere my tortur'd Soul 
 Rufh on fome Deed of Horror ! 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Seize her Guards, 
 
 Convey the frantic Ideot from my Prefence : 
 See that (he do no Violence en herfelf. 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 O S E L i M ! generous Youth !- how have my Fears 
 Betray 'd thee to Deftruclion ! Slaves, unhand me ! , 
 Think ye, I'll live to bear thefe Pangs of Grief, 
 Thefe Horrors that opprefs my tortur'd Soul ? . 
 Inhuman Father ! Generous, injur'd Youth ! 
 Methinks I fee thee ftretch'd upon the Rack, 
 Hear thy expiring Groans : O Horror I Horror ! 
 What (hall I do to fave.him !--- Vain, alas f 
 Vain are my Tears and Pray'rs -At leaft, I'll die. 
 Death (hall unite us yet ! [Exit IRENE and Guards. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 O Torment ! Torment ! 
 Ev'n in the midft of Pow'r ! the vileft Slave 
 More happy far than I ' The very Child, 
 Whom my Love cherifli'd from her infant Years, 
 Confpires to blafl my Peace ! Ofalfe Ambition, 
 Thou lying Phantom ! whither haft thou lur'd me ! 
 Ev'n to this giddy Height ; where now I ftand, 
 Forfaken, comfortlefs ! with not a Friend 
 In whom my Soul can truft ; 
 
 Enter A L A D I N. 
 
 Haft thou feen O T H M A N ? 
 ije will not, fuxe x confpire againft my Peace ? 
 
 3 At AD IK,
 
 70 B A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 A I A D I N. 
 
 He's fled, my Lord. I dread fome lurking Ruin. 
 TheCcntinel on Watch fays, that he pafs'd 
 The Gate, fmce Midnight, with an unknown Friend : 
 And a. the/ pafs'd, OTHMAN in Whifpers faid, 
 " Now farewel, bloody Tyrant." 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Slave, thou ly'ft. 
 
 He did not dare to fay it ; or, if he did, 
 Pernicious Slave, why doft thou wound my Ear 
 By the foul Repetition ? Gracious Pow'rs, 
 Letmebe calm !- O my diftra&cd Soul ! 
 How am I rent in Pieces ! O T H M A N fled ! 
 Why then may all Hell's Curfcs follow him ! 
 What's to be done ? fome Mifchief lurks unfeen. 
 
 ALA DIN. 
 Prevent it then 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 By S E L i M'S inftant Death- 
 ALADIN. 
 Ay, doubtlefs. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 Is the Rack prepar'd ? 
 ALADIN. 
 
 'Tis ready. 
 
 Along the Ground he lies, o'crwhelm'd with Chains. 
 The Minifters of Death fland round j and wait 
 Thy laft Command, 
 
 BARBAROSSA, 
 
 Once more I'll try to bend 
 
 His ftubborn Soul, Conduct me forthwith to him : 
 And if he now difdain my profer'd Kindnefs, 
 Destruction fvvallows him ! [Exeunt* 
 
 SLIlM.difcover'din Chains^ Executioners, Officer^c. andRack 
 
 SELI.M. 
 
 I pray you, Friends, 
 
 When I arn dead, let not Indignity 
 
 Iiifult
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 71" 
 
 Infult thefe poor Remains, fee them interr'd 
 Clofe by my Father's Tomb ! I aik no more. 
 
 OFFICER. 
 They fliall. 
 
 S E L I M. 
 
 How goes the Night ? 
 OFFICER. 
 
 Thy Hour of Fate, 
 The fecond Watch is near. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Let it come on ; 
 I am prepared . 
 
 Enter BARBAROSSA. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 So raife him from the Ground. [They ralfe him. 
 Perfidious Boy ! Behold thejuft Rewards 
 Of Guilt and Treachery ! Didft thou not give 
 Thy forfeit Life, whene'er I fhould behold 
 S E L i M'S detefled Face ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Then take it, Tyrant, 
 
 B AR E A ROSS A. 
 
 Didft thou not aim a Dagger at my Heart ? 
 
 SELIM. 
 Jdid. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 Yet Heav'n defeated thy Intent ; 
 Andfav'd me from the Dagger. 
 SELIM. 
 
 'Tis not ours 
 
 To queftion Heav'n. Th' Intent and not the Deed 
 Is in our Pow'r : And therefore who dares greatly, 
 Does greatly. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Yet bethink thee. ftubborn Boy, 
 What Horrors now furround thee 
 
 4 SELIM*
 
 72 B A R B A R O S S A. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Think'ft thou, Tyrant, 
 I came fo ill prepar'd ? Thy Rage is weak, 
 Thy Torments pow'rlefs o'er the {ready Mind : 
 He who cou'd bravely dane, can bravely fuffer, 
 
 BARBADOS SA. 
 
 Yet, lp, 1 come, by Pity led, to fpare thee. 
 Relent, an4 fa ye Z A? H I R A ! For the Bell 
 v'n now expects the Centinel, to toll 
 The Signal of thy peath. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Let Guilt like thine 
 
 Tremble at Death: I fcorn his darkeft Frown. 
 Hence, Tyrant, nor profane my dying Hour ! 
 
 BARBARQSSA. 
 , Then take thy Wifh. [Bell tolls. 
 
 There goes the fatal Knell. 
 
 Thy Fate is feal'd. Not all thy Mother's Tears, 
 Nor Pray'rs, nor Eloquence of Grief, fhallfave thee 
 From initant Death. Yet ere the AfTa/Iin die, 
 Let Torment wring each Secret from his Heart. 
 The Traitor O T H'M A N'S fled ; Confpiracy 
 Lurks in the Womb of Night, and threatens Ruin. 
 Spare not the Rack, norccafe, till it extort 
 The lurking Treafon ; and this Murd'rercail 
 Dn x Death, to end his Woes. [Exit BARBAROSSA. 
 
 SKL i M. 
 
 Come on then. [They bind Him.. 
 
 Begin the Work of Death what ! bound with Cords, 
 Like a vile Criminal !- O, valiant Friends, 
 When, will ye give me Vengeance ! 
 
 Enter IRENE. 
 IRENE. 
 
 Stop, O flop ! 
 
 Hold ypur accurfed Hands !-- On me, on me 
 four all your Torments; Hew fhall 1 approach theej 
 
 1 SELIM.
 
 BARBAHOSSA. 73 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Thefe are thy Father's Gifts ! Yet thou artguiltlefs } 
 Then let me take thee to my Heart, thou beft 
 Moft Amiable of Women ! 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Rather curfe me, 
 As the Betrayer of thy Virtue ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Ah! 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 'Twas I, my Fears, my frantic Fears betray'd thee F 
 Thus falling at thy, Feet ! may I but hope 
 For Pardon ere I die ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Hence, to thy Father ! 
 IRENE. 
 
 Never, O never ! Crawling in the Duft, 
 I'll clafp thy Feet, and bathe them with my Tears! 
 Tread me to Earth ! I never will complain j 
 But my laft Breath fliall blefs thee ! 
 SELIM. 
 
 Lov'd IRENE ! 
 What hath my Fury cjone ? 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Indeed, 'twas hard ! 
 But I was born to Sorrow ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Melt me not. 
 
 I cannot bear thy Tears j They quite unman me I 
 Forgive the Tranfports of my Rage ! 
 IRENE. 
 
 Alas ? 
 
 The Quilt is mine : Canft thou forgive thofe Fears 
 That firft awak'd Sufpicion in my Father ! 
 Thofe Fears that have undone thee ! fteav'n is witnefs, 
 They meant not 111 to thee ! 
 
 SELIM.
 
 74 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 S E L I M. 
 
 None ; none, IRENE ! 
 
 No; 'twas the generous Voice of filial Love : 
 That, only, prompted thee to fave a Father. 
 Yes; from my inmoft I do approve 
 That Virtue which deftroys me. 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Canft thou, then, 
 Forgive and pity me ? 
 
 S'E L I M. 
 
 I do, I do. 
 IRENE. 
 
 On my Knees, 
 
 Thus let me tbank thee, generous, injur'd Prince . 
 Oh Earth and Heav'n ! that fuch unequal'd Worth 
 Shou'd meet fo hard a Fate! That I That I 
 Whom his Love refcu'd from the Depth of Woe, 
 Shou'd be th' accurft Deftroyer (Strike, in Pity ; 
 And end this hated Life ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Ceafe, dear IRENE. 
 
 Submit to Heav'ns high Will. I charge thee live; 
 And to thy utmoit Pow'r, protect from Wrong 
 My helplcfs, friendlefs Mother I 
 IRENE. 
 
 With my Life 
 
 1*11 fliield her from each Wrong. That Hope alone 
 Can tempt me to prolong a Life of Woe ! 
 
 SE L IM. 
 
 O my ungovern'd Rage ! To frown on Thee ! 
 Thus let me expiate the cruel Wrong, [Embracing. 
 
 And mingle Rapture with the Pains of Death ! 
 
 OFFICER. 
 
 No more. Prepare the -Rack. 
 IRENE. 
 
 Stand off, ye Fiends! 
 
 Here will I cliftg. No Pow'r on Earth fhall part us, 
 Till I have fav'd my SELIM ! [A Noife. 
 
 OF-
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 OFFICER. 
 Hark ! what Noifc 
 Strikes on mine Ear? 
 
 S L IM. 
 
 Again ! 
 ALA DIN. 
 Arm, arm ! Treach'ry a,nd Murder ! 
 
 Executioners go to feize S E L 1 M. 
 S E LIM. 
 
 Off Slaves ! Or I will turn my Chains to Arms, 
 
 And dafh you Piece-meal ! For 1 have heard a Sound 
 Which lifts my tow'ring Soul to ATLAS' Height, 
 That I cou'd prop the Skies ! 
 
 AL ADIN. 
 
 Where is the King ? 
 
 The Foe pours in . The Palace Gates are burft : 
 The Centinels are murder'd ! Save the King ! 
 They feek him thro' the Palace ! 
 
 OFFICER. 
 
 Death and Ruin j 
 Follow me, Slaves, and fave him. 
 
 [Ex. OFFICER and EXECUTIONER* 
 SEL IM, 
 Now, bloody Tyrant ! Now, thy Hour is come \ 
 
 IRENE. 
 What means yon mad'ning Tumult ? O my Fears ! 
 
 S E L i M. 
 
 Vengeance at length hath pierc'd thefe guilty Walls, 
 And walks her deadly Round ! 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Whom doft thou mean ! my Father ? 
 S E LI M. 
 
 Yes : Thy Father ; 
 Who murder'd mine } 
 
 IRENE. 
 
 Is there no room for Mercy ? 
 O S L i M ! by our Love 1 
 
 S E L I M,
 
 7 6 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 S E H M. 
 
 Thy Tears are vain ! 
 
 Vain were thy Eloquence, tho' thou didft plead 
 With an Archangel s Tongue ! 
 IRENE, 
 
 Spare but his Life ! 
 
 Heav'n knows I pity thee. But he muft bleed ; 
 Tho' my own Life-Blood, nay, tho' thine, more dear, 
 $hou'd iflue at the Wound ! 
 
 IRENE, 
 
 Muft he then die ? 
 
 I>et me but fee my Father, ere he perifh ! 
 J^et me but pay my parting Duty to him !- 
 
 [Clajh of Swords. 
 
 Hark ! 'twas the daft of Swords ! Heav'n fave my Father? 
 O cruel, cruel SELIM ! Exit IRENE 
 
 S E I, I M. 
 
 Curfe on this fervile Chain, that binds me faft, 
 In pow'rlefs Ignominy j while my Sword 
 Shou'd haunt its Prey, and cleave the Tyrant down ! 
 
 OTHMAN, [Without* 
 
 Where is the Prince ! 
 
 S ELIM. 
 
 Here, OTHMAN, bound to Earth !- 
 Set me but free ! O curfed, curfed Chain ! 
 
 nttr OTHMAN and Party, who free SELIM. 
 
 OTHMAN, 
 
 O my brave Prince ! Heav'n favours pur Defign. 
 
 [Embraces him* 
 Take that: I need not bicj thee ufe it nobly. 
 
 [Giving him a Swird* 
 SELIM, 
 
 Now, BARBAROSSA, let my Arrrinteet thine: 
 } Tis all I afk of Heav'n ! [Exit SELIM, 
 
 OTHMAN. 
 
 Guard ye the Prince [Part go out. 
 Purfue his Steps Now this W^y let us turn, 
 And fcek the Tyrant. [Exeunt OTHMAN,
 
 B A R B A R O S S A. 77 
 
 SCENE chants to the open Palace. 
 
 Enter BARBAROSSA 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Empire is loft, and Life: Yet brave Revenge 
 ShH clofe my Life in Glcry. 
 
 Enter OT H M A N. 
 Have I found thee, 
 DilTembling Traitor? Die ! 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 Long hath my Wiih, 
 
 Pent in my ftruggling Breaft, been robb'd of Utterance. 
 Now Valour fcorns the Mafk. I dare thee, Tyrant I 
 And arm'd with Juftice, thus wou'd meet thy Rage, 
 Tho' thy red right Hand grafp'd the pointed Thunder F 
 Now, Heav'n decide between us ! \?bey fght* 
 
 BAR B AROSS A. 
 
 Coward ! 
 
 O T H M A N . 
 
 Tyrant ! 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Traitor \ 
 
 OT HM AN. 
 
 Infernal Fiend, thy Words are fraught with Falfc- 
 
 hood : 
 
 To combat Crimes like Thine, by Force or Wiles, 
 Is equal Glory. [BARBAROSSA/*//;. 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 I faint! I die !-O Horror! 
 Enter S E L I M and S A D z. 
 S E L I M. 
 
 The Foe gives Way : Sure this Way went the Storm. 
 Where i the Tyger fled ! What do I fee ! 
 
 SADJ. 
 is free ! 
 
 OT HM AN. 
 
 This Sabre did the Deed !
 
 78 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 I envy thee the Blow ! Yet Valour fcorns 
 To wound the fallen. But if Life remain, 
 I will fpeak Daggers to his guilty Soul ! 
 Hoa! BARBAR.OSS A ! Tyrant! Murderer! 
 'Tis SELIM, SELIM calls thee { 
 
 BARBAROSSA. 
 
 Off, ye Fiends I 
 
 Torment me not ! O, SELIM, art thou there ! 
 Swallow me Earth ! Bury me deep, ye Mountains ! 
 Accurfed be the Day that gave me Birth ! 
 Oh, that I ne'er had wrong'd thee { 
 SELIM. 
 
 Doft thou then 
 
 Repent thee of thy Crimes ! He does ! He does ! 
 He grafps my Hand ! Seethe repentant Tear. 
 Starts from his Eye !~Doft thou indeed repent? 
 Why then I do forgive thee : From my Soul 
 1 freely do forgive thee ! And if Crimes 
 Abhorr'd as thine, dare plead to Heav'n for Mercy, 
 May Heav'n have Mercy on thee ! 
 
 BAXBAROSSA. 
 
 Gen'rous SELIM ! 
 
 Too good, I have a Daughter ! Oh, protect her ! 
 Let not my Crimes ! [Dies. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 There fled the guilty Soul ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Hafle to the City, flop the Rage of Slaughter. 
 Tell my brave People, that ALGIERS is freej 
 And Tyranny no more. [Exeunt SLAVES. 
 
 S ADI. 
 
 And, to confirm 
 
 The glorious Tydings, foon as Morning mines, 
 Be his dead Carcafe dragg'd throughout the City, 
 A Spc&acle of Horror ! 
 
 3 SELIM.
 
 BARBAROSSA. 79 
 
 SELIM. 
 Curb thy Zea!. 
 
 Let us be Brave, not Cruel : Nor difgrace 
 Valour, by barb'rous and inhuman Deeds. 
 Black was his Guilt : and he hath paid his Life, 
 The Forfeit of his Crimes. Then Iheath the Sword : 
 
 Let Vengeance die, Jufticeis fatisfy'd ! 
 
 Enter Z A PHI R A. 
 Z AP H I R A. 
 
 What mean thefe Horrors ! wherefoe'er I turn 
 My trembling Steps, I find fome dying Wretch^ 
 
 Welt'ring in Gore! And doft thou live, my SELIM. 
 
 SELIM. 
 Lo, there he lies ! 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 The bloody Tyrant flain ! 
 O righteous Heav'n ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Behold thy valiant Friends, 
 
 Whofe Faith and Courage have o'ervvhclm'd the Pow'r 
 Of BARBAROSSA. Here, once more, thy Virtues 
 Shall dignify the Throne and blefs thy People. 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 Juft are thy Ways, O Heav'n ! Vain Terrors hence ; 
 Once more ZAPHIRA'S bleft ! My virtuous Son, 
 How fhall I e'er requite thy boundlefs Love ! 
 Thus let me fnatch thee to my longing Arms, 
 And on thy Bofom weep my Griefs away ! 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 O happy Hour! happy, beyond the Flight 
 Ev'n of my ardent Hope ' Look down, bleft Shade, 
 From the Bright Realms of Blifs ! Behold thy Queen 
 Unfpotted, unfeduc'd, unmov'd in Virtue. 
 Behold the Tyrant proftrate at my Feet ! 
 And to the Mem'ry of thy bleeding Wrongs, 
 Accept this Sacrifice ! 
 
 ZAPHIRA. 
 
 My generous SELIM. 
 
 S L i K.
 
 8o BARBAROSSA, 
 
 S E L I M. 
 
 Where is IRENE ? 
 
 S A D r. 
 
 With Looks of Wildnefs, and diftracled Mierf, 
 She fought her Father where the Tumult rag'd j 
 She pafs'd me, while the Coward ALADJN 
 Fled from my Sword : and as I cleft him down, 
 She fainted at the Sight. 
 
 O T H M A N. 
 
 But ftraight recover'd ; 
 
 ZAMOR, our trufty Friend, at my Command, 
 Convey'd the weeping Fair-one to her Chamber. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Thanks to thy generous Care : Ccrme, let us feek. 
 Th' afflided Maid. 
 
 Z APHIR A. 
 
 Her Virtues might atone 
 
 For all her Father's Guilt !-- Thy Throne be hers: 
 She merits all thy Lov e. 
 
 SELIM. 
 
 Then hafte, and find her. O'er her Father's Crimes 
 Pity fhall draw her Veil ; nay, half abfolve them, 
 
 When (he beholds the Virtues of his Child ! 
 
 Now let us thank th' eternal Pow'r : convinc'd, 
 That Heav'n but tries our Virtue by Affli<5tion : 
 That oft' the Cloud which wraps the prefent Hour, 
 Serves but to brighten all our future Days! 
 
 FINIS. 

 
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