User:AlexTG/The Mourning Bride

Men

 * MANUEL, the King of Granada.
 * GONSALEZ, his Favourite.
 * GARCIA, Son to Gonsalez.
 * PEREZ, Captain of the Guards.
 * ALONZO, an Officer, Creature to Gonsalez.
 * OSMYN, a Noble Prisoner.
 * HELI, a Prisoner, his Friend.
 * SELIM, an Eunuch -

Women

 * ALMERIA, the Princess of Granada.
 * ZARA, a Captive Queen.
 * LEONORA, chief Attendant on the Princess.


 * Women, Eunuchs, and Mutes attending Zara. Guards, etc...

Act I, Scene 1
''A Room of State. -''

''The Curtain rising slowly to soft Musick, discovers ALMERIA in Mourning, LEONORA waiting in Mourning. -''

''After the Musick ALMERIA rises from her Chair, and comes forward. -''

ALM. Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast, To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak. I've read, that things inanimate have mov'd, And, as with living Souls, have been inform'd, By Magick Numbers and persuasive Sound. What then am I? Am I more senseless grown Than Trees, or Flint? O force of constant Woe! 'Tis not in Harmony to calm my Griefs. Anselmo sleeps, and is at Peace; last Night The silent Tomb receiv'd the good Old King; He and his Sorrows now are safely lodg'd Within its cold, but hospitable Bosom. Why am not I at Peace? [Weeps.]

LEO. For Heaven's sake, dear Madam, moderate Your Griefs, there is no Cause-

ALM. Peace- No Cause! yes, there is Eternal Cause, And Misery Eternal will succeed. Thou canst not tell- thou hast indeed no Cause.

LEO. Believe me, Madam, I lament Anselmo, And always did compassionate his Fortune; Have often wept, to see how cruelly Your Father kept in Chains, his Fellow-King: And oft at Night, when all have been retir'd, Have stoln from Bed, and to his Prison crept; Where, while his Goaler slept, I thro' the Grate Have softly whisper'd, and enquir'd his Health; Sent in my Sighs and Pray'rs for his Deliv'rance; For Sighs and Pray'rs were all that I could offer.

ALM. Indeed thou hast a soft and gentle Nature, That thus couldst melt to see a Stranger's Wrongs. O Leonora, hadst thou known Anselmo, How would thy Heart have bled to see his Suff'rings. Thou hadst no Cause, but general Compassion.

LEO. My Love of you, my Royal Mistress, gave me Cause, My Love of you begot my Grief for him; For I had heard, that when the Chance of War Had bless'd Anselmo's Arms with Victory, And the rich Spoil of all the Field, and you, The Glory of the Whole, were made the Prey Of his Success; that then, in spite of Hate, Revenge, and that Hereditary Feud Entail'd between Valentia's and Granada'a Kings, He did endear himself to your Affection, By all the worthy and indulgent Ways His most industrious Goodness cou'd invent; Proposing by a Match between Alphonso His Son, the brave Valentia Prince, and you, To end the long Dissention, and unite The Jarring Crowns.

ALM. O Alphonso! Alphonso! thou art too At Peace; Father and Son are now no more- Then why am I? O when shall I have Rest? Why do I live to say you are no more? Why are all these things thus?- Is there necessity I must be miserable? Is it of moment to the Peace of Heav'n That I should be afflicted thus?- If not, Why is it thus contriv'd? Why are all things laid By some unseen Hand, so, as of consequence They must to me bring Curses, Grief of Heart, The last Distress of Life, and sure Despair.

LEO. Alas, you search too far, and think too deeply. ALM. Why was I carried to Anselmo's Court? Or, when there, why was I us'd so tenderly? Why did he not use me like an Enemy? For so my Father would have us'd his Child. O Alphonso, Alphonso! Devouring Seas have wash'd thee from my sight, But there's no time shall rase thee from my Memory. No, I will live to be thy Monument; The cruel Ocean would deprive thee of a Tomb, But in my Heart thou art interr'd; there, there, Thy dear Resemblance is for ever fix'd; My Love, my Lord, my Husband still, though lost.

LEO. Husband! O Heav'ns!

ALM. What have I said? My Grief has hurry'd me beyond all Thought. I would have kept that secret; though I know Thy Love and Faith to me deserve all Confidence. But 'tis the Wretches Comfort still to have Some small Reserve of near and inward Woe, Some unsuspected Hoard of darling Grief, Which they unseen my wail, and weep, and mourn, And Glutton-like alone devour.

LEO. Indeed I knew not this.

ALM. O no, thou know'st not half- thou know'st nothing- -If thou didst!- If I should tell thee, wouldst thou pity me? Tell me: I know thou wou'dst, thou art compassionate.

LEO. Witness these Tears.-

ALM. I thank thee- indeed I do- I thank thee, that thou'lt pity thy sad Mistress; For 'tis the poor Prerogative of Greatness, To be wretched and unpitied- But I did promise I would tell thee- What? My Griefs? Thou do'st already know 'em: And when I said thou didst know nothing, It was because thou didst not know Alphonso: For to have known my Loss, thou must have known His Worth, his Truth, and Tenderness of Love.

LEO. The Memory of that brave Prince stands fair In all Report- And I have heard imperfectly his Loss; But fearful to renew your Troubles past, I never did presume to ask the Story.

ALM. If for my swelling Heart I can, I'll tell thee. I was a welcome Captive in Valentia, Ev'n on the Day when Manuel, my Father, Led on his conqu'ring Troops, high as the Gates Of King Anselmo's Pallace; which in Rage, And Heat of War, and dire Revenge, he fir'd. Whilst the good King, to shun approaching Flames, Started amidst his Foes, and made Captivity his Refuge. Would I had perish'd in those Flames- But 'twas not so decreed. Alphonso, who foresaw my Father's Cruelty, Had born the Queen and me, on board a Ship Ready to sail, and when this News was brought We put to Sea; but being betray'd by some Who knew our Flight, we closely were pursu'd, And almost taken; when a sudden Storm Drove us, and those that follow'd, on the Coast of Africk: There our Vessel struck the Shore, And bulging 'gainst a Rock was dash'd in pieces. But Heaven spared me for yet more Affliction! Conducting them who follow'd us, to shun The Shoal, and save me floating on the Waves, While the good Queen and my Alphonso perish'd.

LEO. Alas! were you then wedded to Alphonso?

ALM. That Day, that fatal Day, our Hands were join'd; For when my Lord beheld the Ship pursuing, And saw her Rate so far exceeding ours; He came to me, and beg'd me by my Love, I would consent the Priest might make us one; That whether Death, or Victory ensu'd, I might be his, beyond the Power of future Fate: The Queen too did assist his Suit- I granted, And in one Day, was wedded, and a Widow.

LEO. Indeed 'twas mournful-

ALM. 'Twas that, For which, I mourn, and will for ever mourn; Nor will I change these black and dismal Robes, Or ever dry these swoll'n and watry Eyes; Or ever taste Content, or peace of Heart, While I have Life, or Memory of my Alphonso.

LEO. Look down, good Heav'n, with Pity on her Sorrows, And grant, that Time my bring her some Relief.

ALM. O no! Time gives Encrease to my Afflictions. The circling Hours, that father all the Woes, Which are diffus'd thro' the revolving Year, Come, heavy-laden with the oppressing Weight, To me; with me, successively, they leave The Sighs, the Tears, the Groans, the restless Cares, And all the Damps of Grief, that did retard their Flight; They shake their downy Wings, and scatter all The dire collected Dews on my poor Head; Then fly with Joy and Swiftness from me.

LEO. Hark! The distant Shouts proclaim your Father's Triumph; -

[''Shouts at a distance. -'']

O cease, for Heaven's sake, asswage a little This Torrent of your Grief; for, much I fear It will incense him, thus to see you drown'd In Tears, when Joy appears in every other Face.

ALM. And Joy he brings to every other Heart, But double, double Weight of Woe to mine; For with Him Garcia comes- Garcia, to whom I must be sacrific'd, and all my Faith And Vows I gave my Dear Alphonso, basely Violated- No, it shall never be; for I will die first, Die Ten thousand Deaths- Look down, look down, [Kneels.] Alphonso, hear the Sacred Vow I make; Leave for a Moment to behold Eternal Bliss, And bend thy glorious Eyes to Earth and me; And thou Anselmo, if yet thou art arriv'd Thro' all Impediments of purging Fire, To that bright Heav'n, where my Alphonso reigns, Behold thou also, and attend my Vow. If ever I do yield, or give consent, By any Action, Word or Thought, to wed Another Lord; may then just Heav'n show'r down Unheard of Curses on me, greater far (If such there be in angry Heav'n's Vengeance) Than any I have yet endur'd.- and now [Rising.] Methinks my Heart has some Relief: Having Discharg'd this Debt, incumbent on my Love. Yet, one thing more I would engage from thee.

LEO. My Heart, my Life and Will, are only yours.

ALM. I thank thee. 'Tis but this; anon, when all Are busied in the General Joy, that thou Wilt privately with me Steal forth, and visit good Anselmo's Tomb.

LEO. Alas! I fear some fatal Resolution.

ALM. No, on my Life, my Faith, I mean no Violence. I feel I'm more at large, Since I have made this Vow: Perhaps I would repeat it there more solemnly. 'Tis that, or some such melancholy Thought, Upon my Word no more.

LEO. I will attend you. -

''Enter ALONZO. -''

ALON. The Lord Gonsalez comes to tell your Highness Of the King's approach.

ALM. Conduct him in. [Exit ALON.] That's his Pretence, I know his Errand is To fill my Ears with Garcia's valiant Deeds; And with his artful Tongue, to gild and magnifie His Son's Exploits. But I am arm'd with Ice around my Heart, Not to be warm'd with Words, nor idle Eloquence. -

Enter GONSALEZ. [''Bowing very humbly. -'']

GONS. Be ev'ry Day of your long Life like this. The Sun, bright Conquest, and your brighter Eyes, Have all conspir'd to blaze promiscuous Light, And bless this Day with most unequal Lustre. Your Royal Father, my Victorious Lord, Loaden with Spoils, and ever-living Lawrel, Is entring now, in Martial Pomp the Pallace. Five hundred Mules precede his solemn March, Which groan beneath the Weight of Moorish Wealth. Chariots of War, adorn'd with glittering Gems, Succeed; and next, a Hundred neighing Steeds, White as the fleecy Rain on Alpine Hills; That bound, and foam, and champ the Golden Bit, As they disdain'd the Victory they grace. Prisoners of War in shining Fetters follow; And Captains of the Noblest Blood of Africk Sweat by his Chariot Wheel, and lick and grind, With gnashing Teeth, the Dust his Triumphs raise. The swarming Populace spread every Wall, And cling, as if with Claws they did enforce Their Hold, thro' clifted Stones, stretching and staring, As if they were all of Eyes, and every Limb Would feed his Faculty of Admiration. While you alone retire, and shun this Sight; This Sight, which is indeed not seen (tho' twice The Multitude should gaze) In Absence of your Eyes.

ALM. My Lord, my Eyes ungratefully behold The gilded Trophies of exterior Honours. Nor will my Ears be charm'd with sounding Words, Or pompous Phrase; the Pageantry of Souls. But that my Father is return'd in Safety, I bend to Heav'n with Thanks and humble Praise.

GONS. Excellent Princess! But 'tis a Task unfit for my weak Age, With dying Words, to offer at your Praise. Garcia, my Son, your Beauties lowest Slave, Has better done; In proving with his Sword, upon your Foes, The Force and Influence of your matchless Charms.

ALM. I doubt not of the Worth of Garcia's Deeds, Which had been brave, tho' I had ne'er been born.

LEO. Madam, the King. [Flourish.]

ALM. My Women. I wou'd meet him.

[Attendants to ALMERIA enter in Mourning.]

Act I, Scene 2
''The Same. -''

''Symphony of Warlike Musick. Enter the KING, attended by GARCIA and several Officers. Files of Prisoners in Chains, and Guards, who are ranged in Order round the Stage. ALMERIA meets the KING, and kneels; afterwards GONSALEZ kneels and kisses the KING'S Hand, while GARCIA does the same to the Princess. -''

KING. Almeria, rise- My best Gonsalez rise. What, Tears! my good old Friend.-

GONS. But Tears of Joy. To see you thus, has fill'd My Eyes with more Delight than they can hold.

KING. By Heav'n thou lov'st me, and I'm pleas'd thou dost: Take it for Thanks, Old Man, that I rejoice To see thee weep on this Occasion- But some Here are who seem to mourn at our Success! How is it, Almeria, that you meet our Eyes, Upon this solemn Day, in these sad Weeds? You and yours, are all, in opposition To my Brightness, like Daughters of Affliction.

ALM. Forgive me, Sir, if I offend. The Year, which I have vow'd to pay to Heav'n, In Mourning and strict Life, for my Deliverance From Death, and Wreck of the tempestuous Sea, Wants yet to be expired.

KING. Your Zeal to Heav'n is great; so is your Debt: Yet something too is due to me, who gave That Life, which Heav'n preserv'd. A Day bestow'd In Filial Duty, had atton'd and giv'n A Dispensation to your Vow- No more. 'Twas weak and wilful- and a Woman's Errour. Yet- upon thought, it doubly wounds my Sight, To see that Sable worn upon the Day Succeeding that, in which our deadliest Foe, Hated Anselmo, was interr'd- By Heav'n, It looks as thou didst mourn for him: Just as Thy senseless Vow appear'd to bear its Date, Not from that Hour wherein thou wert preserv'd, But that wherein the curs'd Alphonso perish'd. Ha! what? thou dost not weep to think of that?

GONS. Have Patience, Royal Sir, the Princess weeps To have offended you. If Fate decreed, One 'pointed Hour should be Alphonso's Loss, And her Deliverance; Is she to blame?

KING. I tell thee she's to blame, not to have feasted When my first Foe was laid in Earth, such Enmity, Such Detestation, bears my Blood to his; My Daughter should have revell'd at his Death. She should have made these Pallace Walls to shake, And all this high and ample Roof to ring With her Rejoicings. What, to mourn, and weep; Then, then, to weep, and pray, and grieve? By Heav'n, There's not a Slave, a shackled Slave of mine, But should have smil'd that Hour, through all his Care, And shook his Chains in Transport and rude Harmony.

GONS. What she has done, was excess of Goodness; Betray'd by too much Piety, to seem As if she had offended.

KING. To seem is to commit, at this Conjuncture. I wonnot have the seeming of a Sorrow seen To Day- Retire, divest your self with speed Of that offensive Black; on me be all The Violation of your Vow. You stand excused that I command it.

GAR. [Kneeling.] Your Pardon, Sir, if I presume so far, As to remind you of your gracious Promise.

KING. Rise, Garcia- I forgot. Yet stay, Almeria.

ALM. O my boding Heart- What is you Pleasure, Sir?

KING. Draw near, and give your Hand; and, Garcia, yours: Receive this Lord, as one whom I have found Worthy to be your Husband, and my Son.

GAR. Thus let me kneel to take- O not to take, But to devote, and yield my self for ever The Slave and Creature of my Royal Mistress.

GONS. O let me prostrate, pay my worthless Thanks For this high Honour.

KING. No more; my promise long since pass'd, thy Loyalty, And Garcia's well-try'd Valour, all oblige me. This Day we Triumph; but to morrow's Sun Shall shine on Garcia's Nuptials.

ALM. Oh!- [Faints.]

GAR. Alas, she faints! help to support her.

GONS. She recovers.

KING. A Bridal Qualm; soon off. How is't, Almeria?

ALM. A sudden Chilness Seizes on my Spirits. Your Leave, Sir, to retire.

KING. Garcia, Conduct her. -

[''GARCIA leads ALMERIA to the Door, and returns. -'']

This idle Vow hangs on her Woman's Fears. I'll have a Priest shall preach her from her Faith, And make it Sin, not to renounce that Vow Which I'd have broken. [''Trumpets. -'']

''Enter ALONZO. -''

OFFIC. The beauteous Captive, Zara, is arriv'd, And with a Train, as if she still were Wife To Albucacim, and the Moor had conquer'd.

KING. It is our Will she should be so attended. Bear hence these Prisoners. Garcia, which is he, Of whose mute Valour you relate such Wonders?

[Prisoners led off.]

GAR. Osmyn, who led the Moorish Horse; he does, Great Sir, at her Request, attend on Zara.

KING. He is your Prisoner, as you please dispose him.

GAR. I would oblige him, but he shuns my Kindness; And with a haughty Mien, and stern Civility, Dumbly declines all Offers: If he speak 'Tis scarce above a word; as he were born Alone to do, and did disdain to talk; At least, to talk where he must not command.

KING. Such sullenness, and in a Man so brave, Must have some other Cause than his Captivity. Did Zara, then, request he might attend her?

GAR. My Lord, she did.

KING. That, join'd with his Behaviour, Begets a Doubt. I'd have 'em watch'd: perhaps Her Chains hang heavier on him than his own. -

Flourish; and Enter ZARA and OSMYN bound; conducted by PEREZ and a Guard, and attended by SELIM and several Mutes and Eunuchs in a Train. -

KING. What Welcome, and what Honours, beauteous Zara, A King and Conquerour can give, are yours. A Conquerour indeed, where you are won; Who with such Lustre strike admiring Eyes, That had our Pomp been with your Presence grac'd, Th' expecting Crowd had been deceiv'd; and seen Their Monarch enter not Triumphant, but In Triumph led; your Beauty's Slave.

ZARA. If I on any Terms could condescend To like Captivity, or think those Honours, Which Conquerors in Courtesie bestow, Of equal Value, with unborrow'd Rule, And Native Right to Arbitrary Sway; I might be pleas'd, when I behold this Train With usual Homage wait. But when I feel These Bonds, I look with Loathing on my self; And scorn vile Slavery, tho' doubly hid Beneath Mock-Praises, and dissembled State.

KING. Those Bonds! 'Twas my Command you should be free. How durst you, Perez, disobey me?

PEREZ. Great Sir, Your Order was, she should not wait your Triumph; But at some distance follow, thus attended.

KING. 'Tis false; 'twas more; I bad she should be free: If not in Words, I bad it by my Eyes. Her Eyes did more than bid- Free her and hers With speed- yet stay- my Hands alone can make Fit Restitution here- Thus I release you, And by releasing you enslave my self.

ZARA. Favours conferr'd, tho' when unsought, deserve Acknowledgement from Noble Minds. Such Thanks As one hating to be oblig'd- Yet hating more, Ingratitude, can pay, I offer.

KING. Born to excel, and to command! As by transcendent Beauty to attract All Eyes, so by Preheminence of Soul To rule all Hearts. Garcia, what's he, who with contracted Brow,

[Beholding OSMYN, as they unbind him.]

And sullen Port, glooms downward with his Eyes; At once regardless of his Chains, or Liberty?

GAR. That, Sir, is Osmyn.

KING. He answers well, the Character you gave him. Whence comes it, Valiant Osmyn, that a Man So great in Arms, as thou art said to be, So ill can brook Captivity, The common Chance of War?

OSM. Because Captivity has robb'd me of a just Revenge.

KING. I understand not that.

OSM. I would not have you.

ZARA. That Gallant Moor, in Battle lost a Friend, Whom more than Life he lov'd; and the Regret, Of not revenging on his Foes, that Loss, Has caus'd this Melancholy and Despair.

KING. She does excuse him; 'tis as I suspected. [To GONS.]

GONS. That Friend may be her self; show no Resentment Of his Arrogance yet; she looks concern'd.

KING. I'll have Enquiry made; his Friend may be A Prisoner. His Name?

ZARA. Heli.

KING. Garcia, be it your Care to make that search. It shall be mine to pay Devotion here; At this Fair Shrine to lay my Laurels down, And raise Love's Altar on the Spoils of War. Conquest and Triumph, now, are mine no more; Nor will I Victory in Camps adore: For, ling'ring there, in long suspence she stands, Shifting the Prize in unresolving Hands: Unus'd to wait, I broke through her Delay, Fix'd her by Force, and snatch'd the doubtful Day. But late I find that War is but her Sport; In Love the Goddess keeps her awful Court: Fickle in Fields, unsteadily she flies, But Rules with settled Sway in Zara's Eyes. [''Ex. OMNES. -'']

Act II, Scene 1
''Representing the Ile of a Temple. -''

''Enter GARCIA, HELI and PEREZ. -''

GAR. This Way, we're told, Osmyn was seen to walk; Choosing this lonely Mansion of the Dead, To mourn, brave Heli, thy mistaken Fate.

HEL. Let Heav'n with Thunder to the Centre strike me, If to arise in very Deed from Death, And to revisit with my long clos'd Eyes This living Light, could to my Soul, or Sense, Afford a Thought, or Glimpse of Joy, In least Proportion to the vast Delight I feel, to hear of Osmyn's Name; to hear That Osmyn lives, and I again shall see him.

GAR. Unparalell'd Fidelity! I've heard, with Admiration, of your Friendship; And could, with equal Joy and Envy, view The Transports of your Meeting.

PEREZ. Yonder, my Lord, behold the Noble Moor.

HEL. Where? where?

GAR. I see him not.

PEREZ. I saw him when I spoke, thwarting my View, And striding with distemper'd Haste; his Eyes Seem'd Flame, and flash'd upon me with a Glance; Then forward shot their Fires, which he pursu'd, As to some Object frightful, yet not fear'd.

GAR. Let's haste to follow him, and know the Cause.

HEL. My Lord, let me entreat you to forbear: Leave me alone, to find and cure the Cause. I know his Melancholy, and such Starts Are usual to his Temper. It might raise him To act some Violence upon himself, So to be caught in an unguarded Hour, And when his Soul gives all her Passions Way, Secure and loose in friendly Solitude. I know his Noble Heart would burst with Shame, To be surpriz'd by Strangers in its Frailty.

GAR. Go, gen'rous Heli, and relieve your Friend. Far be it from me, officiously to pry Or Press upon the Privacies of others

HEL. Y'are truly Noble. [Exit.]

GAR. Perez, the King expects from our Return To have his Jealousie confirm'd, or clear'd, Of that appearing Love which Zara bears To Osmyn; but some other Opportunity Must make that plain.

PEREZ. To me 'twas long since plain, And every Look of his and hers confess it.

GAR. If so, Unhappiness attends their Love, And I cou'd pity 'em. I hear some coming, The Friends perhaps are met; let us avoid 'em. [''Exeunt. -'']

Enter ALMERIA and LEONORA. -

ALM. It was a fancy'd Noise; for all is hush'd.

LEO. It bore the Accent of a Human Voice.

ALM. It was thy Fear, or else some transient Wind Whistling thro' Hollows of the vaulted Isle. We'll listen-

LEO. Hark!

ALM. No, all is hush'd, and still as Death- 'Tis dreadful! How rev'rend is the Face of this tall Pile, Whose ancient Pillars rear their Marble Heads, To bear aloft its arch'd and pond'rous Roof, By its own Weight made stedfast and immoveable, Looking Tranquility. It strikes an Awe And Terror on my aking Sight; the Tombs And Monumental Caves of Death look Cold, And shoot a Chilness to my trembling Heart. Give me thy Hand, and speak to me; nay, speak, And let me hear thy Voice; My own affrights me with its Echo's.

LEO. Let us return; the Horrour of this Place And Silence, will encrease your Melancholy.

ALM. It may my Fears, but cannot add to that. No, I will on; shew me Anselmo's Tomb, Lead me o'er Bones and Skulls and mouldring Earth Of Humane Bodies; for I'll mix with them, Or wind me in the Shroud of some pale Coarse Yet green in Earth, rather than be the Bride Of Garcia's more detested Bed. That Thought Exerts my Spirits; and my present Fears Are lost in dread of greater Ill. Shew me, Lead me, for I am bolder grown: Lead me Where I may kneel and pay my Vows again To him, to Heav'n, and my Alphonso's Soul.

LEO. I go; but Heav'n can tell with what Regret. [Exeunt.]

Act II, Scene 2
''The Vaults of the Temple. -''

''The Scene opening discovers a Place of Tombs. One Monument fronting the View, greater than the rest. -''

''Enter HELI. -''

HELI. I wander thro' this Maze of Monuments, Yet cannot find him- Hark! sure 'tis the Voice Of one complaining- There it sounds- I'll follow it. [''Exit. -'']

Re-Enter ALMERIA and LEONORA. -

LEO. Behold the Sacred Vault, within whose Womb The poor Remains of good Anselmo rest; Yet fresh and unconsum'd by Time, or Worms. What do I see? O Heav'n! either my Eyes Are false, or still the Marble Door remains Unclos'd; the Iron Grates that lead to Death Beneath, are still wide stretch'd upon their Hinge, And staring on us with unfolded Leaves.

ALM. Sure 'tis the friendly Yawn of Death for me; And that dumb Mouth, significant in Show, Invites me to the Bed where I alone Shall rest; shews me the Grave, where Nature wearied, And long oppres'd with Woes and bending Cares, May lay the Burden down, and sink in Slumbers Of Eternal Peace. Death, grim Death, will fold Me, in his leaden Arms, and press me close To his cold clayie Breast: My Father then Will cease his Tyranny; and Garcia too Will fly my pale Deformity with loathing. My Soul, enlarg'd from its vile Bonds, will mount, And range the Starry Orbs, and Milky Ways, Of that refulgent World, where I shall swim In liquid Light, and float on Seas of Bliss To my Alphonso's Soul. O Joy too great! O Extasie of Thought! Help me, Anselmo; Help me, Alphonso; take me, reach thy Hand; To thee, to thee I call, to thee, Alphonso: O Alphonso.

[OSMYN ascending from the Tomb.]

OSM. Who calls that wretched thing, that was Alphonso?

ALM. Angels, and all the Host of heaven, support me!

OSM. Whence is that Voice, whose Shrilness, from the Grave, And growing to his dead Father's Shrowd, roots up Alphonso?

ALM. Mercy and Providence! O speak to it, Speak to it quickly, quickly; speak to me, Comfort me, help me, hold me, hide me, hide me, Leonora, in thy Bosome, from the Light, And from my Eyes.

OSM. Amazement and Illusion! rivet me To Earth, and nail me where I stand, ye Powers, [Coming forward.] That motionless I may be still deceiv'd. Let me not stir, nor breath, lest I dissolve That tender, lovely Form of painted Air, So like Almeria. Ha! it sinks, it falls; I'll catch it 'ere it goes, and grasp her Shade. 'Tis Life! 'tis warm! 'tis she! 'tis she her self! Nor Dead, nor Shade, but breathing and alive! It is Almeria! 'tis my Wife! -

Enter HELI. -

LEO. O Heav'n unfold these Wonders! Alas, she stirs not yet, nor lifts her Eyes; He too is fainting- Help me, help me, Stranger, Who 'ere thou art, and lend thy Hand to raise These Bodies.

HEL. By Heav'n 'tis he, and with- ha! Almeria! Almeria! O Miracle of Happiness! O Joy unhop'd for, does Almeria live!

OSM. Where is she? Let me behold and touch her, and be sure 'Tis she; shew me her Face, and let me feel Her Lips with mine- 'Tis she, I'm not deceiv'd; I taste her Breath, I warm'd her and am warm'd. Look up, Almeria, bless me with thy Eyes; Look on thy Love, thy Lover, and thy Husband, Look on Alphonso.

ALM. I've sworn I'll not wed Garcia; why d'ye force me? Is this a Father?

OSM. Thy Father is not here, nor Garcia: I am Neither, nor what I seem, but thy Alphonso. Wilt thou not know me? Hast thou then forgot? Hast thou thy Eyes, yet can'st not see Alphonso? Am I so alter'd, or art thou so chang'd, That seeing my Disguise, thou seest not me?

ALM. It is, it is Alphonso, 'tis his Face, His Voice, I know him now, I know him all. O take me to thy Arms, and bear me hence, Back to the Bottom of the boundless Deep, To Seas beneath, where thou so long hast dwelt. O how hast thou return'd? How hast thou charm'd The wildness of the Waves and Rocks to this? That thus relenting, they have giv'n thee back To Earth, to Light and Life, to Love and me.

OSM. O I'll not ask, nor answer how, or why, We both have backward trod the Paths of Fate, To meet again in Life; to know I have thee, Is knowing more than any circumstance Or Means by which I have thee- To fold thee thus, to press thy balmy Lips, And gaze upon thy Eyes, is so much Joy, I have not leisure to reflect, or know, Or trifle Time in thinking.

ALM. Let me look on thee, yet a little more.

OSM. What would'st thou? thou dost put me from thee.

ALM. Yes.

OSM. Why? what dost thou mean? why dost thou gaze so?

ALM. I know not, 'tis to see thy Face, I think- It is too much! too much to bear and live! To see him thus again is such profusion Of delight, I cannot bear it- I shall Be mad- I cannot be transported thus.

OSM. Thou Excellence, thou Joy, thou Heav'n of Love!

ALM. Where hast thou been? and how art thou alive? How is all this? All-powerful Heav'n, what are we! O my strain'd Heart- let me behold thee, For I weep to see thee- Art thou not paler? Much, much, alas; how thou art chang'd!

OSM. Not in my Love.

ALM. No, no, thy Griefs have done this to thee. Thou hast wept much, Alphonso; and, I fear, Too much lamented me.

OSM. Wrong not my Love, to say too much. No more, my Life; talk not of Tears or Grief; Affliction is no more, now thou art found. Why dost thou weep, and hold thee from my Arms, My Arms which ake to fold thee fast, and grow To thee with twining? Come, come to my Heart.

ALM. I will, for I should never look enough. They would have marry'd me; but I had sworn To Heav'n and thee, and sooner wou'd have dy'd-

OSM. Perfection of all Truth!

ALM. Indeed I wou'd- Nay, I wou'd tell thee all, If I cou'd speak; how I have mourn'd and pray'd; For I have pray'd to thee as to a Saint: And thou hast heard my Prayer; for thou art come To my Distress, to my Despair, which Heav'n Without thee cou'd not cure.

OSM. Grant me but Life, good Heaven, but length of Days, To pay some Part, some little of this Debt, This countless Summ of Tenderness and Love, For which I stand engag'd to this All-excellence: Then bear me in a Whirlwind to my Fate, Snatch me from Life, and cut me short unwarn'd; Then, then 'twill be enough- I shall be Old, I shall have liv'd beyond all Aera's then Of yet unmearsur'd Time; when I have made This exquisite, amazing Goodness, Some Recompence of Love and matchless Truth.

ALM. 'Tis more than recompence, to see thy Face: If Heav'n is greater Joy it is no Happiness, For 'tis not to be born- What shall I say? I have a thousand Things to know, and ask, And speak- That thou art here, beyond all Hope, All Thought; that all at once thou art before me, And with such Suddenness hast hit my Sight, Is such Surprize, such Mystery, such Extasy, As hurries all my Soul, and dozes my weak Sense. Sure from thy Father's Tomb thou didst arise!

OSM. I did, and thou didst call me.

ALM. How cam'st thou there? Wert thou alone?

OSM. I was, and lying on my Father's Lead, When broken Echoes of a distant Voice Disturb'd the Sacred Silence of the Vault, In Murmurs round my Head. I rose and listened, And thought I heard thy Spirit call Alphonso; I thought I saw thee too; but O, I thought not I indeed shou'd see thee-

ALM. But still, how cam'st thee hither? how thus?- Ha! What's he, that like thy self, is started here E're seen?

OSM. Where? ha! what do I see? Antonio here? My Friend too safe!

HEL. Most happily, in finding you thus bless'd.

ALM. More Miracles! Antonio too escap'd!

OSM. And twice escap'd, both from the Wreck of Seas And Rage of War: For in the Fight I saw Him fall.

HEL. But fell unhurt, a Prisoner as your self, And as your self made free; hither I came To seek you, where I knew your Grief would lead you, To lament Anselmo.-

OSM. There are no Wonders, or else all is Wonder.

HEL. I saw you on the Ground, and rais'd you up. I saw Almeria-

OSM. I saw her too, and therefore saw not thee.

ALM. Nor I, nor could I, for my Eyes were yours.

OSM. What means the Bounty of All-gracious Heav'n, That thus with open Hand it scatters Good, As in a Waste of Mercy? Where will this end! but Heav'n is Infinite In all, and can continue to bestow, When scanty Numbers shall be spent in telling.

LEO. Or I'm deceiv'd, or I beheld the Glimpse Of two in shining Habits cross the Ile, And bending this way.

ALM. Sure I have dreamt, if we must part so soon.

OSM. I wish our Parting were a Dream, or we Could sleep till we again were met.

HEL. Zara with Selim, Sir I saw and know 'em: You must be quick, for Love will lend her Wings.

ALM. What Love? who is she?

OSM. She's the Reverse of thee; she's my Unhappiness. Harbour no Thought that my disturb thy Peace; But gently take thy self away, lest she Should come and see the straining of my Eyes To follow thee. I'll think how we may meet To part no more; my Friend will tell thee all; How I escap'd, how I am here, and thus; How I'm not call'd Alphonso, now, but Osmyn; And he Heli. All, all he will unfold.

ALM. Sure we shall meet again.

OSM. We shall; we part not but to meet again. Gladness and Warmth of ever-kindling Love Dwell with thee, and revive thy Heart in Absence.

[''Ex. ALM. LEO. and HELI.'']

Act II, Scene 3
''The Same. -''

OSM. Yet I behold her- Now no more. Turn your Lights inward, Eyes, and look Upon my Thought; so shall you still behold her. It wonnot be; O, impotence of Sight! Mechanick Sense, which to exterior Objects Owest thy Faculty.- Not seeing of Election, but Necessity. Thus do our eyes, like common Mirrours, Successively reflect succeeding Images; Not what they would, but must; a Star, or Toad: Just as the Hand of Chance administers. Not so the Mind, whose undetermin'd View Revolves, and to the present adds the past: Essaying further to Futurity; But that in vain. I have Almeria here At once, as I have seen her often; I'll muse on that, lest I exceed in thinking. -

''Enter ZARA attended by SELIM. -''

ZARA. See where he stands, folded and fix'd to Earth, Stiff'ning in Thought; a Statue among Statues. Why, cruel Osmyn, dost thou fly me thus? Is it well done? Is this then the Return For Fame, for Honour, and for Empire lost? But what is loss of Honour, Fame and Empire? Is this the Recompence of Love? Why dost thou leave my Eyes, and fly my Arms, To find this place of Horrour and Obscurity? Am I more loathsome to thee, than the Grave, That thou dost seek to shield thee there, and shun My Love? But to the Grave I'll follow thee- He looks not, minds not, hears not; barbarous Man, Am I neglected thus? Am I despis'd? Not heard! Ungrateful Osmyn.

OSM. Ha, Zara!

ZARA. Yes, Traytor; Zara, lost, abandon'd Zara, Is a regardless Suppliant, now, to Osmyn. The Slave, the Wretch that she redeem'd from Death, Disdains to listen now, or look on Zara.

OSM. Far be the Guilt of such Reproaches, from me; Lost in my self, and blinded by my Thoughts, I saw you not.

ZARA. Now, then you see me- But with such dumb and thankless Eyes you look, Better I was unseen, than seen thus coldly.

OSM. What would you from a Wretch, that came to mourn; And only for his Sorrows chose this Solitude? Look round; Joy is not here, nor Cheerfulness. You have pursu'd Misfortune, to its Dwelling, Yet look for Gaiety and Gladness there.

ZARA. Inhumane! why, why dost thou wrack me thus? And with Perverseness, from the Purpose, answer? What is't to me, this House of Misery? What Joy do I require? if thou dost mourn, I come to mourn with thee; to share thy Griefs, And give thee in Exchange my Love.

OSM. O that's the greatest Grief- I am so poor, I have not wherewithal to give again.

ZARA. Thou hast a Heart, though 'tis a savage one; Give it me as it is; I ask no more For all I've done, and all I have endur'd: For saving thee, when I beheld thee first, Driven by the Tide upon my Country's Coast, Pale and expiring, drench'd in briny Waves, Thou and thy Friend, 'till my Compassion sound thee; Compassion! scarce will it own that Name, so soon, So quickly was it Love; for thou wert Godlike Ev'n then. Kneeling on Earth, I loos'd my Hair, And with it dry'd thy wat'ry Cheeks; chafing Thy Temples, till reviving Blood arose, And like the morn vermilion'd o'er thy Face. O Heav'n! how did my Heart rejoice and ake, When I beheld the Day-break of thy Eyes, And felt the Balm of thy respiring Lips!

OSM. O call not to my Mind what you have done, It sets a Debt of that Account before me, Which shews me Bankrupt even in Hopes.

ZARA. The faithful Selim, and my Women know The Dangers which I 'tempted to conceal you. You know how I abus'd the credulous King; What Arts I us'd to make you pass on him, When he receiv'd you as the Prince of Fez; And as my Kinsman, honour'd and advanc'd you. O, why do I relate what I have done? What did I not? Was't not for you this War Commenc'd? Not knowing who you were, nor why You hated Manuel, I urg'd my Husband On to this Invasion; where he was lost, Where all is lost, and I am made a Slave. Look on me now, from Empire fall'n to Slavery; Think on my Suff'ring first, then look on me; Think on the Cause of all, then view thy self: Reflect on Osmyn, and then look on Zara, The fall'n, the lost, the Captive Zara. What then is Osmyn?

OSM. A fatal Wretch- a huge stupendous Ruine, That tumbling on its Prop, crush'd all beneath, And bore contiguous Pallaces to Earth.

ZARA. Yet thus, thus fall'n, thus levell'd with the vilest If I have gain'd thy Love, 'tis glorious Ruine; Ruine, 'tis still to reign, and to be more A Queen; for what are Riches, Empire, Power, But larger Means to gratifie the Will? The Steps on which we tread, to rise, and reach Our Wish; and that obtain'd, down with the Scaffolding Of Sceptres, Crowns, and Thrones; they've serv'd their End And are, like Lumber, to be left and scorn'd.

OSM. Why was I made the Instrument, to throw In Bonds, the Frame of this exalted Mind?

ZARA. We may be free; the Conquerour is mine; In Chains unseen, I hold him by the Heart, And can unwind, or strain him as I please. Give me thy Love, I'll give thee Liberty.

OSM. In vain you offer, and in vain require What neither can bestow. Set free your self, And leave a Slave the Wretch that would be so.

ZARA. Thou canst not mean so poorly, as thou talk'st.

OSM. Alas, you know me not.

ZARA. Not who thou art; But what, this last Ingratitude declares, This groveling Baseness- Thou say'st true, I know Thee not, for what thou art, yet wants a Name: But something so unworthy, and so vile, That to have lov'd thee, makes me yet more lost, Than all the Malice of my other Fate. Traitor, Monster, cold and perfidious Slave; A Slave, not daring to be free! nor dares To love above him, for 'tis dangerous: 'Tis that, I know; for thou dost look, with Eyes Sparkling Desire, and trembling to possess. I know my Charms have reach'd thy very Soul, And thrill'd thee through with darted Fires; but thou Dost fear so much, thou dar'st not wish. The King! There, there's the dreadful Sound, the King's thy Rival!

SELIM. Madam, the King is here.

ZARA. As I could wish; by Heav'n I'll be reveng'd. -

Enter the KING, PEREZ, and Attendants. -

KING. Why does the Fairest of her Kind. withdraw Her Shining from the Day, to gild this Scene Of Death and Night? Ha! what Disorder's this? Somewhat I heard of King and Rival mention'd. What's he that dares be Rival to the King? Or lift his Eyes to like, where I adore?

ZARA. There, he; your Prisoner, and that was my Slave.

KING. How? Better than my Hopes? Does she accuse him? [Aside.]

ZARA. Am I become so low by my Captivity, And do your Arms so lessen, what they conquer, That Zara must be made the Sport of Slaves? And shall the Wretch, whom yester Sun, beheld Waiting my Nod, the Creature of my Lord, And me, presume to Day to plead audacious Love, And build bold Hopes, on my dejected Fate?

KING. Better for him to tempt the Rage of Heav'n, And wrench the Bolt red-hissing from the Hand Of him that thunders, than but think that Insolence. 'Tis daring for a God. Hence, to the Wheel With that Ixion, who aspires to hold Divinity embrac'd; to Whips and Prisons Drag him with speed, and rid me of his Face

[Guards carry off OSMYN.]

ZARA. Compassion led me to bemoan his State, Whose former Faith had merited much more: And through my Hopes in you, I promis'd Freedom From his Chains; thence sprung his Insolence, And what was Charity, he constru'd Love.

KING. Enough; his Punishment be what you please. But let me lead you from this Place of Sorrow, To one, where young Delights attend; and Joys Yet new, unborn, and blooming in the Bud, That wait to be full-blown at your Approach, And spread like Roses to the Morning Sun: Where, ev'ry Hour shall roll in circling Joys, And Love, shall wing the tedious-wasting Day. Life without Love is Load; and Time stands still: What we refuse to him, to Death we give; And then, then only, when we love, we live. [''Ex. Omnes. -'']

Act III, Scene 1
''A Prison. -''

''Enter OSMYN alone, with a Paper. -''

OSM. BUT now, and I was clos'd within the Tomb That holds my Father's Ashes; and but now, Where he was Pris'ner I am too imprison'd. Sure 'tis the Hand of Heav'n that leads me thus, And for some Purpose points out these Remembrances. In a dark Corner of my Cell I found This Paper, what it is this Light will show. - Reading. If my Alphonso- Ha! If my Alphonso live, restore him, Heav'n; Give me more Weight, crush my declining Years With Bolts, with Chains, Imprisonment and Want; But bless my Son, visit not him for me. - It is his Hand; this was his Pray'r- yet more: - Reading. Let ev'ry Hair, which Sorrow by the Roots Tears from my hoary and devoted Head, Be doubled in thy Mercies to my Son: Not for my self, but him, hear me, all-gracious- - 'Tis wanting what should follow- Heav'n, Heav'n shou'd follow, But 'tis torn off- Why shou'd that Word alone Be torn from his Petition? 'Twas to Heav'n, But Heav'n was deaf, Heav'n heard him not; but thus, Thus as the Name of Heav'n from this is torn, So did it tear the Ears of Mercy from His Voice, shutting the Gates of Pray'r against him. If Piety be thus debarr'd Access On high, and of good Men, the very best Is singled out to bleed, and bear the Scourge, What is Reward? or, what is Punishment? But who shall dare to tax Eternal Justice! Yet I may think- I may? I must; for Thought Precedes the Will to think, and Errour lives Ere Reason can be born: Reason, the Power To guess at Right and Wrong; the twinkling Lamp Of wand'ring Life, that winks and wakes by turns, Fooling the Follower, betwixt Shade and Shining. What Noise! Who's there? My Friend! How cam'st thou hither? -

''Enter HELI. -''

HEL. The Time's too precious to be spent in telling; The Captain influenc'd by Almeria's Power, Gave order to the Guards for my Admittance.

OSM. How does Almeria? But I know; she is As I am. Tell me, may I hope to see her?

HEL. You may; anon, at Midnight, when the King Is gone to Rest, and Garcia is retir'd, (Who takes the Privilege to visit late, Presuming on a Bridegroom's Right) she'll come.

OSM. She'll come; 'tis what I wish, yet what I fear. She'll come, but whither, and to whom? O Heav'n! To a vile Prison, and a captiv'd Wretch; To one, whom had she never known, she had Been happy: why, why was the Heav'nly Creature Abandon'd o'er to love what Heav'n forsakes? Why does she follow with unwearied Steps, One, who has tir'd Misfortune with pursuing? One, driv'n about the World like blasted Leaves And Chaff, the Sport of adverse Winds; till late At length, imprison'd in some Cleft of Rock, Or Earth, it rests, and rots to silent Dust.

HEL. Have Hopes, and hear the Voice of better Fate. I've learn'd there are Disorders ripe for Mutiny Among the Troops, who thought to share the Plunder, Which Manuel to his own Use and Avarice Converts. This News has reach'd Valentia's Frontiers; Where many of your Subjects long oppress'd With Tyranny and grievous Impositions, Are risen in Arms, and call for Chiefs to head And lead 'em, to regain their Liberty And Native Rights.

OSM. By Heav'n thou'st rous'd me from my Lethargy. The Spirit which was deaf to my own Wrongs, Deaf to Revenge, and the loud Crys of my Dead Father's Blood; nay, which refus'd to hear The piercing Sighs and Murmurs of my Love Yet unenjoy'd; what not Almeria could Revive, or raise, my Peoples Voice has wak'ned. O my Antonio, I am all on Fire, My Soul is up in Arms, ready to charge And bear amidst the Foe, with conqu'ring Troops. I hear 'em call to lead 'em on to Liberty, To Victory; their Shouts and Clamours rend My Ears, and reach the Heav'ns; where is the King? Where is Alphonso? ha! where? where indeed? O I could tear and burst the Strings of Life, To break these Chains. Off, off, ye Stains of Royalty. Off Slavery. O curse! that I alone Can beat and flutter in my Cage, when I Would soar, and stoop at Victory beneath.

HEL. Our Posture of Affairs, and scanty Time, My Lord, require you should compose your self, And think on what we may reduce to practice. Zara, the Cause of your Restraint, may be The Means of Liberty restor'd. That gain'd, Occasion will not fail to point out Ways For your Escape. Mean time, I've thought already With Speed and Safety, to convey my self Where not far off some Male-Contents hold Counsel Nightly; hating this Tyrant; some, who love Anselmo's Memory, and will, no doubt, When they shall know you live, assist your Cause.

OSM. My Friend and Counsellour, as thou think'st fit, So do. I will with Patience wait my Fortune.

HEL. When Zara comes, abate of your Aversion.

OSM. I hate her not, nor can dissemble Love: But as I may, I'll do. I have a Paper Which I would shew thee, Friend, but that the Sight Would hold thee here, and clog thy Expedition. Within I found it, by my Father's Hand 'Twas writ; a Pray'r for me, wherein appears Paternal Love prevailing o'er his Sorrows; Such Sanctity, such Tenderness, so mix'd With Grief, as wou'd draw Tears from Inhumanity.

HEL. The Care of Providence sure left it there, To arm your Mind with Hope. Such Piety Was never heard in vain: Heav'n has in Store For you, those Blessings it with-held from him. In that Assurance live; which Time, I hope, And our next Meeting will confirm.

OSM. Farewell, My Friend, the Good thou dost deserve attend thee. [Ex. HELI.] I've been to blame, and question'd with Impiety The Care of Heav'n. Not so my Father bore More Anxious Grief. This shou'd have better taught me; This Lesson, in some Hour of Inspiration, By him set down; when his pure Thoughts were born, Like Fumes of Sacred Incense, o'er the Clouds, And wafted thence, on Angels Wings, thro' Ways Of Light to the bright Source of all. There, in The Book of Prescience, he beheld this Day; And waking to the World and mortal Sense, Left this Example of his Resignation, This his last Legacy to me, which I Will treasure here; more worth than Diadems, Or all extended Rule of Regal Pow'r. -

Enter ZARA veil'd. -

What Brightness breaks upon me, thus thro' Shades, And promises a Day to this dark Dwelling! Is it my Love?-

ZARA. O that thy Heart, had taught [Lifting her Veil.] Thy Tongue that Saying.

OSM. Zara! I'm betray'd By my surprize.

ZARA. What, does my Face displease thee? That having seen it, thou do'st turn thy Eyes Away, as from Deformity and Horrour. If so, this Sable Curtain shall again Be drawn, and I will stand before thee seeing, And unseen. Is it my Love? as again That Question, speak again in that soft Voice, And look again with Wishes in thy Eyes. O no, thou can'st not, for thou seest me now, As she, whose Savage Breast has been the Cause Of these thy Wrongs; as she, whose barbarous Rage Has loaden thee with Chains and galling Irons: Well, dost thou scorn me, and upbraid my Falseness; Cou'd one that lov'd thus torture what she lov'd? No, no, it must be Hatred, dire Revenge And Detestation, that cou'd use thee thus. So thou dost think; then do but tell me so; Tell me, and thou shalt see how I'll revenge Thee on this false one, how I'll stab and tear This Heart of Flint, 'till it shall bleed; and thou Shalt weep for mine, forgetting thy own Miseries.

OSM. You wrong me, beauteous Zara, to believe I bear my Fortunes with so low a Mind, As still to meditate Revenge on all Whom Chance,, or Fate working by secret Causes, Has made perforce subservient to that End The Heav'nly Pow'rs allot me; no, not you, But Destiny and inauspicious Stars Have cast me down to this low Being: Or, Granting you had, from you I have deserv'd it.

ZARA. Can'st thou forgive me then? Wilt thou believe So kindly of my Fault, to call it Madness? O, give that Madness yet a milder Name, And call it Passion; then, be still more kind, And call that Passion Love.

OSM. Give it a Name, Or Being as you please, such I will think it.

ZARA. O thou dost wound me more with this thy Goodness, Than e'er thou cou'dst with bitterest Reproaches; Thy Anger cou'd not pierce thus, to my Heart.

OSM. Yet I could wish-

ZARA. Hast me to know it, what?

OSM. That at this Time, I had not been this Thing.

ZARA. What Thing?

OSM. This Slave.

ZARA. O Heav'n! my Fears interpret This thy Silence; somewhat of high Concern, Long fashioning within thy labouring Mind, And now just ripe for birth, my Rage has ruin'd. Have I done this? Tell me, am I so curs'd?

OSM. Time may have still one fated Hour to come, Which wing'd wit Liberty, might overtake Occasion past.

ZARA. Swift as Occasion, I My self will flie; and earlier than the Morn Wake thee to Freedom. Now 'tis late; and yet Some News, few Minutes past arriv'd, which seem'd To shake the Temper of the King- who knows What racking Cares disease a Monarch's Bed? Or Love, that late at Night still lights his Lamp, And strikes his Rays thro dusk; and folded Lids, Forbidding rest; may stretch his Eyes awake, And force their Balls abroad, at this dead Hour. I'll try.

OSM. I have not merited this Grace; Nor, should my secret Purpose take Effect, Can I repay, as you require, such Benefits.

ZARA. Thou canst not owe me more, nor have I more To give, than I've already lost. But as The present Form of our Engagements rests, Thou hast the Wrong, 'till I redeem thee hence; That done, I leave thy Justice to return My Love. Adieu. [Exit ZARA.]

OSM. This Woman has a Soul Of God-like Mould, intrepid and commanding, And challenges, in spight of me, my best Esteem; to this she's fair, few more can boast Of Personal Charms, or with less Vanity Might hope to captivate the Hearts of Kings. But she has Passions which out-strip the Wind, And tear her Virtues up, as Tempests root The Sea. I fear when she shall know the Truth, Some swift and dire event, of her blind Rage Will make all fatal. But behold, she comes For whom I fear, to shield me from my Fears. -

[''Enter ALMERIA. -'']

The Cause and Comfort of my boding Heart, My Life, my Health, my Liberty, my All, How shall I welcome thee to this sad Place? How speak to thee the Words of Joy and Transport? How run into thy Arms, with-held by Fetters; Or take thee into mine, thus manacled And pinion'd like a Thief or Murderer? Shall I not hurt or bruise thy tender Body, And stain thy Bosom with the Rust of these Rude Irons? Must I meet thee thus, Almeria?

ALM. Thus, thus; we parted, thus to meet again. Thou told'st me thou would'st think how we might meet To part no more- Now we will part no more, For these thy Chains, or Death, shall join us ever.

OSM. Hard Means to ratifie that Word!- O Cruelty! That ever I should think beholding thee A Torture!- Yet, such is the bleeding Anguish Of my Heart, to see thy Sufferings- O Heav'n! That I cou'd almost turn my Eyes away, Or wish thee from my Sight.

ALM. O say not so; Tho' 'tis because thou lov'st me. Do not say, On any Terms, that thou dost wish me from thee. No, no, 'tis better thus, that we together Feed on each other's Heart, devour our Woes With mutual Appetite; and mingling in One Cup, the common Stream of both our Eyes, Drink bitter Draughts, with never-slacking Thirst. Thus better, than for any Cause to part. What dost thou think? Look not so tenderly Upon me- speak, and take me in thy Arms- Thou canst not! thy poor Arms are bound and strive In vain with the remorseless Chains, which gnaw And eat into thy Flesh, festring thy Limbs With rancling Rust.

OSM. Oh! O-

ALM. Give me that Sigh. Why do'st thou heave, and stifle in thy Griefs? Thy Heart will burst, thy Eyes look red and start; Give thy Soul way, and tell me thy dark Thought.

OSM. For this World's Rule, I wou'd not wound thy Breast With such a Dagger, as then stuck my Heart.

ALM. Why? why? to know it, cannot wound me more, Than knowing thou hast felt it. Tell it me. -Thou giv'st me Pain, with too much Tenderness!

OSM. And thy excessive Love distracts my Sense! O could'st thou be less killing, soft or kind, Grief wou'd not double thus his Darts against me.

ALM. Thou dost me Wrong, and Grief too robs my Heart, If there, he shoot not ev'ry other Shaft; Thy second self shou'd feel each other Wound, And Woe shou'd be in equal Portions dealt. I am thy Wife-

OSM. O thou hast search'd too deep: There, there I bleed; there pull the cruel Cords, That strain my cracking Nerves, Engines and Wheels; That Piece-meal grind, are Beds of Down and Balm To that Soul-racking Thought.

ALM. Then I am curs'd Indeed, if that be so; if I'm thy Torment Kill me, kill me then, dash me with thy Chains, Tread on me, spurn me: Am I the bosom Snake, That sucks thy warm Life-Blood, and gnaws thy Heart? O that thy Words had force to break those Bonds, As they have strength to tear this Heart in sunder; So should'st thou be at large from all Oppression. Am I, am I of all thy Woes the worst?

OSM. My All of Bliss, my everlasting Life, Soul of my Soul, and End of all my Wishes, Why dost thou thus unman me with thy Words, And melt me down to mingle with thy Weepings? What dost thou ask? why dost thou talk thus piercingly? Thy Sorrows have disturb'd thy Peace of Mind, And thou dost speak of Miseries impossible.

ALM. Didst thou not say, that Racks and Wheels were Balm, And Beds of Ease, to thinking me thy Wife?

OSM. No, no; nor should the subtlest Pains that Hell, Or hell-born Malice can invent, extort A Wish or Thought from me, to have thee other. But thou wilt know what harrows up my Heart: Thou art my Wife- nay, thou art yet my Bride! The Sacred Union of Connubial Love Yet unaccomplish'd; his mysterious Rites Delay'd; nor has our Hymenial Torch Yet lighted up, his last most grateful Sacrifice; But dash'd with Rain from Eyes, and swail'd with Sighs, Burns dim, and glimmers with expiring Light. Is this dark Cell, a Temple for that God? Or this vile Earth, an Altar for such Off'rings? This Den for Slaves, this Dungeon damp'd with Woes; Is this our Marriage-Bed! are these our Joys! Is this to call thee mine? O hold my Heart: To call thee mine? yes; thus, ev'n thus, to call Thee mine, were Comfort, Joy, extremest Exstacy. But O thou art not mine, not ev'n in misery; And 'tis deny'd to me, to be so bless'd, As to be wretched with thee.

ALM. No; not that The extremest Malice of our Fate can hinder: That still is left us, and on that we'll feed, As on the Leavings of Calamity. There, we will feast, and smile on past Distress, And hug, in scorn of it, our mutual Ruine.

OSM. O thou dost talk, my Love, as one resolv'd, Because not knowing Danger. But look forward; Think on to Morrow, when thou shalt be torn From these weak, struggling, unextended Arms; Think how my Heart will heave, and Eyes will strain, To grasp and reach what is deny'd my Hands: Think how the Blood will start, and Tears will gush To follow thee my separating Soul. Think how I am, when thou shalt wed with Garcia! Then, will I smear these Walls with Blood, dash my Disfigur'd Face, and rive my clotted Hair, Break on the Ground my throbbing Breast, And grovel with gash'd Hands to scratch a Grave, Stripping my Nails, to tear this Pavement up, And bury me alive; where I will bite the Ground 'Till gorg'd with suffocating Earth.

ALM. O dismal Cruel! heart-breaking Horrour!

OSM. Then Garcia shall lie panting on thy Bosom, Luxurious, revelling amidst thy Charms; And thou perforce must yield, and aid his Transport. Hell! Hell! have I not Cause to rage and rave? What are all Racks, and Wheels, and Whips to this? Are they not soothing Softness, sinking Ease, And wasting Air to this? O my Almeria, What do the Damn'd endure, but to despair, But knowing Heav'n, to know it lost for ever?

ALM. O, I am struck; thy Words are Bolts of Ice, Which shot into my Breast, now melt and chill me. I chatter, shake, and faint with thrilling Fears. No, hold me not- O, let us not support, But sink each other, lower yet, down, down, Where levell'd low, no more we'll lift our Eyes, But prone, and dumb, rot the firm Face of Earth With Rivers of incessant scalding Rain.

Act III, Scene 2
''The Same. -''

''Enter ZARA, PEREZ and SELIM. -''

ZARA. Somewhat of weight to me, requires his Freedom. Dare you dispute the King's Command? Behold The Royal Signet.

PEREZ. I obey; yet beg Your Majesty one Moment to defer Your entring 'till the Princess is return'd From visiting the Noble Prisoner. [Exit PEREZ.]

ZARA. Ha! What saist thou?

OSM. We are lost! undone! discover'd! Retire, my Life, with speed- Alas, we're seen! Speak of Compassion, let her hear you speak Of interceding for me to conceal our Loves, If possible.-

ALM. -I cannot speak.

OSM. Let me Conduct you forth, as not perceiving her, But 'till she's gone; then bless me thus again.

ZARA. Trembling and weeping as he leads her forth! Confusion in his Face, and Grief in hers! 'Tis plain, I've been abus'd- Death and Destruction! How shall I search into this Mystery? The bluest Blast of Pestilential Air Strike, damp, deaden her Charms, and kill his Eyes; Perdition catch 'em both, and Ruine part 'em.

OSM. This Charity to one unknown, and in Distress, Heav'n will repay; all Thanks are poor. [Exit ALMERIA.]

ZARA. Damn'd, damn'd Dissembler! Yet I will be calm, Choak in my Rage, and know the utmost depth Of this Deceiver- You seem much surpriz'd.

OSM. At your return so soon and unexpected!

ZARA. And so unwish'd, unwanted too it seems. Confusion! yet I will contain my self. You're grown a Favourite since last we parted;

OSM. -Madam!

ZARA. I did not know the Princess Favourite; Your Pardon, Sir- mistake me not; you think I'm angry; you're deceiv'd. I came to set You free: But shall return much better pleas'd, To find you have an Interest superiour.

OSM. You do not come to mock my Miseries?

ZARA. I do.

OSM. I could at this time spare your Mirth.

ZARA. I know thou cou'dst, but I'm not often pleas'd, And will indulge it now. What Miseries? Who would not be thus happily confin'd, To be the Care of weeping Majesty? To have contending Queens, at dead of Night Forsake their down, to wake with wat'ry Eyes, And watch like Tapers o'er your Hours of Rest. O Curse! I cannot hold.-

OSM. Come, 'tis much.

ZARA. Villian!

OSM. How, Madam!

ZARA. Thou shalt die.

OSM. I thank you.

ZARA. Thou ly'st; for now I know for whom thou'dst live.

OSM. Then you may know for whom I'd die.

ZARA. Hell! Hell! Yet I'll be calm- Dark and unknown Betrayer! But now the Dawn begins, and the slow Hand Of Fate is stretch'd to draw the Veil, and leave Thee bare, the naked Mark of Publick View.

OSM. You may be still deceiv'd; 'tis in my Pow'r.

ZARA. Ha! Who waits there? -

''Enter PEREZ. -''

As you'll answer it, take heed This Slave commit no Violence upon Himself. I've been deceiv'd. The Publick Safety Requires he should be more confin'd; and none, No not the Princes self, permitted to Confer with him. I'll quit you to the King. Vile and ingrate! too late thou shalt repent The base Injustice thou hast done my Love: Yes, thou shalt know, spite of thy past Distress, And all those Ills which thou so long hast mourn'd; Heav'n has no Rage, like Love to Hatred turn'd, Nor Hell a Fury, like a Woman scorn'd.

[''Exeunt Omnes. -'']

Act IV, Scene 1
''A Room of State. -''

''Enter ZARA and SELIM. -''

ZARA. Thou hast already rack'd me with thy Stay; Therefore require me not to ask thee twice: Reply at once to all. What is concluded?

SELIM. Your Accusation highly has incens'd The King, and were alone enough to urge The Fate of Osmyn; but to that, fresh News Is since arriv'd, of more revolted Troops. 'Tis certain Heli too is fled, and with him (Which breeds Amazement and Distraction) some Who bore high Offices of Weight and Trust, Both in the State and Army. This confirms The King, in full belief of all you told him, Concerning Osmyn's corresponding with The Heads of those who first began the Mutiny. Wherefore a Warrant for his Death is sign'd; And Order given for publick Execution.

ZARA. Ha! haste thee! fly, prevent his Fate and mine; Find out the King, tell him I have of Weight More than his Crown t'impart ere Osmyn die.

SELIM. It needs not, for the King will strait be here, And as to your Revenge, not his own Int'rest, Pretend to Sacrifice the Life of Osmyn.

ZARA. What shall I say? Invent, contrive, advise Somewhat to blind the King, and save his Life In whom I live. Spite of my Rage and Pride, I am a Woman, and a Lover still. O! 'tis more Grief but to suppose his Death, Than still to meet the Rigour of his Scorn. From my Despair my Anger had its Source; When he is dead I must despair for ever. For ever! that's Despair- it was Distrust Before; Distrust will ever be in Love, And Anger in Distrust, both short-liv'd Pains. But in Despair, and ever-during Death, No Term, no Bound, but Infinite of Woe. O Torment, but to think! what then to bear? Not to be born- Devise the Means to shun it, Quick; or, by Heav'n, this Dagger drinks thy Blood.

SELIM. My Life is yours, nor wish I to preserve it, But to serve you. I have already thought.

ZARA. Forgive my Rage; I know thy Love and Truth. But say, what's to be done? or when, or how Shall I prevent, or stop th' approaching Danger?

SELIM. You must still seem most resolute and fix'd On Osmyn's Death; too quick a Change of Mercy Might breed Suspicion of the Cause. Advise, That execution may be done in private.

ZARA. On what Pretence?

SELIM. Your own Request's enough. However, for a Colour, tell him, you Have Cause to fear his Guards may be corrupted, And some of them bought off to Osmyn's Int'rest; Who, at the Place of Execution, will Attempt to force his way for an Escape. The State of things will countenance all Suspicions. Then offer to the King to have him strangl'd In secret, by your Mutes; and get an Order, That none but Mutes may have Admittance to him. I can no more, the King is here. Obtain This Grant- and I'll acquaint you with the rest. -

''Enter KING, Gonsalez, GARCIA, PEREZ. -''

KING. Bear to the Dungeon those Rebellious Slaves, Th' ignoble Currs, that yelp to fill the Cry, And spend their Mouths in barking Tyranny. But for their Leaders, Sancho and Ramirez, Let 'em be led away to present Death. Perez, see it perform'd.

GONS. Might I presume, Their Execution better were deferr'd, 'Till Osmyn die. Mean time we may learn more Of this Conspiracy.

KING. Then be it so. Stay, Soldier; they shall suffer with the Moor. Are none return'd of those who follow'd Heli?

GONS. None, Sir. Some Papers have been since discover'd In Roderigo's House, who fled with him, Which seem to intimate, as if Alphonso, Still alive, were arming in Valentia: Which wears indeed this Colour of a Truth, They who are fled have that way bent their Course. Of the same Nature, divers Notes have been Dispers'd, t'amuze the People; whereupon Some ready of Belief, have rais'd this Rumour: That being sav'd upon the Coast of Africk, He there disclos'd himself to Albucacim, And by a secret Compact made with him, Open'd the way to this Invasion; While he himself, returning to Valentia In private, undertook to raise this Tumult.

ZARA. Ha! hear'st thou that? Is Osmyn then Alphonso! O Heav'n! a thousand things occur To my Remembrance now, that make it plain. O certain Death for him, as sure Despair For me, if it be known- If not, what Hope Have I? Yet 'twere the lowest Baseness, now To yield him up- No, I will still conceal him, And try the Force of yet more Obligations.

GONS. 'Tis not impossible. Yet, it may be That some Impostor has usurp'd his Name. Your beauteous Captive, Zara, can inform, If such a one, so 'scaping, was receiv'd, At any time, in Albucacim's Court.

KING. Pardon, fair Excellence, this long Neglect: An unforeseen, unwelcome Hour of Business, Has thrust between us and our while of Love; But wearing now a-pace with ebbing Sand, Will quickly waste, and give again the Day.

ZARA. You're too secure: The Danger is more imminent Than you high Courage suffers you to see; While Osmyn lives, you are not safe.

KING. His Doom Is pass'd; if you revoke it not, he dies.

ZARA. 'Tis well. By what I heard upon your Entrance, I find I can unfold what yet concerns You more. One that did call himself Alphonso Was cast upon my Coast, as is reported; And oft had private Conference with the King; To what Effect I knew not then: But that Alphonso, privately departed, just About the time our Arms embark'd for Spain. What I know more, is, That a tripple League Of strictest Friendship, was profess'd between Alphonso, Heli, and the Traytour Osmyn.

KING. Publick Report is ratify'd in this.

ZARA. And Osmyn's Death requir'd of strong necessity.

KING. Give Order strait, that all the Pris'ners die, We will our self behold the Execution.

ZARA. Forbear a Moment; somewhat more I have Worthy your private Ear, and this your Minister.

KING. Let all else void the Room. Garcia, give Order For doubling all our Guards; command that our Militia are in Arms: We will anon Ride forth, and view the order of our Troops.

[Exeunt GARCIA, PEREZ, and Attendants.]

ZARA. I am your Captive, and you've us'd me nobly; And in return of that, tho' otherwise Your Enemy, I have discover'd Osmyn His private Practice and Conspiracy Against your State: And fully to discharge My self of what I've undertaken, now I think it fit to tell you, that your Guards Are tainted; some among 'em have resolv'd To rescue Osmyn at the Place of Death.

KING. Is Treason then so near us as our Guards!

ZARA. Most certain; tho' my Knowledge is not yet So ripe, to point at the particular Men.

KING. What's to be done?

ZARA. That too I will advise. I have remaining in my train some Mutes, A Present once from the Sultana Queen, In the Grand Signior's Court. These, from their Infancy, Are practis'd in the Trade of Death; and shall (As there the Custom is) in private strangle Osmyn.

GONS. My Lord, the Queen advises well.

KING. What Off'ring, or what Recompence remains In me, that can be worthy of so great Services? To cast beneath your Feet the Crown you've sav'd, Though on the Head that wears it, were too little.

ZARA. Of that hereafter; but, mean time, 'tis fit You order none may have Admittance to The Pris'ner, but such Messengers, as I Shall send.

KING. Who waits there? -

''Enter PEREZ. -''

On your Life take heed, That only Zara's Mutes, or such who bring Her Warrant, have admittance to the Moor.

ZARA. They and no other; not the Princess self.

PEREZ. Your Majesty shall be obey'd.

KING. Retire. [Ex. PEREZ.]

GONS. That Interdiction so particular, Pronounc'd with Vehemence against the Princess, Should have more Meaning than appears bare-fac'd. The King is blinded by his Love, and heeds It not. Your Majesty sure might have spared That last Restraint; you hardly can suspect The Princess is Confederate with the Moor.

ZARA. I've heard, her Charity did once extend So far to visit him, at his Request.

GONS. Ha!

KING. How? she visit Osmyn! What, my Daughter?

SELIM. Madam, take heed; or you have ruin'd all.

ZARA. And after did sollicite you on his Behalf.-

KING. Never. You have been mis-inform'd.

ZARA. Indeed? Then 'twas a Whisper spread by some Who wish'd it so; a common Art in Courts. I will retire, and instantly prepare Instruction for my Ministers of Death [Exeunt ZARA and SELIM.]

GONS. There's somewhat yet of Mystery in this; Her Words and Actions are obscure and double, Sometimes concur, and sometimes disagree; I like it not.

KING. What dost thou think, Gonsalez; Are we not much indebted to this fair one?

GONS. I am a little slow of Credit, Sir, In the Sincerity of Womens Actions. Methinks this Lady's Hatred to the Moor, Disquiets her too much; which makes it seem As if she'd rather that she did not hate him. I wish her Mutes are meant to be employ'd As she pretends- I doubt it now- Your Guards Corrupted; how? by whom? who told her so? I' th' Evening Osmyn was to die; at Mid-night She beg'd the Royal Signet to release him; I' th' Morning he must die again; ere Noon Her Mutes alone must Strangle him or he'll Escape. This put together suits not well.

KING. Yet, that there's Truth in what she has discover'd, Is manifest from every Circumstance. This Tumult, and the Lords who fled with Heli, Are Confirmation- that Alphonso lives, Agrees expresly too with her Report.

GONS. I grant it, Sir; and doubt not, but in Rage Of Jealousie, she has discover'd what She now repents. It may be I'm deceiv'd. But why that needless Caution of the Princess? What if she had seen Osmyn? to' 'twere strange. But if she had, what was't to her? unless She fear'd her stronger Charms, might cause the Moor's Affection to revolt.

KING. I thank thee, Friend. There's Reason in thy Doubt, and I am warn'd. But think'st thou that my Daughter saw this Moor?

GONS. If Osmyn be, as Zara has related, Alphonso's Friend; 'tis not impossible, But she might wish on his Account to see him.

KING. Say'st thou? by Heav'n thou hast arous'd a Thought, That like a sudden Earth-quake, shakes my Frame; Confusion! then my Daughter's an Accomplice, And plots in Private with this hellish Moor.

GONS. That were too hard a Thought- but see she comes. 'Twere not amiss to question her a little, And try howe'er, if I've divin'd aright. If what I fear be true, she'll be concern'd For Osmyn's Death, as he's Alphonso's Friend. Urge that, to try if she'll sollicite for him. -

''Enter ALMERIA and LEONORA. -''

KING. Your coming has prevented me, Almeria; I had determin'd to have sent for you. Let your Attendant be dismiss'd; I have [Exit LEONORA.] To talk with you. Come near, why dost thou shake? What mean those swollen and redfleck'd Eyes, that look As they had wept in Blood, and worn the Night In waking Anguish? Why this, on the Day Which was design'd to celebrate thy Nuptials? But that the Beams of Light are to be stain'd With reeking Gore, from Traytors on the Rack: Wherefore I have deferr'd the Marriage-Rites, Nor shall the guilty Horrors of this Day Prophane that Jubilee.

ALM. All Days to me Henceforth are equal; this the Day of Death, To Morrow, and the next, and each that follows, Will undistinguish'd roll, and but prolong One hated Line of more extended Woe.

KING. whence is thy Grief? Give me to know the Cause, And look thou answer me with Truth; for know, I am not unacquainted with thy Falshood. Why art thou mute? base and degenerate Maid!

GONS. Dear Madam, speak, or you'll incense the King.

ALM. What is't to speak? or wherefore should I speak? What mean these Tears, but Grief unutterable?

KING. Yes, Guilt; they are the dumb Confessions of Thy guilty Mind; and say thou wert Confed'rate With damn'd Conspirators to take my Life. O impious Parricide! now canst thou speak?

ALM. O Earth, behold, I kneel upon thy Bosom, And bend my flowing Eyes, to stream upon Thy Face, imploring thee that thou wilt yield; Open thy Bowels of Compassion, take Into thy Womb the last and most forlorn Of all thy Race. Hear me, thou common Parent; -I have no Parent else- be thou a Mother, And step between me and the Curse of him, That was- that was, but is no more a Father. But brands my Innocence with horrid Crimes, And for the tender Names of Child and Daughter, Now calls me Murderer and Parricide.

KING. Rise, I command thee rise- and if thou wou'dst Acquit thy self of those detested Names, Swear thou hast never seen that foreign Dog, Now doom'd to die, that most accursed Osmyn.

ALM. Never, but as with Innocence, I might, And free of all bad Purposes. So Heav'n's My Witness.

KING. Vile equivocating Wretch! With Innocence? Death and Perdition, she Confesses it. By Heav'n I'll have him rack'd, Torn, mangl'd, flay'd, impal'd- all Pains and Tortures That Wit of Man and dire Revenge can think, Shall he accumulated under-bear.

ALM. Oh, I am lost- there, Fate begins to wound.

KING. Hear me, then, if thou canst reply, know, Traitress, I'm not to learn that curs'd Alphonso lives; Nor am I ignorant what Osmyn is.-

ALM. Then all is ended, and we both must die, Since thou'rt reveal'd, alone thou shalt not die. And yet alone would I have dy'd, Heav'n knows, Repeated Deaths, rather than have reveal'd thee. Yes, all my Father's wounding Wrath, tho' each Reproach cuts deeper than the keenest Sword, And cleaves my Heart; I would have born it all, Nay, all the Pains that are prepar'd for thee: To the remorseless Rack I would have given This weak and tender Flesh, to have been bruis'd And torn, rather than have reveal'd thy Being.

KING. Hell, Hell! do I hear this, and yet endure! What, dar'st thou to my Face avow thy Guilt? Hence, e'er I curse- flie my just Rage, with speed; Lest I forget us both, and spurn thee from me.

ALM. And yet a Father! think I am your Child. Turn not your Eyes away- look on me kneeling; Now curse me if you can, now spurn me off. Did ever Father curse his kneeling Child! Never: for always Blessings crown that Posture. Nature inclines, and half-way meets that Duty, Stooping to raise from Earth the filial Reverence; For bended Knees, returning folding Arms, With Pray'rs, and Blessings, and paternal Love. O hear me then, thus crawling on the Earth-

KING. Be thou advis'd, and let me go while yet The light Impression thou hast made, remains.

ALM. No, never will I rise, nor loose this Hold, 'Till you are mov'd, and grant that he may live.

KING. Ha! who may live? take heed, no more of that; For on my Soul he dies, tho' thou, and I, And all should follow to partake his Doom. Away, off, let me go.- Call her Attendants. -

''Enter LEONORA and Attendants. -''

ALM. Drag me, harrow the Earth with my bare Bosom, I'll not let go, 'till you have spar'd my Husband.

KING. Ha! what say'st thou? Husband! Husband! Damnation! What Husband? which? who?

ALM. He, he is my Husband.

KING. Poyson and Daggers! who?

ALM. O- [Faints.]

GONS. Help, support her.

ALM. Let me go, let me fall, sink deep- I'll dig, I'll dig a Grave, and tear up Death; I will; I'll scrape 'till I collect his rotten Bones, And cloath their Nakedness with my own Flesh, Yes, I will strip of Life, and we will change: I will be Death; then tho' you kill my Husband He shall be mine, still and for ever mine.

KING. What Husband? who? whom dost thou mean?

GONS. Alas, she raves!

ALM. O that I did. Osmyn, he is my Husband.

KING. Osmyn.

ALM. Not Osmyn, but Alphonso is my dear And wedded Husband- Heav'n, and Air, and Seas, Ye Winds and Waves, I call ye all to witness.

KING. Wilder than Winds or Waves thy self dost rave. Should I hear more, I too should catch thy Madness. Yet somewhat she must mean of dire Import, Which I'll not hear, 'till I am more at Peace. Watch her returning Sense, and bring me Word: And look that she attempt not on her Life. [Ex. KING.]

ALM. O stay, yet stay; hear me, I am not mad. I would to Heav'n I were- He's gone!

GONS. Have Comfort.

ALM. Curs'd be that Tongue, that bids me be of Comfort; Curs'd my own Tongue, that cou'd not move his Pity; Curs'd these weak Hands, that cou'd not hold him here; For he is gone to doom Alphonso's Death.

GONS. Your too excessive Grief works on your Fancy, And deludes your Sense. Alphonso, if living, Is far from hence, beyond your Father's Power.

ALM. Hence, thou detested, ill-tim'd Flatterer; Source of my Woes: Thou and thy Race be curs'd; But doubly thou, who could'st alone have Policy And Fraud, to find the fatal Secret out, And know that Osmyn was Alphonso.

GONS. Ha!

ALM. Why dost thou start? What dost thou see or hear? Was it the doleful Bell, toling for Death? Or dying Groans from my Alphonso's Breast? See, see, look yonder! where a grizled, pale, And ghastly Head, glares by, all smear'd with Blood, Gasping as it would speak; and after it, Behold a damp, dead Hand has dropp'd a Dagger: I'll catch it- hark! a Voice cries Murder! 'tis My Father's Voice; hollow it sounds, and from The Tomb it calls- I'll follow it, for there I shall again behold my dear Alphonso. [Exit with Attendants.]

GONS. She's greatly griev'd; nor am I less surpriz'd. Osmyn Alphonso! no; she over-rates My Policy! I ne'er suspected it: Nor now had known it, but from her Mistake. Her husband too! Ha! Where is Garcia then? And where the Crown that shou'd descend on him, To grace the Line of my Posterity? Hold, let me think- if I shou'd tell the King- Things come to this Extremety? his Daughter Wedded already- what if he should yield? Knowing no Remedy, for what is past; And urg'd by Nature pleading for his Child, With which he seems to be already shaken. And tho' I know he hates beyond the Grave Anselmo's Race; yet if- That If concludes me. To doubt, when I may be assur'd, is Folly. But how prevent the Captive Queen, who means To set him free? Ay, now 'tis plain; O well Invented Tale! He was Alphonso's Friend. This subtle Woman will amuze the King, If I delay- 'twill do- or better so. One to my Wish. Alonzo, thou art welcome. -

''Enter ALONZO. -''

ALON. The King expects your Lordship.

GONS. 'Tis no matter. I'm not i'th' Way at present, good Alonzo.

ALON. If't please your Lordship, I'll return, and say I have not seen you.

GONS. Do, my best Alonzo. Yet stay, I would- but go; anon will serve- Yet I have that requires thy speedy help. I think thou would'st not stop to do me Service.

ALON. I am your Creature.

GONS. Say thou art my Friend. I've seen thy Sword do Noble Execution.

ALON. All that it can, you Lordship shall command.

GONS. Thanks; and I take thee at thy Word. Thou'st seen, Among the Followers of the Captive Queen, Dumb Men, that make their Meaning known by Signs.

ALON. I have, my Lord.

GONS. Could'st thou procure with Speed And Privacy, the wearing Garb of one Of those, tho' purchas'd by his Death, I'd give Thee such Reward, as should exceed thy Wish.

ALON. Conclude it done. Where shall I wait your Lordship?

GONS. At my Appartment. Use thy utmost diligence; Away, I've not been seen- haste, good Alonzo. [Ex. ALON.] So, this can hardly fail. Alphonso slain, The greatest Obstacle is then remov'd. Almeria widow'd, yet again may wed; And I yet fix the Crown on Garcia's Head. [''Exit. -'']

Act V, Scene 1
''A Room of State. -''

''Enter KING, PEREZ and ALONZO. -''

KING. NOT to be found? In an ill hour he's absent. None, say you, none? what not the Fav'rite Eunuch? Nor she her self, nor any of her Mutes, Have yet requir'd Admittance?

PEREZ. None, my Lord.

KING. Is Osmyn so dispos'd as I commanded?

PEREZ. Fast bound in double Chains, and at full length He lies supine on Earth; as easily She might remove the fix'd foundation, as Unlock the rivets of his bonds.

KING. 'Tis well.

[A Mute appears, and seeing the KING retires.]

Ha! seize the Mute; Alonzo, follow him. [Ex. ALONZO.] Entring he met my Eyes, and started back, Frighted, and fumbling one hand in his bosom, As to conceal th' Importance of his Errand.

[Alonzo re-enters with a Paper.]

ALON. O bloody Proof of obstinate Fidelity!

KING. What dost thou mean?

ALON. Soon as I seiz'd the Man, He snatch'd from out his Bosom this- and strove With rash and greedy haste, at once to cram The Morsel down his throat. I catch'd his Arm, And hardly wrench'd his Hand to wring it from him; Which done, he drew a Ponyard from his Side, And on the instant plung'd it in his Breast.

KING. Remove the Body thence 'ere Zara see it.

ALON. I'll be so bold to borrow his Attire; 'Twill quit me of my Promise to Gonsalez. [Exit.]

PEREZ. Whate'er it is the King's Complexion turns.

KING. How's this? my mortal Foe beneath my Roof! [Having read the letter.] O, give me Patience, all ye Powers! no, rather Give me Rage, Rage, implacable Revenge, And trebled Fury- Ha! who's there?

PEREZ My Lord.

KING. Hence, Slave, how dar'st thou bide to watch and pry Into how poor and mean a thing, a King descends; How like thy self, when Passion treads him down? Ha! stir not, on thy Life: For thou wert fix'd, And planted here to see me gorge the Bait, And lash against the Hook- By Heav'n you're all Rank Traytors; thou art with the rest combin'd; Thou knew'st that Osmyn was Alphonso, knew'st My Daughter privately conferr'd with him, And wert the Spy and Pander to their Meeting.

PEREZ. By all that's holy, I'm amaz'd.-

KING. Thou lyest. Thou art Accomplice too much with Zara; here Where she sets down- still will I set thee free- [Reading.] That somewhere is repeated- I have Power O'er them that are thy Guards- Mark that, thou Traytor.

PEREZ. It was your Majesty's Command, I should Obey her Order.-

KING reading.- And still will I set Thee free, Alphonso- Hell! curs'd, curs'd Alphonso! False, perfidious Zara! Strumpet Daughter! Away, begon thou feeble Boy, fond Love, All Nature, Softness, Pity and Compassion, This Hour I throw ye off, and entertain Fell hate, within my breast, Revenge and Gall. By Heav'n I'll meet, and counterwork this Treachery. Hark thee, Villain, Traitor- answer me, Slave.

PEREZ. My Service has not merited those Titles.

KING. Dar'st thou reply? Take that- thy Service? thine?

[Strikes him.]

What's thy whole Life, thy Soul, thy All, to my One moment's Ease? Hear my Command; and look That thou obey, or Horrour on thy Head. Drench me thy Dagger in Alphonso's Heart. Why dost thou start? Resolve to do't, or else-

PEREZ. My Lord, I will.

KING. 'Tis well- that when she comes to set him free, His Teeth may grin, and mock at her Remorse. [PEREZ going.] -Stay thee- I've farther thought- I'll add to this, And give her Eyes yet greater Disappointment. When thou hast ended him, bring me his Robe; And let the Cell where she'll expect to see him Be darken'd, so as to amuze the Sight. I'll be conducted thither- But see she comes; I'll shun th' Encounter; do Thou follow, and give heed to my Direction. [''Exeunt. -'']

''Enter ZARA and SELIM. -''

ZARA. The Mute not yet return'd! 'tis strange. Ha! 'twas The King that parted hence; frowning he went; His Eyes like Meteor's roll'd, then darted down Their red and angry Beams; as if his Sight Would, like the raging Dog-star, scorch the Earth, And kindle Ruine in its Course. Think'st thou He saw me not?

SELIM. He did: But then as if His Eyes had err'd, he hastily recall'd Th' imperfect Look, and sternly turn'd away.

ZARA. Shun me when seen? I fear thou hast undone me. Thy shallow Artifice begets Suspicion, And, like a Cobweb-Veil, but thinly shades The Face of thy Design; alone disguising What should have ne'er been seen; imperfect Mischief! Thou like the Adder, venomous and deaf, Hast strung the Traveller; and, after, hear'st Not his pursuing Voice; ev'n where thou think'st To hide, the rustling Leaves, and bended Grass Confess, and point the Path which thou hast crept. O Fate of Fools! officious in Contriving; In executing puzzled, lame and lost.

SELIM. Avert it, Heav'n, that thou should ever suffer For my Defect; or that the Means which I Devis'd to serve should ruine your Design! Prescience is Heav'ns alone, not giv'n to Man. If I have fail'd in what, as being a Man, I needs must fail; impute not as a Crime My Nature's want, but punish Nature in me: I plead not for a Pardon, and to live, But to be punish'd and forgiven. Here, strike; I bare my Breast to meet your just Revenge.

ZARA. I have not leisure now to take so poor A Forfeit as thy Life: Somewhat of high And more important Fate requires my Thought. When I've concluded on my self, if I Think fit, I'll leave thee my Command to die. Regard me well; and dare not to reply To what I give in Charge; for I'm resolv'd. Instruct the two remaining Mutes, that they Attend me instantly, with each a Bowl Of those Ingredients mix'd, as will with speed Benumn the living Faculties, and give Most easie and inevitable Death. Yes, Osmyn, yes; be Osmyn or Alphonso, I'll give thee Freedom, if thou dar'st be free: Such Liberty as I embrace my self, Thou shalt partake. Since Fates no more afford; I can but die with thee to keep my Word. [Exeunt.]

Act V, Scene 2
''Scene changes to the Prison. -''

''Enter Gonsalez, disguis'd like a Mute, with a Dagger. -''

GONS. Nor Centinel, nor Guard! the Doors unbarr'd! And all as still, as at the Noon of Night! Sure Death already has been busie here. There lies my Way, that Door is too unlock'd. [Looks in.] Ha! sure he sleeps- all's dark within, save what A Lamp that feebly lifts a sickly Flame, By fits reveals- his Face seems turn'd to favour Th' Attempt: I'll steal, and do it unperceiv'd. What Noise! some body coming? 'st, Alonzo? No body? sure he'll wait without- I would 'Twere done- I'll crawl, and sting him to the Heart; Then cast my Skin, and leave it there to answer it. [''Goes in. -'']

''Enter GARCIA and ALONZO. -''

GAR. Where? where, Alonzo? where's my Father? where The King? Confusion! all is on the Rout! All's lost, all ruin'd by Surprize and Treachery. Where, where is he? Why dost thou thus mislead me?

ALON. My Lord, he enter'd but a moment since, And could not pass me unperceiv'd- What hoa! My Lord, my Lord, what, hoa! My Lord Gonsalez! - Enter Gonsalez, bloody. -

GONS. Perdition choak your Clamours- whence this Rudeness? Garcia!

GAR. Perdition, Slavery, and Death, Are entring now our Doors. Where is the King? What means this Blood? and why this Face of Horror?

GONS. No matter- give me first to know the Cause Of these your rash and ill-tim'd Exclamations.

GAR. The Eastern Gate is to the Foe betray'd, Who but for Heaps of Slain, that choak the Passage, Had enter'd long 'ere now, and born down all Before 'em, to the Pallace Walls. Unless The King in Person animate our Men Granada's lost; and to confirm this Fear, The Traitor Perez, and the Captive Moor, Are through a Postern fled, and join the Foe.

GONS. Would all were false as that; for whom you call The Moor, is dead. That Osmyn was Alphonso; In whose Heart's Blood this Ponyard yet is warm.

GAR. Impossible; for Osmyn flying, was Pronounc'd aloud by Perez for Alphonso.

GONS. Enter that Chamber, and convince your Eyes, How much Report has wrong'd your easie Faith. [GARCIA goes in.]

ALON. My Lord, for certain truth, Perez is fled; And has declar'd the Cause of his Revolt, Was to Revenge a Blow the King had giv'n him.

GAR. [Returning.] Ruine and Horrour! O heart-wounding Sight!

GONS. What says my Son? what Ruine? ha? what Horrour?

GAR. Blasted my Eyes, and speechless be my Tongue, Rather than or to see, or to relate This Deed- O dire Mistake! O fatal Blow! The King- -

GONS, ALON [Together.] The King!

GAR. Dead, welt'ring, drown'd in Blood. See, see, attir'd like Osmyn, where he lies.

[They go in.]

O whence, or how, or wherefore was this done? But what imports the Manner, or the Cause? Nothing remains to do, or to require, But that we all should turn our Swords against Our selves, and expiate with our own his Blood.

GONS. O Wretch! O curs'd, and rash, deluded Fool! On me, on me, turn your avenging Sword. I, who have spilt my Royal Master's Blood, Should make Atonement by a Death as horrid; And fall beneath the Hand of my own Son.

GAR. Ha! what? atone this Murther with a greater! The Horrour of that Thought, has damp'd my Rage. The Earth already groans to bear this Deed; Oppress her not, nor think to stain her Face With more unnatural Blood. Murder my Father! Better with this to rip up my own Bowels, And bathe it to the Hilt, in far less damnable Self-Murder.

GONS. O my Son, from the blind Dotage Of a Father's Fondness these Ills arose; For thee I've been ambitious, base, and bloody: For thee I've plung'd into this Sea of Sin; Stemming the Tide, with one weak Hand, and bearing With the other, the Crown, to wreath thy Brow, Whose Weight has sunk me 'ere I reach'd the Shore.

GAR. Fatal Ambition! Hark! the Foe is enter'd: [Shout. The Shrilness of that Shout speaks 'em at hand. We have no time to search into the Cause Of this surprizing and most fatal Errour. What's to be done? The King's Death known, will strike The few remaining Soldiers with Despair, And make 'em yield to Mercy of the Conquerour.

ALON. My Lord, I've thought how to conceal the Body; Require me not to tell the Means, 'till done, Lest you forbid what then you may approve. [Goes in.]

[Shout.]

GONS. They shout again! Whate'er he means to do, 'Twere fit the Soldiers were amuz'd mean time With Hopes, and fed with Expectation of The King's immediate Presence at their Head.

GAR. Were it a Truth, I fear 'tis now too late. But I'll omit no Care, nor Haste; and try Or to repel their Force, or bravely die. [Exit.]

GONS. What hast thou done, Alonzo?

ALON. Such a Deed As but an Hour ago I'd not have done, Tho' for the Crown of Universal Empire. But what are Kings reduced to common Clay? Or who can wound the Dead?- I've from the Body Sever'd the Head, and in a Corner of The Room dispos'd it, muffled in the Mute's Attire; leaving alone to View, the bloody And undistinguishable Trunk: Which may be still mistaken by the Guards For Osmyn, if in seeking for the King They chance to find it.

GONS. 'Twas and Act of Horrour; And of a piece with this Day's dire Misdeeds. But 'tis not yet the time to ponder, or Repent. Haste thee, Alonzo, hence, with speed, To aid my Son. I'll follow with the last Reserve, to re-inforce his Arms: at least, I shall make good, and shelter his Retreat. [Exeunt.]

Act V, Scene 3
''The Same. -''

''Enter ZARA, follow'd by SELIM, and two Mutes bearing the Bowls. -''

ZARA. Silence and Solitude are ev'ry where! Thro' all the Gloomy Ways, and Iron Doors That hither lead, nor Humane Face nor Voice Is seen, or heard. A dreadful Din was wont To grate the Sense, when entred here; from Groans And Howls of Slaves condemn'd, from Clink of Chains, And Crash of rusty Bars and creeking Hinges: And ever and anon, the Sight was dash'd With frightful Faces, and the meagre Looks Of grim and gashly Executioners Yet, more; this Stilness terrifies my Soul, Than did that Scene of Complicated Horrors. It may be, that the Cause, and Purpose of My Errand, being chang'd from Life to Death, Has also wrought this chilling Change of Temper. Or does my Heart bode more? what can it more Than Death?- Let 'em set down the Bowls, and warn Alphonso That I am here- so. You return and find [Mutes going in. The King; tell him, what he requir'd, I've done, And wait his coming to approve the Deed. [Exit SELIM.] What have you seen? Ha! wherefore stare you thus,

[The Mutes return, and look affrighted.]

With hagger'd Eyes? why are your Arms a-cross? Your heavy and desponding Heads hung down? Why is't you more than speak in these sad Signs? Give me more ample Knowledge of this Mourning. -

[''They go to the Scene which opens and shews the Body. -'']

Ha! prostrate! bloody! headless! O- start Eyes, Split Heart, burst ev'ry Vein, at this dire Object: At once dissolve and flow; meet Blood with Blood; Dash your encountering Streams with mutual Violence, 'Till Surges roll and foaming Billows rise, And curl their Crimson Heads, to kiss the Clouds! -Rain, rain ye Stars, spout from your burning Orbs Precipitated Fires, and pour in Sheets The blazing Torrent on the Tyrant's Head; Scorch and consume the curst persidious King. -

''Enter SELIM. -''

SELIM. I've sought in vain, the King is no where to Be found.-

ZARA. Get thee to Hell, and seek him there. [Stabs him.] His Hellish Rage had wanted Means to act, But for thy fatal and pernicious Counsel.

SELIM. You thought it better then- but I'm rewarded. The Mute you sent, by some Mischance was seen, And forc'd to yield your Letter with his Life: I found the dead and bloody Body stripp'd- My Tongue faulters, and my Voice fails- Drink not the Poyson- for Alphonso is- [Dies.]

ZARA. As thou art now- And I shall quickly be. 'Tis not that he is dead; for 'twas decreed We both should die. Nor is't that I survive; I have a Remedy for that. But Oh, He dy'd unknowing in my Heart. He knew I lov'd, but knew not to what height: Nor that I meant to fall before his Eyes, A Martyr and a Victim to my Vows: Insensible of this last Proof he's gone. Yet Fate alone can rob his Mortal Part Of Sense: His Soul still sees, and know each Purpose, And fix'd event of my persisting Faith. Then, wherefore do I pause?- give me the Bowl.

[A Mute kneels and gives one of the Bowls.]

Hover a Moment, yet, thou gentle Spirit, Soul of my Love, and I will wait thy Flight. This to our mutual Bliss when joyn'd above. [Drinks.] O friendly Draught, already in my Heart! Cold, cold; my Veins are Icicles and Frost. I'll creep into his Bosom, lay me there; Cover us close- or I shall chill his Breast, And fright him from my Arms- See, see, he slides Still further from me; look, he hides his Face, I cannot feel it- quite beyond my reach. O now he's gone, and all is dark- [Dies.]

[''The Mutes kneel and mourn over her. -'']

''Enter ALMERIA and LEONORA. -''

ALM. O let me seek him in this horrid Cell; For in the Tomb or Prison, I alone Must hope to find him.

LEO. Heav'ns! what dismal Scene Of Death is this? The Eunuch Selim slain!

ALM. Shew me, for I am come in search of Death; But want a Guide; for Tears have dim'd my Sight.

LEO. Alas, a little farther, and behold Zara all pale and dead! two frightful Men, Who seem the Murderers, kneel weeping by: Feeling Remorse too late, for what they've done. But O forbear- lift up your Eyes no more; But haste away, fly from this Fatal Place, Where Miseries are multiply'd; return And look not on; for there's a Dagger that Will stab the Sight, and make your Eyes rain Blood.

ALM. O I fore-see that Object in my Mind. Is it at last then so? is he then dead? What dead at last, quite, quite, for ever dead? There, there I see him; there he lies, the Blood Yet bubbling from his Wounds- O more than Savage! Had they, or Hearts, or Eyes, that did this Deed? Could Eyes endure to guide such cruel Hands? Are not my Eyes guilty alike with theirs, That thus can gaze, and yet not turn to Stone? -I do not weep! The Springs of Tears are dry'd; And of a sudden I am calm, as if All things were well; and yet my Husband's murder'd! Yes, yes, I know to mourn; I'll sluce this Heart, The Source of Woe, and let the Torrent loose. -Those Men have left to weep, and look on me; I hope they murder all on whom they look. Behold me well; your bloody Hands have err'd, And wrongfully have put to Death those Innocents: I am the Sacrifice design'd to bleed; And come prepar'd to yield my Throat- they shake Their Heads in sign of Grief and Innocence!

[They point at the Bowl on the Ground.]

And point! what mean they? Ha! a Cup. O well I understand what Medicine has been here. O noble Thirst! and yet too greedy to Drink all- O for another Draught of Death.

[They point at the other Cup.]

Ha! point again? 'tis there, and full, I hope. O thanks the liberal Hand that fill'd thee thus; I'll drink my glad Acknowledgment-

LEO. O hold For Mercy's sake; upon my Knees- forbear.-

ALM. With Thee the kneeling World should beg in vain, Seest thou not there who prostrate lies, And pleads against thee? who shall then prevail? Yet I will take a cold and parting Leave, From his pale Lips; I'll kiss him e'er I drink, Lest the rank Juice should blister on my Mouth, And stain the Colour of my last Adieu. Horrour! a headless Trunk! nor Lips nor Face,

[Coming nearer the Body, starts and lets fall the Cup.]

But spouting Veins, and mangled Flesh! O, O. -

''Enter ALPHONSO, HELI, PEREZ, with GARCIA Prisoner, Guards and Attendants. -''

ALPH. Away, stand off, where is she? let me fly, Save her from Death; and snatch her to my Heart.

ALM. Oh-

ALPH. Forbear; my Arms alone shall hold her up: Warm her to Life, and wake her into Gladness. O let me talk to thy reviving Sense, The Words of Joy and Peace; warm thy cold Beauties, With the new-flushing Ardour of my Cheek; Into thy Lips, pour the soft trickling Balm Of Cordial Sighs; and re-inspire thy Bosom With the Breath of Love. Shine, awake Almeria, Give a new Birth To thy long-shaded Eyes, Then double on the Day reflected Light.

ALM. Where am I? Heav'n! what does this Dream intend?

ALPH. O may'st thou never dream of less Delight, Nor ever wake to less substantial Joys.

ALM. Giv'n me again from Death! O all ye Pow'rs Confirm this Miracle! can I believe My Sight, against my Sight? and shall I trust That Sense, which in one Instant shews him dead And living? Yes, I will; I've been abus'd With Apparitions and affrighting Fantoms: This is my Lord, my Life, my only Husband; I have him now, and we no more will part. My Father too shall have Compassion-

ALPH. O my Heart's Comfort; 'tis not giv'n to this Frail Life, to be entirely bless'd. Even now, In this extreamest Joy, my Soul can taste, Yet am I dash'd to think that thou must weep; Thy Father fell, where he design'd my Death. Gonsalez and Alonzo, both of Wounds Expiring, have with their last Breath confess'd The just Decrees of Heav'n, in turning on Themselves, their own most bloody Purposes. Nay, I must grant, 'tis fit you shou'd be thus- [She weeps.] Let 'em remove the Body from her Sight. Ill-fated Zara! Ha! a Cup? alas! Thy Errour then is plain; but I were Flint Not to o'er-flow in Tribute to thy Memory. She shall be Royally interr'd. O Garcia, Whose Virtue has renounc'd thy Father's Crimes, Seest thou, how just the Hand of Heav'n has been? Let us that thro' our Innocence survive, Still in the Paths of Honour persevere, And not from past or present Ills Despair: For Blessings ever wait on vertuous Deeds; And tho' a late, a sure Reward succeeds.

[''Exeunt Omnes. -'']