A Select Collection of Old English Plays Part 59

_Enter_ EPHORBAS, _solus_.

EPH. For aught I know, my bed may be the next; Men are not bad by halves, nor doth one mischief Stop a man in his career of sin.

There's as much reason i' th' one as th' other.

Doth he affect my kingdom, 'cause I'm old?

No, that's not it; he knows I must die shortly.

'Tis not a desire of rule, and glory of Their bending knees makes him forget his duty.

He may as well covet Andromana, 'cause she's handsome.

He satisfies a l.u.s.t alike in both. Well, let him be My rival in the kingdom; 'tis but what He was born to, and I must leave it him; But for my wife he must excuse me--nay, He shall [_Pauses._]----Yet now I think on't better, The grounds are slender, and my suspicions slight; No evidence against him but the people's love, And that's no fault of his, unless deserving Be a crime. Who is without there?

_Enter_ LIBACER.

Go, call in Plangus, and bid him not stay, For I must speak with him.

[_Exit_ KING.

SCENE II.

LIB. Nay, then, all's dashed, if once he comes to parley.

I must not have them talk. But here he is.

SCENE III.

_Enter_ PLANGUS.

LIB. All health and happiness attend the prince.

PLAN. Pray, tell me if you saw the king?

Be short, for I am very melancholy.

LIB. He parted hence just now, but with such A fury revelling in his looks, there had been Less danger in a basilisk.

PLAN. Went he this way?

LIB. Yes, sir.

[_He is going out, but turns short._

PLAN. But dost not thou know what mov'd him?

LIB. I heard some such words as these: My rival in the kingdom----There's evidence against him---- The people's love----Deserving is a crime---- And somewhat else my fear made me forget.

PLAN. Who was there with him lately?

LIB. I cannot tell: but about a quarter of an hour ago He ask'd for you; and every time he nam'd you He seem'd angry.

PLAN. Named me! thou art mistaken.

LIB. I had almost forgot, sir, I have a message to you from Andromana.

PLAN. I will not hear one syllable.

LIB. No!--so she told me; but charged me to speak it, Or die; for it concerned your life, which she Held dearer than her own.

PLAN. I value it not; but speak the mystery.

LIB. When first her lips began to move, a blush O'erflow'd her face, as if her heart had sent Her tainted blood to seek a pa.s.sage out. Then with A show'r of tears she told me how inordinate Desires had made her but this morning tempt you To th' acting of a sin she would not name; And that your virtue had so wrought upon her, She had not left one thing unchang'd.

She loves you still, but with affection That carries honour and converted thoughts.

And next, she bad me whisper in your ear (For time was short) that, if you lov'd her or yourself, Or intended to cherish the people's growing hopes, You should not come when the king sent for you, For something had incensed him so highly Against you, that there was mighty danger in it.

She bad me haste, for time would not permit her To say more. I was scarce out o' th' chamber, When your father came and ask'd for you, and bad Me seek you out with speed. Sir, I should be Most proud to serve you.

PLAN. I thank thee, friend; But prythee, tell thy mistress Innocence knows no fear: 'tis for guilty souls To doubt their safety. If she would have me safe, My only way is by present appearance to clear Myself; for I believe my false accusers Wish nothing more than that I should be absent.

LIB. The devil's in him, sure, he guesseth so right.

[_Aside._

She told me so, sir, and would have wish'd you to it; But that there was a way to serve you better by.

She say'th Ephorbas told her, a few minutes hence He'd call a council, where they'd consult about you.

The place is hang'd so, that behind the wall, sir, You may stand secure, and hear what pa.s.seth; And according to what they determine, you may Provide for your safety; only for more security She wisheth you would arm yourself. Sir, pray resolve: She'll pacify the king, that you appear Not presently.

PLAN. Well I will be persuaded: Tell her, I am resolv'd I will not come.

LIB. Happiness attend you! Half an hour hence I'll wait Upon you.

[_Exit_ LIBACER.

PLAN. We shall reward thee.

SCENE IV.

PLAN. Whence should this kindness come? and on a sudden too?

A strange alteration! She who a day ago Forgot the vows her soul was fetter'd in, And but this morning tempted me to a sin I can scarce think on without fear, should on An instant be careful for my safety, and That from a principle of virtue too!

SCENE V.

_Enter_ INOPHILUS.

INO. Who was that with you, sir, just now?

PLAN. An honest fellow certainly, but one I know not.

INO. An honest fellow call you him?

If he have not rogue writ in great letters in's face, I have no physnomy.[97] Pray, sir, what was His business to you?