Tyrannicall-government anatomized, or, A discovrse concerning evil-councellors being the life and death of John the Baptist : and presented to the Kings most excellent Majesty by the Author. Baptistes. English Buchanan, George, 1506-1582. 1642 Approx. 72 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 16 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A29968 Wing B5298 ESTC R4582 12137648 ocm 12137648 54794 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A29968) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 54794) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 242:E88, no 29) Tyrannicall-government anatomized, or, A discovrse concerning evil-councellors being the life and death of John the Baptist : and presented to the Kings most excellent Majesty by the Author. Baptistes. English Buchanan, George, 1506-1582. Milton, John, 1608-1674. 28 p. Printed for John Field, London : 1642. An anonymous translation of Buchanan's Baptistes; originally printed as prose in: George Buchanan, Glasgow quartercentnary studies, 1906. p. [61]-90. J.T.T. Brown attributes the translation to Milton. Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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BEING The Life and Death of JOHN the Baptist . AND Presented to the KINGS most Excellent MAJESTY by the Author . Die Martis , 30. Januarii , 1642 IT is Ordered by the Committee of the House of Commons concerning Printing , That this Book be forthwith printed and published : Iohn VVhite . London , Printed for JOHN FIELD , 16●● . The Collocutors and Complaynants , or , Persons speaking . Malchus , Pharise . Gamaliel , Pharise . Iohn the Baptist . Chorus , or a company of Iewes . King Herod . The Queene Herodias . The Queens Daughter . Nuntius , or the Messenger . The life and death of JOHN the BAPTIST . The first part . Malchus , Gamaliel , Rabines . Malchus . O This old wretched Age , the neighbouring bounds of our last breath , and you unhappy Fates , long life on us have you bestowed for this ? or for these uses : That we should behold our Temples lewdly , cursedly defil'd , our holy things prophan'd , our Country slav'd , the Reliques of our Fame ( which none might enter ) broken before me , and the sacred gold rent from the posts : what ere the greedy will of stern Gabinius could by Rapine gaine , or Anthonies luxurious power exhaust , all 's lost , and we have been a mocking stock ( which I abhorre to heare , much more to speake ) to Cleopatra's gluttonous desires : and lest we should not be in every part disgrac'd and vilified , we now are brought under a cruell King , the Nephews Son of halfe Arabian Artipater , Iudaea serves an Idumaean Tyrant , while an Arabian Lord in Sion Reigns , Gods people and Ierusalem , a man prophane and impious : yet in this distresse , among so many wounds of raging chance , some sparks of ancient honor did remain a pattern of our Countries Discipline : such as it is , which by our foes themselves is to be reverenc'd , the furious Victor , and no small number of his purpled Court , began to dignifie the Jewish Lawe● . We w●●h t●is h●pe ●efresht , though well neere tyr'd with misery , had hardly taken heart to re-advance our heads , when out alas , a hainous matter which we never fear'd , did suddenly arise a new Baptizer ▪ whose Pa●entage is holy , who was bred among strange worships , but by Nation ours , by Stock a Levite given unto God , even from his infant cradle , being Son of an High-Priest , and shortly to receive that dignity himself , unlesse he chuse rather to taste false glories bitter fruit , then honors harvest in due time to reape . He therefore keeping in the desert soyle deceives , with shew of sanctity severe , the simple people , cloath'd in skins of beasts , his haire uncomb'd , and feeding Savage like ; by which delusions he draws the lookes of all men towards him , the common sort being poss●st with ignorant beliefe , that a new Prophet to the world is sent ; And now unto himselfe he hath reduced an Army of the vulgar following him . Him only now the people all admire , leaving their Cities , Noblemen and Kings honor and feare him , where he past with pride through the madnesse of the multitude , new laws gives like another Moses , cleansing crimes with water , and presumes our ancient laws with new Rites to adulterate ; and rends the Fathers with reproaches , to enjoy the peoples mad affection with more ease , who give him gentle hearing ; but if none himself oppose against this theifes attempts , raging and ranging with bold insolence . That sanctity throughout the world renown'd will soon expire , nay , it expireth now , or rather hath expired . Gam . Men of our calling must do nothing rashly , mildnesse becomes milde Fathers ; to young men , if through temerity they go astray , a pardon may be given , but a fault by one of us committed , no excuse to vaile it can pr●vaile ; Be calme a while , this rage appease , and let your sorrow slaked . Ma●ch . Then you Gamaliel ( as it seems ) approve this cursed Caitiffs actions . Gam . Malchus , no , I neither do approve , nor yet condemn● , before I know the matter that concerns this new-come Prophet , who is not a man ( so far as I can hear ) so full of ill , nor to be so opprest with publick hate . Malch . O Stars , O Heaven , O Earth ! that wicked wretch wants not a Patron here , that can uphold his manners to be good . Gam . Who vice reproves , good manners teaching , leads the way himself , which unto others plainly he directs , can you perswade me that this man is naught ? Malch . He that our Laws contemnes , new Sects doth teach , besides new Ritts , reviles our Magistrates , and our high Priests with calumny pursues , can you perswade me that this man is good ? Gam . If we were equally against our selves Judges austere , and milder towards others , then we are oftentimes , our heynous crimes would lye more open unto publike view and sharpe reproaches , howsoever we flatter our selves and are proclaimed bles● , reputed by the common people , Saints , chast , pious , and upright , but of us all , none from t●e greatest fault was ever free , Malch : Gamaliel , that these things may be true , is●t lawfull for a vulgar man to rayle against a Prelate ? Let the people hear , yielding obedience and sober live , refuse no reyns by him upon them cast , he can reduce the vulgar if they are to the right way , let him be as a law unto himselfe , but if in ought he chance to go astray , the wicked , God doth see and sharply punish . Gam . And do you conceive this Law is j●st ? Malch . I do indeed . Gam . And why ? blind ignorance and want of skill . Malch . Because rashnesse and error commonly are found as proper and peculiar to the vulgar . Gam . He that to Prin●es wisdom gives not place , is often taken from the vulgar thrung . Malch . But give we place then in this chair to shepheards . Gam . Moses a shepheard was , and David too . Malch . They were taught all things by the spirit of God . Gam . He that taught them can also tutor this . Malch . Will God instruct him , and relinquish us ? Gam . God , neither Scepter , parents , noble stock , beauty , nor Kingly riches doth respect , but hearts that no contagion of deceit , of lust , or cruelty doth once pollute ; The holy spirit in this Temple rests . Malch . Surely Gamaliel ( to confesse a truth ) you seeme to me of ●ate by your opinion , a plain approver of that wicked Sec● ; I can no longer smother what I think , seeing you do such things as are unworthy both of your Ancestors and of your selfe , you that of all the rest ought to defend , do chiefly our authority offend , and that in favour of a mad young man : For Gods sake tell me , What 's your tryalls hope , what profit do you seeke to get by this ? Perhaps hee 'l give you honor or great wealth , who ●tterly destroyes our orders , honor , and labours to undoe us . Gam . Truely Malchus , you shoot far from the marke , that you suppose , we can defend our dignity with pride and arrogancy , or with strength of Arms , our parents were not by such means advanced . Malch . Our ancient Laws and Orders more bec●me us that are ancient , and let each one live according to the manner of his time . Gam . But rather good things good men still become . Malch . If wee had any of our fathers spirit . Gam . Our fathers manners should our lives direct . Malch . This wicked fellow by a speedy death not threatnings had beene punished . Gam . ●or our order , cruelty is unmeet . Malch . What 's done for God , holy and pious is . Gam . To put to death without desert , is impious piety . Malch . Deserves not he to dye , that all subverts ? Gam . If he transgresse , why do you not confute him in publicke view with arguments and reasons ? Why do you not shew there your light of wit ? you being expert , learned , and so old , set upon one that 's rude , unlearned , so young to the right way perhaps you may reduce him , and glory to your selfe , mongst all men gain . Malch . That wound is never to be gently cur●d , but with ●ord , sword , and fire , or if you know any thing more to ●ormenting . Gam . Be he such as you expresse him , or worse if you will , yet one thing to your selfe you ought to give : that first you freely and in gentle wise admonish him , least any one do think , that you would rather cast him headlong down , doubtfull of heaven then extend your hand to save him falling ; It concernes you much , that all your Enemies may understand , your will is good to save all , none destroy , but such a one as with a mind perverse precipitates himselfe : one thing at least I crave ere you by wrath be further drawn , consider by this obstinate condition what you may gaine . Malch . Why this , confound a foe , comfort the good , and terrifie the shamelesse , confirm the wavering mind , and with this blood our Countries Laws establish . Gam . Rather this you shall obtaine , to be accounted one , that with all power of tyranny hath rom'd , untill you did a holy man confound , one whom by reason you could not convince . Malch . Then let him bee as holy as he will and grave , Gods spirit doth not him direct , who does neglect the Fathers ancient Rules , and seeing no redresse with you I find , I 'le seeke the Kings assistance against Ruine . Chorus . Gamaliel in my judgement councells well , obey him therefore ; but I speak in vain , since wrath , the enemy of Gods advise , darkens his minds cleer sight , who stops his ears to wholsome admonitions . Gam . Hee 's gone in wrath and swelling with disdain ; for my part , what was lawfull , to my power I earnestly advised him with mild words , endeavouring to asswage his raging spirits : I gave him faithfull counsell , but so far is he ingrate from giving any thanks , that he even hates me for my good desert . Such is the common course , & a great fault in our degree is this , that we deceive with shew of sanctitie , the common sort , that safely we Gods precepts may despise ; but if against our customes ought they dare , we practise to subvert them with our gold , or witnesses suborn'd , and cut them off by secret poyson , filling Herods ears with feigned utterance , what our mind offends , revenging with false rumors , while his breast with rage affected we the more incense , and arm the violence of cruell wrath with calumnies . But Malchus now is gone , unmindfull of all modesty , to Court , where he will feigne the rising of new Sects , deserting of the Fathers holy Rites , and that the Kings Prerogative and power lyes open to derision ▪ to conclude , what ere he holds commodious to himself , masking his wickednesse with honest names , if these he finds the King but little move , another dart more cruell hee 'l invent , hee 'l cry the sworne Bands that attend the King do secretly conspire , some wicked plot preparing , they digest : Troops meet by night , their private wealth by ●actions to augment , these he will feign or worse into his ●ars , these poysons of his wit he will instill . And this in Princes is a common fault , gently to hearken unto secret Tell-tales , whereby what is most cruell , though but feigned , they easily beleeve , and feign vain fears unto themselves , pursuing the light ayre of moveable Report , where he that gives faithfull advertisement is holden dull , torped and ●merous : We change the name of quondam vertue now , now not adorued with any vertue , but with glorious titles proudly preferrd the Vulgar we beguile . As for this Prophet , with my soule I wish our Order with more modesty and wisdom , and would bear themselves , if hither he be sent by ●ods appointment , there 's no power of man that can withstand him , but if he devise mischief by fraud concealed , with his sword hee 'l soon confound himself , ●et every man interprete as his own condition guides him : If any here my sentence do allow , his hands he may keep cleer of guiltlesse bloud : Nor let us be profuse of holy blood , least those examples that in cruell sort wee make for others , afterwards return on our own heads ▪ dwells not in Herods heart immanitie enough , unlesse his rage by firebrands added to his wrath , increase ? Cho : O what a night of darkenesse doth possesse the minds of mortalls ! what Cymerian●ave do we inhabite , while this brittle life doth swiftly fleet away ? False mod●sty doth skreen the brazen face , pieties vale the impious doth conceale , Litigious men peace in their looks do feigne , and the decei●full , veritie in words : The Vissage where sad gravity did dwell , the only Symbole of a modest life , now turnes to cruelty with boyling wra●h , and healdong estautes with furious ●its . Even as the vapours of hot Et●a's Furnace with a swift rolling turnes the stones about or into embers , flames Vesveus burn : so the blind fury of revenge excites this Malchus on a guiltlesse man to fall , and falsly to accuse poor naked truth . Oh thou desire of glory , swo●n with pride , mother of ●o great mischiefe , glittering praise of goodnesse coloured with a shew divine ; when the minds Kingdom thou hast once possest , with flattering poison thou inchauntst our thoughts , and ( reason bani●ht ) thou disturbst the Court , the Court within us ; Piety and truth , with shamefa●tnesse and faith , are fled from thee : Faith of the better Age a common Guest , hath lastly left the vice-dishonor'd earth . If there were any Artist that could set ( the foreheads clouds remov'd . ) our cares to sight ( the brest being made transparent ) and disclose our minds dark inner parts you might perceive monsters there varied into wondrous forms , and those all stabled in a little Cell , being more than in remote and forreign parts Nilus and Ganges beare , or all the births that Affrick● yeelds , with furious portents , and those that hored Caucasus affords in his darke Dens ; the cruell Tygers rage would not be wanting there , nor the fierce wildnesse of the deep shining yellow Lyonesse , nor the dire gluttony of ranging Wolves , whose appetites no slaughter can asswage , nor the fell Basalisk with poisoning breath , or stinging Aspe that brings long lasting ●●eepe , or Scorpion dreaded for his hooky tayle , or Crocodile whose voice with feigned tears so sound through the seaweeds , nor the Foxes wiles , or the Hyenaes ●alse play . Counter feit piety doth often cloak mercilesse Tyrants , and the guarded stol●impiou● natures ; in a homely weed under the Cottage shadow of a swain vertue obscured , lyes nor sells her selfe for haughty titles , laughing as in scorn at the mad tumults of our Justice-Courts , and the applause of common peoples breath , nor Client like sits waiting at the doore of a great Patron , but doth passe away the silent Ages of her blessed life in rurall privacy , being unto none saving her selfe , or but few others known . The second Part. Queen , Herod . Queen . MY Lord , you live secure , and feele not how your Kingly power debayes , nor yet discern like one that 's blinde , what snares are daily set to ruine you ; for if that vulgar Preacher breath but anoyeare bonds , prison , crosse , in vain you then may threaten , proudly now his forces he surveyes , your persons Guard his followers obscure . Her. What danger fear you from th'unarmed root . Qu. If private Conventicl●s you permit , how can you sleep secure ? Her. But he instructs those that run to him of their own accord . Qu. A wide spread Faction we should feare the more . Her. His sanctit● confutes that crimination . Qu. This vaile doth cover detestable Acts . Her. Of purpled Rulers we may stand in dread . Qu. And fear the fraud of gravest hypocrites . Her. He that is helplesse , armlesse , that alayes his thirst with water takes his food in woods , his lodging on the grasse ; oh what deceit can he intend a Serpent ! Qu. His attire , his meat and drinke you see , but in his brest you see not what he bears . Her. A Kings estate is miserable , if he stand in awe of those that are in misery . Qu. If a King through fond security become a prey , he is most miserable . Her. How then may a King remain in safety ? Qu. What withstands his pleasant queit , let him soon extirp . Her. Surely a Tyrant and a King that 's good , differ in this ; the one his foes preserves , the other is a foe to them he Rules . Qu. Either is hard , to perish or destroy ; but it is better , if make choice he must , an enemy to destroy . Her. Where no necessity the one requires , either is miserable . Qu. Should you in such a tumult use no rigour , the wavering vulgars fury being raised the Princes , Laws , Religion , Power contemn'd , is to the base Plebeans made a scorn ; Take heed , that lenities deceitfull looks draw not your minde from equity , what seems a farre off mildnesse , to one neere at hand will be the greatest wildnesse ; while you spare one Factious man that 's desperately bad , you seeke to ruine all : whom he to arm against your life endeavours day and night , what needs must be at length feign to bee done ; that the inconstant people are stir'd up to arms , that every where they all things burn , with woefull War , and Villages left wasted , our Virgins ravished and our Cities fire , and with ambigous fortune Armies joyn'd . When Liberty shall burst the reynes of Laws , that clemency too late you 'l then condemne . And here behold that plague and mischiefs head , This is that high Reformer , question him , and if I do not erre , you shall hear from him much more than fame hath publis●t : nor do I mervaile that there can be some that scorn your Government , when you your selfe the wicked sort through lenity provoke . Her. When a good King is able to do much , his power he ought to moderate . Qu. Say you so ? This upstart now will moderate your Scepter , and you must rule according to his will , but if you had the spirit of a King — Her. But get thee gone , and leave these things to me . Qu. And so I will , lest you raile at me as you did before : when Queens yeeld much to men of basest kinde , what hope of equity will cherish others . Herod . Iohn . Chorus . Ha. is she gone ? shee is , now let me tell thee ; there 's nothing that may move thee , or that strange thou mayest conceive , if an offended woman , rich , noble , potent , finally a Queen , do entertain more anger then is meet . Even thou thy self mayest witnesse it the best how much thy welfare I have still regarded ; for all the people hate thee , and require thee as guilty to be punshed , our Priests murmur , our Nobles grieve , and surely what it is that may increase the common sorts complaint , I will relate in brief : In thy Orations , thou all the Orders openly revilest , the vulgar sort in our old Laws unskilled , thou cunningly receivest the deadly venime of a new Sect dispersing , and impairest with speeches turbulent , our regall State , with the Republick peace , prohibiting our men of War their Captain to obey , the people Cesar , while thou promisest new Kingdoms to the vulgar , and to free them of their newforraign yok , andstir'st them up with a vain confidence , nor doest permit this our Rebellious Nation to rest : And madmen like us , as if we had endured but small calamity , thou reinsittest the Romanes a new War against us to make ; Nor doubt I what thou darest do being absent , seing thou openly dost me upbraid with an unlawfull marriage , and would heape the peoples hate upon me , and attempt'st all that thou canst to make my brother raise unnaturall War against mee : And as if thou hadst done little mischief : for the safety of all alike presuming to do all things , nowagainst Heaven thou preparest to fi●ht ; those holy Rites attempting to abolish , wherewith this Kingdom hitherto hath stood : These things the people grudge at , and complaine that I am flow to vindicate and right their Countries Lawes , yet have I shewn my self in nothing harsh to thee , but all the favour that a benevolent and friendly Judge can shew thee , thou shallt plenteously receive ; For no Assyrian or Aegyptian Father hath me begotten a blood-thirsty Tyrant , who had with you own Country , parent , nurse , I mean the spatious Earth , so that as oft as any of the meanest People perish , I lose me thinkes a member of my selfe even from this body torn ; Nor thou shalt find of Herod an upright and gentle Judge : If thou be able falsly to con●ute what other things are layd unto thy charge , All thou hast uttered against me and mine I freely pardon , heartily remit , and thou shalt understand that I neglect mine own and prosecute the publicke wrong , the people being witnesse : and I wish thou mayest so cleer thy self of other crimes , that no occasion of severity be left me through thy innocency . Cho : Go forwards to be gracious in this , And thou shalt live renowned to thy successors , not in Gold-ore or Military bands : And thinke thy Kingdom safe , as those atchieved by equity , which charity and faith do evermore defend . Iohn . He unto whom the Almighty doth committ a Kingdoms Rule ought many things to hear , but all things that he heareth to believe , it is not necessary , envy , feare , griefe , lucre , favour , oft suppresse the truth . If any of the people or the fathers thinke I have uttered any thing against him in rigorous manner , or ungently rayled , T is necessary , ere he mee accuse , that he examine his own course of life ; This hath been ever my care and custome publick offences to reproove in publicke , nothing in private have I done or taught , Blind lurking holes I seek not , neither tax men but their v●ces , when the souldiers asked me how I could serve at once the King and God : To ravish ●ruse violence , abuse or ●ircu●vent the simple with deceit , I utt●rly forbad ●hem : To compose their sensuall desires , I gave them charge , according to the measure of their meanes : nor any hope of new things do I preach , but only that which you believe with me , out of the ancient Prophets ; i●h meane time , none of so many thousand is produced , that through my doctrine hath contemned his Prince . Those matters whether by uncertain fame to you related , or by hood winkt wrath still raging head-long with desire to hurt , falsly invented , naked verity will by it self and easily confute . How piously I prize the holy Rites and ancient institutions , there 's no sign more certain then the impeacher of my crimes , because he comes not forth to publick view , where feigned things be easily beleeved , he secretly may murmure . For my denying that your Brothers wife is yours by right consider with your self whether you ought to serve your carnall will , rather then your Creator , and I wish all men devoted to the love of Kings would be in mind alike , to mention things that are both profitable , true , and good , rather then whas are pleasant and will soon turne to their damage ; Then against how many mischiefs and molestations would the Gate or entrance be shut up , If heretofore freely and truely I have spoken ought , do you that in your wayes are just and good , ( as Equities defenders are obliged ) receive it in good part , and set these bounds to your high potency which are prescribed you by the Laws measure : For what Law you hold here against others , God the King Supream against you and others of your place retains : Then whatsoever you shall judge of me , beleeve that God will judge the same of you . Her : When thou shalt come to Heaven speak heavenly things , but whi●e thou livest on earth , earths Laws abide . Iohn . To earthly Kingdoms reverence I bear , and Kings obey , but those eternall Kingdoms I hold my Country and their King adore . Her : The matter even it selfe i●structs thee how Kings to obey , that doest desire a King such Laws as thou ordeinest to obey . Iohn . If I may Laws ordeine , I would proclaime to Kings , their people should obedience yield , and Kings to God . Her : Thou hast enough contended bear him hence , the case is doubtfull , nought can I determine , untill all things more ceartainly appear . Chor. Who doth conceive that by a Tyrants words the close or hidden meaning of his mind , he can perceive let him well underdand , he trusts into a foule deceitfull glasse , God prosper and turne all things to the best , what my soule fears , it trembles to divine . Her. How wretched and how overwhelmed with care a Kings condition is , no tongue of man , or politique Oration can expresse , nor any thoughts attain ; the vulgar hold us only free and happy , that are vexed with terror , and with poverty besieged , with miserable servitude oppre●t : the people , whatsoever they desire , or love or dread , they freely dare confesse , and modest riches without fear en●oy : But when we walke abroad we must assume an honest persons habit , and are forced to promise courteously with gracious lookes , our anger to defer and hide our hate , till a fit season , chiefly then to threat , when greatest cause of fear our mindes torments : A modest Prince the people do desp●e , one rigerous they hate , the wavering vulgar we are compelled to serve , and can command nothing to our desire . This new-come Prophet if I cut off , I shall offend the people , if I preserve him , for my Royall State I little do provide , what shall I do then ? I must regard my Kingdom , none so neer as I am to my selfe , if I must serve the people for a Scepter , what 's more foolish then , while thou seekest to please the vulgar sort to cast away a Kingdom ? Joy and wrath the people rashly take , and rashly leave : t is now my resolution to conffrm the Royall power that I hold , with blood : the vulgar will be easily appeased . If by my sufferance this evill creep a little further , t will be past redresse , why he forsooth durst tell me to my teeth my marriage was unchast , and if he scape for this unpunished , his audacious will there will not rest , but Scepters to his Laws then he will force to stoop , then he will cast his Captives into chaynes , then he will seeke to rule , and not be ruled , give Laws to Kings , and turne all upside down , we must apply unto a g●owing evill speedy cure , flames rising must be quenched ere they increase . By suffering old injuries , we raise fresh contumelies , new reproachfull termes , If with the peoples favour I may gaine some satisfaction by this pun●shment , to wyn their favour I will not neglect : But if perverse against me they persist , What Malchus of our Laws may freely bable , what curious questions he may vainly cast with intricate debate , that , I conceive , concernes not me , and let the people know , this one Law to be kept , that they may think , All things to me are lawfull without Law . Chor. Oh thou Creator of this spatious Orbe , whose nod makes all things tremble , Heaven adorned with glittering stars , Earth variously deckt with flourishing Array , and Seas that swell with raging violent motions , ebbes and flouds : Hath not lowd flame that knew the former age , brought to our hearing thy then famous acts ? When thou by vigor of thy puissant arme , proud Kingdoms boasting of their , gold and wealth hast utterly abolished and exextirped us in their land to plant , their land to prepard , neither by counsell , strength , nor Arms of ours . But Heavens Almighty favour safely brought us through the fierce Armies , art not thou the King of 〈…〉 ? a●t not thou the God of the Iews Nation , by whose guiding hand ( our enemies destroyd ) their treacherous Tents we trampled under foot , con●iding not in our own strength and com●ge ; but in thee our most auspicious Leader , bringing spoyles and triumph to our Countrey● wilt thou now being once our Father , utterly for sake the people whom thou lovest ? Are we now left a f●ble for our foes ? Religion lyes with Piety despised ; in purpled Courts , fraud is predomanant ; the holy flocke yeild as a sacrifice their pious necks to the ●ell Axe , our Prophets by the sword perish ; our Tyrant enemies rejoi●e in our laments , and they they the Kingdom rule un●er pretext of piety and zeale , though punishment descr●ing whilest they smart , whose worth deserves a Kingdome . Ri●e , O Lord , and helpe thy people , To our Adversaries shew thy sel●e such as Thee our Fathers saw in the Red-sea , confounding Pharao●s Hoast ; Such as the Prophets boy did thee behold , when to disperse the flames throughout the Camp . Thou to thy fiery Horses gavest the re●gns . The must of error that obscures the light of humane understanding overwhelmed with a darke cloud : O Lord : now drive away , let both the Land warmd with the rising Sun , and that which . doth it in down-going view , confesse that onely thou c●nst all things do . The third Part. MALCHUS . THus truly is the state of humane things , That if God grant that we should have our wish , we are to seeke , uncertain what to chuse , what to refuse ; we covet honor , we●lth , Dominion , Heritage for us and ours , which having our desire , we often lose bondage , imprisonment , and shamefull flight unto our foes we wish , which oft beget their greatest glory , to our bitter shame : And surely I have learnd , that this is true ( not go to fetch examples a farre off ) by mine own dang●r ; for when this Baptizer , living remote from●s on Mountaine tops , bewitched and d●ew with him the rediculous rout ; I onely ( the rest idle ) did defend the Pharisees , Authority and worth : nor did I cease alwayes and means to try , untill this Adversaries guilty hands were strongly bound , and in the common Goal , his insolence allayed , and the whole Court his crimes had knowledge of by my redort ; and and yet his c●●mes imprisonment , and bonds , nought in my thog●hts avail , the peoples hearts the horrid power of this hellish plague hath so possest , and every one hath quast the deadly poyson , that they all bewaile his dangerous condition , yeilding honor unto his ●minent noworthy death . But wherescere he can , let MALCHUS go , their curse● h : cannot scape , at me they point , on me they looke with a Malignant eye , doing all favours to that wicked wretch , who hath bereft us of all differences in our a●●airs and orders , keeping watch before the Prison . Surely nothing now in misery exceeds us , that devote our selves ( all other businesse set apart ) unto the peoples profit ; he that slaves himselfe to them , may easily perceive , that such his favour he hath ill bestowed , as upon those that being ill inclined th●ough ●●nate malice , ever use to bear toward the ●ad , good will , and to-contemne the chiefest persons of a Common-weale . Oh whither shall I go ? how first complain , where shall my anger principally light ? whom shall I first assist ? the ungodly crew love that false Prophet , and the Rab●●es murmure , the King connives , the Nobles him neglect ! I only with these shoulders do support , even with these , our Countries falling Rites , none lending me a hand ; why then do I , and none but I , the common change bewayle ? shall I put o●f my office , and forsake our Orders , dignity , with all our lawes and sacred Rites , and suffer my poor selfe to be a laughing-stock to those that hate me ? I le do it , I le suffer it , I indeed I will ; for what else ●m I do ? shall I alone bear that my self , which all refuse to bear ? and lay my self forth to the publike ruine ? God keep his own , ●ith now the world is such , that every man must loc● unto himself : I le do the like , and if the Common-wealth I rule amisse , then let the ruine light upon my head ; those that now while I stand , favour me most , will first when I am falne , assault me with their heels ; if well I rule , and do ill place my favour , I shall get nothing but envy : now too lat● I like GAMALI●S advise , unlesse perhaps , no man from error can return too late ; I had rather they should seeke me constant here , than when all is done , my indiscretion punish : what seemeth good to each man , let him think I le rid my selfe of troubles , and repaire my favour with this Prophet ; nor will he being a simple hearted man reject me ; But If I finde him towards me pe●ver●e , I le set all engines , lest the people think he perisht by my craft ; if they to me be reconciled , the businesse will not fall on every side , and here I think he comes , he comes indeed , see what a company follows the wicked wretch , and we the while sit in the Cities heart amongst our Chairs , alone and 〈◊〉 but I first w●ll hear what this grand Mr. utters . IOHN . O thou that 〈◊〉 things dost make voyd , judge and rule what ere the ayre in its loose b●some bears , what ere the 〈◊〉 can precreate , ●r sea within its waters nourish ; thee there God all do acknowledge , 〈◊〉 ; thee alone finde the●r creation ; in a constant way thy laws once given , freely they ob●y ; At thy command the spring with flowers paints the sert●le fields , and fruits the summer yeilds , Autumne , pure wine abundantly aff●●ds , and winter with white frost the 〈◊〉 attires , the crooked Ri●ers rolle into the sea huge heaps of waters , the sea ebs and flows , the silver Moon illuminates the night , the golden Sun the day , and views this orb with never r●sting brightnesse ; To conclude , ther 's nothing whatsoere in heaven or earth that does not willingly its king obey , its maker love . and towards him declare with all the service possibly it can its good affection , but only man ; Man who is bound far more than all the rest Gods precepts to delight in and obey , only contemnes them , and rejects the reigns of laws divine ; yea , into every sin precipitates himselfe , accounts all just in his own strength , and measures right by lust . Malch . Thy fair beginnings as yet well proceed . Iohn Nor do I so much wonder at the Gentiles , that through the world do wander from the way , as at this people that themselves do boast to be Gods heritage , yet raile at others , and cry them down as impious , when no Nation on this globe seated whersoere the sun surveys the earth , lives more licentious . Mal. Surely as yet he hath sayd no untruth . Iohn Nor is this only the light vulgars fault : The Levite in white v●sture sh●ning far , and the Law writer of his knowledge proud , and you so reverend for age mature by oblique error , are drawn out o' the way , widdowes and orphans causes where you Judge , fall to the ground , the rich oppresse the poore , both right and wrong are set at equall price . Mal. To hear this and be mute , I burst with rage . Iohn But you , the Rabines , that in holy gifts and knowledge fain all othes to excell : And you the sacred dignity of Priests , and the chief Prelates of the sacred Order , tyth all the hearbs born of our mother earth , Dill , Mint , Rue , Garlick , Nettles , or green Hey , does not escape you . But if you should read or teach the Prophets oracles , and shew the track or steps of your own holy life , then your authority is stricken mute , then like dumb dogs that barke not : here you fret and fume about your sheep-coats , but the Wolves which of you drive away ? the Wolves sayd I ? you are the Wolves your selves that flee your flocke , cloth'd with their Woo●● , their milke dot slack your thirst , their flesh your hunger : thus your selves you feed , but not your flock . Mal. Hence Concord with a mischiefe , can I brooke my Order any longer to be checkt so insolently , with so base reproach ? if God from Heaven should send me with this charge , that these things I should hear such his command , I rather would decline , than hear so much : I can endure no longer , Ho sir , you master of mis-rule , is this doctrine yours ? do you instruct the silly people thus ? Iohn If you be good , those things that I declare , nothing concern you . Mal. To traduce a Priest , does it belong to thee ? Iohn When I reprove a wicked man , I hold it spoken well . Mal. A young man ought his elders to obey . Iohn 'T is rather meet that all should God obey . Mal. Then dost thou speak these things by Gods command ? Iohn . Truth doth command all men to speake the truth . Malch . It often profits to conceale the truth , Iohn . Profit with bad works joyned I nought account . Malch . Thou mayest call goodnesse what seemes bad to thee . Iohn . To see ( when I am able to reduce them into the way ) so many thousands perish , it seems too bad . Malch . Thou able to reduce them , why are not we the feeders of the flock . Iohn . If it be all one both to feed and fley . Malch . Do thine own businesse and let ours alone , Iohn . My neighbours misery is likewise mine . Malch . I pray , who are you with such power endued ? Are you that Christ unto our Fathers promised ? Iohn . I am not . Malch . Are you then a Prophet ? Iohn . Neither . Malch . Are you Elias ? Iohn . No . Malch . If none of these , nor Christ our hope , no Prophet nor Elias , how darst thou be the author of new Baptisme ? declare to me , whom shall we say thou art ? Iohn . I am a voice that one the Mountain tops afar off call and cry , Prepare the way , make strieght your paths , the Lord is neer at hand , at whose first coming shall the valleys rend , and Mountaines will be levyed with the plain , I in his name the people do baptize , whose shoes I am not worthy to pull off , whom none doth know thoug● he converse with you . Malch . What snares doth he invent , deluding me with circumstances , by what miracle provest thou the authority which thus thou claimest ? Iohn . And by what miracle thine canst thou prove ? I may on the other side thee also aske . Malch . How obstinate he is , bee 't nere so much that thou concealest , yet all of us do know , what makes thee mad : Thou surely doest desire to grow up through our envy , thou wouldest gain glory and mighty riches by our losse , and become potent by flagitious Acts nor doest deceive us but deceivst thy selfe : neither wert thou the first that did attempt thus to beguile , yet thee the last I wish , that may be duely punished , or that thou by my advise thy mind wouldst rather change , that as thou hast made many go astray through thee , they may into the way return , I have seen others that have made a shew of sever holinesse by outward habit , whereby more easily they might be thought of simple modest mind , but by such art , honor , and wealth when once they had obtained , their dispositions by degrees appeared and were discovered , for that pious course , well clokd before they openly contemned and to their true conditions gave the Reigns . But if this way thou aimest at honors hight , unskilfull men blinde ignorance deceives : By that Crosse path , to glory none attain , unlesse experience that best instructs , and age that such experience doth beget hath very much beguild mee , for thy fame and livlyhood thou better mayst provide seeking rather safty than renown . Ioh. If I deliver truth and do what 's right , wherefore should any bid mee hold my peace , but if untruth , doe you that are so learned declare it to the simple . Malch . Of these things , when thou shalt suffer punishment by death , thou wilt repent thee . Ioh. Threaten that to Those , who feare to die . Mal. But if I live , ere long , I 'le make thee muorn for this perversness , and know what it is , the Elders to neglect the Scribes , revile and vex the Rabines with thy saucy Tongue , and haply feele , since thou hast no regard to purchase friends , the power of old mens hate . Cho. He that himselfe prepares for secret stealth avoyds the light and Murderers doe hate a burning Torch , that 's conscious of their crimes : A childe refuseth medicines intermixt with bitter wormwood ▪ a cut wound abhorres the wholsome plaisters ; and to him whose breast the hidden evills of his soule torments , the truth is grievous , which doth open lay his troubled heart and his bad minde bewray . But O you Hypocrites in shew severe , whom lawlesse gaine with rugged brow delights through error of the credulous common sort , how well so ever you your thoughts conceale : And though the ●oule sinke of your impious minds be closely hid , your gnawing conscience argues your lurking secrets , That tormenter inclosed within your Entrailes eats you up , scourging with cruell stripes ; O three times blest , and more is he , that being pure within , becomes not guiltie to Domestick Iudges , nor by a torturer within his heart , pent up unseene , endures perpetuall smart . The fourth part . Malchus , Chorus , Herodias . THere is no certain trusting to the King , his and the Common cause , he hath betray'd through foule ambition , while hee bends his thoughts to please the people , and with favour hunts for ayrie applause ; Me , under shew of lenity , hee labours to subject unto the Co●●ons wrath , and with my perill would vindicate his wrongs , even prepar'd to satisfie the people with my head , as if he saw , they heavily did beare the Baptists death : But if to have the chiefe of their new Faction flaine , they took it lightly ; he subtily by the vulgar would be thought with greatest glorie to have tane revenge . Thus to themselves Kings of their Cities blood exhibite shewes by turnes , and make a sport of mutuall slaughter , challenge to themselves , and publish , all by them was only done , all whatsoever the vulgar Votes approve , and attribute our labours industry to their owne prayse ; but if the uncertain ayre of popular ●avour otherwise doe turn against their expectation and desire , then on their Officers they cast the fault , and with a vile breath , their own crime avert from innocent blood . One only now remaines a Partner of our griefe , the Queen enraged , much like a Tyger of her Whelps ●erest , for that the Baptist had before the King accus'd the alliance of her former Bed to be polluted , openly condemning the league of marriage with a Brothers wife forbidden by the Law : now while the fire of estuating wrath is fresh and hot ; I will adde fire-brands to her troubled thoughts , and feed them with fit language : But behold , how oppor●unely she presents her selfe . Chor. Now poison comes to poison , flame to flame , now comes the uttermost hazard . Malch . Noble Queen , our Nations glorious honour , who alone in this so great a Kingdom doe deserve the highest place , God save you . Qu. And thee Malchus , the most religious Rabine : but why sad ? Malch . For that which I suppose , your minde afflict . Qu. It may be so , but tell me , what is that ? Malch . Doe you , to see your dignity despis'd , your royall names authoritie so sacred throughout the world to be accounted vile , your Crown made subject to the vulgars sco●ne , beare it with patience ? Qu. What then shall I doe ? teach me a remedy . Malch . Within your heart conceive so high a wrath , as may be worthy of your Princely stock , your nuptiall bed and bosome . Qu. That 's done already , I am burst with ire , weep and exclaime and sharply reprehend , but no reliefe by wrath or teares I gaine , for all my words are scattered by the winde . Mal. If with your husband a meet power you had , would he have born your wrongs thus unrevenged ? Or rather ( may I speak more truly ) his . Qu. Thou feest the people , how they be inclinde . Perhaps by this imprisonment the King , The Baptists eager spirits think to ●uaile , and to allay his boldnesse ? Malch . If you suppose imp●isonment and bonds , Can bridle the fierce spirit of this thiefe , Your Highnesse erres ; The rage of savage beasts , That break their Dens and libertie regain , Is much more vehement them theirs that range , In woods or desert Mountaines : Being freed , What will not he attempt , Whose ●etters now the people reveren●e , wrath once ●rovokd is kindled not a●laid , by taunts and scorn the haughty spirit is 〈◊〉 f●ry bor● . Qu. This benefit should rather quench it quite , For that by royall mildnesse he is free , Who by his own perversnesse might have perished . Mal. What your esteem a benefit , he holds an injury , and will more oft remember , that you imprison'd him , then set him free . Qu. A rough and crabbed na●ure , thou relat'st . Malch . This in most men is naturally graff'd , What favour you afford is quickly lost , but what disfavor , no man doth forget , Good turnes if born in memory with bad , All men well neere doe hate , Think that the Baptist , as oft as he remembers your Desert , will not his crime forget , and still believe , he is not loo●e from that , But in your thoughts , a guilty man by soule ambi●ion freed , His paine remitted and you wrath supprest but for a time . Qu. Yet courtesie prevailes to mitigate fierce natures . Malch . What with long use is hardned to the worst , We much more easily may break then bend . Qu. What , doe you then advise me in this case ? Malch . I 'le shew you quickly , may I be believ'd . Qu. And what your counsell I will not delay . Malch . By seeking , agitating , and providing , ( not fitting still ) great things are brought to passe . Qu. If seeking , agitating and providing nought may availe , 't is better to sit still , then to make work in vaine , and be to others a mocking stock . Malch . Where strength oft cannot , labour overcomes : a tall Oake is not suddenly born down , nor does the warring Ram at one assault overthrow the wals , what , often you suppose cannot be finished , is in time dispatched● And importunity doth overcome , what reason sometimes cannot ; therefore seeke , solicite Herod , mingle teares with suite , wrath with monitions , flattring words with brawles , work and intreat him by what meanes you can , embracing all occasions every where ; But if by such plaine course you cannot speed , set snares and use deceit , for mine own part , I am resolv'd untill , we finde successe in our desig●ments , never to desi●t . Cho. Envie at length , and bitter grie●e incens'd by impious F●ries , on this pious Prophet have cas● the venome of their cruelty ; from thence fierce calum●ny and false de●raction joyned with fell cruelty , by cursed fraud maintaine the battell , from hence harmlesse truth s●pported by no guard , their threats contemnes . So many weapons doe one head assault ; so many su●tle drifts doe menace death to this young man , yet like the hardy Holme , with North-east wi●ds assaulted , or a Rock , that 's ●eaten by the Seas returning flood , ●e with no fear is mov'd : O power divine by all men to be hono●'d ! candid Truth , whom neither force of armes with trembling feare , nor fraud with all her projects can depell from her firme station or unmov'd estate . The grievous changes of unstable fortune th●u only fearest not , and dost arme thy breast , obnoxious to no chances , with a strength insuperable , and th●● impartiall hand of the three Ladies , both of life and death for bidst us to begriev'd at . But this Prophet I am too slow to meet with , and relate the ruthful'st newes that ever pierc'd his eares ; yet see he stands before the prison doore . O thou more holy then thy holy Parents , and th'only ●cred it of old innocence ! Now for thy safetie in due time provide : The Rabine Malchus privately intends deceit against thee , and King Herods wife , unwitting what to doe is almost mad ; The Courtiers flatter her , the King diffembles what he conceives , and others twixt the teeth mutter , as those that dare not speak the truth . Now is your finall perill . Ioh. And what 's that ? Cho. To escape death , you shall have much to doe . Ioh. Of eminent evills , I hold that the sum . Cho. Then which , none greater can a man befall . Ioh. As Tyrants power and deceit may cease , Times length may bear it of its own accord , Which evill men do f●ar , good men do wish . Cho. But your own safety though you doe neglect , consider ours , and that high spirit of yours a while remitting , sue for Herods mercy , and make some friends , I hope he will not prove inexorable . Ioh. Doe not I doe this ? Cho. That minde , God grant you . Ioh. To sue there 's no need , for that minde ●ath been long now with my blood the Tyrant hasts to satisfie his wrath : Neither doe I rcsist , how am I able rather to pacifie this bloody King , Then when the same things , we will not and will . Cho. Good words I pray . Ioh. Why then report you thus , and thus advise me ? ●●y there are two Kings , and they on both sides two things bid me doe that be repugnant , The one King is earthly cruell and mischievous , who threatens death , and hath a power my body to destroy ; The other heavenly , mercifull and milde , forbids me death to fear , and a reward proposeth to my tourage , being able in flames inevitable to torment body and soule : Now seeing these two Kings doe differ in command , give mee advice . wh●ther I ●●all obey . Cho. If now ●ccasion offerd you omir . Herod will never after be appeas'd , but God is ever easie to be pleas'd . Ioh. Gods anger , the more gently it doth rage , the more severely punishment req●ires , being once mov'd . Cho. So , death which God would have all mortals feare , doe you disdaine ; the body with the soule , he in a mutuall bond of love hath knit , lest unadvisedly some cause be offred , that may their holy fellowship disjoyne . Ioh. Death I disdain nor , but by momentany . shun that erernall , and the use of light which God hath given me , at his command I willingly surrender . Cho. Will you then , being a Parent thus forsake your Orphans . Ioh. He who believes that God his Father is , shall never ●eean Orphan . Cho. Can the teares of all your friends and kindred , whom you leave unto a spightfull Tyrant move you nothing ? Ioh. I leave them not , but they mee rather leave ; for truly unto death I run the way from the beginning of the world ordain'd , yea all men that enioy the gift of life are born to die , and and wee are all restrain'd with one con●ition , we tend all to death , and thither every day doth surely lead us ; God will have death a pennance to the bad , and to the good a Port , the utmost bounds of a long iourney , and the Gate that leads to the beginning of a longer life , that sends us rather born againe then dead . unto a glorious house of endlesse light ; This is to man from prison a relcase and a free passage to life wanting death ; this way the whole flock of the Fathers went , and all must follow them : what man is he , that having once begun a race to run , desires not instantly the goale to gaine ? who , by night wandring in the stormy Sea , refuseth shelter in a quiet Port : What exile straying or'c the Desert Hills of a strange Countrey , will bee discontent into his own to make a quick returne ? I therefore having overpast my way , suppose my selfe come to the very goale . Now almost quitted from the sea of life , I view the Haven ; from a forraign soyle , home I return to see my heavenly father , that father who with waters bounds the earth ; invested earth with Heaven , he that rules the certain courses of the moving Sphear , who only all things made , guides and preserves ; to whom all things both quick and dead doe live even as the flame it's Globes doth upwards roll , waters perpetually downw●rd● fall , and all things do proceed to their own foment ; my 〈◊〉 from heavendeso●nded , labours now , a habitation in eternall light 〈◊〉 gaine with him that all things did create , whom not to see , is death , life to behold . If Caucasus rough-growne with hoary frost , the Ayre with Tempests and the Sea with stormes , and the whole Region with excessive heate should all resist me , thither I would goe ; to see so many Leaders , Prophers , Kings , and pious Iudges , shall I not make way , though , with a thousand deaths I be oppos'd ? My spirit therefore from this body freed , ( this carnall prison ) thither longs to flye , Even whither all the world betimes or late shall be dispatch'd ; For long life I conceive , is nothing , but a gentle Servitude in a hard painfull prison ; O sweet death , that art of heavy Toyles the sole Release , the Haven where all grief and trouble cease , yet unto few men profitable known : Receive this shipwrackt body in thy bosome , and bring it where eternall peace abides , whither no impious violence , deceit , or ealumny shall follow it . Chor. O thou , thrice happy in this constancy of mind , O wretches that we are , whom foolish feare debarres the sweet Society and sight of true felicity ; Then since thou hold it what 's needfull to be done , to thee we wish eternall health and Farwell . How are the minds of men in wayes unlike turn'd by discordant strite ? of no offence he that is guilty , doth not feare to dye , he that deserves to dye , if with vaine threats death lightly greet him , with degenerate feare growes pale and trembles ; As the wicked wight shunnes death with heavy heart , so he that 's good , of death des●●ous , thorough flames and flouds , o're deveous Rocks , all dangers and E●●●remes , freely precipitates his noble Soule ; For sundry benefits to death belong to evill men unknowne , a happy life is Fates Associate ; neither doe the Good totally dye , but still their better part contemnes the greedy fire and Mounts aloft to its own Country , Heaven ; Amongst the Saints a certain Habitation doth attend soules that are harmlesse , but the guilty G●●ost , by snake haird Furies in a brimstone lake , with greedy C●rberus his hungry I● wes , and Tan●alus with plenty never fill'd , is evermore affrighted , gnawne and whipt ; from hence comes feare to evill men ; from thence good hope to good men , even while their mindes , appeating prodigall of brittle breath , hasten to prosecute unfading life ; O ●yren ! potent in bewitching baits , Life , that abhorring goodnesse , dost affect what 's fraudulent , and with thy flattering might precludst the neighbout passage of our sinnes , and shutst the Haven of perperuall peace ; Where neither Martiall clamor doth affright , nor Trumpets , with hoarse clangor doe 〈◊〉 nor pilling pi●●tes terifie by ●e● , nor cruell theives beset the silent grove , nor my one made 〈…〉 Felix , that alone with pleasant case he may himselfe besot the poore and weakeore-whelmes with bloudy flaughter , neither he , that for vaine Titles may exchange the lives of the rude Commons , but where simple vertue with faire prosperity and tranquill rest possesseth all , and day can never learne to end in darknesse , nor life ever know of any fi●erall , nor Ioy of griefe . O thou sweet freindship of this carnall house , and thou too lovely prison of our life ; Now , now at length free from bewitching Bonds the heaven-borne soule of man , which too unmindefull of her owne Country joyfull in the yoke of her d●generate foule nuptiall bed , and with somniferous I ethe● poysoning sloth inebriated , in thy lapthou huggst . O thou deceitfull covering of day , into thy ashes vanishing returne , That to her country Heaven the soule reslord , may fill it selfe with becames of purest light . So from all sorrow shee shall be enlargd . And of all troubles thou by death dischargd . The Fifth part . The Queene . The Rabine Malchus hath my hopes beguilde , and Herod hath himself with mee his Queene , ( fearing the rumors of the babling crew ) through his owne yanity alike betrayd . Next , for my daughter , what shee may effect , I greatly feare , the King did promise herat his great banquet , that he would reward her danceing feates ( which gave him high content ) with whatsoever shee of him should aske . Now unto mee the girle hath past her word , that shee would aske of him none other boone , but in a dish to have the Baptists head ; And she will have it , certainly shee will , If Horods mind be not to me unknown , The peoples hatred I conceive on mee hee will divert , himselfe remaining free : And I will beare it when the deed is done , and with willing heart : with joy of my revenge weighing their hate , and with my gaine my staine , For women to be cruell 't is a shame , a shame indeed : unlesse more shame it were ▪ that of such nature there are many Kings : But H●rod and my daughter doe appeare , the ncor●r my hope is , my feare the 〈…〉 doth burne . Herod , Daughter , Queene . Her. And hast thou 〈◊〉 sufficiently 〈…〉 Daught . 〈…〉 enough and royal . Her● . Never fear , things that are 〈◊〉 establish● with my faith and before witnesses , aske halfe my kingdome , it shall be thine , no power can avert him that is willing . Daugh . We shall shortly see what thing it i● . Hero . 'T is certain , ask it now . Daugh . Your Kingdome Sir I need not , which I deeme even as mine own while you possesse the Crown , as if I held the Scepter , but I aske a thing both meet and easie . Hero . Thou thy selfe ( not I ) art in the fault thou hast it not . Daugh . Give me the Bapists head then in this Charger . Hero . What words are these by thee so rashly vented ? Daugh . Not rashly neither . Hero . Thou demand'st a gift that ill become a Virgin . Daugh . To destroy an enemy is no uncomly deed . Hero . Is therefore he an enemy and worthy of a Kings wrath . Daugh . He 's worthy of such wrath , who by his crimes deserves it . Hero . What redresse may I then purchase for the peoples hate ? Daugh . The people must obey , and Kings command . Hero . 'T is a Kings duty iust things to command . Daugh . Kings by commanding , may make those things iust which were before uniust . Hero . But Kings commands , the Law doth moderate . Daugh . If that be right , which pleaseth Princes , then they rule the Lawes , ●ot the Lawes them . Hero . Then , for a King , a Tyrant the people will divulge me . Daugh . But your Scepter keeps them in awe . Hero . It doth , and yet they 'l babble . Daugh . Such babbling Sir , by punishment severe is brid●ed . Hero . Kingdomes are ill kept with feare , Daugh . And Kingdomes by impunity of crimes are easily subverted . Hero . Yet we finde , Kings are securest in the Cities faith . Daugh . It is not needfull that a King be lov'd , but fear'd . Hero . The cruell are or● whelm'd with hate . Daugh . A gentle King the Vulgar do● despise . Qu. My Lord , all you have pleaded only tends , in my opinion , that your promise past , in vaine may passe away , as yet me thinks , you do not know the duties of a King ; if th●se things which the common sort ●uppose hone●t and otherwise ; you , for a King bel●eve to be the same , King Herod erres . Brothers and sisters , fathers , sonnes in law , friends , kindred , Citizens , and adverse parties , are bonds for poor men , but vaine words for Kings ; Let him that on his head once puts a Crowne , put from him all degrees of Common duty ; let him judge all things honest that conduce to a Kings benefit , and hold no fact to be unseemly , that he shall effect for his ow●e safety ; on the King depends the peoples welfare ; Whosoever then to wards his Prince is pious , hath regard unto the pecples welfare : shall the blood of this base fellow be so highly prizd , that for anxietie by day nor night you can repose ? release us of this feare , of shame , your Scepter , and of waste , your City , of rapine , Armes , and all of civill warre ? 'T is fit by an example new and great , you should ordein that Kingdomes to all men be sacred and inviolably stand ; he has committed an ungracious act , and by that let him perish ; if no crime he has committed let him seeke for me● : Give to your Queene her enemy , your Queene if you neglect , yet as a King and father your promise to your daughter see performd . Her. That Promise to performe with my best faith I am determind , but if my advice , the ●i●le doe aske more wisely shee will wish . Qu. But if shee aske my counsell , yours my Lord she may not change or take . Her. Is 't even so ? should I so unadvised have made a vow ? thus to a foolish girle my faith obligd ? and thus committed to a womans ha●ds my Kingdome , safety , treasure , life , and death ? Qu. Kings promises let certaine truth confirme . Her. Well . fith I may not , what I may deny againe I doe admonish and intreat ; let not wrath urge you to a bloudy act , unworthy of your dignity and sex . Qu. Grant this , and leave all other things to us . Her. If of the Prophet you determi●e ought more rigourous , the perill , blame , and shame is only yours . Qu. Now shall we vindicate our royall dignity in future times to be of none derided , now I 'l force the flubborne people to speake well of Kings or learne it to their grief , and make them hold that all their Kings commands they gladly must beare and obey though never so unjust . Chorus . Cho. O thou great City where King David reign'd , you Towers of wealthy Salomon and Salem , from whence against thy Prophets doth arise a rage so terrible , and cruell thrist of blood so innocent ? unhappy thou , whom it becomes to be a pattern , rule , or helme of pi●ty , art now become the only mirror of a wicked life : Slaughter with violence , fraud , theft and rapine , are thy chiefe exercise , no Godly zeale perswades the Churchman to restraine his hands from horrible deceits , the people now forsake the Lord , that all things did create , and worship Idols for God , stone and wood , with Calves and Lambes their Altars are still hot , and Images the workman doth adore , which hee himself hath wrought , life he requires of a meere stock , and eloquence he craves of a dumb stone , the rich intereats the poore , the Lo●●● the Servant , ancient Rites are lost ; The guiltlesse Prophets blood brings thee perforce to the Tribunall of the greatest Iudge , The poore exclaime and widowes fill the ayre with their complaints , for which the fearfull paine of just revenge attends the● , unlesses ● be in my divination much de●eiv'd , for he● that throwes down insolence and pride , ( being the 〈◊〉 of Neaven , Earth and Seas ) views from above th'oppressed peoples teares , their heav●e prayers never doth forget , and speedily with a 〈◊〉 arme , will punish thy unspeak●ble misdeeds : And over 〈◊〉 thy Towers , where with thou swelst in silent victor-like , The barbarous foe , shall all thy Buildings , Farmes and Lands possesse ; The V●neyard Keeper shall repaire his fruit to am Out 〈◊〉 Master ; And where now Salomons Temple high towards Heaven do th●ise , ● foraign ru●tick shall his harvest make : O therefore , while Gods favour to rep●●● affords thee respit of thy ill pa●t life the sinnes 〈…〉 a move those fruitlesse Images of foreigne Rites : Cu●b thy proph●●e desire of wretched wealth , and greedy thirsting for thy Brot●●rs blood ; But thou wilt not repent thy ill past lif● , 〈…〉 Rites amove , nor shun the greedy thirst of brothers blood , not one profane desire of wretched wealth : A vicious P●ague shall therefore fe●se on thee : Famine and warre , with barrennesse 〈◊〉 want , shall over whelm thee , no● to be withstood ; till thou be quitted with dese●●ed blood . Nuncius , Cho●●s . Nun. Where may I finde ( O who will tell me where ? ) The Prophets followers , that I may relate my heavy tydings . Ch● . Stay your pace a while , 〈…〉 in briefe , for what you beare I gladly would pertake . Nun. O but to know , what you to know desire , 't will not delight you . Cho. Yet your short abode think not too long , how ere the master stands . Nun. Know you what boone the Daughter of our King hath beg'd of him . Cho. To have the Prophets head given her in a Charger . Nun. And his head , even so shee hath obtaind . Cho. O horrible and most inhumane act ; that heavenly vigour and comly countenance by rigorous death is utterly decayed , and cruell force with ever during silence hath shut up those lips that did abound with sacred vertue . Nun. why weepe you ? cease to poure out vaine complaints . Cho. When things to be bewaild I see and heare , why should I not bewaile them ? Nun. If death be to be bewaild , let us bewaile the dead , whose hopes doe with their bodyes lye interrd ; who doe not thinke , their short sleep being done , their bones must rise again , and there remaines another life , Let wretched men bewaile those that are dead , and only wretched liv'd ; None can be made by fortune miserable , though the like and of mortall life betide the innocent and guilty , good and bad , no man shall die ill , that hath lived well : If by the severall manners of their ends you judge men miserable , you will thinke so many holy fathers to be such , who dyed by fire , or water , sword or crosse , for him that dyed Defender of the truth , both for Religion and his Countrey Lawes , in all good things pursuing wee should pray , and wish to have like end or funerall day . Cho. Verily you have uttered nought amisse , but we whom errors and opinion draw , foolish by flying death with death doe meet , the water drowning whom the fire hath spard ; And by the power of contagious ayre , others are killd that have escap'd the sea , And some , that in the battell have surviv'd , with sicknesse pyning die ; God doth ordeine wee may deferre , but not our deaths eschew ; And daily wee delay our houres of death , yet with Diseases , danger , troubles , griefe : Long life is nothing , but a brittle chaine Of diuturnall evill , which is knit With a contiuall course , and speedy race , Even to the bounds of death : Not doe wee hold , ( Bound with this bond ) our selves to bee inthral'd In misery , but feare the fatall knife , With deeper horror then a servile life . FINIS . 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