brarv , OR. THE PERSIAN PATRIOT. miGI.NAIi DRAMA, * ' i 3^ >* IN FIVE As performed at the Theatre in Boftoru BY Correaed and improved by a Literary Friend. S05T02V, PRINTED BY JOHN KUSSEL& - l8oo. . PROLOGUE. i E rightful fovereigns of a fertile foil, Where copious plenty pays the laborer's toil ; Where growing commerce freights each fknvr With CERES' bounty, and with NEPTUNK'S/ Since your brave iires their ravage inmates en:.' The tocfm filenc'd, and the war-whoop hufh'd ; The hoftile canvafs lefs'ning from your fhore, The laft remains of curd invafion bore ; Dead be the mem'ry of a noble foe ; Where bled the hero, let the olive grow. Let dove-eyed peace fucceed to -war's alarms, Bid favage rancor ruft on ufelefs arms ; Her ampleft boon to modeft merit give, And guard thole arts by which your glories live. Your approbation's fmiles let genius fhare ; From chilling frofts its budding bloiforns fpare. Let not the panders of your taite oppolc The ibn ; Me, to the native rofe. With nothing higher than a noble aim, Your CANDOR'S all the author dares to claim. Untaught by rules, he makes his guide the heart, And modcil nature deems the pride of art. No tragic tale firmi hift'ry forms his plan ; His fads are pallions, raid their hift'ry, man. While in the court the flipple pander fliines, And cheerlcis virtue in the dur .s ; The elder world's dif afters rife 1 To foil the ihibbom virtues of the new: While thefe in contrail on the flage appear ; There die proud deipot tlie firm patriot here ; That rob'd in power this, arm'd with nature's laws ; From fee.. -is moral drav.-s. . O, learn, Columbia's foils, to prize your land, -re no bold tyrant dares "to lift his hand ; Where rules a chief, whole power is all your own. Virtue, his fceptre and the laws, his throne j Whe, . h every freeman's pride, And, to rebel were worie than fuicide ! To captious critics, vers'd in fcenic laws, He dares not truft the merits of his canfe. View then., ye lib'ral, with a candid eye, Kill not the bird, that firft attempts to fly, But aid his efforts with parental care, Till his weak pinions learn to ply the air, 'Till the young pupil dare aloft to rife, And ioar, with bolder flights, his native fkies. if| 047 rform of tlje MEN; D,aranzsl 9 ------- Mr. BARRETT. tdlledon, Mr. BAKER. Orcafto t - ------ Mr. S. POWELL Bartour, - Mr. MUNTO. Arkm, ------- Mr. USHER. Cafmir, Mr. KENNY. Orontest Mr. COLE. Afaph, -------- Mr. LATHY. 0/mjn, ------- Mr. HARPER.' Officers; Guards, Prifcners, &c. WOMEN; Indamora, .---- Mrs. S. POWELL. Zara, - ------ Mrs. -BAKER. Zaphira, - Mrs. BARRETT. ACT L SCENE I. Daranzel's Camp. * A diftant view of the City, Caftle, Harbour and Fleet; Enter OSMYN, as from a ?narch* OSMYN. WHAT awe profound the arms of freedom Ihow ! When juftice calls, 'tis glorious to direct The avenging fword O ! War, thou pride, and fiiame Of man ! thy awful pomp fwells the warni tide Of youthful blood, and half abforbs my grief. But lo, Orcafto comes a true bred foldier ! To bid me welcome in my country's caufe. To him fhall friendfhip, fchooPd in earlieft youth, Devote one focial hour ; then War ! Revenge ! And Death 1 1 dedicate myfelf to you ! Enter ORCASTO. hail great Daranzel's fon ! let me but find A place among Orcafto's friends I alk No higher rank, no greater bleffing : Grcafto. The man who draws his fword in free- dom's caufe Needs not to ajk the friendfliip of Orcafto \ He is my brother, and compels my love. 6 DARANZEL. The faithful zeal thou fliow'ft for Perfia's rights, Enrols thy name among her nobleft friends. To thy whole race is liberty indebted ; Scarce had the morning gilt the fpires of Ormus 9 When thy brave father join'd DaranzePs army j And now the fon with equal ardor fir'd, Afferts his kindred to the blood of heroes. Ofm. Thanks, good Orcafto be't our 'mutual aim/ To value glory 3 only as it gives To injured man a bulwark 'gainft oppreflion.- Ore. Such Roman fentiments of patriot virtue Are not ill Mted to the time's emergence. The number of our foes is now increas'd By hireling troops of Calledon's allies, Whofe fleets now anchor in the bay of Ormus.-^ But fay, my Ofmyn, when thy mind furveys This mufly edifice of regal power * Oppreffion's toil propp'd up by long content ; Does not fome thought, revolting from our purpofe^ Stir up thy. doubts, and bid thy arm decline The blow that ftrikes the vafl coloiTus down ? Ofm. Had the proud fabric juftice for its bafe, Time's lateft hour might witnefs its duration ; But when 'tis founded on our pillag'd rights, And with the blood of innocence cemented, Its enemy is champion of our race ; In fuch a caufe, a doubtful thought were traitor, And mercy were but treafon, falfely nam'd. Ore. True my good Ofmyn. Buttofpare one gem, One precious gem, from ruin'd royalty, Would be more worth than worlds to this fond heart, That glows with love, and bleeds for thee, Zaphira. DARANZEL. j Ofm. What fays my friend ? I know t&ou lov'ft the Princefs, And fpeed the time, when liberty fecur'd, Shall blefs your mutual hopes in fplendid peace. On me, Orcafto, ne'er will dawn that day ! The {harped arrow from misfortune's bow, Has pierc'd this heart, ancjhalf unman'd its vigor. Thou oft hail heard the treacherous tale rehears'd, And wept with me the lofs of many a friend, ' The victims of our foes to make themfelves The firft in crimes, pre-eminent in bafenefs, They've clos'd the tragic fcene with female blood. And wreak'd their brutal vengeance on my wife. Ore. Whofe fword has wounded thus the foldiers honor, And fix'd upon its owner's name the mark Of infamy f Ofm. The curs'd Belleferon's. Ore. Fit deed for one, who heads the foes of freedom, Ofm. Four days ago he went, herald of peace, And clemency ! to murder all, Who dar'd to advocate DaranzeFs caufe. Like the guant wolf who feeks th* unguarded flock, He, in my abfence, found his prey Silena Fell by his hand, greatly difdaining life, Oil his bafe terms. What unexpected fate Awaits mankind ! fecure of blifs, I found Silena gafh'd with wounds, and pale in death ! Struck with the fight, it chilFd my blood, And ftamp'd a gloom on every object round. Ore. I know from feeling, how to pity forrow ; And what it is to burn v/ith indignation. ft DARANZEL. Long time agone, thofe veterans in fraud. Who only war with women and with babes, Seiz'd from my mother's arms her infant child. The darling object of Daranzel's love ; Whether me lives, fequeftered from her friends, Or lies among the martyrs of our caufe, No diligence can learn. My mother too, Still languifhes, imprifoned by the king, Who holds her life at his imperious will. Ofm How can you bear with equal mind fuchills ? Had I thy fteady foul, I might ride iafely Through war's rough ftorm,and wifh to enjoy the calm Of peace \ but, fpite of all my fortitude, Alternate grief and rage invade my breaft, And urge to juft revenge, to glorious death. An infant fon, my only folace left, May ftill furvive to bear his father's name, And tafle the fweets of freedom and of peace, Bought with the blood of all his anceftors. Ore. We both are brothers in misfortune's lineage f Ofm. Then let this hour be facred to our friendfhif Ore. I ,give my heart and hand in mutual league. My father and myfelf may fall in battle ; If my imprifoned mother iliould furvive Our death ; be thou her fon ; avenge her wrongs ; And if my filter live, whate'er her fate May be, protecl her for Orcafto's fake, And be to her a brother ? Ofm. This if I live, Shall be my care ; but mould I fall, and you Outlive your friends ; when you fliall hear my fon, With flowing eyes, cry, " where is my father /" . DARANZEL. ; Be thou to him a father and a friend ; Imprint thy virtues on his tender mind, And form his foul for all that's great and good ^ The thought will banifli every wifh to live, ylnd foften all the pangs that death can give. (Exeunt* SCENE II. The Palace. ZAPHIRA and ARLEM. ArL Princefs, obedient to thy orders, I approach thy prefence. Zaph. Arlem, I know thee generous and brave j My confidence in thee has been well prov'd j This hour demands thy fteadieft honor, And thy fureft friendfiiip. ArL Whatever fate awaits thy royal father, Thou art fecure in all his fubject's love, Zaph. Thou doft not fathom all my forrow's depth ; My mind no longer can fupport their weight j Thou muft be partner in my fecret anguifh. I am prepared to meet Daranzel's fword ; Or bear the ftern reproaches of my father ; But can no more endure the dead'ning filence, The cold indifference of Orcafto. ArL Oft have I feen the courtier's color change, When, at the mention of Orcafto's name, The imprifonM figh ha* rifen from thy heart, Which, while it fpoke their rival's triumph there, Blafted their fondeft hopes their hopes in thee. Zapb. Hope and defpair too long have carried en Their wafteful war within my tortur'd foul. This hour muft end the conflicT: yes, Orcafto ! If thou haft love, here is its certain teft (holding a letter. ic BARANZEL. Here, Arlem, take this letter, 'tis the clue To unwind the fecret to Orcafto's heart, Reveal my deftiny, and change, perhaps, The fate of Calledon, I know thy will Joins with my father's foes j but thou wouldft fpare His life, and eafe a daughter's anguilh. ArL Whatever Zaphira wills commands my fervice, Zapb. Bear to, Orcafto's tent the flag of truce ; And with thee take this ring, the facred pledge. To him well known ; it mall be thy protection. Deliver him this letter ; as he reads it, Read thou his looks ; note every word, and bring Me back with diligence his anfwer. ArL My life mail be devoted to thy charge. [#//. Zaph. [/0/w.] Andiffuccefs attend thy faithful zeal, (And heaven I'll importune with prayers to fpeed thee,} If on the tablet of Orcafto's heart One fond remembrance of Zaphira live, My father yet may reign in peaceful Perfia, Blefs'd with Daranzel's and the people's love. [,%//, SCENE in. DaranzeFs Tent., DARANZEL meeting OSMYN. Dar. Qfyrnn! our country's genius hails thee welcome. And to our hands commits the fate of Peru*a. Of?)!. Too long Daranzelhave we brook'd oppreffion; Freedom, in exile, mourns, our nation's wrongs, And calls on us to reaffert its rights. Enter ASAPH. Afap. From Calledon a herald has arriv'd, And afks a fecret audience with Daranzel. (Exit Ofmyn. DARANZEk Enter CASMIR. Caf. Before I fpeak my embafTy, let me Avow my loyalty to Perlia's king. Dar. Thou may 'ft enjoy thy king, and he thy loy- alty. Caf. Are you ftill enemy to Callcdon ? Car. So far as he is enemy to man. Caf. Our king is man's/rc/^tfr, not his^ His fubjects pay their homage to him ftill, And own him for their lord, and heaven's vicegerent i Dar. The fmilcs of tyrants, and the praife of Haves, May barter equal in your matter's court. Caf. Your haughty fpirit,and your thirllfor power, May make you wifli the place of Calledon ; And you may varnifh your licentious deeds, With the fair guife of _/?{/?/<: All Perua ftamls prepared to pour her legions Upon your fervile hefts ; Pve only led The few whofe courage difcipline has tutor'd, And we have fworn by him, who made us free, To break our country's chains, or greatly fall, A facrifice at freedom's holy altar. Caf. Prefumptuous boailer ; bafe,vain glorious man ! Thy proud ambition and imperious pride, Which prompt thee thus, with mofl diflpyal outrage, To erect againft thy lawful fovereign's throne The fickle tumult of the mob, that page Thy heels are their own chaiiiiement ! * Mark me, pretender ! haft thou not forgot. Some tilTue of thy fate, whofe certain clue Our monarch holds fome fecret avenue To reach thy heart, and peirce it to the core With every malady, that anguifh knows ? Do'ft not remember (if ihoM'R feeling left, 'Twill void more poifon than the fcorpion's tooth,) Do'ft not remember, that our royal matter, To avenge thy crimes on all thy rebel race, Still holds in durance ftrong, thy captive wife, Whofe very life its forfeiture incurs, Upon the beck and pleafure of his will ? Dar. Do I remember ? Can I forget thee, Zara ? no never So judge me heaven when thou rememb'teft me ! i 4 DARANZEL. Yes, fupple pander, to thy mailer's lliame, I do remember, fince our nation's wrongs Have rous'd its manly fpirit into arms ; Your brave, your royal legions, not daring. To attack my army> have, with coward theft. Way-laid and took by treachery my ivifo Unguarded by a foldier's arm thefe are Your boafted deeds women by rapine feizM, And murder'd or immur'd in prifon hufbands Torn from their wives and helplefs babes, and rack'd In torment on the wheel, or ling'ring out A life, or rather a whole age of death, In all the dreary horrors of a dungeon ! Caf. Thou know'il, Daranzel, by our facr^d laws. The life of every fubject is the king's ; And he has by his royal fceptre fworn, If you his proffer'd mercy fpurn, the life Of you and your vile mob, ihall fate his vengeance* And that your wife, on my return, ihall live, Or die, as you are loyal, or difloyal To your fovereign, Dar. Egregious parafite ! She is protected by that king who guards The juft, and will avenge the crimes of defpots- Go, prince of courtiers, tell your haughty lord, That if he dares to flied another drop Of guiltlefs freemen's blood, Daranzel, Whom he doth threat with death, and his brave troops Shall e'er the fun has blufh'd upon his crimes, Avenge his wrongs, and fit his vaffals free ! Caf. I have no more to fay you're fully bent Upon your own dcftrucUon. Go on proud man, DARANZEL. 15 -And let the wrath of an offended king Decide your fate ! Dar. Nay ; let the fire of heaven Decide the fate of an offended king, And punifh, or reward, us both, as we Regard or violate his facred laws. [Exit Cafmlr. Re-enter OSMYN. Ofm. What terms, Daranzel, does the monarch offer ? Dar. The price of freedom muft be paid with blood, Slavery, or death, are all the terms he offers. Ofm, Then give us death, if war decide it thus. Thofe foreign flaves in whom the king confides, Strike not a terror in the field of battle. Our troops are emulous to meet the foe, And count the ufelefs moments long, that hold The prormYd wreaths of victory from their brows. Dar. Be it our care to lead them on to glory, Direct by difcipline their manly zeal, Infpire its ardor for the public weal, Till its full tide, on fome aufpicious day, Burft o'er the throne, and fweep its wrecks away. [Exeunt. i END OF THE FIRST ACT. ACT II. SCENE I. A Field near the city. Moonlight. ZAPHIRA tf/jc/ARLEM, in tie habits of Perfian Soldier;. Zafh. Be on your guard* my faithful ArleiD ; 1 6 ' DARANZEL, Uncommon trembling feizes on my frame. Has no patrole obferv'd our wandering fteps. Or glanc'd upon my face ? Arl. Fear not, my princefs ! Your helmet, and the -veil of night, have hid You from fufpicion's eye. We're fafe beyond The guards. Zaph. At yonder grove, and at this hour, You fay was his appointment ? Arl. The time and place. Zaph. Ah ! who walks yonder ? Arl. If, by the moon's dim light, I fee aright, 'tis his majeflic form Orcafto's felf, approaching to the grove. Zaph. 'Tis he. oh ! tell me Arlem, once again* How did he look, when he receiv'd the pledge j And with what words reply ! Art. When he received the ring, a filcnt fadnefs His vifage mark'd ; and, as he read your letter, Oft chang'd his color ; thrice he kifs'd the token ; Then paus'd and figh'd and to himfelf exclaim'd " Die, every other pailion of my foul, My couniry's love ihall breathe, with every breath/* Zaph. Hope-killing words ! why not declar 'd before ? Arl. I faw, in all the movements of his foul, Deep-rooted love remain'd but half conceaFd. Zaph. I dread his prefence ; yet I long to meet him, This hour I am refolv'd to know his purpofe. Wait near, good Arlem, fee that none approach us. Now to prepare me, left this woman's valor Should fmk beneath my trembling heart's probation. DARANZEL, i S C E N E II. A Grwe. Moonlight. ORCASTO,^////. To climb the enchanted height of airy greatnefs, Regardlefs of the fummit's dizzy danger, And, like the fullen eagle in his flight, To foar beyond fociety and law, Is the proud lot of man's fatuity : Thy lot ambition ! glittering evanefcence ! Farewel delulive dreams, youth's phantom pleafures ! The victor's laurel and the world's applaufe ; Farewel fweet blandifliments of pride and fame ! All but the princcfs I can bid farewel ! Thee, too, Zaphira ! yet this aching fenfe Could ne'er refign thee but with life's pulfation. Oft has this grove been witnefs to our vows. O, cruel memory, ceafe thy painful office ? This grove, now deflin'd to behold my heart Widow'd of every hope its fondnefs cherinYJ. Enter ZAPHIRA. Zaph. Art thou Daranzel's fon ? Ore. I bear that honor, fir, my name's Orcafto. Zaph. I have a meflkge that demands thy audience, And challenges an anfwer from thy heart. Ore. From whom ? Zaph. The Princefs. Ore. I wait the prefence of Zaphira's felf. Zaph. I am her friend and confidante, and coma To make her prefence welcome thou know'ft Before the fword of civil war cut off All friendfliip from the throne of Perfia, is DARANZEL. Daranze! was the friend of Calledon ; And fhar'd the higheft honors of his court. Ore. But now he claims a more exalted rank ; And ftands confeft the foe of Calledon. Zapb. And itmft Orcafto be Zaphira's foe, Becaufe Daranzel wars with iQalledon ? Ore. 'Tis not a time to talk of private plaints ; It is a nation's wrongs we muft redrefs. Zaph. Muft all thy former vows, and youthful lovc : Be priz'd, but as illufions paft, by her Who built on them all hopes of earthly blifs ? Ore. My faith is plighted to my country's caufe. And it would ill become Daranzel's fon, To liften to the fyren fong of love. When Perfia's glory's calls him to the field. Zaph. Shall I relate this anfwer to the Princefs j She whofe affections, when her father's court, Shone uneclips'd, and dimru'd the eaft in glory, Spurn'd offer'd fceptres to reward thy love ! And now when fortune's clouded crefant wanes, And ruin like the hair-fufpended fword, Hangs o'er the roof of crumbling monarchy ;- Muft the fad ftory of thy hearts defection Deftroy the only relict of her hopes, Which fate, more merciful than thee, has fpar'd ? Is this thy folace for a bleeding heart ? Paufe well, confidcr thou unfeeling patriot / Ore. Unfeeling ! nay, the conflict of my foul Denies the guilt of cold ingratitude. Oh ! could Zaphira read this tortur'd heart, E'en fiie, the fair enchantrefs of my reafon, Would weep to triumph o'er my mind's allegiance. This be my anfwer, then, to fair Zaphira--* My life is not my own till Perfia's free, Hereafter, if I live, I live for her. Zaph. Oh generous Orcafto ! heaven preferve thee J Live for Zaphira ! 'tis Zaphira hears thee ! [Runs to embrace him> but faints in his arms ; as fie falhy her helmet drops oj}\ and dif covers her face. ~\ Ore. Zaphira hears ! oh, my fond heart's firft idol ! Sweet angel maid, forgive my cold referve, 'Twas but the ftern reftraint of ftoic pride ! Look up Zaphira ! thine Orcafto loves thee, As the pure object of his foul's devotion, Warm as his hopes, and facred as his country ! Zaph. [Recovering} My mind o'ercaft with cloud* of black defpair, Could not endure fo bright a ray of hope. Ore. Thou haft furpriz'd the pailion from my foul, O leave me, mafter of myfelf, Zaphira. The voice of Perfia calls me from thy arms ; Let not thy charms entice me from her caufe. Zapb. I would not lure thee from the poft of honor ; But if 1 have intereft in thy heart, Grant me this one requeft thy fword is drawn Againft my father's life thou know'ft the ftrength Of filial love pity a daughter's tears. Ore. If ever I forget my love for thee, May he who hears my vows defert Orcafto. Alk not for more, left I fliould grant too much. In war I muft remember Calledon : This is an hour of peace if ought could buy Me from the caufe in which I am engag'd, *.-. DARANZEL, A mother's threatened life might fheathe my fword. Zaph. If thou art bent on war, grant me this favor* The moft a daughter afks ; the leaft a fon Can give Ihould victory fmile upon your arms, Save thou my father from his empire's ruin ; And if my tears can fupplicate her life, Zara fhall yet furvive to blefs thy triumph ! Ore. O, virtuous maid, worthy of better fate, Orcaflo prays for victory, not revenge, And fliould your father 'fcape the chance of war, I fwear to fave his life, nay, for thy fake, Zaphira, I would alrnoft fpare his throne \Trunipet heard. Hark ! 'tis the trumpet's note that breathes alarm- So near us too ! thou can'ft not here remain ; I will conduct thee fafely to the walls. Zaph. Arlem, who led me hither, waits without. His honeil zeal is ample to protect me, Without the rifk of thy more valued life ! Ore. I know his well tried valor, and to him Can truft with confidence my hearts beft treafure. Heaven's guardian angels wait upon thy fteps ! Zaph. And crown with happinefs thy virtues tri- umph 1 {Exeunt together, SCENE III, The open Field. Drums beating^ trumpets, &c. &c. without. Enter OSMYN. f Tis furc the fignal of aflault, and here The tumult led and now tis filence all ! An hour fcarce paft, Orcafto left the camp, fcARANZEL. 21 And this way wander'd fad he feem'd and thoughtful, Perhaps the Princefs ? no it cannot be ! Sufpicion cannot taint a foul fo noble. Though foft as iympathy, to woman's tears. In virtue's armor clad, invincible, Not e'en Zaphira's beauty could feduce The lover's paffions from the patriot's duty, [retires uf. Enter AR L E M and Z A PH i R A , "Tumult without. Zapb. Oh, Arlem, whether {hall Zaphira fly ? Ofm. The princefs ! [_Afide.~] Zapb. The tumult thickens, and draws nearer to us* Arl. Fear not, my royal miftrefs, Arlem's fword Shall guard the fafe though millions fhould furround. His loyalty to thee fhall nerve his arm With triple ftrength. Fear not and let us on. Zapb. Know'il thou the fecret of this midnight war ? Or does the love, thou bear'ft my falling fortunes, Protect Zaphira, at thy life's adventure ? . Arl. No danger can betide. We're near the walls ! When you to meet Orcafto, parted from me, On the adjacent hill I kept my watch ; Thence by the moon's pale light I faw a troop Sallying in lilence from the city gates. Daranzel's centinels were brib'd or murdeVd ; For, under covert of the friendly {hade, Projected by the battlements, they march'd Without obfervance, tow'rds the eaftern camp, In which Orcafto holds his ftation : If fufpicion err not, Calledon incens'd Has trac'd the fecret of your mind's affedion ; And to prevent collision with the foe. Who, by an union with the Royal houfe, Might hope to place the crown upon Daranzel, Has plann'd this treach ry 'gainft Orcafto's life. Zaph, May heaven, injujtice* ftill remember mercy ^ Forgive my father, and prefer ve Orcafto ! Arl. Our road of fafety is to the northern tower, Which lies far diflant from the fcene of {Laughter. The ftern Belliferon commands the afTault ; For he alone of PernVs warlike fons, Could meanly ftoop to treachery and murder. Zaph* Then flrike him,. Gods, with fo me fwift light, ning. down. Ne'er may he live, to fee his crimes exalt him ! Raife to difplay your everlafting juilice, Some heroes arm to peirce the fell ddftroyer ! Oh ' may he perifh, in the field inglorious, This mifcreant victim of his own ambition, By whofe infatiate, and abhorred luft, A kingdom finks, a nation weeps in blood ! \_Exeunt ZAPHIRA and ARL EM, ^ OSMYN comes forward. Belliferon heads the attack ! I thank ye Gods, . The hour of retribution comes at laft. Yes, fweet Zaphira ! well haft thou defer v'd A kinder father, and a jufter caufe ! Thy prayer is heard too let Belliferon tremble ! Mid the thick war, the arm of juftice waits him. Silena's wrongs no more ihall cry for vengeance. Forgive, dear faint ! forgive this tardy zeal ; Each recreant wound that gor'd thy mangled corfe,. Calls me aloud to expiate thy fate j DA&AN2EL. 23 And here I fwear, the fword which now I draw, Shall ne'er again its peaceful manfion feek, 'Till vengeance, wing'd by Perfia's angry Gods, Level the fierce barbarian with the duft ; Or death, defcending from the tyrants arm, Cleave the warm heart, that beats but for Silena ! [Exit. SCENE IV. The Palace. Hence, bubble greatnefs ! fince thy phantom power Has loft th' hnpofing charrn o$fqn8itj ? Thy robuft hardihood and finewy arm, Which, ages long betide, had awed mankind, Have withered into bafe decrepitude ; And royal power, un/prinkled by th$ church, Is but a ghoft to flalk aud to be gaz'd at ! Should Cafmir's fpecious promifes enfnare Daranzels faith, he then is in my power ; And let hirn note it that I ufe it well ! Spoil'd of their leader, his revolting rabble Shall fatten vultures, 'till they loath at carnage, Wide havoc whelm them 'till their flaughter fwell The flood, that bears the fleets of my allies, Which thence may learn to dread the fate of thofe Who rear the impious ftandard of rebellion ! Enter CASMIR, What tidings bear'ft thou from Daranzel, Cafmir ? Js he flill bent on war ? Caf. Immoveably. - CaL Does he defpife my offered pardon ? 2+ DARANZEL. Caf. He mocks your offers and defies your power. CaL Does he not fear the flrength of my allies ? Caf. His pride contemns the whole. CaL Vain man ! knows not that Zara's in my power ? That I can writhe and goad his heart at pleafure ? Caf. I've pointed out his danger all in vain. fie Hands unmov'd, in arrogance intrepid. Smiles with complacence at your royal menace, graves all the fury of the gathering ftorm, And holds its threat'n'd thunder in derifion. CaL Where does this defperado place his hopes ? Caf. In the pretended juftice of his caufe, And ill-tried valor of his troops poor irian 1 CaL What are thofe troops, that thus elate his pride ? Caf. A rabble, refolute and fierce, as lawlefs. Revenge ! death ! liberty ! is all their cry. Their zeal fcarce curb'd by diicipline, they fcorn Repofe, and feem impatient for the fight. CaL Are they in pofture of defence ? Caf. Alcanders's army juft has join'd Daranzcl's ; They've pitch'd their tents along the fpacious plain. And fpread their numerous guards on every fide. Th' adjacent hills reflect their kindled fires, And fhow their flag high wav'ring in the air. As though they meant to court the ftars to join them. The river, caftle and the fleet extend Upon their right within a cannon's {hot ; The city walls look down upon their front, And bid defiance to their arms ; the ocean lies on their rear, forbidding a retreat. Belliferon, if 'tis your royal pleafure, DARANZEL. 25 Shall hem them in with wails invincible. With hofts of loyal veterans on the left. Cat. See that the gates are arm'd againft affault, Order the fleets to hold themfelves prepared. And let to-morrow's fun, when firft he mines, Behold his face reflected from the blood Of rebels. Bid Beiliferon here. His fword has never rufted in its fcabbard ; And fhould this night's adventure prove it trufty, More glorious perils, with to-morrow's dawn, Await its bold experiment. Deftruclion Shall pour her deluge in on every fide ; And fliould Daranzel, whofe proud contumely Spurns offer'd pardon, ftem the torrents courfe ; His faucy head fhall on a pike be carried, To pay its homage to the king he fcorn'd Caf. Were I t'advife, my liege, I'd plot his deatk. By other means : He is well fkill'd in fight ; And many war prov'd veterans fill his ranks * His army hang upon his tongue, and act As with one foul, a timely blow fliould make His ruin certain, and thy conqueft fure. Cal. How, Cafmir ? Caf. Bartour would beft perform the deed ; Long taught in all the policy of war, He knows full well to turn his hand to fraud : When young he was DaranzePs brother-hero, Let him forthwith go to the rebel's camp, And feign himfelf an enemy to thee, Daranzel will receive him as a friend A fecret poignard may complete the reft. Then let the royal army be prepar'd 26 DARANZEL. To rufli upon the foe, and the whole fleet Pour forth their men at once, they'll be confus'd Without their chief, and make but fmall reiiftance. Cal. your counfel I approve it fhall be done. Caf. My liege, I would not fuffer a delay He has already grown too infolent ; In the imperial conqueror's ftile, he fpurns Your clemency and menaces your life. CaL Time was when mercy woo'd him to her arms } He might have touch'd her fceptre and have liv'd $ But mercy never more fliall interpofe. Fly quick with orders to Belliferon ! Have every foldier ready for the fight, Hew down the firft who turns his back to death. But flay command a meffage to the fleet, Let them on fignal inftant join the flaughter. [Exit Cafmir* I'll Simulate Bartour's flow treacherous hand, And aim the poignard at Daranzel's heart Then let the cannon fpeak my laws in thunder, 'Till death's long lift contain each rebel's name, And war's decifive voice affert my claim ! [Exit. END OF THE SECOND ACT. ACT III. SCENE I. A private Apartment in the Palace. G A L L E D o N and Attendant. Cal. Quick, fuinmon here Bartour ! DARANZEL. * Tell him I've fecret bufinefs of import ; Let no delay attend his lingering fteps. [Exit Attendant. Vile fwarm ! dare ye, with infect fting, provoke My wrath ? flock round my throne rais'd high Above your impotence, it ftands fecure Your leader gone, I fpurn your feeble efforts [paufe* What fearful thought whifpers Daranzel fafe ! ^ffafe then /am on the rack ; my throne Afloat on fortune's treacherous wave fo be't If it mufl fink, it finks in blood ? Etfcr ZAPIIIRA. Zaph. My fire ! I beg you hear a fuppliant daughters prayer. Whofe dear eft object is her father's fafety. Cat. Let not your fond complaints abufemy patience ? The infults offer'd to my crown, inflame My foul 'tis not a time to hear entreaties. Zaph. Frown not thus fternly on your child, who feels Her life and happinefs bound up in yours : You fee the threat'ning dangers that await you Jkhoid your realm all riling up to arms : Might not th' impending ftorm be hufh'd to peace. And you ftill lit fecurely on your throne By timely liftening to the voice of mercy ? CaL Peace ! fafety ! and the voice of mercy ! Go, trait'refs from my fight, nor dare offend Mine ears with terms, that ill become thy tongue ; Let puling babes lifp them to their fond mothers War, torture, and revenge, my voice {hall echo,. *Till from the earth I extirpate my foes. aSl DARANZEL. Zapb. Look on your child ; behold her fwclti with grief, And laden with a thoufahd cares for him, Who fternly chides, and calls her trait'refs. Perufe Each period of my life, and if you find One difobedient ad, then fpurn my tears, And banifh me forever from your light. Cal. How has fubmiifion to my will been fhown ? Have you endeavour'd to fupprefs rebellion, And check the daring fpirit of my foes ? No, like a feeble-hearted girl,; unfit To claim relationfhip to crowns, you've flood Between the traitor and my fword, and fav'd The lives of thofe, whom jiiftice doom'd to death : - But you have done your tears have loft their power 5 My heart is barr'd to woman's weak entreaty. Zapti. On heaven's high throne, mercy with juftice rules ; Let her mild voice be heard by you on earth : Her fceptre will protect thy crown, and bind Your fubjecYs hearts Cal. Plebian viienefs ! Go, fawn to fools aud traitors. 'Tis Orcafto, The fon of my inveterate foe, who moves Thy tongue, diffembler love, that fpurns all la\r, That levels royalty with turpitude, And prates of filial duty, while it points A poifon'd dagger to a parent's heart. *Tis this, Zaphira, fteals you from yourfelf, And makes you alien to your father's throne, Zaph. Alas my father ! did'ft thou know but half The anxious love, that glows within my bofom ? DARANZEL, 29 With warm folicitude to guard thy fafety, Thou wouldTt not heap reproaches on Zaphira 3 Nor with the flings of undeferv'd fufpicion, Confjgn thy daughter to her mother's fate, Who died in anguiih of a broken heart ; . The unmurmuring pang of melancholy grief ! Like her infpir'd with pure affection's zeal, My hopes have been to make thy fubjech happy ; And ihould thy ftern unkindneis wear this frame, To the pale precin&s of its deftin'd bourne, Like her, Pd pray thy thrc'ne might be fecur'd, Ey equal juflice and thy people's love- Cal. No more ; Away ! I know thee not, Thou child of treafcn ; I renounce thy kindred ! And if the idle phantaiies of. love Still rule thy woman's weaknefs, fweet Zaphira ! Go,weep for traitors,at thy mothers tomb ; [with irony* [Exit. Down fwelling heart ! thy malady is curelefs ! [pattfe. Yet muft my father perifli ? Oh ! could I With life's oblation footh his foe's refentment, This willing bofom, (cruel as he is !) Should fheath my poniard and their fwords at once But no ! it would not be Daranzel's hate Is fingly pointed at the king's oppreffion, Which to his nature is fo near affianc'd, No cafuift, but death, can fever them ! And is there then no reconcilement left, DARANZEL. To mediate between his pride and ruin ? [patefe None, loft Zaphira, none ! [/> going. Enter INDAMORA. Oh Indamora ! Ind. What new misfortune thus o'erwhelrris whir grief ? Impart to me my ihare of all your woes, And eafe your heart of its o'er-bearing" burden, Zaph. You 5 iince my royal mother's death, have been My fole companion, and my only folace. The pitying tear flows not from Calledon ; Nor does the father's fmile illume his face. The dangers, that furround him, vex his foul, And' banifli all that's tender from his breaft. Ind. The tumults of the realm may for a while, Make Calledon neglectful of his daughter ; But even his moil inveterate foes behold Zaphira's virtues with acknowledg'd friendfhip- Zaph. Friendfhip is not allied to royal blood ; To rocks and deferts with indignant fcorn, She flies from courts O, my Indamora ! Do'fl not thou fee Daranzel bearing terror E'en to the palace-gates ; he now no longer falls A humble fuppliant at my father's feet ; But, at the head of the whole realm, he points A nation's vengeance to the throne of Perlia. Ind. Though victory may crown Daranzel's arms. Yet will he be a generous foe ; the brave Are kind. One filial tear from thee, Zaphira, Would footh his vengeance, and preferve thy father ! Zaph. Daranzel well dcferves the praife of valor,. DARANZEL. 31 Nor is his heart lefs generous than brave. But a whole nation's wrongs the infults offerd To all his friends, can never be forgiven. No facriflce, that Calledon can make, Except his life, will calm a people's rage, Or expiate his injuries to their leader. bid. Nay, let not fancy's hydra woe's diftrefs thee ; They mock the brain, and tempt to defperaticn ! Let us retire, 'till this dire florin be paft. To fome frequentlefs place of refuge in Remotefl Perfia, where aloof from war, And perfecu ting foes, thy friend may cheer thee, Divide thy folitude and {hare thy fate ! Zapb. Oh ! Indamora ! how much you have promis'd As yet you know not 1 but when you fhall fee My father fallen, and his foes demand My life, or fentence me to banifhment, Shall not you blufh to call Zaphira friend ? The orphan daughter of a vanquifh'd king, Is the lafl child in woe's wide family, To efcape outlawry from the world's companion ; For the rude cavils of unfeeling malice Are all the boon man's pity can bellow, The only dowry of her fhatter'd fortunes ! bid. No fate fhall ever part me from Zaphira \ I am yours by all the ties of gratitude. Zapb. You wound my heart You owe no gratitude To me. My friendfhip's mingled with a crime : Nor had we known this interchange of loves Had not your parents, ignorant of your fate, Long time belie v'd, that you had early fallen, A guiltlefs victim to the king's rever xi DARANZEL, Ind. Alas ! I never knew, who gave me birth \ Nor can I claim one drop of kindred blood. But thee I've found \htjifter and the friend, And truft me princefs, though thy fortune's ebb, My life's beft joys fhall be involved in thine. Zaph. Kind Indamora I I mufl undeceive you* Come to my chamber, I will there divulge The important tale- the fecret of thy birth, Which nothing, but the mandates of my father, Had kept thus long fecluded in my heart. [Exeunt* SCENE II, Paranzel's Camp. Stage partly light. Enter DA R AN z E L , Meeting ORCASTG, ASAPH, and OFFICERS. Dar. Veterans, our fafety bids us watch the foe, And hold ourfelves in readinefs for battle. Afaph. Throughout our iiee,ping ranks, each foldiers heart Is wedded to his arms ; Sound the alarm And every man is martiall'dfor the fight. Dar. See that our guards are flrongly reinforc'd \ Ere morning dawns, we muil expeci: aflault. [Exit Afaph* V7hy fits dejection on Orcafto's brow ? Ore. I hop'd to find Alcander with my father \ To him I come a mofl unwilling herald Of fad difafter Of his Ofmyrrfs death ! Dar. Of Ofmyn's death ! (with agitation} How fell the noble youth ? Ore. Laft night's eruption by the royal guards Upon our eaftern camp, was check'd without DARANZEL. 33 Much blood's efmfion. To purfue the foe Back to their battlements, a chofen troop Inftant with gallant Ofmyn were difpatch'd. Hard by the eaftern wall they made a ftand. At once a holt came rufhing from the gates $ Belliferon rode proudly at their head. Ofmyn no fooner faw the exulting chief. Than on he fpurr'd to meet his well known foe. He bade Silena look from heaven and fee Her death reveng'd. The giant leader flood, Like fome tall rock that fpurns th* affailing wave, And with a fneer exclaim'd " What boy is this ? '- Who from his mother's arms, thus eager flies " To death ?" then bade the gazing multitude Look on, and fee how rebels fell before him, Scarce had he fpoke, ere Ofmyn plung'd his fword Deep in his breaft. The foe on every fide Clos'd in, and aim'd their fury at the victor. Dar. Was he defer ted thus ? Ore. Orcaito never left his friend in danger ! When I beheld him thus befieg'd with numbers, Refolv'd to fave his life or fhare his. fate, I march'd my whole detachment to relieve him ; Soon as our horfe arriv'd, the foe retir'd ; But ere my tardy hand could give him aid, Already cover'd o'er with wounds he fell ; Nor can the field's molt diligent refearch Difcover where his body is difpos'd. Thus with the choiceft blood, that ever ran Jn freeman's veins, was vengeance dearly bought, Dar. Oh, war, this is thy chanceful deftiny ! "Well, fmce 'tis thus, give us. the boon we feek ; 34 DARANZEL, And if but one fad hundred fhould furvive, To tafte the fweetb of law-prote&ed freedom, Perfia, tho* defolate, would ftill be happier, Than if 'twere peopled by a million flaves. [Exeunt,, SCENE III. ZAPHIRA'S Chamber. Z A P 1 1 1 R A , d if cove red. O, dreadful night ! war, treachery, revenge, Stalk through thy {hades, and give to darknefs, horror ! J Tis paft the hour of our alignment ;- where Can Indamora fray beyond her promife ? Iffoon fhe comes not, Arlem's waiting at The palace gates will be fufpe&ed, and Alone, difguis'd 'mid this inteftine uproar, Our vifit to the prifon will be dangerous, Enter INDAMORA. Ind. Your pardon, fweet Zaphira ! my delay Was held in conference with our faithful guide : The palace front was fo befet with guards, He for our fafety had obtain'd the key Of the weft pattern gate ; where, one hour hence He'll wait to give us conduct to the prifon.--* Mean time he haftens to DaranzeFs camp, Whofe friends, within the walls, arc doom'd to feel The direft weight of Calledon's revenge. Zapb. What new difaft.er thus inflames his vengeance i Ind. The fpirit of revolt fpreads thro 5 the city, And menances the throne. The king appriz'd, Has order'cl all his guards to fcour the ftreets, And check fedition by promifcuous death. 1 a thoufand cares for Zara's fake, JDARANZE. *5 More than a daughter's tranfports fwell my foul ; The anxious fears that hover round her fate, Convert my blifs to exftacy of woe ! Brought up an orphan, mid my father's foes, Of birth unknowing, by my friends unknown, A folitary branch, by adverfe ftornyj Torn from its parent tree, and carried v.'itb The tempeft, far from clime and culture , Oh ! my Zaphira, in one little {lory, To know within a priferfs cheerlefs walls, A mother ftill extjh ; of whom alas ! Strain'd memory's ball can truce no lineament. And when I'm told the author of my being Live* in his country's love, its friend and hero, To hear this very night, is doom'd to end His life and glory by a murderer's poniard ! To pafs in one brkf hour fuch fierce extremes Of blifs and agony, o'erpcwer my fenfes Zapb. Nay droop thee not. Daranzel ftill may live Thy heart is put to too fevere a proof. The fault was mine ; and yet I err'd from love ! When Arlem firft came breathlefs from the tower. With ardent zeal and ominous report, That brave CaiTander, captain of the guards, Had feen Bartour, with pafsport from the king, In ruftic habit, pafs the gate, that fac'd Daranzel's tent > Sufpicious of his errand, Th' occifion's fpeed forbade a moment's lapfe 5 Nor could we heiitate to make the means, To guard Daranzel 'gainft the traitor's wiles, A living witnefs of his child's recovery. Full well I knev/, the tale muft wring your heart, 5 PARANZEL. But thought th* endurance of one aching night ? - An evil, lefs acute and terrible, When 'twas infilled to preferve a father. Ind. O, ceafe, Zaphira, I deferve thy cenfure. This anxious bleeding heart will plead atonement Thy kind affection loves my very forrows 5 I cannot now repay thee but with tears. Hereafter fliould the happy power be mine My gratitude fhall {how a nobler comment. Zaph. A tedious, melancholy, reftlefs hour, Muft yet revolve ere Arlem can return. Protecting angels ! aid his embaffy, And punifli treachery with the death" it merits. Come, Indamora, let our hopes fuftairt The lagging timers dull equipage of cares Thefe painful moments but prelude the joys That wait thee in the prifon, where thy mother Already told the ftory of thy life, With throbbing expe&ation now awaits thee. Oh ! could I {hare a parents fweet embrace Like thee tranfported, gaze upon her face ; With magic charm would one maternal fmile This fluttering heart of all its fears beguile ! END OF THE THIRD ACT. BARANZEL. 37 ACT IV. SCENE I. Daranzel's Camp. Stage dark. BARTOUR, in difguifc, at a fmall dijlance from DA- RAN z EL'S tent. Thanks to hypocrify ! the deed's half done How have I practised on thefe fimple foldiers ! Integrity, thou art the fool of fortune ! The piteous boon of humble penury. An honeft heart's the play-thing of the courtier, Wound up, unwound, and finger'd at his will. Fair words are fure companions of foul deeds ; My tafk demands one vers'd in both, [paufe] I would 'Twere done ! this bufy nettling of the heart Befpeaks at once abhorrence of its purpofe, And fad mifcloubting of its chanceful ifTue. Yonder, unmov'd, that mighty chieftain ftands, Whofe fame fo much difhirbs the ileep of kings- Alone ! Alcander then has left his tent An hour I've \vaited his departure now, One well aim'd blow mall flrike rebellion dov/n, And fix the throne of Calledon fecure. Bartour, thou'lt thrive for this, be honored too- Nay fainted in the calender of this World's honefty fo very wife is man ! [/j going. [ARLEM croffes thejlage hajlily 'with ASAPH. Hah ! interrupted ! Arlem here ! I doubt Some myftery is brooding (in agitation} If I'm foil'd, Then, Calledon, as mariners defert Their finking mips, I'll leave thee to the ftorm, And fhelter in the offing. 'Tis the creed Of ftatefmen ; aye, and graver crafts-men too \ r 5 S DARANZEL, That fmiling friend, fmooth-tongued hypocrify, That houfehold God of half proud fortune's fav'rites, Has wrought more miracles on fimple man, Than a whole charnel-houfe of martyr's bones ! Here then I'll wait conceaPd, and watch my prey ; When young Daranzel fav'd my life ! I thank him I And to reward him, muft I be his murd'rer ? [ftarts. Remorfe I bid thee fleep ! [Exit, SCENE IL Darawel's tent. DA RAN 2 EL discovered. Enter ARLEM and ASAPH. A/a. I bring a man detected on our lines ; Who when difcover'd, anxioufly defir'd A foldier might conduct him to your tent, To bring intelligence of higheft moment. ArL This letter for Daranzel, will unfold To him the purport of my fecret meflage. [gives Daranzel a letter. Dar. (Reads) " The royalifts are muftering in the ftreets, cc And marching to your camp. Bar tour, cc Difguis'd, has paft the gates ; you know his wiles. <<; Be on your guard, and heaven preferve your life !" What friendly hand directs this timely caution ? < c Your long loft daughter, call'd by thee, Florilla ; e< Now Indamora." Is then my dear Florilla yet alive, Whom for thefe fifteen melancholly years, Through many a fad viciflitude of fate, Thefe eyes have wept with unavailing tears, DARAN .NZEL. 3, A victim of our caufe ! is this illufion ? Or can you, generous friend, explain to me This myftery of fortune ? Arl. All I know, Is little more, than that your daughter lives ; And has, from earlieft youth, been bred at court ; 'Till now, unconfcious of her parentage Zaphira has this hour reveaTd to her The fecret of her birth, and of your danger : Solicitous to fave a father's life, Her filial love cornmiflion'd this adventure. Dar. Receive my heart felt thanks Zaphira too ! I did not hope for friends fo near the king ! Arl. You've many advocates within our walls. Ripe for revolt, and ready to attack The guards ; to them in hafte I muft return. Sedition's breath now fans the fpreading flame, That foon will rage in terror round the throne. Dar. Conduct as worthy of the prize we feek 5 Remember that the fword of war is drawn, Not to difpenfe unnecefiary carnage ; But for the caufe of juftice and of man. Afaph, conduct him fafely through our camp. [Exit Arlem, Enter BARTOUR, as ARLEM^IW off, on the oppojite Jide, co?mng forward cautioujly. Dar. Some power divine ftill vindicates our caufe Freedom, for thee, no price can be too dear ; T'infure thy bleflings on his injur'd land, The patriot freely fpills his richeft blood ! Then what reproach of -man, or curfe from heaven, I 4 DARANZEL, Too great for him who fights t'inflave his race ! [A trumpet founds without draws his fiver d. The eve of battle comes eventful crifis ! Bar. (approaching) Why do I tremble ? A woman's heart has feiz'd this coward breaft. \afidc. Dar. (after a paitfc kneels.} Thou king of heaven, whofe perfect eye looks through The heart, to thee I make my laft appeal ! Bar. O fhame, Bartour ! A coward when thy courage is moft needed. \_afidc* Dar. If falfe ambition prompt me to the field, Lodge in this breafl each weapon of my foe. [Bartoitr attempts iojirike^ but fe cms intimidated, But if I draw this fword fa* juftic-e only. Then give me life ; and by thy name 1 fwear, It never fhall bt fheath'd 'till Perfia's free. [Bartour raifes his hand to make the blow, Daranzcl rifesy and dif covers him attempting to conceal his poniard* Bar. I come, Daranzel ! to implore thy pardon ! You muft with pitying eye behold the man, Who weeps his late apoftacy from freedom, And flies the vengeance of an incens'd king, To feek his fafety under your protection ! Dar. My love of juflice will protect thejV/?; But let ignoble traitors, tools of power. Smart with the rod of your offended king, Cringe to his fpleen, and fawn to his caprices. Bar. And can that juftice,which you boaft fo loudly* Condemn unheard, in fuch opprobious terms ? In early life I once enjoyed your friendfiiip, But by defection from the caufe you led, I own, with mame, I merited to lofe it, DARANZEL. 41 Time now has wrought conviction ; and infpired With freedom's flame, I brave the defpot's frowns, And join the banner of his hated foe. Dar* When liberty unfriended, wandering mourn'd, An exile from the realm, thy hand, Bartour, More cruel than the tyger's paw, was firft To murder all, who dar'd efpoufe her caufe ; Now, {he affumes a flerner look, and ftrikcs A terror on her foes, you think \tfafe To court her fmiles, and feek Daranzel's friendship ! Bar. If I have been too loyal to my king, Impute it to my iveaknefs, not my guilt. I here renounce my 'legiance to the crown, And offer up my life a facrifice, To avenge the injuries of my much wrong'd friend ! Bar. My foul difdains thy hypocritic arts. Go, fall upon thy knees before the youth, By thee made orphans ; wafli with repenting tears, Thy murderous hands, fo often flain'd with blood, Then may'ft thou claim protection from Bar anzel ; 'Till then, go feek thy fafety with his foes. Bar. Honor might juftify the bold attempt, To check thy pride, and punifli this diigrace ; But innocence demands no vindication, And laughs thy feeble malice into fcorn ! Dar. Honor ! and innocence ! Thofe words but ill become a traitor's tongue. Ungrateful man ! is this the fole reward, Thou can'fl repay my life's expofure for thee ! Was it for this, when in our Cafpian war I faw thee overwhelm'd in battle's heat, And inftant on the wing, to fave my friend, 42 DARANZEL. I hew'd my paffage through the exulting foe, And fnatch'd thee, mifcreant, from a brave man's fword ! Judge, by that a, how much I fear thy rage ; And meafure by this deed, thy guilt. Behold my breaft, fcar'd with the wounds receiv'd In your defence. If guilt e'er harbor'd there, Difclofe the poniard you conceal, and fhed The tainted ftream. Silence becomes thee well, And confcious fhame unman's thy once brave heart. Go then, thou ingrate ! fay to Calledon, The fhield of heaven protects DaranzeFs life. Tell him you found me, as you wifh'd alone ; And when I offer'd you my naked breaft, You durft not ftrike, but trembled like himfelf, A guilty coward ! Well thou know'ft, ta'en here, Thy life is in my power ; but tell your mailer, So much Daranzel fcorns his m'm[fter y He pities and forgives the wretch whofcnt him. Bar. Since then you fpurn my friendfhip's proffer'd zeal, Take from my flighted pride, my hate 's refentsnent. [_Daranzel fmiles with contempt. Nay vaunt thee not ! Touch thee, and thou wilt feel. Adders have flings, and lions are but mortal ! \Exit* DARANZEL fol 'us. Bartour ! I weep thy glory's fad declenfion ! Is there in nature a more abject being, Than the poor tenant of a prince's favors ! Whofe fickle humor, infolent and pamper 'd, Shows, in one day, more phafes than the DARANZEL. 43 And is more dangerous than the tide me governs ! Alas ! 'tis pitiful in this world's madnefs, That fimple flefli and blood, itfelf fo frail And periihable if you but call it king (A thing, that fleeps, and eats, and walks, as I do,) Should by the knitting of its vacant brows, So cheat man's fenfes, and debauch his reafon, That, with a ivand^ no biggar than ?L ferule^ )t turns his heart's humanity to fteel ! [Exit* SCENE III. A dungeon in the Royal Prifon. OSMYN dl [covered in chains- leaning again/I the wall. \_Cannon beard* What means that din, whofe diftant tumults wake The flumbering echo of thefe vaults of death, Where like the owlet in her ivied tower, Silence fits brooding in congenial gloom \ This dreary cave, I ween'd was fo remote From the proud fun, who lights the abodes of man., I had not hop'd to hear its walls refcund, But with the clank of chains, and groans of death ! Oh, had I perifh'd when Belliferon fell ! I then had died with honor, nor, had mute Oblivion been the burier of my fortune ! But when enclos'd by hoft of foes, I fought, 'Till valor's nerve was palfied with the conflict, Faint with thefe bleeding trophies whelm'd beneath A grove of fwords to fink upon my fhield, And in the fleep of life's fufpended fenfe, Borne from the field, unconfcious to be here Immur'd to linger and to die by famine Mads the thrall'd vigor of thefe mangled limbs, 44 BARANZEL. And roufes phrenzy e'en to defperation ! \_Retircs up- Enter ORONTES. Cannon heard. Qron. Again ! I cannot be deceived! 'tis battle's note * O//'/; My generous benefactor ! who, though tomb'd. For many a year, beneath this dripping cell, Has fuffer'd not its dampnefs to incruft The feelings of his heart ; but from his own Mere moriel, has fupplicd my nature's craving. If I could win him to our caufe I'll try it \comes down to What do thy thoughts fo gaze upon, Orontes ? Fve watch'd thee by the light of you dim taper, On thy funk eyes, and furrow'd brows I fee, Thy mind's quick fentinel has ta'en alarm ! Oron. It has ! That bufy, wakeful creature of the brain Has found no food to feed upon fo long, That, like my body, it had almoft funk Into eternal fleep. But with a zeft, More keen, than what anticipates our meals y It craves the information of the day ; Or rather of the night ; for by the journal Of our fcant fare, and my laft broken nap, I judge the night half gone. Ofm. One might conjecture by the founds we hear t The day and night had join'd themfelves in combat. Oro?:. Thofe founds ftir up the finall remains of life, Or do I flccp and dream of ba-f ties fought In youth ? Ofm. I do believe thou art awake, And all the world befide. EARANZEL. 4S Oron. For twelve long years, Confinement in this dreary cave of night. The memory of thofe martial fcenes has crofs'd My m nd, on the light pinions of a dream ; And left no trace behind, but the dark {hade Of recollefted honors ; now, alas ! Fancy with memory wakes and brings to view, All the infpiring pomp of war, that lifts The veteran's foul, and elevates his valor. [.Jhoitts beard. Hark^ in the mix'd variety of founds " The king" and " Freedom "fwell from rival tongues- Ofm. Fit words to be in competition ; Never were pointed fwords more oppofite. What doft thou think the caufe of ail this tumult ? Or -on. My mind forbodes fome great event perhaps^ The voice of liberty, which Galledon Thought fafely filenc'd in this dungeon's glooms ; Has rous'd the nations up to arms again. Ol would 'twere fo. 'Heaven grant the generous caufe, That faiFd with us, may rule the tented field, 'Till Periia, and ourfelves once more are free. [Jboutf. Ofm. Still louder fhouts, triumphant fliouts of free- men ! My heart is in the battle's front O, were Thefe chains zfacrd, my hand fliould be there too ! Enter ARLEM. ArL Hail, veterans 1 Do ye remember Arlem ? Oron. The man, whofe treachery confin'd me here ? ArL The man whofe loyalty confin'd you here,- Oron. Thy loyalty! Thou flave to infamy and Calledon G +1 DARANZi My miieries here for twelve benighted years, Have brought thee, as their author, to my mind. - Yes ! I with curfes do remember thee ! Arl. 'Tis as I wifli their fpirits yet unbroken. [Afidt. Stout-hearted men, I come to change your {late. Oron. Welcome. Ye cannot change it for the worfe. Arl. Then you'r prepar'd. The king demands your lives. Ofm. What cherub moves his flinty heart to mercy ! Arl. Mercy ! then do'ft thou deem- thy death a kindnefs ? Ofm. From the bafe heart of Calledon, with vice So deeply ftain'd, it feems a cordial drop, More rare, more welcome, than the fcanty moiflure The pilgrim finds upon the defert rock ! Arl. This is his will ; 'tis ours to execute ; But, tell me, which ye choofe to live or die ? Qron. Unloofe our chains, and give us arms once more ; Then we're content to live, or die, like men ! Arl. Ye have your wifli here are two fwords r As good as e'er were clafp'd by veteran hands. (Unlofing their chains , and offering fwords. ) Now you are free fay, will you fight for freedom ? Ofm. Let him, who dares oppofe, come on and prove us. ArL Our foes are yet to feek ; brave men be trufly ! Oron. Keep us no longer in fufpence. Make known The terms on which we are releas'd ! ArL Then hear. This night is dcftin'd to decide the ftrife DARANZ; Between th* cppreffor and th' opprefs'd. Both fides Have call'd their legions to the field. Daranzel, At the whole nation's head aflails our walls. Within rebellion menaces the throne. The king, dift:u-.1fui of iticcefs, ft ill breathes Revenge. By his command, I am. fent to end Each prifoner's life. Bound by humanity, The weaker ties of loyalty I break ! 'Tis Arlem gives you freedom for your cba And life, inftead of ignominious death. Let this reverfe your curfes, and atone For what you term my treachery ; but know, That I am not the firft, who, with a heart Averfe to tyranny, have been the dupe. The blinded dupe, of tyrants. Ofm. Let our refentment rufl upon the chains We leave. Heaven mower its blefling on thy head ! ArL Quick let us execute what we defign. Free every prifoner that is worthy freedom ; Then join the ftandard of our gallant friend ; His wife is yet confin'd within thefe wails, And mould he, (as I greatly fear) reject Our monarch's terms, this night will be her laft. Ofm. Oh ! could this fword guar'd her defencelefs life, And fafe reftore her to Daranzel's arms ; How gladly all the wounds I bore in battle, Ere fated vengeance leap'd upon her prey ; Nay all the tortures, ignominious pangs, Of thofe vile fhackles that difgrac'd my manhood ; Would this weak frame, tho' half of life exhaufled, Again endure and triumph in \\sfafftmcet \Exit. 4 8 DARANZEL, Oron. The caufe is worth the patriot's nobleft blood ; We follow thee to freedom, or to death ! [Exeunt. SCENE IV. Daranzers tent. , Enter DARANZEL and ORCASTO, meeting. Ore. Withput delay, the army needs your prefence j The enemy are fallying from their gates. And marching to our front. Araxes fills Belliferon's place, and heads the royal troops, Who feem to move relu&antly to battle. The allies are debarking from their mips, And form their ranks upon the adjacent fliore. Dar. We have no time to fpare. The caftle, which overlooks the foreign fleets., Muft be the object of our firft attack ; There centres all their ftrength ; when this is ours, The fleet and city lie at our command. Alcander mull conduct our motions here ; Orcafto, with the horfe, proceed againft The foreign troops, and Hop their junclion with The king's : meantime I'll make attempt to gain The caftle unperceiv'd, and conquer it By ftorm--- Orc. Let me entreat you hear a fon's advice. Decline the dangerous duty you have chofen. Nor with incauticn rufli on certain death. The caftle is ftrong arm'd by defperate men ; And he who firft afcends its walls, muft fall. Should this be you, our caufe is loft indeed : Each foldier's arm would be unnerv'd in battle. Let then, my fire, this arduous talk be mine ; My anxious heart glows with the patriot's fire ; DARANZEL. 49 And I can freely, proudly, die to gain My country's caufe ; but cannot live to fee A widow'd mother, weeping for my father, Whofe life a fon's, lefs worthy, might have fav'd. Dar. Ingenuous youth ' thine be the glorious lot ! May never fading laurels deck thy brow. [trumpet beard, The trumpet fpeaks the enemy at hand. We muft betake ourfelves, each to his poll. The important hour, before we thought is come, That muft decide the fate of Calledon. Our friends, our country, and ourfelves. Fortune and fame fufpend, with equal hand, The fcale of war. Be it our care to turn The mighty beam in favor of the world ; And give their long loft rights to injur'd man ; Or with expiring freedom greatly fall : Leave earth to kings, oppreilion, vice and fhame, And crown the generous flrife with endlefs fame ! SCENE V. Pantomime, A extend a friendly hand to fave me, Slips from the brink into the whirling gulph, And finks to meet inevitable ruin ! Zapb. My deareft friend, your forrows rave moft wildly ! jz I3ARANZEL. Indeed, thou know'ft not with how proud a zeal; My heart, my life, are both devoted to thee And whatever hap betide the warring world, No power {hall part us, and no fate divide. But come, th* occafion ftirs there yet is time, If Zara ftill be here, to trace her out, And warn her of her danger ; nay, perhaps Amid the moment's buftle, chance may offer To elude the guards and favor her efcape. Ind. By different routs we'll fearch her, and returri Here iaftantly, fhould either be fuccefsful. [Exeunt at oppofite fides- Enter ZARA< Upper