55 V9
 
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 J46b Jephson - 
 
 . 
 
 University of California 
 
 At Los Angeles 
 The Library 
 
 Form L 1 
 
 35)3
 
 This book is DUE on the Ust date stamped below 
 
 
 UNIVERSITY of CAij 
 
 AT 
 LO
 
 BRAGANZA. 
 
 T R A G E D Y, 
 
 PERFORMED AT THE 
 I 
 
 THEATRE ROYAL. 
 
 I N 
 
 WRITTEN BY 
 
 ROBERT JEPHSON, 
 
 8 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for T. EVANS, near York-Buildings in the Strand; 
 
 AND 
 
 T. DAVIES, in Rufiel- Street, Covent-Garden. 
 
 M DCC LXXV. 
 [Price One Shilling and Six-Pence.]
 
 \ 
 
 j * \ 
 
 TO LADY 
 
 1 VISCOUNTESS NUNEHAM. 
 
 MADAM, 
 
 X H AV E many reafons to be flattered with 
 the public reception of this Tragedy, yet I 
 confefs my fblicitude for its reputation extends 
 further. 
 
 Your Ladyfhip's having permitted me the 
 honour of infcribing it to you, will in Ibme 
 meafure gratify my ambition by recommend- 
 ing it to the reader, whofe judgment is not 
 influenced by the adventitious affiftance of 
 theatrical decorations and the graces of 
 action. 
 
 Where your Ladyfhip's name appears as a 
 patronefs, merit will be expected - y and where 
 there is a wifh to find any, probably none 
 will pafs unnoticed. 
 
 A 2 Whatever
 
 i7 DEDICATION. 
 
 Whatever motive may be affigned for this 
 Addrefs, my principal purpofe will be fully 
 anfwered if your Ladymip accepts it, as a 
 teftimony of my gratitude for the favours I 
 have received from the Noble Family to 
 which you are fo happily united, and of the 
 perfect efleem and refpecl: of 
 
 MADAM, 
 
 Your Ladyfhip's 
 Much obliged and 
 Moil obedient 
 Humble Servant, 
 
 ROBERT JEPHSON. 
 
 Dublin Caftle, 
 Febr. 1775.
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 Written by ARTHUR MURPHY, Efq. 
 SPOKEN BY MR. PALMER. 
 
 V V H I L E in thefe days of fentiment and grace 
 Poor comedy in tears refigns her place, 
 And fmit with novels, full of maxims crude, 
 She, that was frolick once, now turns a prude ; 
 To her great end the tragic mufe afpires, 
 At Athens born, and faithful to her fires. 
 
 The comic fitter in hyfteric fit, 
 You'd fwear, has loft all memory of wit. 
 Folly, for her, may now exult on high ; 
 Feather'd by ridicule no arrows fly ; 
 But if you are diftrefs'd, (he's fure to cry. 
 She that could jig, and nick-name all heav'n's creatures, 
 With forrows not her own deforms her features ; 
 With ftale reflections keeps a conftant pother ; 
 Greece gave her one face, and (he makes another; 
 So very pious, and fo full of woe, 
 You well may bid her " To a nunnery go." 
 Not fo Melpomene ; to nature true 
 She holds her own great principle in view. 
 She, from the firft, when men her pow'r confeft, 
 When grief and terror feiz'd the tortur'd breaft, 
 She made, to ftrike her moral to the mind, 
 The ftage the great tribunal of mankind. 
 
 Hither the worthies of each clime me draws, 
 Who founded flares, or refcued dying laws ; 
 Who, in bafe times, a life of glory led, 
 And for their country who have toil'd or bled ; 
 Hither they come, again they breathe, they live, 
 And virtue's meed through ev'ry age receive. 
 
 Hither the murd'rer comes, with ghaftly mien ! 
 And the fiend confcience hunts him o'er the fcene. 
 None are exempted ; all muft re-appear, 
 And even kings attend for judgement here ; 
 Here find the day, when they their pow'r abufe, 
 Is a fcene furnilh'd to the tragic mufe. 
 
 Such
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 Such is her art, weaken'd perhaps at length, 
 And, while (he aims at beauty, lofing ftrength. 
 Oh ! when refuming all her native rage, 
 Shall her true energy alarm the ftage ? 
 
 This night a bard (our hopes may rife too high, 
 'Tis yours to judge ; 'tis yours the caufe to try) 
 This night a bard, as yet unknown to fame, 
 Once more, we hope, will rouze the genuine flame. 
 His ; no French play ;-- tame, polifh'd, dull by rule ! 
 Vigorous he comes, and warm from Shakefpeare's fchool. 
 Infpir'd by him, he mews, in glaring light, 
 A nation ftruggling with tyrannic might ; 
 Oppreflion rufhing on with giant ftrides ; 
 A deep confpiracy, which virtue guides ; 
 Heroes, for freedom who dare ftrike the blow, 
 A tablature of honour, guilt and woe. 
 If on his canvafs nature's colours mine, 
 You'll praife the hand that trac'd the juft defign. 
 
 EPILOGUE,
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 By a FRIEND. 
 SPOKEN BY MRS. Y A T E S. 
 
 JL S it permitted in this age fevere, 
 
 For female foftnefs to demand a tear ? 
 
 Is it allow'd in fuch cenforious days, 
 
 For female virtue to folicit praife ? 
 
 Dares manly fenfe, beneath a tender form, 
 
 Prefume to diftate, and afpire to warm ? 
 
 May fo unnatural a being venture 
 
 As a true heroine on the ftage to enter ? 
 
 No, fays a wit, made up of French grimaces, 
 
 Yet felf-ordain'd the high-pried of the graces. 
 
 Women are play-things for our idle hours, 
 
 Their fouls unfinifh'd, and confin'd their pow'rs ; 
 
 Loquacious, vain, by flight attentions won, 
 
 By flattery gain'd, and by untruths undone. 
 
 Or fliould fome grave great plan engage their minds, 
 
 The firft caprice can give it to the winds j 
 
 And the chief ftatefwoman of all the fex 
 
 Grows nervous, if a fop or pimple vex. 
 
 Injurious (landers ! in Louifa's air 
 Behold th' exemplar of a perfeft fair ; 
 Juft, tho' afpiring ; merciful, tho' brave ; 
 Sincere, tho' politic ; and tho' fond, no flare ; 
 In danger calm, and fmiling in fuccefs, 
 But as fecuring ampler means to blefs. 
 
 Nor think, as Zeuxis, for a faultlefs piece, 
 CulPd various charms from various nymphs of Greece, 
 Our bard has center'd in one beauteous whole, 
 The rays that gleam thro' many a feparate foul. 
 On Britain's and Terne's fhores he faw 
 The models of the fair he dar'd to draw ; 
 True virtue in thefe ifles has fix'd her throne, 
 And many a bright Louifa is our own.
 
 PERSONS. 
 
 Don Juan, Duke of Braganza Mr. Reddifh. 
 
 Almada Mr. Aickin. 
 
 Ribiro Mr. Palmer. 
 
 Mendoza Mr. Brereton. 
 
 Antonio Mr. Wrighten. 
 
 Mello Mr. Wheeler. 
 
 Roderic Mr. Wright. 
 
 Ferdinand Mr. Norris. 
 
 Lemos Mr. Ufher. 
 
 Corea Mr. Hurft. 
 
 Velafquez, Minifter of Spain Mr. Smith. 
 
 Pizarro Mr. Davit's. 
 
 Ramirez Mr. Packer. 
 
 Officer Mr. Keen. 
 
 Firft Citizen Mr. Wright. 
 
 Second Citizen Mr. Griffiths. 
 
 Ines 7 Mrs. Johnflon,. 
 
 Louifa, Dutchefs of Braganza Mrs. Yates. 
 
 Gentlemen, Attendants, Soldiers, &c. 
 
 SCENE, LISBON.
 
 BRAGANZA; 
 
 A TRAGEDY. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. A Piazza. 
 
 R I B I R O meeting a Spanijb Officer conducing two Citizens 
 bound. L E M O S and C O i< E A following R I B I R O at 
 a little Diftance. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 HoL 
 
 D, officer What means this fpe&acle ? 
 Why lead you thus in fetters thro' the flreets 
 Thefe aged citizens ? 
 
 OFFICER. 
 
 Behold this order. [Jhenvs a paper. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 I know the character. ' fis figned Velafquez. 
 
 ift CITIZEN. 
 We have not mines of unexhaufted gold 
 To feed rapacious Spain and Hern Velafquez : 
 And wrung by hard exadtions for the ftate 
 
 OFFICER. 
 No more I muft not fuffer it 
 
 R I B I R O. (pointing to the prifcners.) 
 
 Pray, Sir 
 
 See thefe white hairs, thefe {hackles Mifery 
 May fure complain >-You are a foldier, Sir, 
 Your mien befpeaks a brave one 
 
 OFFICER. 
 
 I will walk by. 
 Detain them not too long Tis a harfh fentence. 
 
 \Pff.cer ivitkdraws a little. 
 B 2 d CITIZEN.
 
 -2 BRAGANZA, 
 
 ad CITIZEN. 
 
 good Ribiro, what have we deferved, 
 That theie rude chains fhou'd gall us I 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 What deferved ! 
 
 ift CITIZEN. 
 The little all our induftry had earn'd, 
 To fmooth the bed of ficknefs, nurfe old age, 
 And give a decent grave to our cold afties, 
 Spain's hungry minions have already feized. 
 
 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 1 know the reft Dry up thefe fcalding tears 
 The hour of your deliv'rance is at hand : 
 
 An arm more ftrong than {huts your prifon doors, 
 Shall burft them foon, and give you ample vengeance. 
 
 CITIZENS. 
 May we indeed expecl; 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 Mod fure But hufli 
 Refume the femblance of this tranfient ihame, 
 And hide your hope in fadnefs Brave Caililian, 
 Thanks for this courtefy. [To the Officer y who returns. 
 
 CITIZENS. 
 
 Lead on Farewell. 
 
 [Exeunt Guard and Citizen;. 
 
 LEMOS WCOREA come forward to RIBIRO. 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 ' Was that a fight for Lifbon ? 
 
 L E M O S. 
 
 O fhame ! flume ! 
 What crime cou'd they commit ? Old, helplefs, plunder'*! 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 Even thoughts arc crimes in this diilemr-er'd ftate. 
 
 2 They
 
 BRAGANZA. 3 
 
 They once had wealth as you have Spain thought meet 
 To feize it- They (ralh men) have dar'd to murmur. 
 Velafquez here our fcourge King Philip's idol, 
 Whom Portugal muft bow to mildly dooms them, 
 But to perpetual bondage for this treafou. 
 
 L E M O S. 
 
 We muft be patient 'Tis a curelefs evil. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Is patience then the only virtue left us ? 
 Come, come, there is a remedy more manly. 
 
 C O R E A. 
 
 Wou'd it were in our reach ! 
 
 R I E I R O. 
 
 Look here, I grafp it. 
 [Laying bis band on his fivord. 
 What turned to ftatues ! Hence enfranchifement 
 If the quick fire that lately warm'd your breafts, 
 Already waftes to embers. Am I ram ? 
 We touch'd this theme before You felt it then. 
 Wou'd I cou'd put a tongue in every ingot, 
 That now lies pil'd within your mafly ftores 
 Your gold perhaps might move you Spain will feize it, 
 Then bid you mourn the lofs in the next dungeon, 
 Or dig her mines for more Is't not enough ? 
 Indruft me, Lemos, you, good Corea, teach me 
 This meeknefs fo convenient to our foes, 
 Or pierce this fwelling bofom. 
 
 LEMOS. 
 
 Who can teach it ? 
 
 J Tis not in art Ribirc Know us better. 
 The canker difcontent confumes within, 
 And mocks our fmooth exterior. 
 
 COREA. 
 
 Hear me for both : 
 For all th' indignant hearts in Portugal 
 
 B 2 If
 
 4 BRAGANZA. 
 
 If curfes fped like plagues and peftilence, 
 Thus \vou'd I ftrike them at the towers of Spain. 
 May her fwoln pride burft like an empty bubble ? 
 Diilraclion rend her councils, route and ftiame 
 Purfue her flying fquadrons Tempefls fcatter 
 And whirlpools fwallow up her full man'd navies ! 
 Bold infurreftion fpread thro' all her ftates, 
 Shaking like pent-up winds their loofe allegiance ! 
 All Europe arm, and every frowning king, 
 Point at one foe, and let that foe be Spain ! 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 O be that curfe prophetic ! Here 'tis dangerous j 
 Nor will the time allow to tell you all. 
 But thus far reft aflured ; I fpeak not ra(hly 
 A projecl is on foot, and now jufl rip'ning, 
 Will give our indignation nobler fcope, 
 Than tears or curfes (priefts and womens. weapons.) 
 All that fecures the event of great defigns, 
 Sage heads, firm hearts, and executing arms, 
 In formidable union league with us, 
 And chain capricious fortune to our flandard. 
 
 L E M O S. 
 
 Say, can our aid promote this glorious caufe ? 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 All private virtue is the public fund : 
 As that abounds, the ftate decays, or thrives ; 
 Each fhou'd contribute to the general flock, 
 And who lends moil, is mcft his country's friend. 
 
 L E M O S. 
 O wou'd Braganza meet the people's wilh ! 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 He is not yet refolved, but may be won 
 Cou'd I allure him men like you but wifh'd it, 
 (For well he knows and loves you) Trull me, Lemos ! 
 It wou'd do more to knit him to this caufe, 
 Than legions of our hot nobility. 
 
 C O R E A.
 
 B R A G A N Z A: 5 
 
 C O R E A. 
 
 We love his virtue will fupport his rights 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Then fhew it by your deeds. Your artizans 
 Are prompt, bold, hardy, fond of violence. 
 Alarm their flumb'ring courage, roufe their rage, 
 Wake their dulled fenfes to the fhame and fcorn. 
 That hifles in the ears of willing bondmen ; 
 If they will hazard one bold ftroke for freedom, 
 A leader mail be found, a brave a juft one. 
 Anon expsft me where the ivied arch 
 Rears the bold image of our late Braganza. 
 Jn fullen difcontent he feems to frown 
 As if ftill hoftile to the foes of Lifbon. 
 There we'll difcourfe at large Almada comes - 
 
 L E M O S. 
 Is he a friend ? 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 A firm one- -No difhonour 
 
 E'er bow'd that rev'rend head That mighty fpirit 
 When firft the oppreflbr, like a flood, o'erwhelm'd us, 
 Rear'd high his country's ftandard and defied him. 
 He comes to feek me Lofe no time Remember. 
 
 [Exeunt Lemos and Corea. 
 
 R I B i R O alone. 
 I fliou'd deteft my zeal, cou'd it be ilir'd 
 Againft the wholefome rigour of reftraint 
 Licentioufnefs made needful But good Heaven ! 
 Foul murders unprovok'd, delib'rate cruelty 
 The God within us muft rife up againft it. 
 
 Enter ALMADA. 
 
 ALMADA. 
 
 Well met Ribiro What new profelytes ? 
 Thy ardor every hour, or finds, or makes them. 
 
 RIBIRO.
 
 6 BRAGANZA. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 No thank the Spaniards for our profelytes > 
 Scarce half an hour ago, two citizens 
 (My blood ftill boils) by fell Velafquez order 
 Were drag'd to prifon* - 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Spare my foul, Ribiro, 
 Superfluous deteftation of that villain. 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 Knowing this way they were to pafs, I brought 
 Lemos and Corea (whom laft night I founded) 
 That their own eyes might fee the outrages, 
 Men of their order muft expeft to meet 
 Prom power that knows no bounds, and owns no law, 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 'Twas wifely done ; for minds of coarfe alloy 
 But bluntly feel the touch of others wrongs, 
 Tho' deep they take the impreffion of their own. 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 By heav'n their fury bore a nobler ftamp ; 
 Their honeft rage glow'd on their kindling cheeks, 
 Broke thro* the cold reftraints of coward caution, 
 And fwell'd even to an eloquence of anger. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 ' Tis well But are they yet inform'd how near 
 Th' approaching hour, decifive of our fate, 
 That gives us death or freedom that the dawn 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 Not yet They ftill believe the Duke at noon 
 But vifits Lifbon to command the march 
 Of our new levies, to the Spanifh bounds ; 
 Himfelf to follow ftreight Ere then I mean 
 Again to fee them, and ftill more to whet 
 The keenefs of their hate againft our tyrants. 
 At leaft a thoufand follow where they lead 
 
 A L M A D A.
 
 B R A G A N Z A. J 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Their boldnefs well directed may do much; 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 That care be mine I've fludied and I know them j 
 Inconftant, fanguine, eafily inflam'd, 
 But like the nitrous powder uncomprefs'd, 
 Confuming by the blaze nought but itfelf. 
 'Tis ours to charge the mine with deadly feill, 
 And bury ufurpation in the ruin. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 I think we cannot fail Our friends are firm. 
 Honour will bind the noble Hope the weak, 
 And common intereft all* The infulting Spaniard 
 Broods over embryo mifchiefs, nor Alipeds 
 The wretched worm conceals a mortal fling 
 To pierce the haughty heel that tramples him. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 How great will be our triumph, Spain's difgrace, 
 When ev'ry mifchief that perfidious court 
 Has fram'd againft Braganza's precious life, 
 Recoils on the contriver ! 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Urge that home j 
 
 Urge how the Duke's afFedion to his country, 
 His right unqueftionable to her crown, 
 Firft mark'd him for the viftim of falfe Spain ; 
 That his commiflion as high admiral, 
 His general's ftafF, and all the lofty pomp 
 Of his high founding titles, were but meant 
 As gilded fnares to invite him to his death. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Thefe truths, fhameful to Philip, muft be told ; 
 They will endear Don Juan to the people, 
 Will keep them waking, reftlefs, and difpos'd 
 To aid the glorious tumult of to-morrow. 
 
 A L M A D A.
 
 8 BRAGANZA. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 My heart expands, and with a prophet'd fire 
 Seizes the bright reverfion of our hopes. 
 I fee the genius of our realm reftor'd, 
 And fmiling lead him to his rightful throne. 
 No wild ambition, like a pamper'd fteed, 
 O'erleaps the boundaries of law and reafon, 
 And tramples every feed of focial virtue : 
 But o'er the temp'rate current of his blood 
 The gentleft paffions brufh their breezy wings, 
 To animate, but not difturb the dream. 
 Such is his temper The approaching hour 
 Demands perhaps a fterner. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Heaven {till kind, 
 
 Has in his confort's breaft {truck deep the root 
 Of each afpiring virtue. Bright Louifa, 
 To all the foftnefs of her tender fex, 
 Unites the nobleft qualities of man ; 
 A genius to embrace the ampler! fcheme 
 That ever fwell'd the labouring ftatefman's breaft ; 
 Judgment rnoft found, perfuafive eloquence 
 To charm the froward and convince the wife ; 
 Pure piety without religion's drofs, 
 And fortitude that ihrinks at no difalter. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 She is indeed a wonder. O Ribiro, 
 That woman was the fpring that mov'd us all. 
 She canvafs'd all our ftrength, urged all our wrong?, 
 Combin'd our force, and methodized our vengeance. 
 Taught us that ends which feem impoflible 
 Are loft, or compafs'd only by the means ; 
 That fortune is a falfe divinit, , 
 But folly worfhips what the wife man makes. 
 She turn'd our cold dejeclion to device, 
 And rous'd defpondency to active valour. 
 My age delights to dwell on her perfections 
 
 RIBIRO.
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 And I could ever hear them Virtue's praife 
 To honeft ears is mufic. But no more 
 A noife comes this wajr, and that hurrying throng 
 Proclaims the upftart Minifter's approach. 
 This is the hour with faucy pageantry 
 Thro' our thin'd flreets he takes his wonted round ; 
 Like the dire clapping of the harpy's wing, 
 To choak the frugal meal with bitter tears, 
 And fcare content from every humble board. 
 I will avoid him. But I go, proud man, 
 When next we meet to make my prefence dreadful. 
 
 [Exit Ribiro. 
 
 A L M A D A alone. 
 
 Honeft Ribiro ! To this hour my foul 
 
 Has kept her purpofe ; my firm foot has ne'er 
 
 Swerv'd from its path in Lifbon, nor ihall now 
 
 Give way to infolence. Your country's dregs ! 
 
 [Looking towards the train of J'elafquez* 
 Ye fupple fycophants ! Ay, cringe and beg 
 That he will tread upon your proftrate necks, 
 Or ride you like his mules. Authority ! 
 Thy worfhip'd fymbols round a villain's trunk 
 Provoke men's mockery, not their reverence. 
 
 OFFICER entering. 
 Make way there room, room for the Minifter. 
 Know you the lord Velafquez comes this way ? ( To Almada,) 
 Pray, Sir, give place. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 Officious varlet, off ! 
 
 Let not thy fervile touch pollute my robe. 
 Can hirelings frown ? - 
 
 Entf
 
 io B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 Enter V E L A S QJJ E Z and P I Z A R R O. The Magijiratet 
 of Lijbon e witb their Inflgnia, Guards and Attendants pre- 
 ceding. 
 
 VELASQ_UEZ. (looking ft ernly at Almada.) 
 
 How ! Am I then defpifed 
 A tumult in my prefence : Good, my lord, 
 It better wou'd become your gravity, 
 To fet the fair example of obedience 
 To truft and office, than inftruft the rabble 
 In what they are the moft prone to, feuds and faftion. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Moft reverend admonition ! Hold my fpleen ! 
 Ye golden coronets and ermin'd robes, 
 Bend from your ftools, behold this wond'rous man, 
 This Lufitanian cenfor, this fag<? Cato, 
 This conful, with his lidlors, rods and axes, 
 Reprove the boy, Almada, for his lightnefs \ 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Regard not his wild words, he's old and choleric. 
 VELASQ^UEZ. (To bis train.) 
 
 Attend me at the citadel Move on. \Exeunt attendants. 
 I know not whether to accufe my fortune, 
 Or blame my own demerits ; brave Almada, 
 That ever when we meet, thy angry brow 
 Rebukes me with its frown, or keen reproach 
 Darts from thy tongue, and checks the forward wifh 
 That fain wou'd court thy friendmip and efteem. 
 
 ALMADA. 
 
 Friendmip with thee ! Is it fo flight a boon ? 
 If fuch deferve the name, go feek for friends 
 Amidfl the defp'rate crew whofe only bond 
 Is the black confcience of confederate crimes ; 
 Nor in prepoft'rous union think to join 
 Integrity with guilt, and lhame with honour. 
 Know me for what I am thy foe profefi'd. 
 
 Fall
 
 BRAGANZA. it 
 
 Fall on thy knee folicit Heaven for mercy, 
 And tell that feat of pride, thy obdurate he art, 
 Its laft, its only virtue is remorfe. 
 
 [Exit Almada. 
 Manent V E L A S QJJ E Z and P I Z A R R O. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 Go, hoary fool ! preach to the whittling winds, 
 I fcorn thy council, and defy thy hate. 
 'Tis time enough for lagging penitence, 
 When age, like thine, has quench'd ambition's flame. 
 Now nobler thoughts pofTefs my active foul. 
 This haughty province firft fliall feel my weight, 
 And fmce it fcorns my love, thro' fear obey me. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 Already all the power of Spain is thine, 
 
 ice Queen, Marg'ret, tho' of Auftrian blood, 
 Bifcreet, firm, virtuous, complains in vain ; 
 YOU leave her but a regent's empty title, 
 While power is only yours : And happier ftill, 
 Braganza fummon'd to attend the King, 
 Will foon cut offhis country's only hope, 
 And leave no rival to obfcure thy luftre. 
 'Bate but the {hew and name of royalty, 
 Thou art already King. 
 
 V E L A S Q^U E Z. 
 
 The (hew, the name, 
 All that gives grace and awe to majefty 
 Shall foon be mine, Pizarro Olivarez, 
 Whofe counfels rule the Efcurial, to my hand 
 Has long refign'd the reins of Portugal, 
 And dreams not (unfufpicious of my faith) 
 The Delegate, the creature of his breath, 
 Anon will bid defiance to his power, 
 And rank himfelf with monarchs. 
 
 PIZARRO. 
 
 O take heed, 
 Gonfider, Sir, that power ftill awes the world 
 
 C 2 VELASQJLJEZ.
 
 2 BRA.GANZA, 
 
 V E L A S QU E Z. 
 My towering fortune rifes on a rock, 
 And firm as Atlas will defy the ftorm. 
 The purple cement of a Prince's blood 
 Shall Strengthen its foundation. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 Ha! 
 
 V E L A S Q_U E Z. 
 
 Bracjanza's. 
 
 - The precious mifchief fwells my exulting breafl, 
 And foon lhall burft its prifon. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Can it be ? 
 
 I know thy dauntlefs temper mocks at fear, 
 And prudence guides thy daring. But a Prince 
 Follovv'd by faithful guards encompafs'd round 
 With troops of gallant friends the people's idol 
 
 VELASQ^UEZ. 
 Is mortal, like the meaneft of his train, 
 And dies before to-morrow. Ceafe to wonder 
 But when this mighty ruin makes the realm, 
 Prepare like me, with well-diflembled grief, 
 To hide our real joy, and blind fufpicion. 
 
 \FlouriJb of trumpets. 
 
 Thefe trumpets fpeak his entrance ; never more 
 Such fprightly notes, nor fhout of joyful friends^ 
 Pzean or choral fong mail uftier him ; 
 But fad folemnity of funeral pomp, 
 Mute forrow, mournful dirges, ghaftly rites, 
 Marfhal'd by death, in comfortlefs array, 
 Wait his cold relics to their fepulchre. 
 
 End of the Fir/f ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 BRAGANZA. 13 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 An Anthbamler in the Duke of BRAGANZA 's Palace. 
 RIBIRO, MENDOZA. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 .Zi. Moment's paufe, Mendoza ! here appointed 
 By promife to the Duke at noon to wait him, 
 I could not mingle with his followers, 
 So faw it but in part 
 
 MENDOZA. 
 
 The air ilill rings 
 With loudeft acclamations. 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 Yes, Mendoza ; 
 
 With joy I heard them heard the vaulted flcy 
 Echo Braganza. 'Twas no hireling noife, 
 No faftion's roar of mercenary joy, 
 Sound without tranfport but the heart-felt cry 
 Of a whole nation's welcome. Hear it Spain 1 
 Proud ufurpation hear it ! 
 
 MENDOZA. 
 
 The whole way 
 
 Was cover'd thick with panting multitudes, 
 That fcarce left paflage for their chariot wheels ; 
 The trees were bent with people ; ev'ry roof, 
 Dome, temple, portico, fo clofely fill'd, 
 The gazers made the wonder. Here and there 
 
 A difcou-
 
 i 4 B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 A difcontented Spaniard rtalk'd along 
 Should'ring the crowd ; and with indignant {"corn 
 Turn'd up his fallow cheek in mockery. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 We ftiall retort their fcorn Mark'd you the Duke ? 
 His mind is ever letter'd in his face. 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 Pleafure was mingled with anxiety, 
 Both vifible at once. But, O what words 
 Can paint the angel form that grac'd his fide, 
 His bright Louifa ! like th' Olympian Queen, 
 When o'er her fragrant bofom Venus bound 
 Th' enchanting Ceftus from her lucid eyes 
 Stream'd the pure beams of foft benevolence, 
 And glories more than mortal {hone around her. 
 Harmonious founds of dulcet inftruments 
 Swell'd by the breath, or fwept from tuneful wire, 
 Floated in air while yellow Tagus burn'd 
 With prows of flaming gold ; their painted flags 
 In gaudy frolick fluttering to the breeze. 
 On to their palace thus the triumph came : 
 Alighted at the gate, the princely pair 
 Exprefs'd their thanks in filent dignity 
 Of gefture, far more eloquent than words ; 
 Then turn'd them from the throng 
 
 , R I B I R O. 
 
 Why this looks well. 
 
 The Duke will fure be rous'd to refolution 
 By this bright prefage of his coming glory. 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 With grief I learn he fall is undetermin'd. 
 His fears prevail againft the public wifh ; 
 And thus the ill-pois'd fcale of our fair hopes, 
 Mounts light and unfubftantial. 
 
 R I B I R O.
 
 BRAGANZA. 15 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 O you wrong him. 
 
 I know his noble nature Juan's heart 
 Pants not with felfifh fear His wife, his friAds, 
 An infant family, a kingdom's fate, 
 More than his own, befiege his ftruggling foul ; 
 He muft be more than man, who will not hear 
 Such powerful calls, and lefs, who can defpife them. 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 Indeed I cannot wonder he's difturb'd, 
 But doubts are treafon in a caufe like this. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Difmifs thefe fears Louifa's gentle fway 
 Will fix him to our purpofe. Night's chafte orb 
 Rules not the heavings of the reftlefs tide, 
 More fure than me with mild afcendancy 
 Can govern all his ebbs and flows of paffion. 
 But come, by this time the fond multitude 
 Have gaz'd away their longing, and retire. 
 Our greeting will be feafonable now. [Extuat. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 A magnificent Chamber in the Duke of BRAGANZA'-f Pa! aft. 
 
 The Duke /peaking to LEMOS and CORE A Qtbrr 
 
 Citizens at a little Dijtance. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 No more kind countrymen This goodnefs melts me. 
 What can I render back for all thefe honours? 
 This wond'rous prodigality of praife ? 
 What but my life, whene'er your v.-ellfare afks it. 
 
 LEMOS. 
 
 Heav'n guard that precious life for Portugal ! 
 To you, as to a tutelary God, 
 This finking country lifts her fuppliant hands, 
 
 Ami
 
 i5 BRAGANZA. 
 
 And certain of your ftrength, implores your arm 
 To raife her proftrate genius from the dufl. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 A private man, a fubjecl like yourfelves, 
 Bankrupt of power, though rich in gratitude 
 The fenfe of what you fuffer wrings my foul, 
 Nor makes your forrows lefs. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Much injur'd men 
 
 Whom love not fear mould govern from this hour 
 Know we efpoufe your caufe We have not hearts 
 Of aliens, to behold with pafiing glance 
 And cold indifference, the ruthlefs fpoiler 
 Smile o'er the ravage of your fertile plains. 
 We feel the fetters that difgrace your limbs ; 
 We mourn the vigour of your minds deprefs'd : 
 With horror we behold your gen'rous blood, 
 Drain'd by the infatiate thirft of ravening wolves, 
 If we have nature, we muft feel your wrongs, 
 If we have power, redrefs them 
 
 C O R E A. 
 
 Matchlefs lady ! 
 
 There fpoke our rightful Queen, our better angel ! 
 In us behold your fervants, fubjefts, foldiers; 
 Though yet unpraclis'd in the trade of war, 
 Our fwords will find an edge at your command. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 We neither doubt your courage nor your love, 
 And both perhaps ere long may meet the trial 
 I would detain you but our conference, 
 Might now be dangerous Rank me with your friends, 
 And know I have a heart for Portugal. 
 
 [Exeunt Lemos, Corea, 
 
 Manoit
 
 B&AGANZA. 17 
 
 Manent DUKE and D U T C H E S S* 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Why wears my Juan's brow that thoughtful cloud 
 Why thus with downcaft look and folded arms ? 
 When ev'ry other bofom fwells with hope, 
 When expectation, like a fiery deed, 
 Anticipates the courfe, and pants to hear 
 The fprightly fignal ftart him for the goal. 
 Think that the people from their leader's eye 
 Catch the fure omens of their future fate ; 
 With his their courage falls, their fpirits rife ; 
 For confidence is conqueft's harbinger. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Light of thy Juan's life ! My foul's beft joy ? 
 Swifter than meteors glide, or wings of wind, 
 My nimble thoughts moot thro' their whirling round : 
 A thoufand cares diftraft this anxious breaft. 
 To recompenfe the dark uncertainty 
 Of this dread interval, 'twixt now and morn, 
 Weuld aflt whole years of happinefs to come. 
 Now thou art mine, thefe faithful arms enfold thee ; 
 But oh ! to-morrow may behold thee torn 
 By barbarous ruffians from their fond embrace, 
 The flowing honours of that beauteous head, 
 May fweep a fcaffbld's dull, and iron death 
 Clofe in eternal fleep thofe radiant eyes 
 That beam with love and joy unutterable. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 O make me not your curfe, as fure I muft be, 
 The flain, the blot of your immortal fame, 
 If one foft pafiion like a languid fpell, 
 Diflblve thy manly fortitude of foul, 
 And melt the prince and patriot in the huiband. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 That tender union is the healing balm, 
 The cordial of my foul -our deftinies 
 
 D Are
 
 iS B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 Are twin'd together Were my fingle life 
 The only forfeit of this perilous chance, 
 I'd throw it, like a heedlefs prodigal, 
 And wanton with my fortune But alas ! 
 More than the wealth of worlds is now at flake. 
 And can I hazard this dear precious pledge, 
 Venture my all of blifs on one bold caft, 
 Nor feel the conflict that now rends my heart ? 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 Why do you tremble ? Thefe cold ftruggling drops 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 They fall for thee Louifa my quell'd fpirit 
 Avows its weaknefs there 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 'Tis cruel fondnefs, 
 It wounds me deeply Juan. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Witnefs honour ! 
 
 Thy martial call ne'er found Braganza's ear 
 Cold, till this bitter moment. I have met, 
 Nay courted death, in the fteel'd files of war, 
 When fquadrons wither'd as the giant trod; 
 Nor mrunk ev'n when the hardieil in the field 
 Have paufed upon the danger Here, I own, 
 My agonizing nerves degrade the foldier, 
 Ev'n to a coward's frailty Should the fword 
 Which black deftrudlion foon may wave o'er all, 
 (Avert it Heaven !) ftrike at thy precious life, 
 Should but one drop, forc'd by rude violence, 
 Stain that dear bofom, I were fo accurs'd, 
 The outflretch'd arm of mercy could not feve me. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 I have a woman's form, a woman's fears, 
 I flirink from pain and ftart at diflblution. 
 To fhun them is great Nature's prime command j 
 
 i Yet
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 19 
 
 Yet fummon'd as we are, your honour pledg'd, 
 Your own juft rights engag'd, your country's fate, 
 Let threat'ning death affume his direft form, 
 Let dangers multiply, ftill would I on, 
 Still urge, exhort, confirm thy conftancy, 
 And though we perifh'd in the bold attempt, 
 With my laft breath I'd blefs the glorious caufe, 
 And think it happinefs to die fo nobly. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 O thou haft roufed me From this hour I banifh 
 Each fond folickude that hover'd round thee : 
 Thy voice, thy looks - thy foul are heav'n's own fire. 
 'Twere impious but to doubt that pow'r ordain'd thee 
 To guide me to this glorious enterprize: 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Thou fhalt be chronicl'd to lateft time, 
 Heaven's chofen inftrument to punifh tyrants. 
 The great reftorer of a nation's freedom ! 
 Thou (halt complete what Brutus but attempted. 
 Nor withering age, nor cold oblivion's fljade, 
 Nor envy's cank'rous tooth fhall blaft thy wreaths ; 
 But every friend to virtue ftiall infcribe 
 To Juan's name eternal monuments. 
 But fee our friends approach a-while I Peave thee 
 Remember ilill thou mult be king or nothing. 
 
 [Exit Dut chefs. 
 DUKE alone. 
 
 I will fupprefs th' emotions of my heart. 
 Quite to fubdue them is impoffible. 
 
 Enter R I B I R O and M E N D O Z A. 
 
 Welcome ye wakeful guardians of your country ! 
 Had we in all the people's mighty mafs 
 But twenty fpirits matdi'd with you in virtue, 
 How might we bid dehar.ce to proud Spain ; 
 
 D 2 How
 
 20 BRAGAN&A. 
 
 How fcorn the clofe difguife of fecret councils, 
 And challenge their full force in open combat 1 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Led by Don Juan, can we doubt th' event ? 
 All things confpire Antipathy to Spain 
 Is here hereditary 'Tis nature's inftindl, 
 *Tis principle, religion, vital heat. 
 Old men to lifl'ning fons with their lafl breath 
 Bequeath.it as a dying legacy. 
 Infants imbibe it at the mother's bread. 
 It circles with their blood, fpreads with their frame, 
 Its fountain is the heart, and till that fails 
 The flream it fed can never ceafe to flow. 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 That furious irapulfe gives the Ipleen of fiend$ 
 To fofteft tempers, the unpraftis'd arm 
 Sinews with lion's ilrength, and drives us on 
 Rcfifllefs as the fweeping whirlwind's force. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 All is propitious ! Every poft is fill'd 
 With officers devoted to our fervice : 
 Already in their hearts they own my title, 
 And wait but for our orders to proclaim it. 
 
 Enter A L M A D A. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Come to my breaft, my fage admonimer! % 
 
 The tutor and example of my arms ! 
 The proud Iberian foon ftiall feel their force ; 
 And learn from Juan's fword to venerate 
 The fame of brave Almada. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Thus my prince, 
 
 Thus did I hope to find thee. Hence no more 
 Shall hard exactions grind the proftrate people $ 
 
 Our
 
 BRAGANZA- 21 
 
 Oar gentry to their provinces confin'd 
 Languifh no more in fhameful circumfcription j 
 No more our ancient noblemen be ftripp'd 
 Of all but empty titles, tinfel names 
 Like tarnim'd gold on rags to mock the wearer] 
 Our pofts of eminence no more be filled 
 With upftart ftrangers, or the fordid lees 
 Of bafe plebian natives 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 My impatient breaft, 
 
 Full of the expefted joy, like a young bridegroom, 
 Upbraids the lazy hours that lag between 
 My wifhes and enjoyment The onfet is 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 When St. Lazar beats five, about that hour 
 We'll welcome the fun's rifmg with an offering 
 More glorious than the Perfians Hecatomb. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 At night your friends aflemble with Almada 
 In dreadful fecrecy Then with rais'd arm 
 We rufh to cancel our long debt to vengeance, 
 And glut our thirfty blades with Spanifh gore. 
 
 ALMADA. 
 
 If we fufpend the blow beyond to-morrow 
 All may be loft Three thoufand veterans 
 Lye canton'd on the river's fouthern fide ; 
 Should our defign be known, they will be call'd 
 To reinforce the pofts, and guard the city. 
 Adieu then to our dream of liberty ! 
 We rivet clofer chains on Portugal, 
 And drag the doom of traytors on ourfelves. 
 
 fnttr
 
 22 B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 Enter DUTCHES S. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Siifpend your confultations for a moment, 
 Within the miniiler of Spain attends ; 
 Forgive th* officious love of your Louifa : 
 No ftranger to his arts, (he warns her Juan 
 DUKE. 
 
 I know he comes in folemn mockery 
 To make a hollow tender of his fervice 
 With moft obfequious falfhood. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 My belt Lord, 
 
 Hold ftrifteft watch on all your words and motions j 
 Guard every look, with that difcerning villain ; 
 Subtle, infiduous, falfe, and plaufible ; 
 He can with eafe afTume all outward forms, 
 Seem the moft honeft, plain, fmcere good man, 
 And keep his own defigns lock'd clofe within, 
 While with the lynx's beam he penetrates 
 The deep referve of every other bread. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 I too will wear my vizor in the fcene, 
 And play the dupe I am not. Friends, farewell ! 
 Perhaps ere morning we may meet again 
 The hour is fix'd, Louifa ; all prepar'd 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Then this is onr laft night of flavery 
 A brighter aera rifes with the dawn. [Exit Date. 
 
 If we may dare without impiety 
 To challenge heavenly aid, and fwell the brezft 
 With confidence of more than mortal vigour, 
 Can Heaven fland neuter in a caufe like this ? 
 Or favour fraud, oppreffion, cruelty ? 
 Now gentle friends I am a fuitrefs to you. 
 
 A L M A D A.
 
 BRAGANZA. 23 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 You are our fovereign, madam 'tis your right, 
 Not to folicit but command our duty. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 Think me not light, capricious, variable, 
 If I who urg'd ye to this bold attempt, 
 And ever when your anger feem'd to cool 
 Pour'd oil to wake the flame and feed its blaze, 
 Now fupplicate with milder earneftnefs 
 And ftrive to allay its fury. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Speak your pleafure ! 
 The obedience of our hearts will follow it ! 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 I know the meafure of your wrongs would licenfe, 
 Nay jultify the wild excefs of vengeance; 
 Yet in the headlong rage of execution, 
 Think rather what your mercy may permit 
 Than what their crimes deferve who feel your juftice. 
 O ! follow not the example we abhor, 
 Nor let thofe weapons juftice confecrates 
 Be dy'd with drops drawn from the bleeding breaft 
 Of reverend age, or helplefs innocence. 
 Wilt thou take heed Almada ? 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Fear not, madam, 
 All mercy not injurious to our caufe, 
 
 Ev'n Spaniards, as they are men, from men may challenge. 
 For Indus' wealth I wou'd not flain this fword, 
 Sacred to honour, in the guiltlefs blood 
 Of unoffending wretches reft fecure, 
 A proflrate and defencelefs enemy, 
 Has ftronger guards againft a brave man's wrath, 
 Than tenfold brafs, or ftuelds of adamant. 
 
 DUTCHES S.
 
 24 BRAGANZA. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 Gen'rous Almada ! welldoft thou inftrudl 
 Soft pity is not more akin to love 
 Than to true fortitude. Thy foft youth, Mendoza, 
 Need not be tutor'd to humanity. 
 
 MENDOZA. 
 
 Heav'n and my confcious foul bear witnefs for me 
 That not to fatiate any private malice, 
 But for the general good, I Hand engag'd 
 In this great compaft. 'Twere a coward's vengeance 
 To turn a facrifice to maffacre, 
 And practice while I punifli cruelty. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Till fortune give one victim to my rage, 
 Compafllon and this bofom muft be Grangers, 
 No fan&uary, nor interceding prayers, 
 Nor wings of angels ftretch'd to cover him, 
 Shall fave that monfter from the doom he merits. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 You mean the minifler of Spain, Velafquez. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 I mean the minifter of hell, Velafquez, 
 That cool deliberate executioner ; 
 Jf he efcape, may this good arm rot ofF, 
 All worthy thoughts forfake, and fcorn purfue me : 
 Write boafter on my forehead let my name 
 Blifter the tongue that ipeaks it. Infamy 
 Be here my portion, endlefs pains hereafter, 
 
 DUTCHES^. 
 O would that facrifice might expiate ! 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Pardon the ram efFufion of my zeal ; 
 It deals too much in words. 
 
 DUTCHES S.
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 25 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Not fo, Ribiro, 
 
 Thy anger has a licenfe ; and thy zeal 
 We know is generous, not fanguinary. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Madam, we take our leave good angels guard you ! 
 We go to prove our duty in your fervice. 
 The homage of our hearts has long been yours, 
 And foon you lhall receive it from our knees. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 Believe me, friends, your loves are written here, 
 In chara&ers no time can e'er efface. 
 
 [Exeunt Almada, Ribiro and Mendaz** 
 
 DUTCHESS alone. 
 And may the mighty fpirits of paft times 
 Rais'd by defert to bright immortal thrones, 
 Sufpend awhile their tafk of heav'nly praife 
 In miniftry unfeen to hover round them ! 
 Proteft afpiring virtue like their own, 
 And in their bofoms breathe refiftlefs ardour ! [Exit. 
 
 End of the Second ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 T III. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 Apartments of V E L A S QJJ E Z, in the Palace of 
 Vice- Queen. 
 
 V E L A S CLU E Z, P I Z A R R O. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 J O U feem difturb'd 
 
 V E L A S CLU E Z. 
 
 With reafon dull Braganza 
 Muft have been tutor'd At our interview 
 J pradtis'd every fupple artifice 
 That glides into man's bofom The return 
 Was blank referve, ambiguous compliment, 
 And hatred thinly veil'd by ceremony. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Might I prefume 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 Pizarro, I am flung 
 His father Theodofius, that proud Prince, 
 Who durft avow his enmity to Philip, 
 And menac'd thunders at my deftin'd head, 
 With all his empty turbulence of rage 
 Cou'd never move me like the calm difdain 
 Of this cold blooded Juan. 
 
 PIZARRO.
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 27 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Then, my Lord, 
 Your purpofe holds. 
 
 V E L A S CLU E Z. 
 
 It does I will difpatch 
 
 This tow'ring Duke, who keeps the cheek of Spaia 
 Pale with perpetual danger. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 For what end ? 
 
 Unconfcious of his fate, he blindly fpeeds 
 To find a grave in Spain Why then refolve 
 To fpill that blood, which elfewhere will be fhed 
 Without your crime or peril ? 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 That's the queftion. 
 
 Were I aflur'd they meant his death, 'twere neediefs : 
 But when they draw him once from Portugal, 
 Where only he is dangerous, then perhaps 
 Their fears, or lenity may let him live ; 
 And while he lives, my fiery courfe is check'd, 
 My fun climbs (lowly, never can afcend 
 To its meridian brightnefs. 
 
 P I Z A R R O, 
 
 Still, my Lord, 
 My mort lin'd wifdom cannot found your depth. 
 
 V E L A S Q^U E Z. 
 I mean to tell thee all, for thou may'il aid me, 
 And thy tried faith deferves my confidence. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 I am your own for ever Your kind hand, 
 Bounteous beyond my merit, planted here 
 Favours innumerable. 
 
 E ? V E L A S QJLJ E Z,
 
 28 B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 V E L A S CLU E Z. 
 
 Think them little- 
 An earneft, not the. acquittal of my love. 
 The enormous wealth of Juan's royal houfe, 
 His large domains, extended influence, 
 His numerous va/Tals fo have fwell'd his ftate, 
 That were his means but pufh'd to one great end ; 
 How eafy might he wreft this realm from Spain, 
 And brave King Philip's rage ? 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Good carelefs prince ! 
 Mild and uxorious! No ambitious dream 
 Difturbs his tranquil {lumber 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 Jufl his nature ! 
 
 On houfehold wing he flutters round the roof, 
 That with the princely eagle might have foar'd 
 And met the dazzling fun. Now by his death 
 (My engine cannot fail, this night he meets it) 
 His wealth, his mightinefs, his followers 
 Become Lcuifa's dower What think'ft thou now ? 
 Cou'd I but win her to accept my hand, 
 (And much my art will move, and more my power) 
 Might not our union, like the impetuous courfe 
 Of blending torrents, break all feeble mounds 
 Spain cou'd oppoTe to bar me from the crown ? 
 That once obtain'd, let Olivarez rail, 
 Let his inglorious mailer call me traitor, 
 I'll fcorn their idle fury. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Still I fear 
 
 Louifa's heart, cold and impenetrable, 
 To all but Juan's love, will own no fecond, 
 
 Tho'
 
 B R A G A N Z A; j 
 
 Tho' big ambition fwells her female breafl 
 Beyond the fex's foftnefs. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 My hope refts 
 
 Even on that favourite paflion Grief at firft 
 Will drive her far from love A fecond flame 
 Perhaps may ne'er rekindle in her heart ; 
 Yet, give her momentary frenzy fcope, 
 It waftes itfelf ; ambition then regains 
 Its wonted force and winds her to my lure- 
 But come I muft not Icfe thefe precious moments, 
 The Fates are bufy now. What's yet untold, 
 There place thyfelf and learn Take heed you move not. 
 
 [/Vx^rra retirff* 
 Without there! Ho! 
 
 Enter an OFFICER. 
 
 OFFICER. 
 What is your lordfliip's pleasure ? 
 
 V E L A S Q^U E Z. 
 Attends the monk, Ramirez ? 
 
 OFFICER. 
 
 He does, my lord. 
 
 V E L A S CLU E Z. 
 
 Corrduft him in and leave us. 
 
 Enter RAMIREZ. 
 
 You are welcome, 
 
 Moft welcome, reverend father Pray draw near- 
 We have a bufinefs for your privacy, 
 Of an efpecial nature The circling air 
 Shou'd not partake it, nor the babbling winds,
 
 3o BRAGANZA. 
 
 Left their invifible wings difperfe one breath 
 Of that main fecret, which thy faithful bofom 
 Is only fit to treafure. 
 
 A M I R E Z. 
 Good my lord, 
 I am no common talker. 
 
 V E L A S Q^U E Z. 
 
 Well I know it, 
 
 And therefore chofe thee from the brotherhood, 
 Not one of whom but wou'd lay by all thoughts 
 Of earth and Heaven, and fly to execute 
 What I, the voice of Spain, commiflion'd him. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 Vouchfafe dire&ly to unfold your will, 
 My deeds, and not my words, muft prove my duty. 
 
 VALES Q^U E Z. 
 
 Nay, truft me, cou'd they but divine my purpofe, 
 The holieft he, that wafles the midnight lamp 
 In prayers and penance, wou'd prevent my tongue 
 And hear me thank the deed, but not perfuade it. 
 Therefore, good friend, 'tis not neceflity, 
 That fometimes forces any prefent means, 
 And chequers chance with wifdom, but free will, 
 The eledlion of my judgment and my love, 
 That gives thy aptnefs this pre-eminence. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 The ftate, I know, has flore of inftruments, 
 Like well-rang'd arms in ready order plac'd, 
 Each for its feveral ufe. 
 
 V E L A S Q_U E Z. 
 
 Obferve me well ; 
 Think not 1 mean to fnatch a thanklcfs office ; 
 
 4 Who
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 31 
 
 Who fervcs the ftate, while I direcl her helm, 
 
 Commands my friendfliip, and his own reward. 
 
 Say, can you be content in thefe poor weeds 
 
 To know no earthly hopes beyond a cloyfter ? 
 
 But ftretch'd on mufty malts in noifome caves, 
 
 To roufe at midnight bells, and mutter prayers 
 
 For fouls beyond their reach, to fenfelefs faints? 
 
 To wage perpetual war with nature's bounty ? 
 
 To blacken fick men's chambers, and be numbcr'd 
 
 With the loath'd leavings of mortality, 
 
 The watch-light, hour-glafs, and the naufeous phial ? 
 
 Are thefe the ends of life? Was this fine frame, 
 
 Nerves exquifitely textur'd, foft defires, 
 
 Afpiring thoughts, this comprehensive foul, 
 
 With all her train of god-like faculties 
 
 Given to be funk in this vile drudgery ? 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 Thefe are the hard conditions of our ftate. 
 We fow our humble feeds with toil on earth, 
 To reap the harveft of our hopes in Heaven. 
 
 VALES CLU E Z. 
 
 Yet wifer they who truft no future chance, 
 But make this earth a Keaven. Raife thy eyes 
 Up to the temporal fplendors of our church ; 
 Behold our priors, prelates, cardinals ; 
 Survey their large revenues, princely ftate, 
 Their palaces of marble, beds of down, 
 Their ftatues, pictures, baths, luxurious tables, 
 That flume the fabled banquets of the gods. 
 See how they weary art, and ranfack nature 
 To leave no tafte, no wifti ungratified. 
 Now if thy fpirit fhrink not I can raife thee 
 To all this pomp and greatnefs. Pledge thy faith, 
 Swear thou wil't do this thing whate'er I urge, 
 . And Lifbon's envied crozier fhall be thine, 
 
 RAMIREZ,
 
 3& BRAGANZA. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 This goodnefs, fo tranfcending all my hopes, 
 Confounds my aftonifh'd fenfe. Whate'er it be 
 Within the compafs of man's power to aft, 
 I here devote me to the execution. 
 
 V E L A S Q_U E Z. 
 
 I mufl not hear of confcience and nice fcruples, 
 Tares that abound in none but meagre foils, 
 To choak the afpiring feeds of manly daring : 
 Thofe puny inftindls, which in feeble minds, 
 Unfit for great exploits, are mifcall'd virtue- 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 Still am I loft in dark uncertainty ; 
 And muft for ever wander, till thy breath 
 Deign to difpel the impenetrable mift, 
 Fooling my fight that ftrives in vain to pierce it. 
 
 V E L A S CLU E Z. 
 You are the Duke of Braganza's confeffor, 
 And fame reports him an exact obferver 
 Of all our churches' holy ceremonies. 
 He ftill is won't whene'er he vifits Lifbon, 
 Ere grateful flumber feal his pious lids, 
 With all due reverence, from fome prieilly hand 
 To take the myftic fymbol of our faith. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 It ever was his cuftom, and this night 
 I am commanded to attend his leifure 
 With preparation for the folemn aft. 
 
 V E L A S CLU E Z. 
 
 1 know it Tak (fives him a boxjthou this It holds a wafer 
 Of fovereign virtue to enfranchife fouls, 
 Too righteous for this world, from mortal cares. 
 
 A monk
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 33 
 
 A monk of Milan mix'd the deadly drug, 
 Drawn from the quinteflence of noxious plants, 
 Minerals and poifonous creatures, whofe dull bane 
 Arrefts the nimble current of life's tide, 
 And kills without a pang. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 I knew him well, 
 The Carmelite Caftruccio, was it not ? 
 
 V E L A S Q^U E Z. 
 
 The fame, he firft approv'd it on a wretch 
 Condemn'd for murder to the ling'ring wheel. 
 This night commit it to Braganza's lips. 
 Had he a heart of iron, giant ftrength, 
 The antidotes of Pontus All were vain, 
 To ftruggle with the venom's potency. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 This night, my lord ? 
 
 V E L A S CLU E Z. 
 
 This very night, nay, fhrink not, 
 Unlefs thou mean'ft to take the lead in death, 
 And pull thy own deftru&ion on thy head. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 Give me a moment's paufe A deed like this 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 Should be at once refolv'd and executed. 
 Think'ft thou I am a raw unpra&is'd novice, 
 To make thy breaii a partner to the truft, 
 And not thy hand accomplice of the crime ? 
 Why 'tis the bond for my fecurity : 
 Look not amaz'd, but mark me needfully. 
 Thou haft thy choice difpatch mine enemy. 
 The means are in thy hand be fafe and grr at, 
 
 F Or
 
 34 B R A G A N Z A, 
 
 Or inftantly prepare thee for a death 
 Which nothing bat compliance can avert. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 Numbers I know even thus have tailed death, 
 But Cure imagination fcarce can form 
 A way fo horrid, impious ! 
 
 V E L A S Q_U E Z. 
 
 How's this, How's this ! 
 
 Hear me, pale mifcreant, my rage once rous'd, 
 That hell thou dread'ft this moment {hall receive thee. 
 Look here and tremble [Dratus a dagger and feizes him, 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 My lord be not fo rafh, 
 
 Your fury's deaf Will you not hear me fpeak ? 
 By ev'ry hope that cheers, all vows that bind, 
 Whatever horror waits upon the aft, 
 Your will fhall make it juftice I'm refolv'd. 
 
 V A L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 No trifling, Monk take heed, for mould^ft thou fail 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 Then be my life the forfeit My obedience 
 Not only follows from your high command, 
 But that my bofom fwells againft this Duke 
 With the full fenfe of my own injuries. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 Enough I thank thee Let me know betimes 
 How we have profper'd. Hence, retire with caution, 
 Deferve my favour, and then meet me boldly. [Exit Rnmirex. 
 'Tis done His doom is feal'd Come forth Pizarro. 
 
 \Pixarro comes forward. 
 I.s't not a fubde mifchief ? 
 
 PIZARRO.
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 35 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Paft all praife, 
 The holy tool had qualms. 
 
 V E L A S Q_U E Z. (Pointing to hit dagger.) 
 
 But this difpell'd them, 
 And fortified the coward by his fears. 
 His work perform'd, I mean to end him too. 
 Say, is my barge prepar'd as I commanded ? 
 
 P I Z A R R 0. 
 
 All is prepar'd, my Lord. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 The friends of Juan, 
 
 (I'll tell thee as we pafs) they fhall not long 
 Survive to lift their crefts fo high in Lifbon. [Extant. 
 
 SCENE changes to the Caftle of A L M A D A. 
 Enter A L M A D A And an Attendant. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Good Perez, fee that none to night have entrance 
 But fuch whofe names are written in that roll, 
 And bid your fellows from the northern tower, 
 Chufe each a faulchion, and prepare to follow- 
 Where I at dawn will lead. 
 
 ATTENDANT. 
 I will, my Lord. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Wait near the gate thyfelf, nor ilir from thence 
 Without my fummons. 
 
 F 2 ATT END ANT.
 
 36 BRAGANZA. 
 
 ATTENDANT. 
 
 Truft my vigilance. [Exit Attendant. 
 
 A L M A D A alone. 
 Now raylefs midnight flings her fable pall 
 Athwart the horizon, and with pond'rous mace 
 In dead icpofe weighs down o'er-labour'd nature, 
 While we, the boify inftruments of fate, 
 Unmindful of her feafon, wake like ghofts, 
 To add new horrors to the fhadowy fcene. 
 
 To him enter federal of the Duke of BRAGANZA'S Friends. 
 
 ANTONIO. 
 
 Health to Almada. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Thus to meet, Antonio ! 
 Is the belt health, the foundnefs of the mind. 
 Better at this dark hour to embrace in arms 
 Thus girt for manly execution, friend ! 
 Than in the mazes of the wanton dance, 
 Or revelling o'er bowls in frantic mirth, 
 To keep inglorious vigils. 
 
 ANTONIO. 
 True, my Lord. 
 
 Enter R I B I R O with L E M 6 S and C O R E A. 
 
 ALMADA. (to Rillro.) 
 O foul of honour, ever, ever conftant. 
 Thefc are the worthy citizens, our friends 
 
 R I B I R O. (Prifenting Lews and CcreaJ 
 
 And fuch as laurell'd Rome might well have own'd 
 
 ^ Worthy
 
 BRAGANZA. 
 
 Worthy to fill her magifterial chairs, 
 
 When reverence bow'd to virtue tho' untided. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 As'fuch I take their hands, nay more as fuch, 
 Their grateful country will rejoice to own them. 
 Are we all met ? 
 
 ANTONIO. 
 
 Mendoza is not here, 
 Nor Roderis, and Mello too is abfent. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 They were not wont to be thus waited for. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Anon they will be here, mean time proceed, 
 They know their place already 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Why we meet, 
 
 Is not to canvafs our opprobrious wrongs, 
 But to redrefs them. Yet as trumpets found, 
 To roufe the foldier's ardor, fo the breath 
 Of our calamities will wake our fires, 
 And fan them to fpread wide the flame of vengeance. 
 'Tis not my gift to play the orator, 
 But in plain words to lay our flate before you. 
 Our tyrant's grandfire, \vhofe ambition claim'd, 
 And firft ufurp'd Braganza's royal rights, 
 My blood eftablim'd his detefted fway. 
 Old Tagus blufh'd with many a crimfon tide, 
 Sluic'd from the nobleft veins of Portugal. 
 The exterminating fword knew no diftinclion. 
 Princes, and prelates, venerable age, 
 
 82398
 
 3 8 BRAGANZA. 
 
 Matrons, and helplefs virgins fell together, 
 'Till cloy'd and fick of flaughter, the tir'd foldier 
 With grim content flung down his reeking fteel, 
 And glutted rage gave truce to tnaffacre. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Nor pafs'd the iron rod to milder hands 
 Thro' two fucceeding reigns With cruel zeal 
 The barbarous offspring emulate their fire, 
 And track his bloody footfteps in our ruin. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Now mark how happily the time confpires, 
 To give our great achievement permanence ; 
 Spain is not what flie was, when Europe bow'd. 
 To the fifth Charles, and his degenerate fon. 
 When, like a torrent fwell'd by mountain floods. 
 She fvvept the neighbouring nations with her arms, 
 Arid threaten'd thofe remote, contracted now 
 Within an humble bed, the thrifty urn, 
 Of her exhaufled greatnefs, fcarce can pour 
 A lazy tide thro' her own mould'ring ftatesj 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Yes the ColofTus totters, every blaft 
 Shakes the itupendcas mafs and threats its downfall. 
 
 Enter M E N D O Z A. 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 Break off break off the fatal fnure is fpread, 
 And death's pale hand aflifls to clofe the toil. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Whence this dread greeting ? Ha thy alter'd cheek 
 Wears not the enfign of this glowing hour. 
 
 M E N D O Z A.
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 39 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 The fcream of night owls, or the ravens croak 
 Wou'd better fuit the baleful news I bring, 
 Than the known accents of a friendly voice. 
 We are undone betray'd 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Say'ft thqu betray'd ? 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 Our tower is fap'd the high rais'd fabric falls 
 To crufh us with the ruin What avails 
 The full maturity of all our hopes? 
 This glorious league -the juftice of our caufe ? 
 High Heaven' might idly thunder on our fide, 
 If traitors to ourfelves. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 
 Ourfelves Oh frame! 
 
 I'll not believe it What perfidious flaves 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 Two whom we thought the ilnews of our flrength, 
 Don Roderic and Mello. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Lightnings blaft them ! 
 May infamy record their daftard names, 
 And vulgar villains fhun their fellowship 
 Thsfe hot, loud brawlers 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 Are the flaves of Spain, 
 
 And bargain for the price of perfidy 
 
 On to the wharf with quick impatient ftep, 
 1 faw Velafquez prefs, and in his train 
 
 Thefe
 
 40 B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 Thefe lurking traitors. Now, even now, they crofs 
 The ebbing Tagus in the tyrant's barge, 
 And haften to the fort. The troops of Spain, 
 Even while we fpeak, are fummon'd to the charge, 
 And mark us for their prey. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Nay then, 'tis paft. 
 
 Malignant fortune, when the cup was rais'd 
 Clofe to our lips, has dafh'd it to the ground. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 This unexpefted bolt ftrikes flat our hopes, 
 And leaves one dreary defolation round us. 
 1 fee their hangmen muiler, wolf-ey'd cruelty, 
 Grimly fedate, glares o'er her iron hoard 
 Of racks, wheels, engines, feels her axe's edg5 
 Licks her fell jaws, and with a monfter's thirft,. 
 Already drinks our blood. 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 There's not a pang 
 
 That rends the fibres of man's feeling frame, 
 No vile difgrace, that even in thought o'er-fpreads 
 The cheek with burning crimfon, but her hate 
 Ingenious to devife, and fure to inflift 
 In keeneft agony will make us fuffer. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Wou'd that were all Our difmal fcene mufl clofe; 
 Nature o'er power'd at length will leave her load, 
 And baffle perfecution. But O, Portugal ! 
 Alafs unhappy country ! Where's the bourn 
 Can mark the extent of thy calamities. 
 Like winter's icy hand our lucklefs end 
 Will freeze the fource of future enterprize : 
 
 Oppreffion
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 41 
 
 Oppreffion then o'er the devoted realm 
 
 Eredt and bold will ftalk with tenfold ravage. 
 
 There, there alone, this breaft is vulnerable ; 
 
 Thefe are the wheels that wrench, the racks that tear me. 
 
 ANTONIO. 
 
 But are there left no means to elude the danger ? 
 Why do we linger here ? Why not refolve 
 To fave ourfelves by flight ? 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 Impoffible ! 
 The guards no doubt are fet the port fa bar'd. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Fly Lemos to the people, and reftrain 
 Their generous ardor. It wou'd now break forth 
 Ufelefs to us, and fatal to themfelves. [Exit Lenai* 
 
 You to the Duke, Ribiro ! In our names, 
 (Perhaps our laft requeft) by our loft fortunes, 
 By all our former friendfliip, O conjure him 
 To fave our richeft treafure from the wreck, 
 Nor hazard in a defperate enteiprize 
 His country's laft beft hope, his valued life, 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 Support him Heaven, and arm his piety 
 To bear this fad viciffitude with patience. [Exit Ritirt. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 And yet we will not meet in vain, brave friends ; 
 We came with better hopes, refolv'd like men 
 To ftruggle for our freedom. What remains? 
 A greater power than mortals can arraign, 
 Has otherwife decreed it. Speak, my brothers, 
 Now doubly dear in item adverfity ; 
 Say, fhall we glut thefpoiler with our bio ?d, 
 Submit to the vile infults of their law, 
 
 C T
 
 42 B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 To have our honeflduft by the ruffian hands 
 
 Given to the winds Is this the doom that waits us ? 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 Alas what better doom? To afk for mercy 
 Were ignominious, to expedt it bootlefs. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 To afk for mercy cou'd Spain flretch my life 
 To years beyond the telling, for one tear, 
 One word, in fign of forrow, I'd difdain it. 
 Death ftill is in our pow'r and we'll die nobly, 
 As foldier" (hou'd do, red with well earn'd wounds, 
 And ftrctch'd on heaps of flaughter'd enemies. 
 
 [Exeunt federally. 
 
 End of the nirJ ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 B R A G A N Z A, 43 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 A Marnier in the Duke of B R A G A N 2 A ' s Palnce. 
 
 DUTCHESS alone. 
 
 \J Thou fupreme difpofcr of the world ! 
 If from my childhood to this awful now, 
 I've bent with meek fubmiffion to thy will, 
 Send to this feeble bofom one blefl beam 
 Of that bright emanation, which infpires 
 True confidence in thee, to calm the throbs 
 That heave this bofom for my hufband's fafcty, 
 And with immortal fpirit to exalt 
 Above all partial ties our countries love. 
 
 To her enter R I B I R O ba/Hfy. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Where is the Duke ? O pardon, gracious madam. 
 
 DUTCHESS. 
 
 What means this hafte and thefe diftrafted looks ' 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Dttain me not but lead me to my Lord. 
 WiR life, perhaps nay, your 
 
 DUTCHESS. 
 
 His life O heavens ! 
 Tell me, Ribiro fpeak 
 
 G z RIB IRQ.
 
 44 BRAGANZA. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Too foon, alas 
 
 You'll hear it Afk not now dear lady 
 What I've fcarce breath to utter Where's the Duke ? 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 This moment with his confefibr retir'd 
 I left him in his clofet. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 'Tis no time- 
 All muft give place to this dire urgency. 
 Even while we fpeak A moment's precious now.- - 
 He muft be interrupted Guide me to him. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Sufpenfe is ling'ring death. Come on, I'll lead you. 
 
 [Exeunt, 
 
 Entt RAMIREZ. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 O welcome interruption Pitying Heaven 
 A while at leaft arrefts the murd'rous deed, 
 And gives a moment's refpite from damnation. 
 Is there a hell beyond this war of confcience ? 
 My blood runs backward, and my tottering knees 
 Refufe to bear their facrilegious load. 
 Methought the ftatues of his anceflors, 
 As I pafs'd by them, fhook their marble heads; 
 His father's pifture feem'd to frown in wrath, 
 And its eye pierce me, while I trembling flood 
 Aflafiin like before it Hum I'm fummon'd. 
 
 Rt-tnt(r
 
 B R A G A N Z A; 4* 
 
 Rt-tnttr DUTCHES S. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Get you to reft good father Fare you well. 
 Some unexpected bufmefs of the ftate 
 Demands my Lord's attention For this night 
 Your holy function muft be unperform'd 
 Till more con\ r enient feafon. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 Holy function ! [/> ^.Y, 
 
 I humbly take my leave, and willnot fail 
 To recommend you in my prayers to Heaven. 
 
 [Exit Ramirez 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 The Heavens I fear are (hut and will not hear them. 
 Now gu(h my tears now break at once my heart ! 
 While in my Juan's prefence, I fupprefs'd 
 The burfling grief But here give nature way ! 
 Is there a hope Oh no All horrible 
 My children too Their litcle lives My hufljand 
 I conquer'd his reluftance I perfuaded 
 By every power his boundlcfs paffion gave me 
 I thought it virtue too Myfterious Heaven ? 
 Then I, and only I, have work'd his ruin. 
 
 Enter DUKE. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Alas my love, why muft thy Juan feck thee* 
 Why do'ft thou fliun me at this aweful moment ? 
 The few fad hours our deftiny permits, 
 Shou'd fure be fpent together. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 Muft we part then ? 
 
 DUKE.
 
 6 BRAGANZAJ 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 I fear we muft for ever in this world, 
 Till that great power who fafliion'd us in life, 
 Unites us once again no more to fever; 
 In thofe bleft regions of eternal peace, 
 Where forrow never enters, where thy truth, 
 Thy unexampl'd fortitude and fweetnefs, 
 Will meet their full reward. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Where is the friend 
 Who rung our difmal knell ? 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Good, generous man I 
 Aflur'd of death, yet carelefs of his life, 
 And anxious but for us, he is return'd, 
 To know what our brave leaders will determine- 
 Yet what can they determine but to die ? 
 Our numbers poorly arm'd, undifciplin'd, 
 May fight and fall with defperate obftinacy, 
 For valour can no more But, oh Louifa ! 
 Friends, country, life itfelf, all loft feem little ; 
 One fharp devouring grief confumes the reft, 
 And makes thee all its object. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 My dear hufband ! 
 
 Thefe foft endearments, this excefs of fondnefs, 
 Strike deeper to my foul, than all the pangs 
 The fubtleft vengeance cou'd contrive to wound me. 
 Oh fly me, hate me, call me murderefs ; 
 *Tid I have driven thee to this precipice, 
 I urge the ruffian hand of law to feize thee, 
 I drag thee to the block,-: I lift the axe, 
 (Oh agony) Louifa dooms thee dead ! 
 
 DUKE.
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 47 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 'Tis anguifh infupportable to hear thee 
 Add felf-upbraidings to our mifery. 
 Thou my deflroyer ! No my beft Louifa, 
 Thou art my guardian angel. At this hour, 
 This dreadful hour, 'tis fafety to be near thee. 
 Thofe daftards who betray'd our brave deiign, 
 That bafenefs which no caution cou'd prevent, 
 Nor wifdom cou'd forefee, 'twas that undid us. 
 I will not curfe them Yet I fwear by honour, 
 Thus hunted to the utmoft verge of fate, 
 Without one ray of hope to cheer the danger, 
 I wou'd not barter this dire certainty, 
 For that ignoble life thofe bad men purchafe 
 By perfidy and vilenefs 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Oh two fuch . 
 
 But indignation wants a tongue to name them. 
 How was their fury thunder'd on our fide ! 
 Their youthful veins full of Patrician blood 
 Infulted by Velafquez ftript by Spain 
 Of all the ancient honours of their houfe ; 
 Sworn at the altar to aflert this caufe 
 By holieft adjurations : Yet thefe two 
 To turn apoftates Can this fleeting breath, 
 This tranfitory, frail, uncertain being, 
 Be worth fo vaft a ranfom ? 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Yes, to cowards, 
 
 Such ever be the profelytes of Spain, 
 Leave them to fcorn. Fain wou'd I turn my thoughts 
 From this bad world fhake off the clogs of earth, 
 And for that great tribunal, arm my foul, 
 Where Heaven, not Spain, muft judge me but in vain ; 
 My foften'd mind Hill hangs on thofs bleft days, 
 Thofe years of fweet tranquility and peace, 
 
 When
 
 4.8 B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 When fmiling morn but wak'd us to new joys, 
 And love at night filed bleffings on our pillow. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Thefe hours are fled, and never can return. 
 'Tis Heaven's high will, and be that will obeyed. 
 The retrofpeft of paft felicity 
 Plucks not the barbed arrow from the wound, 
 But makes it rankle deeper. Come my Juan, 
 Here bid adieu to this infectious grief, 
 Let's knit our conftancy to meet the trial ; 
 Shall we be bold in words, mere moral talkers ? 
 Declaim with pedant tongue in virtue's praife, 
 Yet find no comfort, no fupport within 
 From her bright energy r It comes it comes, 
 I feel my breaft dilate The phantom, death, 
 Shrinks at the radiant vifion bright ey'd hope 
 Bids us afpire, and points the mining throne. 
 Spain, I defy thee ! 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 O would fhe hew the eln; v 
 
 And fpare the tmdervine This ftubborn trunk 
 Shou'd brave her fury. Here is royal blood, 
 And blood long thiriled for. They cannot dare, 
 Infatiateas they are, remorfelefs,' favage, 
 With facrilegious hands to violate 
 This beauteous fanctuary. Let me not think. 
 Diftraftion horror Oh it fplits my brain, 
 Rends every vital firing, and tears my heart. 
 Mercy can grant no more nor I petition, 
 Than to fall dead this inflant and forget it. 
 I look tow ards Heaven in vain. Gape wide, O earth, 
 And bury, burv deep this load of anguifh. 
 
 D U T C H E S S.
 
 BRAGANZA. 49 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Be not fo loft. Hear, Oh hear me Juan, 
 
 My lord, my life, my love. Wilt thou not fpeak ? 
 He heeds me not. -What (hall I fay to move him ? 
 For pity's fake look up. Oh think Braganza, 
 Cou'd Spain behold thee thus 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Oh no, Louifa, 
 
 No eye fhall fee me melt. I will be calm, 
 Still, filent, motionlefs. Oh tough, tough heart, 
 Wou'd I could weep to eafe thee - 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Here, weep here, 
 
 Pour the warm ftream into this faithful breaft, 
 Thy forrows here fhall find a kindred fource, 
 Which flows for every tear with drops of blood. 
 Now fummon all thy foul. Behold, he comes 
 To thunder our irrevocable doom. 
 
 Enter R I B I R O. 
 R I B I R O 
 
 for an angel's organ to proclaim 
 Such gratulations as no tongue can fpeak, 
 
 Nor mortal breafl conceive joy, boundlefs joy. 
 
 DUKE. 
 Am I awake : Thou can'ft not mean to mock me. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 1 (hall go wild with tranfport. On my knee 
 I beg you to forgive the cruel mock 
 
 This tongue (Heaven knows with what fevere reluctance) 
 So lately gave to all your dearefl hopes. 
 
 H DUKE.
 
 50 BRAGANZA. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 No, let me take that pofture : for I fwear, 
 Tho' yet I know not why, my lighten'd heart 
 Beats freer, and feems eas'd of half its burthen. 
 Forgive my ftrong impatience quickly tell me, 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Still ignorant of our intended vengeance, 
 Velafquez is return'd. Our gallant friends 
 Were wrong'd by rafh fufpicion. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Heard I right ? 
 
 Or is't illufion all ? (embracing him} Thus let me thank thee. 
 Louifa then is fafe Fountain of mercy ! 
 Thefe late defpairing arms again enfold her, 
 My Queen, my love, my wife ! 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Flow, flow my tears ; 
 
 Take, bounteous lord of all, this melting tribute, 
 My heart can give no more for all thy goodnefs. 
 
 DUKE. 
 And now difclofe this wonder. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Thus, my lord, 
 
 When at the appointed time, our two brave friends 
 Were haft'ning to Almada, near the fquare, 
 Velafquez and his followers crofs'd their fteps, 
 Their courfe feem'd towards the river; (truck with fear, 
 And ignorant what caufe at that late hour 
 Cou'd draw him from the palace ; ftraight they chang'd 
 Their firft intent of joining our aflembly, 
 And unobferv'd purfu'd the attending train. 
 
 i Think
 
 BRAGANZA. 51 
 
 Think what thefe brave men fuffer'd when they fav 
 The tyrant climb his barge, and pum from fhore. 
 Their fwords were half unmeath'd, both halfrefolv'd 
 To rum at once, and pierce him to the heart. 
 But prudence, or our fortune check' d their hands. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 It had been certain ruin but go on 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 An inftantpafi'd in thought, they feiz'd a boat, 
 And following, anxious hung on all his motions : 
 Mendoza faw them thus then hurrying back, 
 Fill'd us with confternation at the tidings. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Nor was it ftrange it wore a dreadful afpeft; 
 But fear interprets all things to its danger. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 He crofs'd the river where Jago's fort 
 Commands the narrowing ftream. The governor 
 Attended at the gate, a while there pafe'd 
 In fhort but earneft converfe, they took leave, 
 With hafty ftrides Velafquez reimbark'd ; 
 The veflel, to the fhore me left, return'd, 
 And her proud mafter fought again the palace. 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 Cou'd not our valiant friends difcover ought 
 That might reveal his purpofe ? 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Madam No. 
 
 To have enquir'd too near were dangerous 
 Befides, their hafle to reaflure our hopes 
 Prefs'd their return But thus we may refolve : 
 He apprehends fome danger imminent. 
 
 H 2 He
 
 52 BRAGANZA, 
 
 He fees above his head the gathering cloud, 
 
 But knows not when 'twill burft in thunder on him. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Thanks, gentle friend Alas, I tremble ftill ; 
 As juft efcap'd from fhipwreck, I look round, 
 And tho' I tread on earth, firm, folid earth 
 See with broad eye the threatning furge far off, 
 Scarce can I credit my conflicting fenfe 
 Or truft our prefervation 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 Thy glad tale 
 
 Has rais'd me from the gulph of tlatk dcfpair, 
 Even to the topmcft pinnacle of joy. 
 Yes, we fhall conquer -All thefe dangers paft 
 Will ferve but to enrich the future ftory. 
 Our children's children fhall recount each fear, 
 And from the mingled texture of our lives, 
 Learn to revere that facred Providence 
 That guides the ftrife of virtue. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 O Louifa I 
 
 I thought I knew the extent of all my fondnefs, 
 That long acquaintance with thy wondrous virtue 
 Had given thee (iich dominion o'er my foul, 
 Time cou'd not add to my trafcendent paflion. 
 But when the danger came, it wak'd new fires, 
 Prefented thee in fofter lovelinefs, 
 And twin'd thee clofer here. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 My Lord, ere this 
 Our friends expeft me. 
 
 I) U K E.
 
 I 
 B R A G A N Z A. $$ 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Let us fly to meef them. 
 I long to pour into their generous breuits 
 My cordial greeting. 
 
 DUTCHES?. 
 
 Go my ceareft }uan, 
 
 To them and all commend me; fuch rare zeal 
 Merits more recompence than our poor thanks 
 [Can at the beft requite. For fouls like theirs 
 111 brook the indignity of foul furmife ; 
 And virtue wrong'd demands a double homage. 
 
 [ Ex if Dut,cb?fs. 
 D U K E. 
 
 If the good nugury of my bread deceive not, 
 No more fuch terrors will appal our fouls, 
 But guilt alone (hall tremble Come, Ribiro. [Exeunf. 
 
 SCENE ' cb.-ingss io the Cajile of A L M A D A. 
 ALMA DA and federal tonfpirators as lejore, iv\.tb MELLO 
 
 WRODEftfC 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Again our hopes revive The unloaded ft em 
 Shakes the wet tcmpeft from its vigorous head, 
 And rears the fwelling haryeil to cur light. 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 After thechillings of this aguifh fear, 
 Methinks I breathe more free the vital ftrearn 
 In ipricjhtlier tides flows through its wonted courfe. 
 Warms my whole frame and doubly n;a r ,i's my heart. 
 
 A I. M ADA.
 
 54 BRAGANZA. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 And may the generous ardor fpread to all 
 
 Obferve me friends, our numbers muft divide 
 
 Into four equal bands, all to attack 
 
 At the bell's fignal the four palace gates. 
 
 So every paflfage barr'd, the foe in vain 
 
 May ftrive to unite and overwhelm our force. 
 
 Myfelf with the brave few, who have fworn to follow, 
 
 Will rum impetuous on the German guard, 
 
 Who at the northern entrance hold their ftation. 
 
 The fort be Roderic and Mello's care, 
 
 With Ferdinand, Henriquez, and Antonio. 
 
 Mendoza, Carlos, and their gallant troop 
 
 Muft feize the regent Margaret, and fecure 
 
 The counfellors of Spain as hoftages 
 
 Fof the furrencler of the citadel. 
 
 ^MENDOZA. 
 Letters to every province are diipers'd 
 Importing this great change, and all are ready 
 To make to earth the intolerable yoke. 
 Nay diftant India, in her fultry mines 
 Shall hear the chearful found of liberty ; 
 Again fair commerce welcom'd to our fhore, 
 Shall loofe her fwelling canvas to the winds, 
 And golden Tagus heave once more to meet her. 
 ^ut fee the Duke.- 
 
 Enter DUKE. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Your unexpected pretence, 
 Liki a propitious omen cheers the night, 
 And gives a royal fanftion to this meeting. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 My wifh furpafs'd my fpecd A call like this 
 Might imp the tardinefs of feeble age. 
 
 The
 
 BRAGANZA. 55 
 
 The general perfeverance in our caufe 
 
 Tranfcends all gratitude but thefe wrong'd virtues 
 
 [To Mel/o and RoJen'c. 
 
 M E L L O. 
 
 Fray forbear ; 
 
 The painful error brought its punifhment. 
 Ribiro bore our duties to your grace. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 He did, and foon will join us On our way 
 He left me with defign once more to view 
 The poflure of the guards, for ftill we fear 
 Some dark impending mifchief from Velafquez. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Whatever fortune waits upon our fwords, 
 Your highnefs mud not fliare the common hazard ; 
 Left in the tumult fome inglorious chance 
 Deprive your country of its laft beft bulwark. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 And (hou'd I merit to be call'd her bulwark, 
 Or rank with men like you. cou'd I fubmit 
 To hear, and not partake the glorious danger ? 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Pray be advis'd in this I muft command. 
 D U K E- 
 
 Then be it fo but yet fhou'd ought betide 
 To claim the intereft of ;hy prince's arm, 
 I cannot wrong our friendfhip to fufpeft 
 You will forbear my fummons to the field. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Truft your Almada Lo ! the night wears fait ; 
 Nor are our fcatter'd numbers yet return'd. 
 
 DUKE
 
 5 5 BRAGANZA. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Welcome Ribiro .' What intelligence } 
 
 Enter RIBIRO. 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 The \vorft if we delay. Oh had your eyes 
 Beheld the fight that blafted mine. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 What fight ! 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 Lemos is feiz'd this moment and Pizarroj 
 The ready tool of fell Velafquez' crimes, 
 Leads him to prilbn. 
 
 D U K E. 
 
 Soon we'll wrench the gates, 
 And from their gloomy caverns draw to light 
 All t hat remains of thofe unhappy men, 
 Whom unarraign'd unheard the tyrants nod 
 Confjgn'd to horrors nature (hakes to think of. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 His triumph will be fliort The fubtlc fiend 
 May league with hell to thwart us but in vain ; 
 His fate or ours mull quickly be decided. 
 
 RIBIRO. 
 
 Even now it feems his demon vvhifpers him 
 His audit is at hand and fcares his foul. 
 Anxious at this late hour, he walks his chamber. 
 Nor feeks the fcafon's reft and ftill more ftrange 
 The palace guards flretch'd by their glimmering fires, 
 Their arms caft by, lye wrapt in thoughtlefs fleep, 
 
 DUKE.
 
 BRAGANZA. 57 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Anon we'll roufe them with fo loud a peal, 
 That death's dull ear mall hear it. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Corea ! 
 
 Soon as our work begins, your hardy tribes 
 Muft thro' the ftreets proclaim Don Juan King. 
 Prefs towards the palace ; fhou'd our friends give ground, 
 Suftain their fainting ftrength. 
 
 COREA. 
 
 We will not fail. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 The general fuffrage to thy fword, Ribiro, 
 Commits our mailer work ; a deed fo envied 
 That ev'ry trenchant fteel of Portugal 
 (Did not thy gallant zeal demand it firfl) 
 Would flrike to fhare the glory. 
 
 R I I R O. 
 
 (Pointing to his fiuord.) This mall thank you, 
 And if it reek not with his hated blood 
 Exchange it for a diftaff. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Friends, I mean not 
 By gloomy prefage to allay your ardor. 
 We muft not look to fortune in this caufe : 
 But on ourfelves rely for fure fuccefs. 
 The leaft diforder in our bold approach, 
 The leaft repulfe may drive our engine back. 
 One brave man's rafhnefs, or one coward's fear, 
 Turns all our faireft hopes to ihame and ruin. 
 
 I DUKE.
 
 58 BRAGANZA. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Now to our ftations Yet ere we depart 
 This honeft pledge, the foldier's fhort embrace. 
 The fweet remembrance, if we fall for freedom, 
 Will more than foften half the pains of dying ; 
 But if we meet, in ftronger clafps renew'd, 
 Will double all the joys of viclory. 
 
 End of the Fourth ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 BRAGANZA. 59 
 
 A C T V. 
 
 s c E 'N E i. 
 
 The Apartments of V E L A S QJJ E Z /* the royal Pa/act. 
 
 V E L A S Q^U E'Z /?. 
 
 VV H Y am I haunted by thefe phantom fears ? 
 It cannot be my fate. 'Tis nature's weaknefa : 
 The fpirits rais'd too high, like billows puff'd, 
 By fudden florms, lift up our little bark, 
 Then flipping from their burthen, fink as faft, 
 And leave it wreck'd and found'ring. 
 
 Enter P I Z A R R O. 
 
 V E L A S Q^U E Z. 
 Have you, as I commanded, queftion'd Lemos ? 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Juft now I left him. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 Has the flave confefs'd ? 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 With fullen calmnefs he defies your power, 
 Or anfwers but with fcorn. 
 
 V E L A S Q^U E Z. 
 
 We'll find the means 
 To make him fpeak more plainly, to bring down 
 
 1 2 This
 
 60 BRAGANZA. 
 
 This daring fpirit -He is dangerous ; 
 And under the fair mafk of public virtue, 
 Combines with proud Almada and the reft 
 In dark confed'racy againft my ftate. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 He is, my Lord, the mafler-fpring that moves 
 The factious populace. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 1 know it well, 
 
 But I have ta'en fuch care as fhall unhinge 
 Their ill-contriv'd defigns. Ere noon to-morrow, 
 Don Garcia, with the Spanifh veterans 
 From Saint Jago's fortrefs, lhall pour in 
 And bend thefe ftubborn necks to due obedience. 
 How will their difappointed fury rave 
 To find their royal demagogue, Bragan7a, 
 The idol their vain worfhip rais'd fo high, 
 Low levell'd with the earth. I wonder much 
 Ramirez not returns Night's lateft watch 
 Will foon be told. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 Perhaps he but delays 
 (For better welcome) to behold the effeft 
 Of the dire venom, and to glad your ears 
 By telling how your enemy expir'd. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 It may be fo, I cannot doubt the effeft ; 
 Poifon adminifler'd will do its work, 
 And this moft fpeedily ; 'tis fwift perdition. 
 Yet, tho' this hour cuts off my greateil foe, 
 If my firm foul were capable of fear, 
 I might uiftruft the promife of my fortunes. 
 
 PJZARRO-
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 61 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Wherefore, my Lord , ? 
 
 V E L AS Q^V E Z. 
 
 I almoft blufli to tell it, 
 Tir'd with the travail of this anxious night, 
 I threw me on my couch, and try'd to reft ; 
 I try'd in vain - my vexed lids fcarce clos'd ; 
 Or when a momentary {lumber feal'd them, 
 Strange vifions fwam before their twilight fenfe; 
 But why retrace the hideous phantafy ? 
 Yet Hill it hovers round me, ftill remains 
 A fearful reverence of the paft illufion. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Such reverence but degrades a noble mind, 
 And finks its vigour to an infant's vveaknefs. 
 Beldams and prielts infufe thefe idle fears, 
 And turn the milk of nature to its bane, \Noife at a dijlgyct, 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 Heard you that noife ? Didft thou not mark, Pizarro } 
 The monk has kept his word 'Tis Juan's knell : 
 His followers who fhouted him at'noon, 
 Now wail his death. My genius now has room ; 
 Their forrows are my triumph, and proclaim 
 AfTur'd fuccefs to my afpiring foul. 
 
 PIZARRO. 
 
 Sure 'tis the din of clafhing arms again 
 It comes this way 
 
 Inter OFFICER aoitb bis fvoorJ drawn, 
 
 V E L A S Q_U E Z. 
 
 Ha ! bleeding fpeak 
 Know you the caufc : Speak, inftant, fpeak 
 
 * OFFICER,
 
 62 BRAGANZA. 
 
 OFFICER. 
 
 Too well ! 
 
 The raging multitude have forc'd their way ; 
 Their cry is, Where's the tyrant ? Where's Velafquez 
 Don Juan's at their head, and guides the llorm. 
 
 V E L A S QU E Z. 
 
 Juan alive ! eternal filence feize thee ! 
 Impoffible ! 
 
 OFFICER. 
 Thefe eyes, my Lord, beheld him 
 Saw his rais'd arm 
 
 V E L A S Q_U E Z. 
 Ha ! am I then betray'd ! 
 Perdition catch Ramirez You, Pizarro, 
 Colleft my fcatter'd train I'll forth, and meet 
 The rebel's fvsord. 
 
 PIZARRO. 
 
 Be not fo ram, 
 Nor venture fmgly [Exit VELASQUEZ. 
 
 OFFICER. 
 
 He rufhes on his death. 
 Two of my foldiers are already flain, 
 Striving to bar the outward palace gates ; 
 Where like a tide the frantic people prefs, 
 Bearing down all before them. 
 
 PIZARRO. 
 
 Hence, begone ; 
 
 The uproar's louder Wake the fleeping grooms 
 Bid them bring arms Alarm the magiftrat.es-- r- 
 Send to the guard and draw them to the fquare. 
 
 (Exit OFFICER. 
 
 Rt-enttr
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 6 3 
 
 Re-enter VELASQ^UE 2. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 Ruin'd ! undone ! all's loft the ftreets are throng'd 
 With raging citizens A furious band 
 Of armed Portugueze juft now are mounting, 
 Fate's bloody book is open'd ; and I read 
 My dreadful doom : yet I'll not tamely yield, 
 But grapple to the laft with deftiny. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 All is not loft perhaps fome means are left. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 Juft at the gate I met the daftard monk 
 Struggling for entrance fcarce his breath fuffic'd 
 To tell me that our purpofe had mifcarried, 
 And Juan lives I ftabb'd him to the heart, 
 The beft reward for unperforming fear. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Think not of him but fave yourfelf by flight. 
 
 V E L A S Q^U E Z. 
 
 Where can I fly ? I am befet, devoted- 
 Our foes like famiih'd blood-hounds are abroad, 
 And have us in the wind. 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Refolve at once. 
 
 The poftern's yet unforc'd, that way efcape, 
 Difguife yourfelf, and fly to Juan's palace. 
 'Tis but the terrace length Implore his mercy ; 
 It is the foolifh weaknefs of his nature 
 To fpare where he may punifh. 
 
 VELASQUEZ.
 
 64 B R A G A N Z A. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 AJc my life ! 
 
 No, rattler let me perifh Hold his wife 
 Perhaps alone, unguarded If I fall, 
 I'll leave a fcorpion in the traitor's brcail, 
 Shall make him curfe the hour he rous'd rny fury. [Exit 
 
 P I Z A R R O alone. 
 Now let the ternpefl rife Oh, fickle fortune ! 
 This moment mounted to thy giddy top, 
 
 Kow whirl'd to earth and groveling Hark they come. 
 
 f 
 
 R I B. I R O (entering iv;th others.) , 
 
 Search all the chambers If the villain 'fcape 
 Our work's but half accomplim'd 
 
 P I Z A R R O. 
 
 Pafs no farther. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 This is the tyrant's bofom counfellor. 
 Where is thy matter, Spaniard ? 
 
 P I Z A R R 0. 
 
 Safe, I hope, 
 
 From lawlefs rage like thine, and ilill will live < 
 
 To punifh this outrageous violence. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Infolent flave And yet I like thy courage. 
 'Tis vain to llrive, deliver up thy fword. 
 I will not force ihee to betray thy mailer, 
 Perfidious as he is- Even in a foe 
 I can difcern a virtue, and e/leem it. 
 Gonfales, guard him fafe the reft difperfe, 
 And leave no place ur.fearch'd He mull be found : 
 But by your loves I charge you kill him not. 
 Rob not my iword, but leave that ilroke for me. 
 
 [Exeunt /ever ally ,
 
 BRAGAN2A. 65 
 
 SCENE changes to the Duke of B R A G A N Z A ' S 
 Pallet. Enter DUTCHES', an Attendant fcllywing . 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 X 
 
 No, Ines, no, I love my huiljand much, 
 But more his honour. Cou'd I prefs his flay 
 In tame inaction here to wait the event, 
 While almoft ill his fight, his crown and glory 
 Hung on the doubtful fate of others fwords ? 
 Wou'd he have heard me ? No, I knew him bettef.. 
 Soon as Almada's danger reach'd his ear; 
 Who twice repuls'd cou'd fcarce renew the charge, 
 (Swift as a javelin cuts the whittling air) 
 He fnatch'd his fword, and breaking from my arms> 
 Rufh'd to the fight, and join'd the warring throng. 
 
 INES. 
 
 That favouring power which has fo oft preferv'd, 
 Will not forfake him now. 
 
 DUTCHESS. 
 
 O grant it Heaven ! 
 Go, Ines, to the terrace, and obferve 
 If any friend (for fare I may expect it) 
 Bring tidings from my hufband. [Exit Ints. 
 
 Would this arm, 
 
 This feeble arm had ftrength to fecond him ! 
 The conflict here is worfe. -My reftlefs hearr, 
 Swell'd with eventful expectation, throbs 
 And feels its bounds too narrow. Fear on fear, 
 Like light reflected from the dancing wave, 
 Vifits all places, but can reft in none. 
 The diftant ihouts, that break the morning fky, 
 Lift up a while my mounting thoughts to Heavert, 
 Then finking, leave them to fall down as low, 
 la boding apprehenfion. 'Welcome, welcome ? 
 
 K Enter
 
 66 BRAGANZA. 
 
 Enter M E N D O Z A. 
 What of my lord ? 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 He bad me fly to greet you ; 
 Himfelf a while detain'd to flop the rage 
 Of cruelty and carnage. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 He returns 
 Unhurt, victorious to thefe happy arms ? 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 All, all your fondeft wifli cou'd form he brings, 
 Crown, conqueft, all. Oppreffion is no more, 
 Pierc'd by a thoufand wounds the giant dies, 
 While free-born men with fearlefs gaze walk round, 
 And view the monfter's bulk. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 I wou'd know more. 
 
 Was it a dear bought triumph ? Muft we mourn 
 The fall of many friends ? 
 
 I 
 
 M E N D O Z A. 
 
 Scarce one of note 
 
 But lives to fliare our joy. The regent feiz'd. 
 Gave orders for the citadel's furrender, 
 To fave the threaten'd lives of the whole council, 
 Whom fleeping we fecur'd.- Poorly content 
 To obey her mandate, though he knew it fcrc'd, 
 The daitard governor refign'd his charge, 
 And Itruck the Auftrian banner. Such the power 
 Of Juan's royal name, and conquering arm. 
 The reft himfelf will tell. 1 rauft return. 
 
 K. 2 Abroad
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 67 
 
 Abroad the wild commotion rages ftill ; 
 
 The King may want my fervice Angels guard you. 
 
 [Exit Mendoza. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 O fly, begone, lofe not a thought on me. 
 Now to thy reft, my foul, thy pray'rs are heard. 
 From this white hour the bright revolving fun 
 With kinder beams (hall view this fmiling land ; 
 A grateful people, by my Juan's arm, 
 Refcued from fhameful bonds, fhall blefs his name, 
 And own him their preferver. (Enter laes.J From my lord ? 
 
 I N E S. 
 
 Madam, not yet A ftranger at the gate, 
 Difguis'd, and almoft breathlefs with his fears, 
 With earneft importunity entreats 
 He may have leave to caft him at your feet. 
 His accents mov'd me much ; he feems afflicted. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Some wretch efcap'd from the purfuer's rage, 
 And flies for flicker here. Yes, let him come. [Exit Inn. 
 
 DUTCHESS alone. 
 Wou'd I cou'd fave them all my woman's foul, 
 Forc'd from her place in this tumultuous fcene, 
 But 511 fupports the aflum'd fe verity, 
 And finds her native feat in foft ccmpaffion. 
 
 Enter V E L A S Q_U E Z, difgulffd. 
 Whoe'er thou art, be fafe. The greedy fword 
 Will have enough of death, and well may fpare 
 One fugitive, who (huns its cruel edge 
 To wait the flroke of nature. Truft thy fafety. 
 Why do thy doubtful eyes fo oft look round? 
 Here arc no enemies. My word is pafs'd 
 
 Inviolable
 
 68 B R A Q- A N Z A, 
 
 Inviolable as recorded oaths. 
 
 Methinks I have feen that face. Say, art thou not - 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 The man you moft Ihou'd fear, moft hate. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Velafquez ! 
 
 V E L A S Q^U E Z. 
 
 Yes, that devoted wretch, the loft Velafquez ; 
 From the high top of proud profperity, 
 Sunk to this ignominy. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 Prefumptuous man ! 
 
 If mercy cou'd know bounds, thy monftrous crimes 
 Almofl. exceed them. Speak then, what cou'd urgethce 
 To feek the fhelter of this hoftile roof, 
 And trull a virtue to thy foul a ftranger ? 
 
 V E L A S Q_U E Z. 
 
 Fate left no fecond choice. Clofe at my heels 
 Revenge and death infatiably purfu'dj 
 Fear lent me fpeed, and this way wing'd my flight. 
 Why fialh thofe eyes with anger r Royal lady ! 
 Fortune has ftnpp'd me of the power to injure j 
 A ftinglefs ferpent, a poor fang-drawn licn> 
 Fitter forfcorn than terror. - 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Thou art fallen ! 
 
 Yet let me not infult thy alter'd itate, 
 By pity or upbraiding. If thy life 
 Be worth the acceptance take it and hereafter 
 Warn out the foulnefs of thy former deeds 
 Bv penitence and better pnrpofes. [jkouts without.^ 
 
 The
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 6 
 
 Thefe joyful founds proclaim tny Juan near 
 
 (To Valejquex) Retire a while till I prepare my lord 
 
 To flueld thee from the angry nobles rage. 
 
 All were combin'd to take thy forfeit life. 
 
 PUKE taitbout. 
 Throw wide the palace gates Let all have entrance. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 His well-known voice 'Tis he, 'tis he himfelf 1 
 
 DUKE without. 
 Where is my Queen ? 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Quick let me fly to meet him, 
 Fly to my hero's breaft. 
 
 [Velafquezfeizes her and draw f a daggtr. 
 
 V E L A S Q_U E Z. 
 
 Hold, madam, hold, 
 Thus I arreft your tranfports. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 Barbarian ! monfter ! 
 
 DUKE entering, 
 
 What founds are thefe ? Horror ! Inhuman flave ? 
 Turn thy fell pogniard here 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 Approach not, fiir not. 
 Or by the bhckeft furies hell ere loos'd, 
 This dagger drinks her blood. 
 
 D UK E
 
 70 BRAGANZA. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Sec, I obey, 
 
 I breathe not, ftir not, I am rooted here. 
 Here will I grow for ages. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 Oh my Juan ! 
 DUKE. 
 
 O horrible ! Does Juan live for this f 
 Cors'd be the fatal fire that led my Heps 
 To follow falfe ambition, wliile I left 
 To lurking robbers an. unguarded prize ; 
 This gem more worth tha.n crowns or worlds can ranfom 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 Take back a name more foul, thou dark ufurper 
 Was it for this, thy unfufpecVing prince 
 With lavilh bounty, to thy faith lefs hand 
 Trufied his royal functions ? Thus to arm 
 ,Gainfl his own breaft, thy black ingratitude. 
 
 D U~<K E. 
 Mud I endure it ? 
 
 P U T C H E S S. 
 
 Out ! falfe hypocrite ! 
 
 Thy tyrants fnares were found, his flimfy nets 
 To catch that precious life long fince unravel'd, 
 Thy confcious cheek avows it. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 Be it fo. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 Coward ! Perfidious coward ! Is it thus, 
 Thuk you requite 
 
 VEL A S-
 
 BRAGANZA. ; 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 Thy fooliih pity thus 
 Hear me thou rebel Is this woman dear ? 
 
 DUKE. 
 O heavens ! 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 Thy draining eyes, thy agonizing heart, 
 Thy life's inglorious dotage all proclaim it. 
 
 D U T C H E S S. 
 
 Peace, devil, peace, nor wound his generous foul 
 By taunts that fiends might blulh at. 
 
 D U K E. 
 
 Speak thy purpofe. 
 
 V E L A S QJJ E Z. 
 
 Then briefly thus call off thy traiterous guards, 
 The fruits of thy foul treafon, every poft, 
 Seiz'd by the midnight plots, thy rebel arms 
 Reftore again to Spain Back to the palace 
 Give me fave conduft To thy oaths 1 truft not ; 
 It muft be done this inftant leave my power 
 To intercede with Spain for thy full pardon, 
 And grace to all, whom thy ill-ftarr'd ambition 
 Led to this bafe revolt Elfe, by my rage ! 
 The boiling rage that works my foul to frenzy, 
 Thou malt behold this beauteous bofom gor'd, 
 All over gafh'd and mangled 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Strike this inftant ! 
 
 DUKE. 
 Hold, ruffian, hold! 
 
 DUCHESS.
 
 B R A G A N Z A; 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Give me a thoufand deaths ; 
 Here let me fall a glorious facrifice, 
 Rather than buy my life by fuch diftionour. 
 (To the Duke) If thy fond love accept thefe fhameful terms, 
 That moment is my lad thefe hands {hall end me. 
 (To Velafjuez) Blood thirfty tyger, glut thy fury here. 
 
 VELASQJJE Z. 
 He* courage blafts my purpofe (ajide) doft thou brave me 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Defy thee yes feel, do I fhrink or tremble ? 
 Serene undaunted will I meet the blow ; 
 But ev'ry drop that ftains thy reeking hands, 
 In thy laft pangs (hall cry for vengeance on thee. 
 Furies mail feize thee, fhake their fcorpion whips, 
 And in thy deafen'd ears flill hollow, murder. 
 
 V E L A S Q_U E Z. 
 
 No more Refolve (To the Duke.) Not Heaven itfelf 
 
 can fave her. 
 
 Ha ! darkncfs cover me 1 he ftill alive ! 
 Fate thou haft caught me Every hope is loft. 
 
 (Enter Rawirez wcunded, Almeida, Rilrjro 9 Mendexa and 
 others following The Duke and Dutchrfs run to each 
 dthtrs arms J r elafquc% is fii&eJ.) 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 I have thee once again, my heart's beft treafure, 
 Sav'd from the vulture's talons O dire fiend ! 
 
 VE L AS-
 
 B R A G A N Z A. 73 
 V E L A S Q^U E Z. 
 
 Unhand me No though earth and bell confpire. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 Bla/phemer, down ! and own a power above thee ! 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Secure this monfter Read this paper, madam. 
 Returning from the charge we found that wretch 
 Stretch'd in our way and welt'ring in his blood ; 
 Earneft he beg'd we (hou'd commit to note 
 Thefe few fhort words, and bear them to the Duke. 
 That done, he dragg'd his bleeding body on, 
 And came to die before him. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Oh, Ramirez ! 
 
 Ev'n in this day of joy my heart runs o'er 
 With forrow for thy fate What cruel hand ? 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 A villain's hand, yet Heaven directed it. 
 I have not ftrength to publifh all my mame, 
 That roll contains it This wide gaping wound. 
 My deep remorfe, may expiate my crime ; 
 But, Oh! that tempter 
 
 D U v ~ 
 
 Ha I he faints, fupport him. 
 
 Thy crime, what crime ? 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 Thy happier ftar prevail'd, 
 Elfc, hadtf thou died even by the pious aft 
 That fcals our peace above. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Merciful powers ! 
 
 RAMIREZ.
 
 74 BRAGANZA. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 
 Yet ere I fink, fpeak comfort to my foul, 
 And blefs me with forgivwiefs. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Take it freely. 
 
 RAMIREZ. 
 Enongh, I die contented. [He ii fa' 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 O my Juan, 
 
 Perufe that tale and wonder Impious wretch, 
 Well might my heart ftand flill my blood run coldj 
 And ftruggling nature murmur flrong reluctance 
 Againft my foolifli pity While I meant 
 To ftep between thee and the brandifh'd bolt, 
 To refcue from the ftroke of righteous juftice 
 The foul fuborner of my hulband's murder. 
 
 V E L A S CLU E Z. 
 
 Curfe on the coward's fears prevented it ! 
 
 Wither thefe finews that relax'd their hold, 
 
 And left thy feeble wing to foar above me. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Hence with that viiia*.. i> Jc , , . r r \. 
 
 _. ^"to'-.fn from my fight. 
 
 Till aweful juftice doom his forfeit life, 
 
 Lethcavieft chains fecure him Hence, begone. 
 
 V E L A S CLU E Z. 
 
 Yes, in your gloomieft dungeons plunge me down. 
 Welcome congenial darknefs Horrors hail ! 
 No more thefe loathing eyes fliall view that fun, 
 Whofeiikfome beams light up thy pageant triumph. 
 
 [He if led off by Ribiro and othe 
 
 DUKE.
 
 BRAGANZA. 75 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Thou ever prefent, all protecting power ! 
 Thro' what dark clouds of thick involving danger 
 Thy watchful providence has led my fteps ? 
 The imagin'd woes that funk me in defpair, 
 Thou mad'ft the wond'rous inftruments fo fave me, 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 I feel, I own the high fupremacy 
 Yet have I much to afk Thy victory 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 For that our thanks to this brave man are due. 
 He chofe the poft of danger, and expos'd 
 His dauntlefs breaft againft the ftubborn force 
 Of fteady northern courage. 
 
 A L M A D A. 
 
 Twice was I down, 
 And twice my prince's valour refcued me. 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 For ever hallow'd be the well pois'd blade 
 That fav'd that r&verend head. 
 
 DUTCHES S. 
 
 Fortune was kind, Almada, to commit 
 Your fafety to the arm you taught to conquer. 
 
 ALMADA. 
 
 Henceforth I more (hall prize that trifle life, 
 Since now I owe it to my fovereign's valour. 
 
 Enter R I B I R O. 
 
 R I B I R O. 
 
 Vengeance thy debt is paid The tyrant's dead. 
 
 DUKE.
 
 76 BRAGANZA, 
 
 DUKE. 
 
 Say'ft thou ? Velafquea ! 
 
 R I B I'R.O. 
 
 Aye, what was Velafquez 
 Difpers'd gnd mangled by the people's rage, 
 In bloody fragments ftains a thoufand hands ; 
 Like ravenous wolves by eager famine pinch'd, 
 With worrying fangs they dragg' d him from my grafp, 
 And in my fight tore out his reeking entrails. 
 
 D U K E. 
 
 His blood b on his head, and may his end, 
 Provok'd by crimes beyond the reach of pardon, 
 Strike terror to the fouls of impious men,. 
 Who own no God, but from his pow'r to punifh. 
 
 THE END.
 
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