Part 22 (1/2)

_Chi._ But I'le tell you a new tale, Now for my Neck-verse; I have heard thy prayers, And mark me well.

_Musick._ Venus _descends_.

_Nun._ The G.o.ddess is displeased much, The temple shakes and totters; she appears, Bow, Lady, bow.

Venus. _Purge me the Temple round,_ _And live by this example henceforth sound._ _Virgin, I have seen thy tears,_ _Heard thy wishes, and thy fears;_ _Thy holy Incense flew above,_ _Hark therefore to thy doom in Love;_ _Had thy heart been soft at first,_ _Now thou had'st allay'd thy thirst,_ _Had thy stubborn will but bended,_ _All thy sorrows here had ended;_ _Therefore to be just in Love,_ _A strange Fortune thou must prove,_ _And, for thou hast been stern and coy,_ _A dead Love thou shalt enjoy._

_Cal._ O gentle G.o.ddess!

_Ven._ Rise, thy doom is said, And fear not, I will please thee with the dead. [Venus _ascends_.

_Nun._ Go up into the Temple and there end Your holy Rites, the G.o.ddess smiles upon ye. [_Exeunt_ Cal. _and_ Nun.

_Enter_ Chilax _in his Robe_.

_Chi._ I'll no more Oracles, nor Miracles, Nor no more Church work, I'll be drawn and hang'd first.

Am not I torn a pieces with the thunder?

Death, I can scarce believe I live yet, It gave me on the b.u.t.tocks, a cruel, a huge bang, I had as lieve ha' had 'em scratcht with Dog-whips: Be quiet henceforth, now ye feel the end on't, I would advise ye my old friends, the good Gentlewoman Is strucken dumb, and there her Grace sits mumping Like an old Ape eating a Brawn; sure the good G.o.ddess Knew my intent was honest, to save the Princess, And how we young men are entic'd to wickedness, By these lewd Women, I had paid for't else too.

I am monstrous holy now, and cruel fearful, O 'twas a plaguey thump, charg'd with a vengeance.

_Enter_ Siphax, _walks softly over the stage, and goes in_.

Would I were well at home; the best is, 'tis not day: Who's that? ha? _Siphax!_ I'll be with you anon, Sir; Ye shall be oracled I warrant ye, And thunder'd too, as well as I; your Lords.h.i.+p

_Enter_ Memnon, Eumenes, Stremon, _and two carrying Torches_.

Must needs enjoy the Princess, yes: ha! Torches?

And _Memnon_ coming this way? he's Dog-mad, And ten to one appearing thus unto him, He worries me, I must go by him.

_Eum._ Sir?

_Mem._ Ask me no further questions; what art thou?

How dost thou stare! stand off; nay look upon me, I do not shake, nor fear thee-- [_Draws his Sword._

_Chi._ He will kill me, This is for Church work.

_Mem._ Why dost thou appear now?

Thou wert fairly slain: I know thee, _Diocles_, And know thine envy to mine honour: but--

_Chi._ Stay _Memnon_, I am a Spirit, and thou canst not hurt me.

_Eum._ This is the voice of _Chilax_.

_Strem._ What makes him thus?

_Chi._ 'Tis true, that I was slain in field, but foully, By mult.i.tudes, not manhood: therefore mark me, I do appear again to quit mine honour, And on thee single.

_Mem._ I accept the challenge.

Where?