Volume Ii Part 2 (2/2)

Nothing but horrid Shrieks, nothing but Death; Whilst I, bowing my Knees to the cold Earth, Drowning my Cheeks in Rivulets of Tears, Sending up Prayers in Sighs, t' implore from Heaven Health for the Royal Majesty of _Spain_-- All cry'd, the Majesty of _Spain_ is dead.

Whilst the sad Sound flew through the ecchoing Air, And reach'd my frighted Soul--Inform my Fears, Oh my _Fernando_, oh my gentle Son-- [_Weeps_.

_King_. Madam, read here the truth, if looks can shew That which I cannot speak, and you wou'd know: The common Fare in ev'ry face appears; A King's great loss the publick Grief declares, But 'tis a Father's Death that claims my Tears.

[Card. _leads in the_ Queen _attended_.

_Leon_. Ah, Sir!

If you thus grieve, who ascend by what y'ave lost, To all the Greatness that a King can boast; What Tributes from my Eyes and Heart are due, Who've lost at once a King and Father too?

_King_. My _Leonora_ cannot think my Grief Can from those empty Glories find relief; Nature within my Soul has equal share, And that and Love surmount my Glory there.

Had Heav'n continu'd Royal _Philip's_ Life, And giv'n me bright _Florella_ for a Wife, [_Bows to_ Florella.

To Crown and Scepters I had made no claim, But ow'd my Blessings only to my Flame.

But Heav'n well knew in giving thee away, [_To_ Flor.

I had no bus'ness for another Joy. [_Weeps_.

The King, _Alanzo_, with his dying Breath, [_Turns to_ Alon. _and_ Leon.

To you my beauteous Sister did bequeath; And I his Generosity approve, And think you worthy _Leonora's_ Love.

_Enter_ Card. _and_ Queen _weeping_.

_Alon_. Too gloriously my Services are paid, In the possession of this Royal Maid, To whom my guilty Heart durst ne'er aspire, But rather chose to languish in its Fire.

_Enter_ Philip _in a Rage_, Antonio _and_ Sebastian.

_Phil_. I know he is not dead; what envious Powers Durst s.n.a.t.c.h him hence? he was all great and good, As fit to be ador'd as they above.

Where is the Body of my Royal Father?

That Body which inspir'd by's sacred Soul, Aw'd all the Universe with ev'ry Frown, And taught 'em all Obedience with his Smiles.

Why stand you thus distracted--Mother--Brother-- My Lords--Prince Cardinal-- Has Sorrow struck you dumb?

Is this my Welcome from the Toils of War?

When in his Bosom I shou'd find repose, To meet it cold and pale!--Oh, guide me to him, And with my Sighs I'll breathe new Life into't.

_King_. There's all that's left of Royal _Philip_ now, [Phil, _goes out_.

Pay all thy Sorrow there--whilst mine alone Are swoln too high t' admit of Lookers on.

[_Ex_. King _weeping_.

Philip _returns weeping_.

_Phil_. His Soul is fled to all Eternity; And yet methought it did inform his Body, That I, his darling _Philip_, was arriv'd With Conquest on my Sword; and even in Death Sent me his Joy in Smiles.

_Qu_. If Souls can after Death have any Sense Of human things, his will be proud to know That _Philip_ is a Conqueror.

_Enter_ Abdelazer.

But do not drown thy Laurels thus in Tears, Such Tributes leave to us, thou art a Soldier.

_Phil_. G.o.ds! this shou'd be my Mother--

_Men_. It is, great Sir, the Queen.

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