The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume 2 | Page 7

Allow enough for Villany; for I'll be brave no more. It is a Crime--and then I can live any where-- But say I go from hence--I leave behind me A Cardinal that will laugh--I leave behind me A Philip that will clap his Hands in sport-- But the worst Wound is this, I leave my Wrongs, Dishonours, and my Discontents, all unreveng'd-- Leave me, Florella--prithee do not weep; I love thee, love thee wondrously--go leave me-- I am not now at leisure to be fond-- Go to your Chamber--go.
Flor. No, to the King I'll fly, And beg him to revenge thy Infamy. [Ex. Flor. To him Alonzo.
Alon. The Cardinal's mad to have thee banish'd Spain. I've left the Queen in angry Contradiction, But yet I fear the Cardinal's Reasoning.
Abd. This Prince's Hate proceeds from Love, He's jealous of the Queen, and fears my Power. [Aside.
Alon. Come, rouse thy wonted Spirits, awake thy Soul, And arm thy Justice with a brave Revenge.
Abd. I'll arm no Justice with a brave Revenge. [Sullenly.
Alon. Shall they then triumph o'er thee, who were once Proud to attend thy conqu'ring Chariot-Wheels?
Abd. I care not--I am a Dog, and can bear wrongs.
Alon. But, Sir, my Honour is concern'd with yours, Since my lov'd Sister did become your Wife; And if yours suffer, mine too is unsafe.
Abd. I cannot help it--
Alon. What Ice has chill'd thy Blood? This Patience was not wont to dwell with thee.
Abd. 'Tis true; but now the World is chang'd you see. Thou art too brave to know what I resolve-- [Aside. No more--here comes the King with my Florella. He loves her, and she swears to me she's chaste; 'Tis well, if true--well too, if it be false: [Aside. I care not, 'tis Revenge That I must sacrifice my Love and Pleasure to. [Alon. and Abd. stand aside.
Enter King, Lords, Guards passing over the Stage, Florella in a suppliant posture weeping.
King. Thou woo'st me to reverse thy Husband's Doom, And I woo thee for Mercy on my self, Why shoud'st thou sue to him for Life and Liberty, For any other, who himself lies dying, Imploring from thy Eyes a little Pity?
Flor. Oh mighty King! in whose sole Power, like Heav'n, The Lives and Safeties of your Slaves remain, Hear and redress my Abdelazer's Wrongs.
King. All Lives and Safeties in my Power remain! Mistaken charming Creature, if my Power Be such, who kneel and bow to thee, What must thine be, Who hast the Sovereign Command o'er me and it? Wou'dst thou give Life? turn but thy lovely Eyes Upon the wretched thing that wants it, And he will surely live, and live for ever. Canst thou do this, and com'st to beg of me?
Flor. Alas, Sir, what I beg's what you alone can give, My Abdelazer's Pardon.
King. Pardon! can any thing ally'd to thee offend? Thou art so sacred and so innocent, That but to know thee, and to look on thee, Must change even Vice to Virtue. Oh my Florella! So perfectly thou dost possess my Soul, That ev'ry Wish of thine shall be obey'd: Say, wou'dst thou have thy Husband share my Crown? Do but submit to love me, and I yield it.
Flor. Such Love as humble Subjects owe their King. [Kneels, he takes her up. And such as I dare pay, I offer here.
King. I must confess it is a Price too glorious: But, my Florella--
Abd. I'll interrupt your amorous Discourse. [Aside. [Abd. comes up to them.
Flor. Sir, Abdelazer's here.
King. His Presence never was less welcome to me;-- [Aside. But, Madam, durst the Cardinal use this Insolence? Where is your noble Husband?
Abd. He sees me, yet inquires for me. [Aside.
Flor. Sir, my Lord is here.
King. Abdelazer, I have heard with much surprize, O' th' Injuries you've receiv'd, and mean to right you: My Father lov'd you well, made you his General, I think you worthy of that Honour still.
Abd. True--for my Wife's sake. [Aside.
King. When my Coronation is solemnized, Be present there, and re-assume your wonted State and Place; And see how I will check the insolent Cardinal.
Abd. I humbly thank my Sovereign-- [Kneels, and kisses the King's Hand. That he loves my Wife so well. [Aside. [Exeunt. Manent Abdelazer, Florella.
Flor. Wilt thou not pay my Service with one Smile? Have I not acted well the Suppliant's part?
Abd. Oh wonderfully! y'ave learnt the Art to move. Go, leave me.
Flor. Still out of humour, thoughtful and displeas'd? And why at me, my Abdelazer? what have I done?
Abd. Rarely! you cannot do amiss you are so beautiful. So very fair--Go, get you in, I say-- [Turns her in roughly. She has the art of dallying with my Soul, Teaching it lazy softness from her Looks. But now a nobler Passion's enter'd there, And blows it thus--to Air--Idol Ambition, Florella must to