The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume 2 | Page 8

thee a Victim fall: Revenge,--to thee--a Cardinal and Prince: And to my Love and Jealousy, a King-- More yet, my mighty Deities, I'll do, None that you e'er inspir'd like me shall act; That fawning servile Crew shall follow next, Who with the Cardinal cry'd, banish Abdelazer.
Like Eastern Monarchs I'll adorn thy Fate, And to the Shades thou shalt descend in State.
[Exit.

ACT II.
SCENE I. A Chamber of State.
Enter the King crown'd, Philip, Mendozo, Queen, Leonora, Florella, Elvira, Alonzo, Roderigo, Ordonio, Sebastian, Antonio, Officers and Guards; met by Abdelazer follow'd by Osmin, Zarrack, and Moors attending. He comes in with Pride, staring on Philip and Mendozo, and takes his stand next the King.
Phil. Why stares the Devil thus, as if he meant From his infectious Eyes to scatter Plagues, And poison all the World? Was he not banish'd? How dares the Traitor venture into th' Presence?-- Guards, spurn the Villain forth.
Abd. Who spurns the Moor Were better set his foot upon the Devil-- Do, spurn me, and this Hand thus justly arm'd, Shall like a Thunder-bolt, breaking the Clouds, Divide his Body from his Soul--stand back-- [To the Guards. Spurn Abdelazer!--
Phil. Death, shall we bear this Insolence?
Alon. Great Sir, I think his Sentence was unjust. [To the King.
Men. Sir, you're too partial to be judge in this, And shall not give your Voice.
Abd. Proud Cardinal--but he shall--and give it loud. And shall not!--who shall hinder him?
Phil. This--and cut his Wind-pipe too. [Offers to draw. To spoil his whisp'ring. [Abd. offers to draw, his Attendants do the same.
King. What means this Violence? Forbear to draw your Swords--'tis we command.
Abd. Sir, do me Justice, I demand no more. [Kneels, and offers his Sword. And at your Feet we lay our Weapons down.
Men. Sir, Abdelazer has had Justice done, And stands by me banish'd the Court of Spain.
King. How, Prince Cardinal! From whence do you derive Authority To banish him the Court without our leave?
Men. Sir, from my Care unto your royal Person, As I'm your Governor--then for the Kingdom's Safety.
King. Because I was a Boy, must I be still so? Time, Sir, has given me in that formal Ceremony, And I am of an age to rule alone; And from henceforth discharge you of your Care. We know your near relation to this Crown, And wanting Heirs, that you must fill the Throne; Till when, Sir, I am absolute Monarch here, And you must learn Obedience.
Men. Pardon my zealous Duty, which I hope You will approve, and not recal his Banishment.
King. Sir, but I will; and who dares contradict It, is a Traitor.
Phil. I dare the first, yet do defy the last.
King. My hot-brain'd Sir, I'll talk to you anon.
Men. Sir, I am wrong'd, and will appeal to Rome.
Phil. By Heav'n, I'll to the Camp--Brother, farewel, When next I meet thee, it shall be in Arms, If thou can'st get loose from thy Mistress' Chains, Where thou ly'st drown'd in idle wanton Love.
Abd. Hah--his Mistress--who is't Prince Philip means?
Phil. Thy Wife, thy Wife, proud Moor, whom thou'rt content To sell for Honour to eternal Infamy-- Does't make thee snarl?--Bite on, whilst thou shalt see, I go for Vengeance, and 'twill come with me. [Going out, turns and draws.
Abd. Stay! for 'tis here already--turn, proud Boy. [Abd. draws.
King. What mean you, Philip?--[Talks to him aside.
Qu. Cease, cease your most impolitick Rage. [To Abd. Is this a time to shew't?--Dear Son, you are a King, And may allay this Tempest.
King. How dare you disobey my Will and Pleasure? [To Abd.
Abd. Shall I be calm, and hear my Wife call'd Whore? Were he great Jove, and arm'd with all his Lightning, By Heav'n, I could not hold my just Resentment.
Qu. 'Twas in his Passion, noble Abdelazer-- [King talking to Phil. aside. Imprudently thou dost disarm thy Rage, And giv'st the Foe a warning, e'er thou strik'st; When with thy Smiles thou might'st securely kill. You know the Passion that the Cardinal bears me; His Pow'r too o'er Philip, which well manag'd Will serve to ruin both: put up your Sword-- When next you draw it, teach it how to act.
Abd. You shame me, and command me.
Qu. Why all this Rage?--does it become you, Sir? [To Men. aside. What is't you mean to do?
Men. You need not care, whilst Abdelazer's safe.
Qu. Jealousy, upon my Life--how gay it looks!
Men. Madam, you want that pitying Regard To value what I do, or what I am; I'll therefore lay my Cardinal's Hat aside, And in bright Arms demand my Honour back.
Qu. Is't thus, my Lord, you give me Proofs of Love? Have then my Eyes lost all their wonted Power? And can you quit the hope of gaining me, To follow your Revenge?--go--go to fight, Bear Arms against your Country, and your King, All for a little worthless Honour lost.
Men.