The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume 2 | Page 8

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 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