A conqueror! And, this unfortunate king Thy brother dead, shall willingly decree Entombed with honour, we'll to Rome, where The crown of Egypt, that was his, to thee. Cæsar

[Exeunt omnes. Will shew he can give kingdoms; for the senate,

EPILOGUE.

I Now should wish another had my place, I would heg further, gentlemen, and much say
But that I hope to come off, and with grace; I'th' favour of ourselves, them, and the play,
And, but express some sign that you are pleas'd, Did I not rest assur'd, the most I see
We of our doubts, they of their fears, are eas’d. I Hate impudence, and cherish modesty.

THE

BONDMAN.

BY

MASSINGER.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

MEN.

TIMAGORAS, the son of Archidamus.

GRACCULO, TIMOLEON, the general of Corinth.

CIMBRIO,

}bondmen. ARCHIDAMUS, the Prætor of Syracusa.

A Jailor.
DIPHILUS, a senator of Syracusa.

WOMEN.
CLEON, a fat impotent lord.
PISANDER (disguised) a gentleman of Thebes, CLEORA, Daughter of Archidamus.
named Marullo.

CORISCA, a proud wanton lady, wife to Cleon.
POLIPHRON (disguised) friend to Pisander. OLYMPIA, a rich widow.
LEOSTHENES, a gentleman of Syracusa, ena- STATILIA, 'sister to Pisander, slave to Cleora,
moured of Cleora.

and named Timandra. Asotus, a foolish lover, and the son of Cleon. ZANTHIA, slave to Corisca.

Other Slaves, Officers, Senators.

SCENE, - Syracuse and the adjacent country.

ACT I.

cuse.

That has the strongest arm and sharpest sword, SCENE I.— The Camp of Timoleon near Syra- I'd court Bellona in her horrid trim,

As if she were a mistress, and bless fortune

That offers my young valour to the proof, Enter TIMAGORAS and LEOSTHENES.

How much I dare do for your sister's love. Timag. Why should you droop, Leosthenes, or But, when that I consider how averse despair

Your noble father, great Archidamus, My sister's favour? What, before, you purchased Is, and hath ever been, to my desires, By courtship, and fair language, in these wars Reason may warrant me to doubt and fear, (For, from her soul, you know, she loves a soldier) What seeds soever I sow in these wars You may deserve by action.

Of noble courage, his determinate will Leost. Good Timagoras,

May blast, and give my harvest to another, When I have said my friend, think all is spoken That ne'er toiled for it. That may assure me yours; and pray you, believe, Timag. Prithee, do not nourish The dreadful voice of war, that shakes the city, These jealous thoughts; I'm thine, and, pardon The thundering threats of Carthage, nor their army,

Though I repeat it, that Timagoras Raised to make good those threats, affright not That, for thy sake, when the bold Theban sued, me.

Far-famed Pisander, for my sister's love, If fair Cleora were confirmed his prize,

Sent him disgraced and discontented home;

me

I wrought my father then; and I, that stopped not You take no pity on me; I shall swoon
In the career of my affection to thee,

As soon as you are absent; ask my man else, When that renowned worthy, that brought with You know he dares not tell a lie. him

Grac. Indeed, High birth, wealth, courage, as fee'd advocates You are no sooner out of sight, but she To mediate for him, never will consent, Does feel strange qualms; then sends for her young A fool, that only has the shape of man,

doctor, Asotus, though he be rich Cleon's heir, Who ministers physic to her on her back, Shall bear her from thee.

Her ladyship lying as she were entranced: Leost. In that trust I love.

(I've peep'd in at the key-hole, and observed Timag. Which never shall deceive you.

them :).

And sure his potions never fail to work,
Enter PISANDER.

For she's so pleasant in the taking them,
Pis. Sir, the general,

She tickles again. Timoleon, by his trumpets hath given warning

Coris. And all's to make you merry For a remove.

When you come home. Timag. 'Tis well; provide my horse.

Cleon. You flatter me; I'm old, Pis. I shall, sir.

Exit PISANDER. And wisdom cries, Beware.
Leost. This slave has a strange aspect? . Coris. Old, duck! to me
Timag. Fit for his fortune; 'tis a strong limbed | You are a young Adonis.
knave;

Grac. Well said, Venus ;
My father bought him for my sister's litter. I am sure she Vulcan's him.
O'pride of women ! Coaches are too common; Coris. I will not change thee
They surfeit in the happiness of peace,

For twenty boisterous young things without And ladies think they keep not state enough,

beards. If, for their pomp and ease, they are not borne These bristles give the gentlest titillations, In triumph on mens' shoulders.

And such a sweet dew flows on them, it cures Leost. Who commands

My lips without pomatum. Here's a round belly! The Carthaginian fleet?

'Tis a down pillow to my back; I sleep Timag. Gisco's their admiral,

So quietly by it: and this tunable nose, And, 'tis our happiness, a raw young fellow, Faith, when you hear it not, affords such music, One never trained in arms, but rather fashioned That I curse all night-fiddlers. To tilt with ladies lips than crack a lance,

Grac. This is gross. Ravish a feather from a mistress' fan,

Not find she flouts him! And wear it as a favour. A steel helmet,

Coris. As I live, I'm jealous. Made horrid with a glorious plume, will crack Cleon. Jealous of me, wife? His woman's neck.

Coris. Yes; and I have reason; Leo. No more of him. The motives Knowing how lusty and active a man you are. That Corinth gives us aid?

Cleon. Hum, hum! Timag. The common danger:

Grac. This is no cunning quean ! 'slight, she For Sicily being on fire, she is not safe;

will make him It being apparent that ambitious Carthage, To think that, like a stag, he has cast his horns, (That to enlarge her empire strives to fasten And is grown young again. An unjust gripe on us, that live free lords

Coris. You have forgot Of Syracusa) will not end, till Greece

What you did in your sleep, and, when you Acknowledge her their sovereign.

waked, Leost. I'm satisfied.

Called for a caudle. What think you of our general?

Grac. It was in his sleep; Timag. He is a man

For, waking, I durst trust my mother with him. Of strange and reserved parts; but a great soldier. Coris. I long to see the man of war : Cleora,

(A Trumpet sounds. Archidamus' daughter, goes, and rich Olympia; His trumpets call us ; I'll forbear his character: I will not miss the show. To-morrow, in the senate house, at large

Cleon. There's no contending: He will express himself.

For this time I am pleased, but I'll no more on't. Leost. I'll follow you. [Exeunt.

[Ereunt. SCENENI. Syracuse. AroominCLEON's House. SCENE III.-The Senate House.

Enter CLEON, CORISCA, and GRACCULO. Enter ARCHIDAMUS, CLEON, DIPHILUS, OLYMCoris. Nay, good chuck.

PIA, CORISCA, CLEORA, and ZANTHIA. Cleon. I've said it; stay at home.

Arch. So careless we have been, my noble lords, I cannot brook your gadding; you're a fair one, In the disposing of our own affairs, Beauty invites temptations, and short heels And ignorant in the art of government, Are soon tripp'd up.

That now we need a stranger to instruct us. Coris. Deny me! by my honour,

Yet we are happy that our neighbour Corinth

(Pitying the unjust gripe Carthage would lay I have a couch and a banqueting-house in my On Syracusa) hath vouchsafed to lend us

orchard, Her man of men, Timoleon, to defend

Where many a man of honour has not scorn'd Our country and our liberties.

To spend an afternoon.
Diph. 'Tis a favour

Olymp. These men of war,
We are unworthy of, and we may blush As I have heard, know not to court a lady,
Necessity compells us to receive it.

They cannot praise our dressings, kiss our hands, Arch. O shame! that we, that are a populous Usher us to our litters, tell love-stories, nation,

Commend our feet and legs, and so search upEngaged to liberal nature for all blessings

wards; An island can bring forth ; we that have limbs, A sweet becoming boldness! They are rough, And able bodies, shipping, arms and treasure, Boisterous, and saucy, and at the first sight The sinews of the war, now we are called Ruffle and touze us, and, as they find their stoTo stand upon our guard, cannot produce

machs, One, fit to be our general !

Fall roundly to it. Cleon. I'm old and fat;

Coris. 'Troth, I like them the better : I could say something else.

I can't endure to have a perfumed sir
Arch. We must obey

Stand cringing in the hams, licking his lips
The time and our occasions ; ruinous buildings, Like a spaniel over a furmety-pot, and yet
Whose bases and foundations are infirm, Has not the boldness to come on, or offer
Must use supporters : We are circled round What they know we expect.
With danger; o'er our heads with sail-stretched

Olymp. We may commend
wings

A gentleman's modesty, manners, and fine lanDestruction hovers, and a cloud of mischief

guage, Ready to break upon us; no hope left us, His singing, dancing, riding of great horses, That may divert it, but our sleeping virtue, The wearing of his clothes, his fair complexion; Roused up by brave Timoleon.

Take presents from him, and extol his bounty: Cleon. When arrives he?

Yet, though he observe, and waste his state upDiph. He is expected every hour.

on us, Arch. The braveries

If he be staunch, and bid not for the stock Of Syracusa, among whom my son

That we were born to traffick with; the truth is, Timagoras, Leosthenes, and Ásotus,

We care not for his company. (Your hopeful heir, lord Cleon) two days since Coris. Musing, Cleora ? Rode forth to meet him, and attend him to Olymp. She's studying how to entertain these The city; every minute we expect

strangers, To be blessed with his presence.

And to engross them to herself.
Cleon. What shout's this? (Shout at a distance. Cleo. No, surely;
Diph. 'Tis seconded with loud music. I will not cheapen any of their wares,

[Trumpets flourish within. Till you have made your market; you will buy, Arch. Which confirms

I know, at any rate.
His wished-for entrance. Let us entertain him Coris. She has given it to you.
With all respect, solemnity, and pomp,

Olymp. No more, they come; the first kiss A man may merit, that comes to redeem us

For this jewel.
From slavery and oppression.
Cleon. I'll lock up

Enter TIMAGORAS, LEOSTHENES, Asotus, TI. My doors, and guard my gold ; these lads of Co- MOLEON in black, led in by ARCHIDAMUS, DIrinth

PHILUS, and CLEON; followed by PISANDER, Have nimble fingers, and I fear them more,

GRACULO, CIMBRIO, and other Slaves. Being within our walls, than those of Carthage; Arch. It is your seat, They are far off.

Which with a general suffrage, Arch. And, ladies, be it your care

As to the supreme magistrate, Sicily tenders, To welcome him and his followers with all duty. And prays Timoleon to accept. For rest resolved, their hands and swords must Timol. Such honours, keep you

To one ambitious of rules or title, In that full height of happiness you live: Whose heaven or earth is placed in his command, A dreadful change else follows.

And absolute power o'er others, would with joy, (Ereunt ARCH. CLEON, and DỊPH. And veins swoln high with pride be entertained. Olym. We are instructed.

They take not me; for I have ever loved Coris. I'll kiss him for the honour of my country, An equal freedom, and proclaim all such With any she in Corinth.

As would usurp another's liberties, Olymp. Were he a courtier,

Rebels to nature, to whose bounteous blessings I've sweetmeat in my closet shall content bim, All men lay claim as true legitimate sons. Be his palate ne'er so curious.

But such as have made forfeit of themselves Coris. And, if need be,

By vicious courses, and their birthright lost,

'Tis not injustice they are marked for slaves This seat of justice, or engage myself To serve the virtuous. For myself, I know To fight for you abroad, or to reform Honours and great employments are great bur- Your

state at home, swear all upon my sword,
dens,

And call the gods of Sicily to witness
And must require an Atlas to support them. The oath you take; that whatsoe'er I shall
He that would govern others, first should be Propound for safety of your commonwealth,
The master of himself, richly endued

Not circumscribed or bound in, shall by you
With depth of understanding, height of courage, Be willingly obeyed.
And those remarkable graces which I dare not Arch. Diph. Cleon. So may we prosper,
Ascribe unto myself.

As we obey in all things !
Arch. Sir, empty men

Timag. Leos. Aso. And observe Are trumpets of their own deserts; but you, All your commands as oracles ! That are not in opinion, but in proof,

Timol. Do not repent it. (Takes the State.
Really good, and full of glorious parts,

Olymp. He ask'd not our consent.
Leave the report of what you are to fame, Coris. He's a clown, I warrant him.
Which, from the ready tongues of all good men, Olymp. I offer'd myself twice, and yet the churl
Aloud proclaims you.

Would not salute me.
Diph. Besides, you stand bound,

Coris. Let him kiss his drum ! Having so large a field to exercise

I'll save my lips, I rest on it. Your active virtues offered you, to impart Olymp. He thinks women Your strength to such as need it.

No part of the republic. Timol. 'I'is confessed :

Coris. He shall find And, since you'll have it so, such as I am, We are a commonwealth. For you, and for the liberty of Greece,

Cleo. The less your honour. I am most ready to lay down my life:

Timol. First then, a word or two, but without But yet consider, men of Syracusa,

bitterness, Before that you deliver up the power

(And yet mistake me not, I am no flatterer) (Which yet is yours) to me, to whom 'tis given; Concerning your ill government of the state, To an impartial man, with whom nor threats In which the greatest, noblest, and most rich, Nor prayers shall prevail; for I must steer Stand, in the first file, guilty. An even course.

Cleon. Ha! how's this? Arch. Which is desired of all.

Timol. You have not, as good patriots should Timol. Timophanes, my brother, for whose

do, studied
death

The public good, but your particular ends;
I'm tainted in the world, and foully tainted; Factious among yourselves, preferring such
In whose remembrance I have ever worn, To offices and honours, as ne'er read
In peace and war, this livery of sorrow,

The elements of saving policy;
Can witness for me, how much I detest But deeply skill'd in all the principles,
Tyrannous usurpation : with grief

That usher to destruction.
I must remember it : For when no persuasion

Leost. Sharp. Could win him to desist from his bad practice, Timag. The better. To change the aristocracy of Corinth

Timol. Your senate-house, which used not to Into an absolute monarchy, I chose rather

admit To prove a pious and obedient son

A man, however popular, to stand
To my country, my best mother, than to lend At the helm of government, whose youth was not
Assistance to Timophanes, tho' my brother, Made glorious by action ; whose experience,
That, like a tyrant, strove to set his foot Crowned with grey hairs, gave warrant to his
Upon the city's freedom.

counsels, Timag. 'Twas a deed

Heard and received with reverence; is now filled Deserving rather trophies than reproof.

With green heads, that determine of the state Leost. And will be still remembered to your Over their cups, or when their sated lusts honour,

Afford them leisure; or supplied by those If you forsake not us.

Who, rising from base arts and sordid thrift, Diph. If you free Sicily

Are eminent for their wealth, not for their wisFrom barbarous Carthage yoke, it will be said

dom : In him you slew a tyrant.

Which is the reason that to hold a place Arch. But giving way

In council, which was once esteemed an hoTo her invasion, not vouchsafing us

nour, (That fly to your protection) aid and comfort, And a reward for virtue, hath quite lost Twill be believed, that for your private ends Lustre and reputation, and is made You killed a brother.

A mercenary purchase. Timol. As I then proceed,

Timag. He speaks home.
To all posterity may that act be crowned

Leost. And to the purpose.
With a deserved applause, or branded with Timol. From whence it proceeds
The mark of infamy-Stay yet; ere I take That the treasure of the city is ingrossed