To banishment for ever from our kingdom. Govi. What could be worse to one whose heart is lock'd Up in another's bosom? Banishment! And why not death? is that too easy for me? Tyr. But that the world would call our way to dignity A path of blood, it should be the first act in all our reign. Govi. She's lost for ever; farewell, virtuous men, Too honest for your greatness! now you're mightier Than when we knew the kingdom, your stile's heavier Than ponderous nobility, farewell! 3 Nobl. How's that, sir? Govi. O sir! is it you? I knew you one-and-twenty and a lord, When your destruction suck'd; is't come from nurse yet? You scorn to be a scholar, you were born better, You have good lands, that's the best grounds of learning; ́If you can construe but your doctor's bill, Parse That's born to living; if you list to read, All the hard stuff to you, by what name and title 3 Nobl. I thank you, sir. Govi. 'Tis happy you have learnt so much manners Since you have so little wit; Fare you well, sir! Tyr. Let him be staid awhile! 4 Nobl. Stay! 3 Nobl. You must stay, sir. Govi. He's not so honest sure to change his mind, Revoke his doom; hell has more hope on him. Tyr. We have not ended yet, the worst part's coming, Thy banishment were gentle were that all; But to afflict thy soul before thou goest, Thou shalt behold the heav'n that thou must lose In her that must be mine. Then to be banish'd, then to be depriv'd, Shews the full torment we provide for thee. Govi. He's a right tyrant now, he will not bate me Th' affliction of my soul; he'll have all parts Enter the LADY clad in black, with Attendants. Suffer together; now I see my loss: I never shall recover't, my mind's beggar'd. Tyr. Whence rose that cloud? can such a thing be seen In honour's glorious day, the sky so clear? Why mourns the kingdom's mistress? does she come To meet advancement in a funeral garment? Back! [to the Attendants.] she forgot herself, 'twas too much joy That bred this error, and we heartily pardon't. Tyr. How! Lady. I have a mind That must be shifted ere I cast off these, Or I shall wear strange colours;-'tis not titles, That I am taken with; I come not hither To please the eye of glory, but of goodness, And that concern'd not you, sir, you're for greatness; I dare not deal with you, I have found my match, And I will never lose him. Govi. If there be man Above a king in fortunes, read my story, And you shall find him there; farewell, poor kingdom! Take it to help thee, thou hast need on't now; I see thee in distress, more miserable Than some thou lay'st taxations on, poor subjects! Tyr. Sure some dream crown'd me, If it were possible to be less than nothing, Helvetius !-Thou art not worth the waking neither, Like an old man, thou can'st do nothing; Thou tak'st no pains at all to earn thine honours; When he wants means and sees his servants play. Helv. [To his Daughter.] Have I bestow'd so many blessings on thee, And do they all return to me in curses? Is that the use I've for them? be not to me A burden ten times heavier than my years ! I'll kiss him too. Helv. How am I dealt withal? Lady. Why, that's the usurper, sir, this is the king; It is the mind that sets his master forth. Tyr. Have there so many bodies been hewn down That was more known for us and our affections, A woman to set light by sovereignty! What age can bring her forth, and hide that book! 'Tis their desire most commonly to rule, More than their part comes to, sometimes their husbands. Helv. 'Tis in your pow'r, my lord, to force her to you, And pluck her from his arms. Tyr. Thou talk'st unkindly; That had been done before thy thought begot it, If my affection could be so hard hearted, To stand upon such payment; it must come Gently and kindly, like a debt of law, Or 'tis not worth receiving. Govi. Now, usurper! [aside to Helvetius. I wish no happier freedom than the banishment That thou hast laid upon me. Tyr. O he kills me At mine own weapon; 'tis I that live in exile Should she forsake the land; I'll fain some cause Far from the grief itself, to call it back.— [aside. [to-Govianus. That doom of banishment was but lent to thee To make a trial of thy factious spirit, Which flames in thy desire; thou would'st be gone : |