THE CHASE: A PASTORAL DRAMA OF TWO ACTS.
Multa fidem promissa levant.
HOR.
CAMBRIDGE,
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. MDCCLXXII.
ERRATUM.
For
my,
read
our
—Page 11th —24th line.
TO WILLIAM MARTIN,
Esq
L. L. B. One of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of
Nottingham.
SIR,
I
Should not have presumed to have made use of your Name, as the Patron of my Pen, had I not known that you courted the Friendship of the
Muses.
This little
Drama
which I now humbly offer to your impartial Eyes, whose small intrinsic Value aspires not to those Applauses of a crouded Audience, when habited with the gorgeous Decorations of a Stage, may, I hope, however, merit an Hour's Perusal in the Closet, when the fatigued Mind demands a Relaxation from Business; there naked and unmasked it will disclose its Deficiencies, and sue for your Clemency, to dissipate the Anxieties which every early Writer feels for the first Production of his Brain, as does
Your
devoted
SERVANT,
THE AUTHOR.
December
17, 1771.
Dramatis Personae.
SARRASTES,
TIBISTHEUS.
Two Noblemen of
Arcadia.
ALEXIS,
Son to
Sarrastes,
educated as a Shepherd.
AEGEMON.
STIMICHUS,
ALCIMEDON,
POLLIO,
TITYRUS,
LYCIDAS,
MOPSUS,
Shepherds.
RODETHUSA,
Daughter to
Tibistheus,
educated as a Shepherdess
MYSIS,
NEAERA,
Shepherdesses.
NYMPH
of the Groves.
Huntsmen, Shepherds, and Shepherdesses.
SCENE, ARCADIA.
Time, about thirteen Hours.
THE CHASE.
ACT I.
A little after Twilight.
On one Side appear Rocks, on the other Mountains and Vallies. Enter
Sarrastes, Tibistheus,
and
Aegemon,
with Huntsmen and Attendants.
NIGHT's sable Monarchy in Haste recedes,
The Stars grow faint, and smiling Light succeeds:
Behold
Aurora!
Parent of the Day,
Betwixt yon tow'ring Cliffs emits a Ray,
Fair Messenger of
Phoebus,
to proclaim
His near Approach to our ethereal Frame.
The Lark, in Raptures, spreads her russet Wings,
And, high in Air, her soft Sonatas sings:
The warbling Tenants of the Groves combine
In tender Greetings: From the lofty Pine
Sweet
Philomel
relates her tragic Tale,
As
Progne
skims across the dewy Dale:
The sleecy Tribes, awaken'd, stretch their Feet,
But, pent in Folds, for flow'ry Meadows bleat;
Their happy Masters, pitying their Cry,
Leap from their Beds, and to their Prisons hie.
To Horse, my Lords—from yonder Thicket rose
A beamy Stag.
I see him—there he goes.
AIR I.
Away, away,
No more Delay,
The Hounds are on the Scent:
Mount, mount your Steeds,
Actaeon
speeds,
And gains the steep Ascent.
Tho' Risks alarm,
We'll fear no Harm,
Our dauntless Souls on Flame!
Down Hill, o'er Vale,
Up Rock we'll scale,
To keep in View our Game.
Exeunt omnes.
Enter
Alcimedon
and
Pollio.
Such heav'nly Music ravishes my Soul!
Let me entreat thee—
Whither wou'dst thou prowl?
To see the Hunt.
To see the Hunt, thou silly!
Where is thy Nag?
I'll saddle our dun
Philly
—
I think she's able.
Yes, thy Neck to break.
Forget not, Sir, the Promise thou did'st make.
What Promise, Boy?
That which thou mad'st last Spring—
How I should go an hunting.
No such Thing;
Besides, the Mare's with Foal—thou can'st not go—
Get thee to work.
Consent I pray thee.
No.
Excuse me, Sir,—I cannot work to day;
If
Pan
permits, to-morrow I'll make Hay:
Tho' not on
Dun,
there's
Aegon
's
Diamond
yet;
He can't refuse me, as he's in my Debt.
I like it not—Shou'dst thou but jade his Beast,
Or break her Wind—a Quarrel's next at least.
What, Sir,—when I so oft' have kept his Sheep—
Help'd him to plough, to sow, to weed, and reap?
Thou gav'st a Promise, therefore let me go.
Kneels down.
On these Conditions, Idler, then I do:
Observe thou thine to-morrow.
So I will,
Since thou to-day dost let me have my Fill—
My Fill of Pleasure!—Gods! how I will toil—
Thou shalt not say thou dost thy
Pollio
spoil.
AIR II.
Tho' a Novice—no Matter,
My Joy is the greater,
By Use all Diversions grow vile:
'Tis Newness that causes
Such thund'ring Applauses,
And makes us run mad for awhile.
Exit
Poll.
Now to return to Business: To Night,
In
Hymen
's Bands, these Foundlings we unite,
Tho' dubious of their Loves; but meet they must
Ere to the Gods we can discharge our Trust.
Young
Rodethusa
seems a toward Maid,
Obliging, easy, tho' of Men afraid—
Is Modesty a Fault? Girls shou'd be coy:
Alexis
too appears a ductile Boy.
Omitting but the Supper, we shou'd do—
And, now I think on't—I'll go kill an Ewe.
O—here comes
Stimichus.
Enter
Stimichus.
How fares it, Neighbour?
Dost' long to foot it to the Pipe and Tabor?
No, no, my Friend—Things yet are not compleat.
Hah!—Is the Maid unwilling?
No—this Treat
Puts Matters in Confusion—Nothing's bought—
And our Neglect perplexes ev'ry Thought.
What makes thee smile?
Thy Ignorance.
And why?
No Matter now—I'll tell thee by and by.
The Bridegroom finds the Feast—pray does he not?
Indeed thou well might'st laugh.
Had'st thou forgot?
How did'st thou do when thou did'st
Dorcas
wed?
Call that to Mind: Is thy Remembrance fled?
Youth's former Pleasures from us slip apace,
When hoary Hairs our Memories efface.
What now,
Alcimedon!
'Tis very true.
The Fates as yet have but begun thy Clue—
Mine's almost out!
How old dost' think I am?
Why I was Forty when
Sol
touch'd the
Ram.
And I was Sixty when he left the
Scales:
Besides, my Eyes grow dim, my Hearing fails,
And all the sore Infirmities of Age
Begin to pinch, and hale me off the Stage!
No more of this I beg—thou mak'st me quake.
I'll to my Dame—by this Time she's awake.
About Provision.
The main Article.
On that at present there's no need to dwell:
Step to thy
Dorcas,
but return to me,
And then these Stipulations we'll agree.
Nay, do not stop—walk slow, and I will follow:
If thou art out of Sight I'll give a Holla.
Exeunt Ambo.
SCENE, a GROVE.
The Sun rising.
Alexis
appears cutting down Boughs, and singing the following Air.
AIR III.
Oh! did the tim'rous Fair One know
The rending Pangs I feel,
With Love her frozen Heart wou'd glow,
And ev'ry Anguish heal.
Unkind she shuns my odious Sight,
All Vows, all Sighs are vain;
Yet still her Syren-Beauties smite
—
Assuage, ye Gods! my Pain.
Throughout the Night I never clos'd my Eyes,
But pass'd the restless Hours in venting Sighs;
Nor does the Morn afford me any Ease,
Throbbings and parching Fires my Members seize.
Who is there that cou'd wish to be in Love
Like wretched me! and yet how have I strove
To snap the cruel Fetters, and regain
Primeval Liberty—alas, in vain!
What art thou Love, thou strange mysterious Thing?
Had'st thou no Sire? did'st thou from Nothing spring?
An Origin thou had'st, from whence 'tis hid—
Our perfect Knowledge of thee is forbid—
Excepting this—to know thou can'st torment
When thou for wanton Cruelty art bent.
Till now I had no Fellowship with Pain,
I knew not what it was to wear a Chain;
No Virgin's Charms had smote my giddy Eyes,
Nor was I wont to waste my Time in Sighs:
My Days roll'd on in Ignorance and Ease;
All Things appear'd as if conspir'd to please—
When Tyrant Love beheld my happy State,
And sculking caught me by a glitt'ring Bait.
A Nymph of the Groves appears.
Crush thy Complaints, audacious Youth, and know
The Gods, if pleas'd, may better Days bestow.
Almighty Pow'rs! protect me from her Rage!
Aside.
Goddess! compassionate my tender Age—
Kneeling.
If I have said amiss—forgive my Error!
I can no more—I'm struck with such a Terror.
Aside.
Tho' Sorrow for awhile disturbs thy Peace,
Submit to Patience, and thy Pains shall cease:
A Father's Voice shall strike thy wond'ring Ear,
Life shall be sweet, and Joys on Joys appear.
Vanishes.
Amazement!—Gone?—My Pulse denies to beat—
The Wards of Reason in Confusion meet—
This awful Visit—wherefore was it paid?
To tell me I shall wed this lovely Maid?
"Tho' Sorrow for awhile disturbs thy Peace,
"Submit to Patience, and thy Pains shall cease."
This means that
Rodethusa
shall be mine,
If for the future I no more repine
At
Cupid
's Persecutions—I'll obey
The strict Injunction—Heaven shall not say
I slight its high Commands—And yet 'tis hard
To suffer Torture, and to be debarr'd
Heaving a Sigh, or letting fall a Tear.
"A Father's Voice shall strike thy wond'ring Ear."
It is a Sentence I cannot explain—
This I'll forget—'twill only rack my Brain.
Suppose I tell my Mother what has pass'd—
Disclose my Passion—Secrets cannot last—
She may unriddle what I can't make out—
But then, perhaps, she'll blaze it at my Rout;
And Folks may think—
Alexis
is turn'd Fool:
On second Thoughts, 'tis best to keep it cool.
Exit.
SCENE, a PLAIN.
Enter
Mopsus.
Ho! Swain—how dar'st thou drive thy Sheep to mine?
Enter
Lycidas.
Dost' think my Sheep will deign to herd with thine? Thou sorry Jackanapes!
Take them away.
That wou'd be pretty.
Wilt thou not obey?
AIR IV.
Beware, thoughtless Swain,
Left my Hands may be fain
To give thy thin Bones a Salute:
'Tis better to yield,
And surrender the Field,
Than come to a dang'rous Dispute.
Proud Boaster, come on
—
I defy thee—
Begone.
Hah, Coward! dost' think to escape
A Victor, and brag?
Take that, vaunting Wag
—
Say—Pride led thee into this Scrape.
Lycidas
beats
Mopsus.
Enter
Tityrus.
Arcadians,
fie!—do ye behave like Men?
Enough! enough!
Wilt thou be easy then?
This Fellow had the Impudence to dare
Me to a Contest—Nay, and did declare
Himself the Victor ere we had engag'd:
Pray had not I a Cause to be enrag'd?
Thief, hold thy Tongue—or I can something blab—
I can—that will thy Reputation stab.
Make me your Judge—I will the Quarrel end:
Mopsus,
thy Charge—Thou,
Lycidas,
attend.
The Accusation I shall bring is this;
I know in Honesty he is remiss:
As I was sitting here, keeping my Flock,
He comes and drives to them his rotten Stock,
In hopes to intermix his with my sound.
Now let me ask—To whom belongs the Ground?
'Tis free to all that are
Arcadians
born.
What say'st thou, Sir, to that? To wrong I scorn.
My Honesty is frail—I am a Thief—
Please to expound thy Words.
I will in brief:
Did I not see thee, Varlet—did I not—
As thou wast sculking to filch
Mycon
's Goat?
And when I cry'd—"There! there he goes!"—away
Thou slily slunk'st, defeated of thy Prey.
Has not a Man a Right to take his own?
Think'st thou to have a mighty Secret blown?
And that my Character is now undone?
The Goat was mine—by Wrestling fairly won:
Ask
Mycon
if he can the Debt deny:
Thy peevish, stupid Malice I defy.
Who broke down
Linco
's Fence, and bark'd his Vines?
Four Kids, two Ewes I paid—the stated Fines.
Ye both are jealous of each other's Love,
And of your Spite I cannot, Sirs, approve—
Each wants t' accuse the other where he can:
These foolish Squabbles don't become the Man—
Therefore be Friends.
Yes,
Tityrus,
'tis true
Love made us Foes: I'm willing to renew
Our former Friendship, since we're both to blame.
And so am I, if thou'lt renounce all Claim
To
Rodethusa.
No: I'll not do that.
Come, come—shake Hands—I've thought of something.
What?
The best in Singing, his shall be the Prize:
Will you consent to that? Will that suffice?
So let it be.
She can't be both's.
Why no—
Thou reason'st well—we'll then conclude it so.
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter
Rodethusa
and
Neaera.
Heigh-ho!
Heigh-ho!
Dear Heart, how we do sigh!
I am in Love!
Alas, and so am I!
Love is a Malady that few can cure.
Till now I ever thought myself secure.
Is
Rodethusa
smote at last?
She is.
And must my Friend her coy Reserve dismiss?
Her Fortitude is vanish'd—
Cupid
's Dart,
That never errs, sticks in her conquer'd Heart.
Is young
Alexis
that high-favour'd Swain?
The melting Music thrills thro' ev'ry Vein!
Alexis!
Oh how ravishing's that Sound!
Cupid,
indeed, has made a ghastly Wound:
Aside.
These burning Symptoms—when did they appear?
But Yesterday.
But Yesterday, my Dear!
Long has the Youth confess'd himself my Slave,
To which Avowal I no Credence gave:
So far from that, his fulsome Sight I'd shun—
If Face to Face—I'd think myself undone:
And when the Tears stood quiv'ring in his Eyes—
I'd fancy him a Tyger in Disguise.
But Yesterday! disrobed of my Fears,
This frightful Object amiable appears!
Close to a purling Brook, beneath a Shade
Of branching Elms, the lovely Boy was laid—
Pale was his Visage—languishing his Eyes—
"Pitiless Maid!" he cry'd—three heavy Sighs
Utter'd the Rest—Compassion melts the Ice—
My Soul dissolves—I fall Love's Sacrifice!
Did not thy Countenance this Change betray?
He saw me not—rising he went away.
I see no Reason that thou shoud'st bewail
Thy captive Heart. No—I wou'd rather hail
Thy Embryo-Bliss.
Perhaps 'tis not for me
He sighs and pines.
For whom then shou'd it be?
AIR V.
'Tis Conscience that assassinates
Each rising Hope, each budding Joy:
'Tis Conscience that Dismay creates
—
I've been too rigid to the Boy!
For when he comes to hear
That he to me is dear,
He'll off and cry
—
"Damsel, good bye,
"Now I'll be shy."
Then have not I a Cause
To fear the Youth's Disdain?
If he his Love withdraws,
Hah! how can I complain!
Self-Accusation does not rack my Mind:
My Swain in me did no Resistance find;
For to his first Addresses I was kind.
I do not ask thee if thou know'st his Name.
I may suppose 'tis
Pollio.
Yes, the same—
Whence comes that Groan?
Steps behind the Scene.
Good Heav'n! whom do I see?
Pollio!
My Brother?—It can never be.
Steps behind the Scene.
[behind]
A Murrain seize the Brute!—What Sister here?
I'm glad to find Assistance is so near—
Fly—catch the Beast—I'll baste the stumbling Jade!
[behind]
My
Pollio
lives!
[behind]
Hah!—how dost' do, sweet Maid?
[behind]
Give me thy Hand.
[behind]
Sister, why dost thou stay?
Quick, quick—or else the Beast will run away.
They come forward.
What ails the Youth? Oh, how his Eye-balls roll!
He shakes! he pants! he raves! he's mad, poor Soul!
Vex not thyself—The Lad is very well;
No baneful Accident has him befel;
A Fall has only discompos'd his Play—
He'd better stay'd at Home and made his Hay.
Let loose my Arms.
Ill-manner'd Numscull!
Peace!
Thou wilt not go?
To
Rodethusa.
Then give me a Release.
A Sound of Horns at a Distance.
AIR VI.
Hark! the merry-ton'd Horn
—
Wou'd I'd never been born!
Has unharbour'd the out-lying Stag
—
Why, Brother,—for Shame!
Now the Hounds seize the Game
—
Ungrateful!
—Pol.
And here I must lag.
Away, false Swain! no more I'll court
Thy tiresome Stay—pursue thy Sport.
My Life, fond Maid, is wholely thine,
But let these few short Hours be mine.
Away! away!
Who bids thee stay?
Exeunt Omnes.
END OF THE FIRST ACT.
ACT II.
SCENE, a GROTTO.
Rodethusa
and
Neaera
appear sitting.
I Know what racking Conflicts tear thy Soul—
And pity thee—but let soft Love controul.
Hah!
Rodethusa,
what dost thou prescribe?
Object not—pause not—my Advice imbibe.
Cou'dst thou put up with this Indifference?
Wou'dst thou not chase the faithless Boy from hence?
Laying her Hand on her Bosom.
How easy 'tis good Counsels to impart,
But to pursue those Counsels is the Art.
Hear me,
Neoera—Pollio
is young—
To call him faithless thou dost do him wrong—
He loves, adores thee.
Yes—he is thy Brother:
And, without Doubt, ye ost' assist each other.
How? Dost thou think that I wou'd aid Deceit?
Mistrustful Maid—I scorn to love a Cheat.
AIR VII.
From Infancy, in Friendship's Ties,
As yet we've walked Hand in Hand;
Our Hopes and Fears, without Disguise,
We told, and wanted no Demand.
Shall one harsh Doubt obscure the Flame
Which to this Hour has been so clear?
Shall Discord to the World proclaim
We are not to each other dear?
Excuse my rash Surmise—my Grief provok'd
My Tongue to utter what I shou'd have choak'd.
Friendship's a Blessing I shall ever prize,
So precious and so pleasing are its Ties.
Thou say'st thy Brother loves.
I do—and know it.
In my Anxiety pray did he show it?
I blame him there—but this I can attest,
The Joys of Hunting had his Mind possess'd:
For, 'till this Morn, he never cou'd acquire
My Father's Leave to see the Stag expire;
And having the Misfortune of a Fall,
It made him cross.
Th' Apology, tho' small,
Conveys some Ease.
Let's to our fleecy Care—
While we are absent they may badly fare.
Exeunt Ambo.
SCENE, a Room in
Stimichus
's Cot.
Enter
Alexis,
with
Mysis
behind him.
This Morn's Adventure, and this tim'rous Maid,
Engage my whole Attention: I'm afraid
My Mother will remark it—then I must
To her Direction these same Secrets trust.
Alexis!
[astonish'd]
Here!
Look at me.
I obey.
Tell me, I beg, what troubles thee to Day?
[faltering]
Me! Madam—Nothing.
Nothing? This is strange.
Pray, Sir, what makes thy Countenance to change?
What—I am not discreet enough to hear
A Son's sweet Secrets—my obedient Dear?
Chucks him under the Chin.
That she o'er heard me I can make no Doubt:
Vexation on it! now they all must out.
Aside.
Hide Nothing from me.
With Attention hear:
Know that a Goddess did this Morn appear.
A Goddess! Boy—then it was in a Dream.
To thee, who saw her not, so it may seem.
Whilst I was hewing Wood within the Grove,
And sighing at the Cruelty of Love,
(Who can ward off his never-erring Dart!)
I'm sure I try'd—but it was past my Art!)
A Deity, in shining Robes, confess'd
Before me stood, and thus thy Son address'd:
"Crush thy Complaints, audacious Youth—and know
"The Gods, if pleas'd, may better Days bestow:
"Tho' Sorrow for awhile disturbs thy Peace,
"Submit to Patience, and thy Pains shall cease:
"A Father's Voice shall strike thy wond'ring Ear;
"Life shall be sweet, and Joys on Joys appear."
Mysis
meditates and retires.
What can the Meaning of this Silence be?
Some wonderful Event she does foresee.
Walks about for some Time.
Re-enter
Mysis
with
Stimichus
and
Alcimedon.
Who is this cold inexorable Fair—
This Idol of thy Soul? Her Name declare.
A Sire's Command
Alexis
will obey:
Thy Daughter—
Rodethusa.
To
Alcimedon.
Then away—
Seek for this Beauty.
And conduct her here.
Am I awake? Ye Gods, what do I hear!
Do ye indeed consent she may be mine?
Father!
Alcimedon!
This Night she's thine.
AIR VIII.
Waft me,
Cupid!
waft me straight,
To my dear inchanting Mate!
Who relenting,
Is consenting
To obey the Voice of Fate.
Eased of her late Alarms,
Love has added to her Charms,
Peace and Pleasure
Without Measure
—
Hark! she calls me to her Arms!
Exit
Alexis.
What think ye now?
That 'tis by Heaven's Hand
All is conducted.
That their Births are grand.
SCENE, a PLAIN.
Enter
Tityrus
solus.
Tit.
Now these two Fools take me to be their Friend,
And on a Lover let their Suit depend:
What Service 'tis to have one's Thoughts acute!
By interposing in their Morn's Dispute
I gain Esteem, and only them reserve
For worser Broils, which will my Purpose serve.
Shou'd I succeed in this my Stratagem,
Whate'er I do will all be laid to them.
Suppose, for fear the Maid shou'd me betray,
I rob her of her Tongue—The safest Way
After Enjoyment. Hush! I hear them coming—
Upon his Lyre young
Lycidas
is thrumming.
Enter
Lycidas, Mopsus,
and other Shepherds.
Now,
Tityrus,
lend thy impartial Ear
To this our Match—
Arcadian
Swains draw near.
Who first begins?
Thou,
Mopsus
—or shall I?
It matters not.
My Voice I first must try.
Hums to his Lyre.
AIR IX.
[Lycidas
begins.
]
Woman, Nature's fairest Jewel,
Man's chief Pride and Happiness;
Sometimes tender, sometimes cruel,
Fond of pleasing, loth to bless.
Yield, dear Charmer, yield and ease me;
Time is always on the Wing:
Ever will I strive to please thee;
Yield, now Beauty's in its Spring.
AIR X.
[Mopsus
begins.
]
Little
Cupids,
hear my Pray'r,
Commis'rate Woes that know no Cure;
To the beauteous Maid repair,
Relate the Pangs that I endure:
Tell her, in the softest Sighs,
It is to her I owe them all:
Gently whisper,
"Mopsus
dies!"
That only she can Life recall.
To say which of you two deserves the Prize
I cannot—So some other Match devise.
Exit
Tityrus.
What must we do? I think she shou'd be mine.
Nay, hold thee there—don't fancy she is thine—
My Right is best, because I sung the last.
In my Opinion you shou'd Lots up cast.
I'll not agree to that.
Nor I.
How then?
By
Pan!
I think you both two merry Men.
Neither of us has got the Sire's Consent.
Nor have I to the Maid my Mind unbent.
I'll with thee to
Alcimedon.
Agreed.
Let him the Case decide.
Well, then, proceed.
Exeunt
Lycidas
and
Mopsus.
Ha, ha, ha, ha—Good Luck attend you, Sirs.
Did'st thou e'er hear of two such silly Curs?
Exeunt Omnes.
Enter
Sarrastes
solus.
A sudden Dizziness attacks my Head,
My Blood runs cold, my Spirits too are fled:
I must desist from following the Chase,
Tho' I am loth to leave it with Disgrace—
Tibistheus
will excuse me: I'll repair
To some good Shepherd's Cot, and rest me there.
Going.
Enter
Alexis.
I am afraid, my Lord, thou art not well:
May I conduct thee to my Father's Cell?
Thanks, courteous Youth—thy Offer I receive.
My Lord, I'll step and fetch thy Horse, with Leave.
I will not trouble thee—If 'tis not far
The Walk may be of Service to me—Hah!
Sure I shou'd know those Features!
Aside.
How his Eyes
Are fix'd on mine—what strange Commotions rise
Within me—ev'ry Word he utters shakes
My wond'ring Soul!
Aside.
No—Yet there's something makes
Me feel I know not how!
Aside.
Why do we stay?
Aside.
O Thought, rack me no more!
Aside.
My Lord, this Way.
Exeunt Ambo.
SCENE, a GROVE.
Shrieking behind.
Enter
Tityrus
with
Rodethusa
Prisoner.
Where wou'dst thou lead me, barbarous Man?
To Joy.
Villain!—dost' think my Honour to decoy!
Those pretty ruddy Cheeks! those sparkling Eyes!
Can't they shew Pity to a Shepherd's Sighs!
What dost thou mean by this Impertinence?
My Fairest, I'm in Love.
By what Pretence?
By those enticing Charms that smote my Heart!
Off! let me go!
Struggling.
No—thou must cure the Smart.
Enter
Neaera.
Where has this Ruffian borne my injur'd Friend?
Protect her, Gods! the virtuous Maid defend!
AIR XI.
Fell Monster! forbear
My Honour to tear!
'Tis in vain to contend.
When there's none to befriend.
Help! help! she's undone!
Oh, where shall I run!
Tyrant! Monster!
Oh, she falls!
Now I have thee
—
Help!
Who calls?
Enter
Alexis.
What a Scene! Who can it be?
Rodethusa!
Is it she!
Down, Villain! to the deepest Gulf in Hell—
In Lakes of Sulphur there thy Passions quell!
Knocks down
Tityrus.
May Heav'n the charitable Deed repay!
Thy Pray'r is heard—Rise, Love, and let's away.
Alexis
my Deliverer?
Thy Mate.
How irresistible art thou, O Fate!
Hymen
has light'd his Torch—all Things prepar'd—
To me thy Father this our Bliss declar'd.
Celestial Pow'rs, be prais'd!
Art thou sincere?
Am I not then to
Rodethusa
dear,
That she shou'd disbelieve her constant Swain?
I yield, my Hand is thine—no more complain.
May
Cupid
still encrease your mutual Fires,
And ev'ry Blessing crown your chaste Desires.
Exeunt
Alexis, Rodethusa,
and
Neaera.
[recovering]
Am I alive or dead? I wish the latter!
Since Fortune chooses all my Hopes to scatter.
By
Pluto,
and by his infernal Crew!
I wish I had return'd the Dog his Due:
To shew my Face, wou'd be to get me pelted:
Friends I have none, so I cannot be shelter'd:
To foreign Meads I'll drive my little Stock,
And live retired under some kind Rock.
Exit
Tityrus.
AIR. XII.
CHORUS behind the Scenes.
What Joys with the Chase can compare?
There's nothing can drive away Care
So soon as the Chase,
When
Actaeon
we trace;
Who bounding before us,
Horns and Hounds in full Chorus,
We cutting the thin yielding Air.
O'er Lawns and thro' Forests we fly,
The swift-footed Stag in our Eye,
Which we never lose,
But soon him inclose;
His Strength now exhausted,
With Bites he's accosted
—
Alas! poor
Actaeon
must die.
Enter
Tibistheus
and
Aegemon.
This Day has been a Day of glorious Game!
Its like before did ne'er my Soul inflame:
The eager Hounds, with double Warmth, pursu'd
The starting Deer; as if the Gods them view'd:
For when the Scent came strong in ev'ry Breeze,
Impatient for Approach, they rush'd with Ease
Thro' thorny Thickets, then like Lightning flew,
Snuffing the Steps imprinted in the Dew:
The panting Deer for Breath awhile stood still,
But the stanch Pack disdain'd to use him ill:
With their loud Cries the Vallies round us rung,
Till blowing with our Horns, away he sprung;
But leaping o'er a Bush he miss'd his Aim;
The Hounds came up, and seiz'd the royal Game.
Enter
Stimichus.
Art thou my Lord
Tibistheus,
Sir?
Yes, Friend.
My Lord
Sarrastes
begs thou'lt me attend.
Was he not with us at the Death?—Lead on:
To
Stimichus.
Couple the Hounds, and wait—we'll here anon.
Exeunt Omnes.
SCENE, the Outside of
Stimichus
's Cot.
Tables and Benches before the Door.
Enter
Lycidas
and
Mopsus.
Hey-day!—and what is going forwards here?
Seats, Tables, Trenchers—here's to be some Cheer.
'Tis well we came at such a lucky Hour;
We may be bidden if the Cream's not sour.
Here is the very Man.
Alcimedon
enters from the Cot.
Speak thou.
Not I.
Whom want ye, Shepherds?
Let's make some Reply.
Alcimedon
going.
Stay, Master, stay—Our Business is with thee.
Declare it then: Cou'd ye nor hear, nor see?
Be quick, or else thou'lt spend thy Breath in vain;
Old Age is cross—thou must not him detain.
Aside to
Lycidas.
Thou hast a Daughter, Sir—a Beauty rare.
Whose Name is
Rodethusa
—Yes, she's fair;
And, what is more, at present she's a Maid.
Out with it—now's the Time—don't be afraid.
Aside to
Lycidas.
O happy Youth! who shall this Virgin wed—
None but celestial-born must with her bed.
What think'st thou, Sir, of me—I'm plump and jolly—
I'm light and nimble—
Free from Melancholy—
Wary—
Pacific—
Ever toiling—
Wealthy.
And,
Pan
be prais'd! my Constitution healthy—
Celestial-born! No Mortal can survive
The rushing of a God—Do not deprive
An hoary Father of his Age's Joy:
I have engag'd her to a Neighbour's Boy;
And to retract a Promise is not right—
To give or take, my Soul disdains a Slight:
Let your ethereal Mansions you receive,
And to ourselves us petty Mortals leave.
Exit
Alcimedon.
Here ends our Rivalship—the Game is flown.
Dost thou repine at Fate?—Let's laugh, not moan.
True; Friendship has no Thorn to stunt its Blade;
Now it may spread, and hide us in its Shade.
Exeunt Ambo.
Enter
Alexis
and
Rodethusa.
AIR XIII.
Sweet Elysium!
Ecstacy!
Happy, happy, happy me!
Lost in Pleasure's Maze I roam!
These Arms, my Dear, shall guide thee Home.
Lovely Creature!
Pride of Nature!
When on those bright Eyes I gaze!
I glow! I burn! I melt! I blaze!
Enter
Tibistheus, Stimichus, Alcimedon, Pollio,
and
Neaera,
with Shepherds and Shepherdesses.
—Sarrastes
and
Mysis
come forth from the Cot.
—
I hear,
Sarrastes,
that thou hast been ill.
Yes: I was seized with a sudden Chill,
And, fearful of some Danger, left the Chase—
But, praise the Gods! my Health returns apace.
Thou wilt excuse my sending for thee here,
These honest Shepherds have a Wedding near,
Which Fancy much induces me to see.
'Tis well: It will be pleasing too to me.
Are those the Couple? What a graceful Pair!
And yet, my Lords, we know not who they are.
Are they not your's then?
What do I hear!
Fear not, my Love—Heav'n will these Matters clear.
Passing, my Lords, one Morning by the Cave,
Whose rocky Back divides the surging Wave,
A Place which we with sacred Awe revere,
An Infant's Cry struck my astonish'd Ear:
Approaching to the Avenue, I spy'd
A Babe in Velvet wrapp'd, and by its Side
A little Hound, (which with us liv'd and died.)
After examining my precious Prize,
I bore it Home, wiping it's watry Eyes:
My Dame delighted much with what I'd done;
We brought him up, and call'd the Youth our Son.
He'th been a dutiful and sober Boy;
Tho' not my Child, he is my chiefest Joy.
Some few Days after, Sirs, as I pass'd by
That sacred Cave, I heard an Infant's Cry,
And ent'ring in—a beauteous Infant found,
And by its Side another little Hound:
(For, this my Friend, had told me, Sirs, before
Of his Adventure, which made me the more
Astonish'd at this second Incident)
Recov'ring from my deep Surprize, I went
And took the Infant up, and to my Cot
Convey'd it, pleas'd with the sweet Load I'd got.
As she in Years, so she in Beauty grew,
To Honour humble, and to Virtue true.
What mean these strong Emotions that so shake
My troubled Soul!
'Tis surely no Mistake!
Those handsome Features all confess the Mother!
And, lo! I see
Tibistheus
in the other—
A Nymph of the Groves appears.
The Gods no longer will your Births conceal.
Children advance, and to your Parents kneel.
Vanishes.
[They all appear astonished, and a profound Silence continues for some Time.]
My Son!
My Daughter!
Sire!
The Myst'ry's out—
Rejoice, my Friends, and greet them with a Shout!
A general Shout.
List up your Voices—let the Air resound.
Another Shout.
Have I a Father lost—a Father found!
Yes—but a cruel Father!—Oh, my Child!
Necessity parental Love beguil'd:
A num'rous Offspring forc'd me to expose
Thee, injur'd Innocence, to bring up those
Whom angry Heav'n had said shou'd never live
To bless a Father so severe—forgive!—
Weeps o'er his Daughter.
Oh, Sir—thou art too good!
Pardon, my Son,
What thy unnat'ral, barb'rous Sire has done—
'Twas I who sent thee hither—Yes! 'twas I
Who thee expos'd to thirst, to starve, to die!
The same which forc'd
Tibistheus
to the Act,
Forc'd also me—but Heav'n chose to retract
Her former Blessings to revenge the Deed.
Embraces his Son.
But what shou'd the connubial Rites impede,
Sarrastes?
Thou hast my Consent.
Tho', stay—
Here are some Debts which we have first to pay.
Sarrastes
and
Tibistheus
commune with
Stimichus
and
Alcimedon.]
Has my good Brother his Excuses made?
He has, my Dear.
Then let your Loves be laid
Before the Company.
That is not fair.
Neoera,
fie!—can'st thou refuse a Share
Of Mirth and Love?—It is thy Friend's Request.
Pollio?
Pray speak a Word.
She is in Jest.
Aside to
Pollio.
Since you design'd this for a Wedding-Night,
This am'rous Pair you also must unite.
This, Sir, my Brother was.
[
Handing
Pollio
to
Tibistheus.
I'll stand his Friend.
This, Sir, my Sister was.
Handing
Neaera
to
Sarrastes.
Son, I attend.
I'll make a Settlement.
And so will I.
My Lords!—
This is too much—
Make no Reply.
By
Pan!
this has been a most glorious Day—
I think 'tis Time to leave off making Hay;
Now I may have my Belly-full of Hunting!
If thou in Gratitude be never wanting.
AIR XIV.
CHORUS.
To Heaven our Voices in Songs let us raise,
And warble our Gratitude, Wonder, and Praise.
O Virtue! Source of ev'ry Joy,
Thy Guidance still I crave,
Lest Wealth and Honour me decoy,
And I become their Slave.
As yet thou hast a Parent been,
And lent thy friendly Aid;
Still keep my Heart secure and clean,
Thou gone—'twill rust and fade.
CHORUS.
Submit to Care,
And ne'er despair,
All Pains shall have an End;
The virtuous Mind
Shall ever find
In Heav'n a tender Friend.
Exeunt Omnes.
FINIS.