The Works of Aphra Behn Volume Iv Part 73

_Chris._ I do not think he will be forc'd, not even by _Friendly_.

_Friend._ And, faith, it goes against my Conscience to lift my Sword against him, for he is truly brave, and what he has done, a Service to the Country, had it but been by Authority.

_Chris._ What pity 'tis there should be such false Maxims in the World, that n.o.ble Actions, however great, must be criminal for want of a Law to authorise 'em.

_Friend._ Indeed 'tis pity that when Laws are faulty they should not be mended or abolish'd.

_Ran._ Hark ye, _Charles_, by Heaven, if you kill my _Daring_ I'll pistol you.

_Friend._ No, Widow, I'll spare him for your sake.

[They join with _Surelove_.

_Haz._ Oh, she's all divine, and all the Breath she utters serves but to blow my Flame.

Enter _Maid_.

_Maid._ Madam, Dinner's on the Table--

_Sure._ Please you, Sir, to walk in--come, Mr. _Friendly_.

[She takes _Hazard_.

_Ran._ Prithee, good Wench, bring in the Punch-Bowl.

[Exeunt.

ACT II.

SCENE I. A Pavilion.

Discovers the _Indian King_ and _Queen_ sitting in State, with Guards of _Indians_, Men and Women attending: To them _Bacon_ richly dress'd, attended by _Daring_, _Fearless_ and other Officers; he bows to the _King_ and _Queen_, who rise to receive him_.

_King._ I am sorry, Sir, we meet upon these Terms, we who so often have embrac'd as Friends.

_Bac._ How charming is the Queen! [Aside.] War, Sir, is not my Business nor my Pleasure: Nor was I bred in Arms, my Country's Good has forc'd me to a.s.sume a Soldier's Life; and 'tis with much regret that I employ the first Effects of it against my Friends: yet whilst I may--whilst this Cessation lasts, I beg we may exchange those Friendships, Sir, we have so often paid in happier Peace.

_King._ For your part, Sir, you've been so n.o.ble, that I repent the fatal Difference that makes us meet in Arms. Yet though I'm young, I'm sensible of Injuries; and oft have heard my Grandsire say, That we were Monarchs once of all this s.p.a.cious World, till you, an unknown People, landing here, distress'd and ruin'd by destructive Storms, abusing all our charitable Hospitality, usurp'd our Right, and made your Friends your Slaves.

_Bac._ I will not justify the Ingrat.i.tude of my Forefathers, but finding here my Inheritance, I am resolv'd still to maintain it so, and by my Sword which first cut out my Portion, defend each Inch of Land, with my last drop of Blood.

_Queen._ Even his Threats have Charms that please the Heart.

[Aside.

_King._ Come, Sir, let this ungrateful Theme alone, which is better disputed in the Field.

_Queen._ Is it impossible there might be wrought an understanding betwixt my Lord and you? 'Twas to that end I first desired this Truce, my self proposing to be Mediator, to which my Lord _Cavernio_ shall agree, could you but condescend--I know you are n.o.ble: And I have heard you say our tender s.e.x could never plead in vain.

_Bac._ Alas! I dare not trust your pleading, Madam: a few soft Words from such a charming Mouth would make me lay the Conqueror at your Feet, as a Sacrifice for all the Ills he has done you.

_Queen._ How strangely am I pleas'd to hear him talk. [Aside.

_King._ _Semernia_, see, the Dancers do appear; Sir, will you take your Seat? [To _Bacon_.

[He leads the _Queen_ to a Seat, they sit and talk.

_Bac._ Curse on his Sports that interrupted me, my very Soul was hovering at my Lip, ready to have discover'd all its Secrets. But oh!

I dread to tell her of my pain, and when I wou'd an awful trembling seizes me, and she can only from my dying Eyes read all the Sentiments of my captive Heart.

[Sits down, the rest wait.

Enter _Indians_ that dance Anticks: after the Dance the _King_ seems in discourse with _Bacon_, the _Queen_ rises and comes forth.

_Queen._ The more I gaze upon this _English_ Stranger, the more Confusion struggles in my Soul: Oft I have heard of Love, and oft this Gallant Man (when Peace had made him pay his idle Visits) has told a thousand Tales of dying Maids; and ever when he spoke, my panting Heart, with a prophetick Fear in Sighs reply'd, I shall fall a Victim to his Eyes.

Enter an _Indian_.

_Indian._ Sir, here's a Messenger from the _English_ Council desires admittance to the General.

[To the _King_.

_Bac._ With your Permission he may advance. [To the _King_.

Re-enter _Indian_ with _Dunce_. A Letter.

_Dun._ All Health and Happiness attend your Honour, this from the honourable Council.

[Gives him a Letter.

_King._ I'll leave you till you have dispatch'd the Messenger, and then expect your presence in the Royal Tent.

[Exeunt _King_, _Queen_, and _Indians_.

_Bac._ Lieutenant, read the Letter. [To _Daring_.

_Daring_ reads.

SIR, the necessity of what you have acted makes it pardonable, and we could wish we had done the Country and our selves so much Justice as to have given you that Commission you desired.--We now find it reasonable to raise more Forces, to oppose these Insolences, which possibly yours may be too weak to accomplish, to which end the Council is ordered to meet this Evening, and desiring you will come and take your place there, and be pleas'd to accept from us a Commission to command in Chief in this War.--Therefore send those Soldiers under your Command to their respective Houses, and haste, Sir, to your affectionate Friends--

_Fear._ Sir, I fear the Hearts and Pen did not agree when this was writ.

_Dar._ A plague upon their shallow Politicks! Do they think to play the old Game twice with us?

_Bac._ Away, you wrong the Council, who of themselves are honourable Gentlemen; but the base coward Fear of some of them, puts the rest on tricks that suit not with their Nature.

_Dun._ Sir, 'tis for n.o.ble ends you are sent for, and for your safety I'll engage my Life.

_Dar._ By Heaven, and so you shall;--and pay it too with all the rest of your wise-headed Council.

_Bac._ Your Zeal is too officious now; I see no Treachery, and can fear no Danger.