The Laws of Candy Part 30

Possenne Porphycio:

Us?

Philander:

_Annophel_--

Annophel:

You are the Authors Of this unthrifty bloud-shed; when your enemies Came marching to your gates, your children suck'd not Safe at their Mothers b.r.e.a.s.t.s, your very Cloysters Were not secure, your starting-holes of refuge Not free from danger, nor your lives your own: In this most desperate Ecstasie, my Father, This aged man, not only undertook To guard your lives, but did so; and beat off The daring foe; for you he p.a.w.n'd his lands, To pay your Souldiers, who without their pay Refus'd to strike a blow: but, Lords, when peace Was purchas'd for you, and victorie brought home, Where was your grat.i.tude, who in your Coffers h.o.a.rded the rustic treasure which was due To my unminded Father? he was glad To live retir'd in want, in penurie, Whilst you made feasts of surfeit, and forgot Your debts to him: The sum of all is this, You have been unthankfull to him; and I crave The rigor of the Law against you all.

Ca.s.silanes:

My Royal spirited daughter!

Erota:

_Annophel_ Thou art a worthy wench; let me embrace thee.

Annophel:

Lords, why do ye keep your seats? they are no places For such as are offenders.

Possenne:

Though our ignorance Of _Ca.s.silanes_ engagements might a.s.swage Severity of justice, yet to shew How no excuse should smooth a breach of Law, I yield me to the trial of it.

Porphycio:

So must I: Great Prince of _Cyprus_, you are left The only Moderator in this difference; 295] And as you are a Prince be a Protector To wofull _Candy_.

Philander:

What a Scene of miserie Hath thine obdurate frowardness (old man) Drawn on thy Countries bosom? and for that Thy proud ambition could not mount so high As to be stil'd thy Countries only Patron, Thy malice hath descended to the depth Of h.e.l.l, to be renowned in the t.i.tle Of the destroyer? dost thou yet perceive What curses all posterity will brand Thy grave with? that at once hast rob'd this Kingdom Of honour and of safety.

Erota:

Children yet unborn Will stop their ears when thou art nam'd.

Arcanes:

The world will be too little to contain The memorie of this detested deed; The Furies will abhorr it.

Decius:

What the sword Could not enforce, your peevish thirst of honour (A brave, cold, weak, imaginarie fame) Hath brought on _Candy: Candy_ groans, not these That are to die.

Philander:

'Tis happiness enough For them, that they shall not survive to see The wounds wherewith thou stab'st the land that gave Thee life and name.

Decius:

'Tis _Candy's_ wrack shall feel--

Ca.s.silanes:

The mischief of your folly.

Porphycio Possenne:

_Annophel_--

Annophel:

I will not be entreated.

Ca.s.silanes:

Prethee _Annophel_.

Annophel:

Why would ye urge me to a mercy which You in your self allow not?

Ca.s.silanes:

'Tis the Law, That if the party who complains, remit The offender, he is freed: is't not so Lords?

Porphycio Possenne:

'Tis so.

Ca.s.silanes:

_Antinous_, By my shame observe What a close witch-craft popular applause is: 296] I am awak'd, and with clear eyes behold The Lethargie wherein my reason long Hath been be-charm'd: live, live, my matchless son, Blest in thy Fathers blessing; much more blest In thine own vertues: let me dew thy cheeks With my unmanly tears: Rise, I forgive thee: And good _Antinous_, if I shall be thy Father Forgive me: I can speak no more.

Antinous:

Dear Sir, You new beget me now--Madam your pardon, I heartily remit you.

Erota:

I as freely Discharge thee _Ca.s.silane_.

Annophel:

My gracious Lords, Repute me not a blemish to my s.e.x, In that I strove to cure a desperate evil With a more violent remedy: your lives, Your honours are your own.