MARIAM

My dearest Lord, do not mistake my temper, My Grandfather, and Father, when they fell, How ever Nature taught mine eyes to weep, Yet in my love to you I buried them; They were rich Jewels once, but, set by you, They have nor price, nor lustre; it's mine eye That pities them, my heart does honour you. Say not so, Give them a gentler title; nothings read That does accuse my Mother or my Brother. Blessed be the God of Juda, which hath brought My royal Mother, and my Brother safe, Out of the hands of sad Captivity. Oh, I will offer Sacrifice each day, And make that hour a Sabbath, which does bring Them safe from threatening danger. Oh me, my Mother and my Brother! Eyes Drop out and see not their destruction. Madam yes, And 'twas some great one too that had his fist Thrust in the blood of Aristobulus. Know you worse? Sir, as you're noble, whatsoever you know Of these mishaps, with freedom utter it. As you love virtue speak it; let my tears Win so much from thy goodness; noble Sir, Soul of thy Generation, thou honestest' amongst men: Oh speak it, speak it. By all the bonds of Chastity and truth, It shall proceed no further. Poison me, if he perish! Oh you Gods, What Treason lurks in Greatness; this hath made Wounds in my heart, through which his love and name, Is fled from me for ever! Mother, withdraw; the Greek begins to scold. Nay, I want a tongue for your encounter. How this shows. Never sure; Sheele leave it where she found it. Incontinent: with whom? It is Truths partly to suffer; so must I. Flattering Sir, You best can close up mischief. Sir, not I; Let them that love their horror seek it still: Goodness I want, with him is all thats ill. Your own Dissimulation. Cruel Sir; Y'aue dealt unjustly with me, and profaned A Temple held you sacred. Yes, and call Your own heart to be witness. Sir, take heed; Vengeance is quick in falling. Come, you will now be perjured; but I'll stay That imputation from you: What became Of your affection, when you bound that man; If you miscarried in your work at Room, That he should see me poisoned? Start you now? Oh, it a venomed Complot. You have laid So great Commandments on me, that I dare In no wise disobey you. Sir, it was Lord Joseph that informed me. All that's Like goodness shield me. Oh sacred Truth, but thee, I have nor sword, nor armour. Silently. Why, as good be dumb, As speak to ears are glewd up; or a faith Thats armed against believing: but (great Sir) If either of these open; then, beleeu't, Was never wronged a greater innocence. That w'are the Kings, and none are innocent, Unless he please to think so. Madam, stay; Can your true goodness think me culpable? Then be dumb, Be dumb for ever Marriam; if you think I can be guilty, who is innocent? Madam, you are my Mother; Oh call up Your worst imaginations, all the escapes Both of mine Infance, Childhood or ripe years, And if the smallest shadow in them all Betoken such and error, curse me still, Let me find death with horror; otherwise, Silence and patience help me. Sir, 'tis fit You plead your own cause; I am conquered.