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Possenne:
Say on my Lord _Gonzalo_.
Gonzalo:
I have heard, And with no little wonder, such high deeds Of Chivalrie discours'd, that I confess, I do not think the Worthies while they liv'd All nine, deserv'd as much applause, or memorie, As this one: But who can do ought to gain The crown of honour from him, must be somewhat More than a man; you tread a dangerous path, Yet I shall hear you gladly: for believe me, Thus much let me profess, in honours cause, I would not to my Father, nor my King, (My Countries Father) yield: if you transcend What we have heard, I can but only say, That Miracles are yet in use. I fear I have offended.
Porphycio:
You have spoken n.o.bly.
_Antinous_ use your priviledge.
Antinous:
Princely Fathers, E're I begin, one suit I have to make, 'Tis just, and honourable.
Porphycio Possenne:
Speak, and have it.
Antinous:
That you would please the souldiers might all stand 247] Together by their General.
Possenne:
'Tis granted.
All fall to yonder side: Go on, _Antinous_.
Antinous:
I shall be brief and plain: all what my Father (This Countries Patron) hath discours'd, is true.
Fellows in Arms: speak you, is't true?
Souldiers:
True, true.
Antinous:
It follows, that the blaze of my performance Took light from what I saw him do: and thus A City (though the flame be much more dreadfull) May from a little spark be set on fire; Of all what I have done, I shall give instance Only in three main proofs of my desert.
First I sought out (but through how many dangers My Lords judge ye) the chief, the great Commander, The head of that huge body, whose proud weight Our Land shrunk under, him I found and fought with, Fought with, and slew. Fellows in Arms, speak you, Is't true or not?
Souldiers:
True, true.
Antinous:
When he was faln, The hearts of all our adversaries Began to quail, till young _Fernando_, son To the last Duke of _Venice_ gather'd head, And soon renew'd the field, by whose example The bold Venetians doubling strength and courage Had got the better of the day; our men Supposing that their adversaries grew Like _Hydra's_ head, recoyle, and 'gan to flye: I follow'd them; and what I said, they know; The summe on't is; I call'd them back, new rankt them; Led on, they follow'd, shrunk not t[i]ll the end: Fellows in Arms is't true, or no?
Souldiers:
True, true.
Antinous:
Lastly, to finish all, there was but one, The only great exploit; which was to take _Fernando_ prisoner, and that hand to hand In single fight I did: my self without The help of any arm, save the arm of Heaven.
Speak Souldiers, is it true, or no?
248]
Souldiers:
_Antinous, Antinous_.
Antinous:
Behold my prisoner, Fathers.
Fernando:
This one man Ruin'd our Army, and hath glorifi'd _Crete_ in her robes of mightiness and conquest.
Possenne:
We need not use long circ.u.mstance of words, _Antinous_ thou art conquerer: the Senate, The souldiers, and thy valour have p.r.o.nounc'd it.
All:
_Antinous, Antinous_.
Porphycio:
Make thy demand.
Ca.s.silanes:
Please ye (my Lords) give leave That I may part.
Possenne:
No _Ca.s.silane_, the Court Should therein be dishonour'd, do not imagin We prize your presence at so slight a rate.
Demand, _Antinous_.
Antinous:
Thus (my Lords) to witness How far I am from arrogance, or thinking I am more valiant, though more favour'd Than my most matchless father, my demand is, That for a lasting memorie of his name, His deeds, his real, nay his royal worth, You set up in your Capitol in Bra.s.s My Fathers Statue, there to stand for ever A Monument and Trophy of his victories, With this Inscription to succeeding ages, _Great_ Ca.s.silanes, _Patron of Candy's Peace_, _Perpetual Triumpher_.
Porphycio Possenne:
