To the most worthy deserver of the noblest titles in honour, WILLIAM, LORD CRAVEN, BARON OF HAMP STEAD-MARSHALL.1 My Lord, HE glory of a great name, acquired by a greater glory of action, hath in all ages lived the truest chronicle to his own memory. In the practice of which argument your growth to perfection, even in youth, hath appeared so sincere, so unflattering a penman, that posterity cannot with more delight read the merit of noble endeavours than noble endeavours merit thanks from posterity to be read with delight. Many nations, many eyes have been witnesses of your deserts, and loved them: be pleased, 1 “William, first Baron and Earl Craven " (according to Collins's Peerage), "the eldest son of Sir W. Craven, Lord Mayor, was much affected with military exercises from his youth, and signalised himself in Germany and in the Netherlands under Henry, Prince of Orange. In which valiant adventures he gained such honour, that on his return he was first knighted at Newmarket, March 4, 1626, and in the year after deservedly raised to the dignity of Lord Craven of Hampstead-Marshall. In 1631 he was one of the commanders of those forces sent to the assistance of the great Gustavus Adolphus, and was wounded in the assault upon the strong fortress of Kreutznach. He died, after a very active and chequered life, April 9, 1697, at the advanced age of 88. He is now chiefly remembered for his romantic attachment to the Queen of Bohemia, daughter of James I., to whom it is generally supposed he was privately married." "One may be pardoned for remembering," Ward adds, "that the chivalrous knight-errant and (as is thought) secret husband of Elizabeth of Bohemia survived her for nearly a quarter of a century." then, with the freedom of your own name, to admit one amongst all, particularly into the list of such as honour a fair example of nobility. There is a kind of humble ambition, not uncommendable, when the silence of study breaks forth into discourse, coveting rather encouragement than applause; yet herein censure commonly is too severe an auditor, without the moderation of an able patronage. I have ever been slow in courtship of greatness, not ignorant of such defects as are frequent to opinion: but the justice of your inclination to industry emboldens my weakness of confidence to relish an experience of your mercy, as many brave dangers have tasted of your courage. Your Lordship strove to be known to the world, when the world knew you least, by voluntary but excellent attempts: like allowance I plead of being known to your Lordship (in this low presumption), by tendering, to a favourable entertainment, a devotion offered from a heart that can be as truly sensible of any least respect as ever profess the owner in my best, my readiest services, a lover of your natural love to virtue. PROLOGUE. OUR Scene is Sparta. He whose best of art Hath drawn this piece calls it THE BROKEN HEART. Of apish laughter, or of some lame jeer When innocence and sweetness crowned their lays; What may be here thought Fiction, when time's youth DRAMATIS PERSONE. AMYCLAS, King of Laconia. ITHOCLES, a Favourite. ORGILUS, Son of Crotolon. BASSANES, a jealous Nobleman. ARMOSTES, a Counsellor of State TECNICUS, a Philosopher. HEMOPHIL, GRONEAS, Courtiers. AMELUS, Friend of Nearchus. PHULAS, Servant to Bassanes. Lords, Courtiers, Officers, Attendants, &c. CALANTHA, Daughter of Amyclas. PENTHEA, Sister of Ithocles and Wife of Bassanes. EUPHRANEA, Daughter of Crotolon, a Maid of honour. Enter CROTOLON and ORGILUS. ROT. Dally not further; I will know Such I expect, and ere we part must Athens! pray, why to Athens? you intend not To kick against the world, turn cynic, stoic, An Areopagite, and judge in cases Touching the commonwealth; for, as I take it, So grave an honour. Org. All this I acknowledge. [have: Crot. You do! then, son, if books and love of know ledge Inflame you to this travel, here in Sparta You may as freely study. Org. 'Tis not that, sir. As a father, I command thee Crot. Not that, sir! T'acquaint me with the truth. |