Works by and attributed to Elizabeth Cary

Printed Writings 1500–1640: Series 1, Part One, Volume 2

Margaret W. Ferguson

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2016
• ISBN:
  9781351870917
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Literatura
• Subtopic: Crítica literaria para la literatura comparada

Elizabeth Cary (c.1585-1639) was an accomplished scholar of languages and theology. Her considerable strength of character was demonstrated by her public conversion to Catholicism in 1625 thereby creating an irrevocable rift in her marriage and her family. Her biography, written by her daughter, says she wrote 'for her private recreation' and mentions various works, now lost, including the lives of saints, and poems to the Virgin Mary. She is best known today, however, for the works reproduced here.

THE
TRAGEDIE
OF MARIAM,
THE FAIRE
Queene of Jewry

---

Written by that learned,
vertuous, and truly noble Ladie,
E. C.

---

LONDON

Printed by Thomas Creede, for Richard
Hawkins, and are to be solde at his shoppe
in Chancery Lane, neere unto
Sargeants Inne. 1613.

TO DIANAES
EARTHLIE DEPUTESSE,
and my worthy Sister, Mistris
Elizabeth Carye.

When cheerfull Phæbus his full course hath run,

His sisters fainter beams our harts doth cheere:

And you his Sister as my Moone appeare.

You are my next belov’d, my second Friend,

For when my Phæbus absence makes it Night,

Whilst to th’Antipodes his beames do bend,

From you my Phæbe, shines my second Light.

Hee like to SOL, clear-sighted, constant, free,

You LUNA-like, unspotted, chast, divine:

Hee shone the Sicily, you destin’d bee,

T’illumine the now obscurde Palestine.

My first was consecrated to Apollo,

My second to DIANA now shall follow.

The names of the Speakers

Herod, King of Indea.

Doris, his first Wife.

Mariam, his second Wife.

Salome, Herods Sister.

Antipater his sonne by Salome.

Alexandra, Mariams mother.

Silleus, Prince of Arabia.

Constabarus, husband to Salome.

Phœroras, Herods Brother.

Graphina, his Love.

Babus first Sonne.

Babus second Sonne.

Annanell, the high Priest.

Sohemus, a Counseller to Herod.

Nuntis.

Bu. another Messenger.

Chorus, a Companie of Iewes.

The Argument.

HErod the sonne of Antipater (an Idumean,) having crept by the favor of the Remanes, into the Iewish Monarchie, married Mariam the daughter of Hircanus, the rightfull King and Priest, and for her (besides her high blood, being of singular beautie) hee reputiated Doris, his former Wife, by whome hee had Children.

This Mariam had a Brother called Aristobelus, and next him and Hircanus his Graund-father, Herod, in his Wives right had the best title. Therefore to remoove them, he charged the first with treason: and put him to death; and drowned the second under colour of sport. Alexandra. Daughter to the one, and Mother to the other, acccused him for their deaths before Anthony.

So when hee was forc’te to goe answere this Accusation at Rome, he left the custodie of his wife to Iosephus his Uncle, that had married his Sister Salome, and out of a violent affection (unwilling any should enjoy her after him) hee gave strict and private commaundement, that if hee were slaine, shee should be put to death. But he returned with much honour, yet found his Wife extreamely discontented, to whom Iosophus had (meaning it for the best, to prove Herod loved her) revealed his charge.

So by Salomes accusation hee put Iosephus to death, but was reconciled to Mariam, who still bare the death of her Friends exceeding hardly.

In this meane time Herod was againe necessarily to revisite Rome, for Cæsar having overthrowne Anthony his great friend, was likely to make an alteration of his Fortune.

In his absence, newes came to Jerusalem that Cæsar had put him to death, their willingnes it should be so, together with the likelyhood, gave this Rumor so good credit, as Sohemus that had succeded Iosephus charge, succeded him likewise in revealing it. So at Herods returne which was speedy and unexpected, he found Mariam so farre from joye, that she shewed apparant signes of sorrow. Hee still desiring to winne her to a better humour, she being very unable to conceale her passion, sell to up-braiding him with her Brothers death. As they were thus debating, came in a fellow with a Cuppe of Wine, who hired by Salome, saide first, it was a Love potion, which Mariam desired to deliver to the King: but afterwards he affirmed that it was a poyson, and that Sohemus had tolde her somewhat, which procured the vehement hate in her.

The King hearing this, more moved with Iealousie of Sohemus then with this intent of poyson, sent her away, and presently after by the instigation of Salome, she was beheaded. Which rashnes was afterward punished in him, with an intolerable and almost Frantike passion for her death.

Actus primus. Scœna prima.

Mariam sola.

How oft have I with publike voyce runne on?

To censure Romes last Hero for deceit:

Because he wept ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Original Copyright Page
• Preface by the General Editors
• Introductory Note
• Dedication
• The Tragedie of Mariam
• The History of the Life, Reign, and Death of Edward II
• The History of the Most Unfortunate Prince