Dion. No. Have you not seen it, nor the like? Dion. Yes, I have seen the like, but readily Bel. I have been often told In court of one Euphrasia, a lady, And daughter to you; betwixt whom and me Dion. By Heaven, and so there is! Bel. For her fair sake, 100 Who now doth spend the spring-time of her life That I may scape this torture. Dion. Bel. But thou speak'st I know it not, my lord; Bel. In Syracusa. What's thy name? Dion. Bel. Dion. Oh, 'tis just, 'tis she! Euphrasia. Now I do know thee. Oh that thou hadst died, Bel. Would I had died indeed! I wish it too: And so I must have done by vow, ere published The princess is all clear. King. 120 What, have you done? Dion. All is discovered. Phi. Why then hold you me? [Offers to stab himself. All is discovered! Pray you, let me go. King. Stay him. Are. Dion. What is discovered? Why, my shame. It is a woman: let her speak the rest. Phi. How? that again! Dion. It is a woman. Phi. Blessed be you powers that favour innocence ! [Megra is seized. Phi. It is a woman, sir !-Hark, gentlemen, It is a woman!—Arethusa, take My soul into thy breast, that would be gone Thou art fair, And virtuous still to ages, in despite 130 Of malice. King. Speak you, where lies his shame? Phi. The gods are just. I am his daughter. Dion. I dare accuse none; but, before you two, For mercy. [Kneels. Phi. [raising him.] Take it freely; for I know, Though what thou didst were undiscreetly done, 141 'Twas meant well. Are. And for me, I have a power To pardon sins, as oft as any man Cle. Noble and worthy! Phi. Bel. But, Bellario (For I must call thee still so), tell me why Had flown to nothing, if thou hadst discovered 150 My father oft would speak My blood flew out and back again, as fast 160 Yet far from lust; for, could I but have lived 170 For this I did elude my noble father With a feigned pilgrimage, and dressed myself My birth no match for you, I was past hope 180 Whilst there was hope to hide me from men's eyes, Abide with you. Then sat I by the fount, Where first you took me up. King. Search out a match Within our kingdom, where and when thou wilt, Bel. Are. And I will pay thy dowry; and thyself Never, sir, will I Marry; it is a thing within my vow: But, if I may have leave to serve the princess, I shall have hope to live. I, Philaster, Cannot be jealous, though you had a lady Phi. I grieve such virtue should be laid in earth 190 200 Without an heir.-Hear me, my royal father: Wrong not the freedom of our souls so much, To think to take revenge of that base woman ; Her malice cannot hurt us. Set her free As she was born, saving from shame and sin. King. Set her at liberty. But leave the court; This is no place for such.-You, Pharamond, Shall have free passage, and a conduct home Worthy so great a prince. When you come there Remember 'twas your faults that lost you her, And not my purposed will. Pha. Renowned sir. I do confess, 209 King. Last, join your hands in one. Enjoy, Philaster, |