have; but the prince, before his own approach, received so many confident messages from the state, that I think she's resolved to be ruled. Cle. Sir, it is thought, with her he shall enjoy both these kingdoms of Sicily and Calabria. 19 Dion. Sir, it is without controversy so meant. But 'twill be a troublesome labour for him to enjoy both these kingdoms with safety, the right heir to one of them living, and living so virtuously; especially, the people admiring the bravery of his mind and lamenting his injuries. Cle. Who, Philaster? Dion. Yes; whose father, we all know, was by our late King of Calabria unrighteously deposed from his fruitful Sicily. Myself drew some blood in those wars, which I would give my hand to be washed from. 30 Cle. Sir, my ignorance in state-policy will not let me know why, Philaster being heir to one of these kingdoms, the King should suffer him to walk abroad with such free liberty. Dion. Sir, it seems your nature is more constant than to inquire after state-news. But the King, of late, made a hazard of both the kingdoms, of Sicily and his own, with offering but to imprison Philaster; at which the city was in arms, not to be charmed down by any state-order or proclamation, till they saw Philaster ride through the streets pleased and without a guard; at which they threw their hats and their arms from them; some to make bonfires, some to drink, all for his deliverance: which wise men say is the cause the King labours to bring in the power of a foreign nation to awe his own with. Enter Galatea, a Lady, and Megra. Thra. See, the ladies! What's the first? Dion. A wise and modest gentlewoman that attends the princess. Cle. The second? 50 Dion. She is one that may stand still discreetly enough, and ill-favouredly dance her measure; simper when she is courted by her friend, and slight her husband. Cle. The last? Dion. Faith, I think she is one whom the state keeps for the agents of our confederate princes; she'll cog and lie with a whole army, before the league shall break. Her name is common through the kingdom, and the trophies of her dishonour advanced beyond Hercules' Pillars. She loves to try the several constitutions of men's bodies; and, indeed, has destroyed the worth of her own body by making experiment upon it for the good of the commonwealth. Cle. She's a profitable member. Meg. Peace, if you love me: you shall see these gentlemen stand their ground and not court us. Gal. What if they should? La. What if they should! 70 Meg. Nay, let her alone.-What if they should! Why, if they should, I say they were never abroad: what foreigner would do so? it writes them directly untravelled. Gal. Why, what if they be? La. What if they be ! Meg. Good madam, let her go on.-What if they be! Why, if they be, I will justify, they cannot maintain discourse with a judicious lady, nor make a leg nor say 'excuse me.' Gal. Ha, ha, ha! Meg. Do you laugh, madam? Dion. Your desires upon you, ladies! Meg. Then you must sit beside us. Dion. I shall sit near you then, lady. 81 Meg. Near me, perhaps : but there's a lady endures no stranger; and to me you appear a very strange fellow. La. Methinks he's not so strange; he would quickly be acquainted. Thra. Peace, the King! Enter King, Pharamond, Arethusa, and Attendants. King. To give a stronger testimony of love Than sickly promises (which commonly In princes find both birth and burial In one breath) we have drawn you, worthy sir, 100 Make her feel moderate health; and when she sleeps, In making no ill day, knows no ill dreams : I boldly dare proclaim her yet no woman. 110 120 Speaks common loves and comforts to her servants. To you or me, but all; and to confirm The nobles and the gentry of these kingdoms Thra. This will be hardly done. Cle. It must be ill done, if it be done. Dion. When 'tis at best, 'twill be but half done, whilst So brave a gentleman is wronged and flung off. Thra. I fear. Dion. I fear not for myself, and yet I fear too : Pha. Kissing your white hand, mistress, I take leave 130 Great King, and these your subjects, mine that (For so deserving you have spoke me, sir, 140 Manners and virtues, you would wed your king doms; You in me have your wishes. Oh, this country! ; |