ACT I SCENE 1.2 [DRAMATIS PERSONAE Two Woodmen. The King's Guard and Train. ARETHUSA, Daughter of the King. EUPHRASIA, Daughter of Dion, but disguised like a Page and called BELLARIO. MEGRA, a lascivious Lady. GALATEA, a wise, modest Lady attending the Princess. SCENE.Sicily.]1 Enter DION, CLEREMONT, and THRASILINE. Cler. Here's nor lords nor ladies. Dion. Credit me, gentlemen, I wonder at it. They receiv'd strict charge from the King to attend here; besides, it was boldly published that no officer should forbid any gentleman [s that desired to attend and hear. Cle. Can you guess the cause? Dion. Sir, it is plain, about the Spanish Prince that's come to marry our kingdom's heir and be our sovereign. 10 Thra. Many that will seem to know much say she looks not on him like a maid in love. Dion. Faith, sir, the multitude, that seldom know any thing but their own opinions, speak that they would have; but the prince, be- [15 fore his own approach, receiv'd so many confident messages from the state, that I think she's resolv'd to be rul'd. Cle. Sir, it is thought, with her he shall enjoy both these kingdoms of Sicily and Calabria. Dion. Sir, it is without controversy so [21 meant. But 't will 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 admir- [25 ing 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 [30 deposed from his fruitful Sicily. Myself drew 1 This list is taken with slight changes from Q3. Q omits it. 2 The presence chamber in the palace. some blood in those wars, which I would give my hand to be washed from. Cle. Sir, my ignorance in state-policy will not let me know why, Philaster being heir to one [35 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 [40 kingdoms, of Sicily and his own, with offering but to imprison Philaster; at which the city was in arms, not to be charm'd down by any state-order or proclamation, till they saw Philaster ride through the streets pleas'd and [45 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. 51 Enter GALATEA, a Lady, and MEGRA. 55 Cle. The second? Dion. She is one that may stand still discreetly enough and ill-favour'dly dance her measure; simper when she is courted by her friend, and slight her husband. Cle. The last? 60 Dion. Faith, I think she is one whom the state keeps for the agents of our confederate princes; she 'll cog 3 and lie with a whole army, before the league shall break. Her name is common through the kingdom, and the tro- [65 3 Cheat. You in me have your wishes. Oh, this country! There shall be nothing to make up a kingdom 155 But through the travails of my life I'll find it, (Dear in the choice of him whose name and lus Must make you more and mightier) let me say, You are the blessed'st living; for, sweet prin Cle. This speech calls him Spaniard, being nothing but a large inventory of his own commendations. Dion. I wonder what's his price; for cer tainly He'll sell himself, he has so prais'd his shape. 175 1 Bow. 2 Lovers. Take them, 265 Phi. And ease me of a load would bow strong Atlas. They whisper. Cle. He dares not stand the shock. Dion. I cannot blame him; there's danger in 't. Every man in this age has not a soul of crystal, for all men to read their actions [270 through: men's hearts and faces are so far asunder, that they hold no intelligence. Do but view you stranger well, and you shall see a fever through all his bravery, and feel him shake like a true tenant.2 If he give not back his [275 crown again upon the report of an elder-gun, I have no augury. King. Go to; Be more yourself, as you respect our favour; 279 You'll stir us else. Sir, I must have you know, That y' are and shall be, at our pleasure, what Fashion we will put upon you. Smooth your brow, Or by the gods Phi. I am dead, sir; y' are my fate. It was not I O King, 296 A dangerous spirit! Now he tells me, King, Exeunt KING, PHARAMOND, ARE- Dion. I thank you, sir; you dare not for the people. 305 Gal. Ladies, what think you now of this brave fellow ? Meg. A pretty talking fellow, hot at hand. But eye yon stranger: is he not a fine complete gentleman? Oh, these strangers, I do affect 8 them strangely! They do the rarest home- [310 things, and please the fullest! As I live, I could love all the nation over and over for his sake. Gal. Gods comfort your poor head-piece, lady! 'Tis a weak one, and had need of a nightсар. Exeunt Ladies. 315 In their diseased age, retire and live recluse. Cle. How do you, worthy sir? Phi. Well, very well; And so well that, if the King please you, I find I may live many years. Dion. The King must please, Whilst we know what you are and who you are, Your wrongs and virtues.5 Shrink not, worthy sir,. 335 But add your father to you; in whose name For mercy at your sword's point. Phi. 240 Friends, no more; Our ears may be corrupted; t is an age We dare not trust our wills to. Do you love me? Cle. But do you weigh the danger you are in ? Phi. Danger in a sweet face! By Jupiter, I must not fear a woman! 4 Mason conj. Qq. F. you. If you could flatter me without ruining your families by antagonizing the king. Q. Other edd. injuries. |