be made a prey to some less noble design. With your favour, I have forgot the rest. Pal. Good, call it back again into thy memory; Else, losing the remainder, I am lost too. Rhe. You charm1 me. In brief, a rape by some bad agents was attempted; by the Lord Meleander her father rescued, she conveyed away; Meleander accused of treason, his land seized, he himself distracted and confined to the castle, where he yet lives. What had ensued was doubtful; but your father shortly after died. Pal. But what became of fair Eroclea? Rhe. She never since was heard of. Pal. No hope lives, then, Of ever, ever seeing her again? Rhe. Sir, I feared I should anger thee. There was, as I said, an old tale :-I have now a new one, which may perhaps season the first with a more delightful relish. Pal. I am prepared to hear; say what you please. Rhe. My Lord Meleander failing,—on whose favour my fortunes relied, I furnished myself for travel, and bent my course to Athens; where a pretty accident, after a while, came to my knowledge, Pal. My ear is open to thee. Rhe. A young lady contracted to a noble gentleman, as the lady we last mentioned and your highness were, being hindered by their jarring parents, stole from her home, and was conveyed like a ship-boy in a merchant 2 from the country where she lived, into Corinth first, afterwards to Athens; where in much solitariness she lived, like a youth, almost two years, courted by all for acquaintance, but friend to none by familiarity. Pal. In habit of a man? Rhe. A handsome young man-till, within these three months or less, her sweetheart's father dying some year before or more,—she had notice of it, and with much joy returned home, and, as report voiced it at Athens, enjoyed 1 Persuade. 2 i.e. A merchant ship. her happiness she was long an exile for. Now, noble sir, if you did love the Lady Eroclea, why may not such safety and fate direct her as directed the other? 'tis not impossible. Pal. If I did love her, Rhetias! Yes, I did. Give me thy hand: as thou didst serve Meleander, And art still true to these, henceforth serve me. Rhe. My duty and my obedience are my surety; But I have been too bold. Pal. Forget the sadder story of my father, And only, Rhetias, learn to read 1 me well; For I must ever thank thee: thou'st unlocked A tongue was vowed to silence; for requital, Open my bosom, Rhetias. Rhe. What's your meaning? Pal. To tie thee to an oath of secrecy. Unloose the buttons, man: thou dost it faintly. What find'st thou there? Pal. Hers that was once Eroclea. For her sake Have I advanced Sophronos to the helm Of government; for her sake will restore Rhe. I am your creature. Pal. Continue still thy discontented fashion, Humour the lords, as they would humour me; I'll not live in thy debt.-We are discovered. 1 Comprehend. Enter AMETHUS, MENAPHON, THAMASTA, KALA, and PARTHENOPHIL. Amet. Honour and health still wait upon the prince! Sir, I am bold with favour to present Unto your highness Menaphon my friend, Returned from travel. Hold any value, they are vowed yours ever. Rhe. I have a fist for thee too, stripling; thou'rt started up prettily since I saw thee. Hast learned any wit abroad? Canst tell news and swear lies with a grace, like a true traveller ?What new ouzel's this? Tha. Your highness shall do right to your own judg ment In taking more than common notice of This stranger, an Athenian, named Parthenophil; Too grossly, for the fashion of his mind Deserves a dear respect. Pal. Your commendations, All the powers Sweet cousin, speak him nobly. Par. That sentinel just thrones double their guards About your sacred excellence! Pal. Led him to Cyprus ? Men. What fortune My persuasions won him. Amet. And if your highness please to hear the entrance Into their first acquaintance, you will say Tha. It was the newest, sweetest, prettiest accident That e'er delighted your attention: I can discourse it, sir. [Exit. We shall sort time to take more notice of him. Tha. Par. I do not, lady. Amet. You must not wonder at it. Shall we to the castle? ye both. Hark in thine ear, Men. We will attend gallant; I'll keep the old madman in chat, whilst thou gabblest to the girl: my thumb's upon my lips; not a word. Amet. I need not fear thee, Rhetias. Sister, soon Expect us: this day we will range the city. Kal. [Aside to KALA. Trust me. Rhe. Troop on!-Love, love, what a wonder thou art! [Exeunt all but PARTHENOPHIL and KALA. Kal. May I not be offensive, sir? Kal. Nor did you ever love in earnest any Fair lady, whom you wished to make your own? Par. Not any, truly. Kal. What your friends or means are I will not be inquisitive to know, Nor do I care to hope for. But admit A dowry were thrown down before your choice, How gladly would you entertain it! Young man, Ford. D Par. I shall thank you, When my unsettled thoughts can make me sensible I am your debtor; and, fair gentlewoman, For my weak brains conceive not what concerns me. [Going. Tha. Re-enter THAMASTA. Do I break off your parley, That you are parting? Sure, my woman loves you : Par. Yes, madam, Discreetly chaste she can; she hath much won In woman's favour, Kala is the first Tha. But say a nobler love should interpose. Indeed! Par. Where real worth and constancy first settle A hearty truth, there greatness cannot shake it; In that construction, which must give clear light Must learn me how to grow rich in deserts. Come hither : Tha. Tha. 'Twas so! [Exit. These very words Curse thee, unfaithful creature, to thy grave. |