SELECTIONS FROM LOVE'S SACRIFICE. ACT I. SCENE I. A Room in the Palace. Enter ROSEILLI and FERNANDO. Ros. You are, my lord Fernando, late return'd From travels; pray instruct me:-since the voice Of most supreme authority commands My absence, I determine to bestow Some time in learning languages abroad; 1 Fernando's character of the Spanish nation is somewhat tinctured with severity; yet not unjust in the main. James had, with much political foresight, and some success, strove to cultivate the friendship of Spain; but the culpable capriciousness of Charles, aggravated by the ruffian insolence of Buckingham, abruptly checked his endeavours, and by rendering the Spanish party unpopular, as well as unfashionable at court, occasioned a fatal reaction in politics, which in no long process of time threw that country and its resources into the arms of France, to be constantly directed against us. Ford seems to be indebted to Howell for a part of his description.-GIFFORD. Than do a stranger grace: if you intend Ros. What for France? Fern. France I more praise and love.1 my lord, You are, Yourself for horsemanship much famed; and there, A paradise; and if you can neglect * Ros. Yet, methought, I heard you and the dutchess, two nights since, Call'd-let me think-'t was Fern. England? Ros. That: pray, sir You have been there, methought I heard you praise it. As courtly as the French, but in condition? 1 France I more praise and love, &c.] The excellence of the French in horsemanship is noticed by most of our old writers. It seems, indeed, that about this period the English were surpassed by most nations in this noble art; nor was it till James I. wisely encouraged horse-races, that we thought of improving the old heavy, short-winded breed of horses, by the introduction of Barbary and other stallions, and that the consequent improvement in managing them took place which long since rendered us the most skilful and daring riders of Europe.-GIFFORD. 2 i. e. in disposition.-GIFFORD. Yet will the English think their own is nothing Ros. My lord, you have much eased me; To speed for England. SCENE II. I resolve. [Exeunt. The DUKE, BIANCA, FIORMONDA, and D'AVOLOS. Lilies and roses growing in thy cheeks. Could make my pleasures full without thy presence: Proud in a pair of jewels, rich and beautiful; A perfect friend, a wife above compare. Fern. Sir, if a man so low in rank may hope, By loyal duty and devoted zeal, To hold a correspondency in friendship To those deserts may give the style of servant. Hath made them mine;-Philippo and Fernando 1 i. e. I command happiness. Bian. I shall, in best of love, Regard the bosom-partner of my lord. Duke. Sister! Fior. My lord and brother. Duke. You are too silent, Quicken your sad remembrance:' though the loss Fior. Should form, my lord, Prevail above affection? no, it cannot. You have yourself here a right noble dutchess, Virtuous at least; and should your grace now pay, Which Heaven forbid! the debt you owe to nature, I dare presume she'd not so soon forget A prince that thus advanced her.-Madam, could you? D'Av. Bitter and shrewd. [Aside. Bian. Sister, I should too much bewray my weakness, To give a resolution2 on a passion I never felt nor fear'd. Fern. If credit may be given to a face, My lord, I'll undertake on her behalf; Her words are trusty heralds to her mind. Fior. [Aside to D'Av.] Exceeding good; the man . will "undertake!" Observe it, D'Avolos. D'Av. Lady, I do; "Tis a smooth praise. Duke. Friend, in thy judgment I approve thy love, And love thee.better for thy judging mine. Though my gray-headed senate, in the laws 1 Quicken your sad remembrance,] i. e. enliven your melancholy recollections by the admission of pleasanter thoughts.-GIFFORD. 2 i. e. to speak decisively on a passion never felt nor fear'd,] i. e. ingratitude. It is well answered:"but she'll keep her word ""-GIFFORD. Of strict opinion and severe dispute, Would tie the limits of our free affects1 (Like superstitious Jews, to match with none But in a tribe of princes like ourselves), Gross nurtur'd slaves, who force their wretched souls To crouch to profit; 'nay, for trash and wealth, As if thy portion had been Europe's riches; We are only debtor to Heaven for.-On! [Exeunt. SCENE III. FERNANDO alone and musing; to him FIORMONDA. Fior. My lord Fernando, what, so hard at study! You are a kind companion to yourself, That love to be alone so. Fern. Madam, no; I rather chose this leisure to admire The glories of this little world, the court, Fior. So, so, sir! your own proof, By travel and prompt observation, Instructs you how to place the use of speech.- 1 i. e. affections. |