Tha. I am a princess, And know no law of slavery; to sue, Par. I am so much a subject To every law of noble honesty, That to transgress the vows of perfect friendship, I hold a sacrilege as foul, and curs'd, As if some holy temple had been robb'd, And I the thief. Tha. Thou art unwise, young man, To enrage a lioness. Par. It were unjust To falsify a faith; and ever after, Disrobed of that fair ornament, live naked, A scorn to time and truth. Tha. Remember well, Who I am, and what thou art. Par. That remembrance Prompts me to worthy duty. O great lady, If some few days have tempted your free heart, Your judgment, that it, in a manner, hath Declined your sovereignty of birth and spirit; How can you turn your eyes off from that glass, Wherein you may new trim, and settle right A memorable name? Tha. The youth is idle.' The youth is idle.] i. e. talks from the F purpose. Par. Days, months, and years are past, since Menaphon Hath loved and serv'd you truly; Menaphon, Tha. Thou hast a moving eloquence, Parthenophill !— Parthenophill, in vain we strive to cross A miserable life with thee, before All other earthly comforts. Par. Menaphon, By me, repeats the self-same words to you: His truth, or my report. Tha. Go where thou wilt, I'll be an exile with thee; I will learn To bear all change of fortunes. Par. For my friend, I plead with grounds of reason. Hard-hearted youth, I here renounce all thoughts Par. Stay, as you honour virtue. Of other greatness,- Tha. When entreats Of friends, Par. I'll ease your grief. Par. I crave But some few minutes. Tha. Shall infringe my vows, Let Heaven, Par. My love speaks t'ye: hear, then go on. Tha. Thy love? why, 'tis a charm to stop a vow In its most violent course. Par. Cupid has broke His arrows here; and, like a child unarm'd, Par. Lady, take a secret. I am as you are ;—in a lower rank, Else of the self-same sex, a maid, a virgin. thoughts "if your Censure me not with mercy, you may soon un Tha. Are you not mankind then? The story of my sorrows, with the change You will not think the shedding of one tear, Your pity and my fortune. Tha. Pray conceal The errors of my passions. Par. Would I had Much more of honour (as for life, I value't not) To venture on your secrecy! Tha. It will be A hard task for my reason, to relinquish I loved so dearly. Par. You shall find me ever, Your ready faithful servant. Tha. O, the powers Who do direct our hearts, laugh at our follies! We must not part yet. Par. Let not my unworthiness Alter your good opinion. Tha. I shall henceforth Be jealous of thy company with any; This scene, at once dignified and pathetic, is happily conceived, delicately conducted, and beautifully written. It places Ford's powers of language and command of feeling in a very eminent rank. Re-enter KALA. Kala. Did your ladyship Call me? Tha. For what? Kala. Your servant Menaphon Desires admittance. Enter MENAPHON. Men. With your leave, great mistress, I come,-So private! is this well, Parthenophill? Par. Sir, noble sir! Men. You are unkind and treacherous; This 'tis to trust a straggler! Tha. Prithee, servant Men. I dare not question you, you are my tress, My prince's nearest kinswoman; but he- Men. Henceforth, I will bury I'll court mine own distraction, doat on folly. Tha. How dare you talk to me thus? mis Men. Dare? Were you not own sister to my friend, Sister to my Amethus, I would hurl you As far off from mine eyes, as from my heart; |