fie

No reprehensions, uncle; I deserve 'em,
Yet, gentle sir, consider what the heat
Of an unsteady youth, a giddy brain,

Green indiscretion, flattery of greatness,
Rawness of judgment, wilfulness in folly,
Thoughts vagrant as the wind and as uncertain,
Might lead a boy in years to :-'twas a fault,
A capital fault; for then I could not dive
Into the secrets of commanding love ;
Since when experience, by the extremes in others,
Hath forced me collect-and, trust me, Crotolon,
I will redeem those wrongs with any service
Your satisfaction can require for current.

Arm. The acknowledgment is satisfaction :
What would you more?

45

50

55

I'm conquered if Euphranea

Crot.
Herself admit the motion, let it be so ;

I doubt not my son's liking.

Ith.

Use my fortunes,

Life, power, sword, and heart,—all are your own. 60
Arm. The princess, with your sister.

Enter CALANTHA, PENTHEA, EUPHRANEA, CHRIS-
TALLA, PHILEMA, GRAUSIS, BASSANES, and
PROPHILUS.

Cal.

I present ye

A stranger here in court, my lord; for did not
Desire of seeing you draw her abroad,

We had not been made happy in her company.

Ith. You are a gracious princess.-Sister, wedlock Holds too severe a passion in your nature,

66

Which can engross all duty to your husband,
Without attendance on so dear a mistress.-

[To BASSANES] 'Tis not my brother's pleasure, I

We thank the gods for your success and welfare :

Our lady has of late been indisposed,

Else we had waited on you with the first.

Ith. How does Penthea now?

Pen.

You best know, brother, 75

From whom my health and comforts are derived. Bass. [aside] I like the answer well; 'tis sad and

modest.

There may be tricks yet, tricks.-Have an eye, Grausis !

Cal. Now, Crotolon, the suit we joined in must

The joys of marriage make thee, Prophilus,
A proud deserver of Euphranea's love,
And her of thy desert!

Pro.

Most sweetly gracious! 85

Bass. The joys of marriage are the heaven on earth,

Life's paradise, great princess, the soul's quiet,
Sinews of concord, earthly immortality,

Eternity of pleasures ;-no restoratives

Like to a constant woman!-[Aside] But where is she?

'Twould puzzle all the gods but to create Such a new monster.—I can speak by proof, For I rest in Elysium; 'tis my happiness.

Crot.

90

Euphranea, how are you resolved, speak

freely,

In your affections to this gentleman ?

95

Euph. Nor more nor less than as his love assures

me;

Which-if your liking with my brother's warrants— I cannot but approve in all points worthy.

Crot. So, so!-[To PROPHILUS] I know your

Hem. The king, Lord Ithocles, commands your

presence ;

And, fairest princess, yours.

Cal.

We will attend him.

Enter GRONEAS.

Gro. Where are the lords? all must unto the king Without delay: the Prince of Argos

Cal.

Well, sir?

Gro. Is coming to the court, sweet lady.

Meet you alone within the palace-grove;

I have some secret with you.-Prithee, friend, IIO Conduct her thither, and have special care

The walks be cleared of any to disturb us.

Pro. I shall.

Bass. [aside] How's that?

Ith.

Alone, pray be alone.—

[Exeunt all but BASSANES.

I am your creature, princess.-On, my lords!

Bass. Alone! alone! what means that word

"alone"?

115

Why might not I be there ?-hum !-he's her brother.
Brothers and sisters are but flesh and blood,

And this same whoreson court-ease is temptation
To a rebellion in the veins ;-besides,

His fine friend Prophilus must be her guardian: 120
Why may not he dispatch a business nimbly
Before the other come ?-or-pandering, pandering
For one another,-be't to sister, mother,

Wife, cousin, anything,-'mongst youths of mettle
Is in request; it is so-stubborn fate!
But if I be a cuckold, and can know it,
I will be fell, and fell.

125

There's an old waiter with her; saw you her too?

Gro. She sits i' the presence-lobby fast asleep, sir.
Bass. Asleep! asleep, sir!

SCENE III. The Gardens of the Palace. A Grove. Enter PROPHILUS and PENTHEA.

Pro. In this walk, lady, will your brother find you; And, with your favour, give me leave a little

To work a preparation. In his fashion

I have observed of late some kind of slackness
To such alacrity as nature once

And custom took delight in ; sadness grows
Upon his recreations, which he hoards.

In such a willing silence, that to question
The grounds will argue little skill in friendship,
And less good manners.

Pen.

5

Sir, I'm not inquisitive 10

Of secrecies without an invitation.

ΙΟ