University of Virginia Library

SCENA, 1.

Anthenor, Leontius.
The Scene the front of Erminia's Palace.
Anth.
Noble Leontius,
once more y'are kindely welcome to Missena.
The many civilities and curtesies
I receiv'd from you at Argos, obliges me
to all the fair offices and services
I can do you here.

Leon.
Gentle Anthenor, all
I cod do to oblige a person of your worth,
was abundantly rewarded in the doing it,
and if you'd oblige me speak no more of it:
let's talk of somewhat else.—We hear Cleander
your noble General in the Attique War,
with victory leading him,
and fortune following him,
goes on like lightning consuming all before him,
and 'tis much wondred that imployment, was
not rather conferr'd upon the Prince, who wants
nor years, nor experience in the wars, to make
him fit for action; but necessity
of state (it seems) requir'd an older, and more
experienc't Souldier.

Anth.
Betwixt you and I
I'le tell you, those who not onely look upon
the outside of Princes actions,
but boldly pry into their insides too,
say, t'was not so much necessity of state
that sent the brave Cleander to the wars,
as more to facilitate the Dukes access
unto his Lady the admir'd Erminia—
But how do's your fair Princess Cyrena? that
we may freely talk of; t'was our hope the Prince
at's being at Argos shud have married her,
but the destinies of marriage were not pleas'd
it seems to make us so happy.

Leon.
It was our hopes too,
and we indeed wondred as much as you
he shud so suddenly leave her, but much more, she
shud so suddenly after leave her countrey,
since when none knows, nor can imagine, what's
become of her.

Anth.
You amaze me with your news!

Leon.
Mean time whilst others several wayes
address themselves in search of her,
I'm come to Missena here,
well knowing their former loves
and the attraction of mutual hearts,
when once th'ar toucht with the adamant of love

Ant.
Alas, I fear you'l hardly finde so much
as her memory with him now, who onely mindes
the fair Erminia, about whose palace
restlesly day and night like some pale ghost
he wanders, carefully seeking opportunity
of seeing her, whilst she as carefully
avoids his sight.

Leon.
This then made him it seems
with so little difficulty quit his place
abroad to Cleander, in hope to enjoy
his place at home.—And now I see among
the many possibility of things,
ne'r were, nor are, nor e're are like to be;
we well may reckon Lovers constancy.