 | The Maid of Honovr |  |
Scene. I.
Roberto, Fulgentio, Astutio.Roberto.
Embarqu'd to night doe you say?
Fulgentio.
I saw him aboord, Sir,
Roberto.
And without taking of his leave?
Astutio.
'Twas strange!
Roberto.
Are we growne so contemptible?
Fulgentio.
'Tis far from me Sir, to adde fuell to your anger,
That in your ill opinion of him, burnes
Too hot already, else I should affirme
It was a grosse neglect.
Roberto.
A wilfull scorne
Of duty and alleageance, you giue it
Too faire a name. But we shall think on't: can you
Guesse what the numbers were that follow'd him
In his desperate action?
Roberto.
More then you thinke, Sir.
Or to your government, or person, with
The turbulent sword-men, such whose poverty forc'd 'em
To wish a change, are gone along with him;
Creatures devoted to his undertakings
In right or wrong, and to expresse their zeale,
And readinesse to serve him, ere they went
Prophanely tooke the sacrament on their knees,
To live and dye with him.
Roberto.
O most impious! their loyalty to us forgot?
Fulgent.
I feare so.
Astut.
Vnthankfull as they are.
Fulgen.
Yet this deserves not
One troubled thought in you, Sir, with your pardon
I hold that their remove from hence makes more
For your security, then danger.
Roberto.
True; and as I'll fashion it, they shall feele it too.
Astutio, you shall presently be dispatch'd
With letters writ, and sign'd with our owne hand,
To the Duchesse of Siena, in excuse
Of these forces sent against her. If you spare
An oath to give it credit, that, wee never
Consented to it, swearing for the King,
Though false, it is no perjury.
Astut.
I know it.
They are not fit to be state agents, Sir,
That without scruple of their conscience, cannot
Be prodigall in such trifles.
Fulgentio.
Right, Astutio.
Roberto.
You must beside from us take some instructions
To be imparted, as you judge 'em usefull,
To the Generall Gonzaga. Instantly
Prepare you for your journey.
Astut.
With the wings
Of loyalty and duty.
Exit Astutio.
Fulg.
I am bold to put your Majesty in mind.
Of my promise,
And ayds, to further you in your amorous project
To the faire, and rich Camiola: there's my ring
Whatever you shall say that I intreat
Or can command by power, I will make good.
Fulg.
Ever your Majesties creature.
Rob.
Venus prove propitious to you.
Exit Robert.
Fulg.
All sorts to my wishes:
Bertoldo was my hindrance. Hee remov'd,
I now will court her in the conquerous stile,
Come, see, and overcome. Boy.
Enter Page.
Page.
Sir, your pleasure.
Fulg.
Haste to Camiola, bid her prepare
An entertainment sutable to a fortune,
She could not hope for. Tell her, I vouchsafe
To honour her with a visit
Page.
'Tis a favour
VVill make her proud.
Fulg.
I know it
Page.
I am gone, Sir.!
Exit Page.
Fulg.
Intreaties fit not me, a man in grace,
May challenge awe, and priviledge by his place.
Exit Fulgentio
| The Maid of Honovr | |