University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

The Palace.
Armusia, Sforza, Emanuel.
Em.
Why are you sad, Sir? what can grieve or vex you?
That have the pleasures of the World, the profits,
The Honours, and the Loves at your dispose?

Arm.
I want what Beggars are allow'd I mean content.
I want the Grace I have merited, the favour,
The due respect.

Sfor.
Does not the King allow it?

Arm.
Yes, and all Honours else that I can ask,
Or he has power to give: but Oh! his Sister,
That scornful Cruelty; forgive me, Beauty,
That I Transgress from her, that shou'd look on me;
That shou'd a little Smile upon my Service,
And soften my Deserts, for her own Faith's sake:
That shou'd at least acknowledge me, speak to me.

Em.
And you go Sighing up and down for this;
Lamenting and disputing of your Grievances?

Arm.
What wou'd you have me do?
Do what a Man wou'd in this Case, a wise man,
An understanding Man, that knows the Sex.
Go to her.

Sfor.
That's the way.

Em.
And talk as you fought for her boldly;
Both what you are, and what you have deserv'd.

Arm.
It makes me smile.

Em.
Now you look handsomely;
Had I so fair a Prize to win,
I wou'd so flatter.

Sfor.
Pray take our Counsel.

Arm.
I shall do something,
But not your way, it seems too Boisterous,
For my Affections are as fair, and gentle,
As her I serve. Friends leave me to my thoughts
An Hour or two, anon you shall command me.

Em.
I hate this thinking, it marrs all business.

Sfor.
We shall look for you, Sir.

[Ex. Sforza, Emanuel.
Arm.
What shall I do to make her know my Misery,
To make her sensible—This is her Woman.
[Enter Panura.
I have a Toy come to me suddenly,
That may work for the best, she can but scorn me,
Lower I cannot fall—I try my Fate:
May I presume, fair One—

Pan.
'Tis the brave Stranger.
Now by my Ladies Hand, a handsome Gentleman.
How happy shall she be in such a Husband:
Wou'd I were so provided.

Arm.
Can you have so much Charity for a Stranger;
To let him pass this Evening in your Company,
And what must be a Charity indeed
(In one whose Youth and Beauty dart such Charms)
To think my meaning fair.

Pan.
I dare believe you;
Or if it were not, that's no great matter,
What have we Vertue for, but to be exercis'd;
Besides we take mens promises—Wou'd you speak
With me, Sir?

Arm.
That you wou'd favour me with your acquaintance;
I wou'd say Friendship, for my Grief requires it.
You are the Princess confident,
And wait upon her near?

Pan.
I understand you.

Arm.
With one kind office, you may bind a Gentleman
Hereafter to be yours.
Such beauteous Faces shou'd have courteous Minds,
And ready Faculties.

Pan.
Tell me your business;
Yet if it be to her, I think your self, Sir,
Wou'd do much better:
The Princess must be pleased with your Addresses;
I'm sure I shou'd.

Arm.
I want assurance,
And yet am but a Stranger, wou'd fain speak with her.

Pan.
'Tis growing late, and on her Hour of Sleep.

Arm.
Pray wear this, and believe my meaning Civil.
My business of that fair respect and carriage.

Pan.
I must do't now, an' I were to be hang'd: nay, and I
Will do't; for another so good, and from a Gentleman
So handsom, I shou'd even venture upon high
Treasure.

Arm.
I wou'd speak to her, and privately.

Pan.
So you shall, Sir.

My Service were not else worth thanks: you must
make hast, Sir.

Arm.
This Minute.

Pan.
And I must leave you in my Chamber, Sir:
Where you must lock your self, that none may see you:
'Tis next to hers—You cannot miss the Entrance,
When she comes down to Bed.

Arm.
Once more I thank ye, Lady.

Pan.
Thank me but thus.

[Exeunt.