University of Virginia Library

Scene IV.

Astolfo, Sigismund, Clarin, Servants, and Musicians.
Astolfo.
Thousand times be blest the day,
Prince, that gives thee to our sight,
Sun of Poland, whose glad light
Makes this whole horizon gay,
As when from the rosy fountains
Of the dawn the stream-rays run,
Since thou issuest like the sun
From the bosom of the mountains!
And though late do not defer
With thy sovran light to shine;
Round thy brow the laurel twine—
Deathless crown.

Sigismund.
God guard thee, sir.

Astolfo.
In not knowing me I o'erlook,
But alone for this defect,
This response that lacks respect,
And due honour. Muscovy's Duke
Am I, and your cousin born,
Thus my equal I regard thee.

Sigismund.
Did there, when I said “God guard thee,”
Lie concealed some latent scorn?—
Then if so, now having got
Thy big name, and seeing thee vexed,
When thou com'st to see me next
I will say God guard thee not.

Second Servant
(to Astolfo).
Think, your Highness, if he errs
Thus, his mountain birth's at fault,
Every word is an assault.
[To Sigismund.
Duke Astolfo, sir, prefers. ...

Sigismund.
Tut! his talk became a bore,
Nay his act was worse than that,
He presumed to wear his hat.

Second Servant.
As grandee.

Sigismund.
But I am more.

Second Servant.
Nevertheless respect should be
Much more marked betwixt ye two
Than 'twixt others.

Sigismund.
And pray who
Asked your meddling thus with me?