University of Virginia Library

SCENE THE FIRST

Enter MALVECCHIO, LODOVICO, FLORELLI, and OCTAVIO
outside of the Court Scene
MAL.
I hope there's nothing Acted by my Counsell,
But what will Contribute to Naples Happynesse.

OCT.
My Lord you are wise.

MAL.
The Necessity of Affaires obliged some
Restraynt vpon the Queene, and Person of Leonidas.

FLO.
I Pitty both; though as a woeman tis no
wounder such a Charming Person as Leonidas
should Gayne Affection.

MAL.
It was not safe,
to further Irritate the King of Lombardy's successe
And Arianas Tytle, his Armes might else
too boldly Ayd.

LODO.
Shee is a Gracious Lady:

MAL.
I wish her Happynesse—but scarce
asyde
dare trust it; Guarini were more wellcome
to my Interest.
Enter ANTONIO
well Return'd Antonio;
The King of Lombardy holds on his way
to Naples with the Princesse?

ANTO.
He does my Lord

MAL.
No further Newes yet of the Duke Guarini?

ANTO.
Not any.

MAL.
Tis strange his Actiue soul should Rest
In such a tyme as this:

ANTO.
It is most Certayne
he escap'd the fury of the fight.

MAL.
Dispatch some letters euery way for more
Intelligence.

whisper
LODO.
He seem'd to Complement Ariana euen now:
what a Prodigious thing's a Politicians
Conscience!

FLO.
No Doubt he finds it seasonable
2d whistle ready
to Repayre her Injuryes, and perhaps
will now for his better safety be content
to make one of her Bad subjects.

OCT.
His Tounge
has strangely wrought vpon the Popularity:
I Dare not vndertake to Guesse his End.

ANTO.
Some Eminent from the King of Lombardy
Are here Arrivd with me and wayte your Lordship.

MAL.
Admit them to me.—
Exit ANTONIO
By your Favour Gentlemen.

Exit FLO., LODO. and OCTAVIO
Enter ANTONIO with ANDRUGIO and CASTRUCHIO
AND.
Theise from Alberto the most Great
and prosperous King of Lombardy.

Gives MAL. a letter
MAL.
His Commands are wellcome to the Humblest
of his servants—
opens ye letter and Reads
I vnderstand his Pleasure and doe Rejoyce
My Actings here Concenter with his Royall will,
together with Restrayning of Leonidas.

AND.
Your prudence must Deserve his high Esteeme.

CAST.
Theise My Lord, from the Princesse Ariana.

MAL.
I kisse her fayre Commands.—
Reads
shee here is pleas'd to mention that her Sister
should be vs'd with Due Regards of Honour.

AND.
Wee had it in Command besides to Instance—

MAL.
I hope shee'l putt no Misconstruction
on my Duty, if for the safety of
the state I haue thought fitt to Giue
some slight Confinement to her Person.

CAST.
It needs no more Excuse.

MAL.
Your King I hope will soon Arriue?

CAST.
He is by this tyme neere the Citty.

MAL.
each stepp he treads does sanctify our Soyle.

AND.
In the meane tyme my Lord (if you Admitt)
wee'd willingly see that bold Counterfeyt
Leonidas who Calls Himselfe, the Elder Prince
of Lombardy.

MAL.
Hee's now Admitted to some
Conference with the Queene at her Request;
which may not be vnvseful to observe.

CAST.
To Mourne perhapps their sad misfortunes.

MAL.
Ile place you where you shall observe what passes.

AND.
Twill be most wellcome.

MAL.
Antonio wayte 'em thither.

Exeunt