University of Virginia Library

The second Scene

Enter Prince alone.
Prince.
Had I my fair one, in this silent Grove,
To tell my passion, and declare my love
How short this day, woo'd unto me then seem,
And how much give, its howers to redeem.
Where at my ease, I might behold and court,
And fear no living creature, to report,
The stolen blisses, which I might receive,
If she were pleased, so to give me leave.
Tell her, how ev'ry day augments my flame,
And that 'tis she alone, can quench the same.
How much her eyes, have made a Prince a slave,
Which does rejoyce, that honour for to have.

Enter Nonantius.
Non.
The King your Father, sent me you to seek,
And tell you too, that with you he woo'd speak.

Prince.
I am not lost, except it be in love,
To tell how much, the object me do's move.
But where's his Highness? 'tis not long ago,
I left his Grace, pursuing of a Doe.

Nonant.
He is return'd implease you, and does set,
Now with his Counsel, of the Cabinet.

Prince.
Well, I come, but before I hence depart,
I must, and will, disclose to thee my heart.
Of all my Fathers Subjects, thee alone,
I have pickt out, to make my passion known.
I doubt not of thy secrecy, and zeal,
And therefore with thee, I will plainly deal.
'Tis fair Francina, lodges in my brest,
And moves me so, I cannot take my rest.
I prethee tell her, that I love her so,
And press her likewise, to believe me too;
That for her sake, I value not my Crown,
Nor yet my Fathers, nor my Subjects frown.
Nor Heaven it self, shoo'd Heaven oppose my heat,
My passion is for her, so monstrous great.

Non.
Sir, may I speak, and not your Highness move,
She merits well, but not from you such love.
You are a Prince, and heir unto a King,
Which is upon my word, no little thing.
Consider well your birth, and your degree,
And you will yield, 'tis your infirmity,
To love with passion, one so much below,
Your rank, and Greatness, as we all do know.

Prince.
Come, come, I know, this is but for to try,
How hot my flame is, and my constancy.
Thou lov'st me, and my ease, I know too well,
In this opinion, ever for to dwell.
Thought I but otherwise, by my soul I vow,
One minuit more, I woo'd not thee allow.
She is a Princess, and of better blood,
Then I my self, by how much she's more good.
'Tis not enough, to be a Princess born,
Except she vertues have, to her adorn.
She's by vertue, what others are by birth,
Which is we know full well, the nobler earth.

Non.
Without all doubt it is, but you may have,
A Princess both wayes, and your honour save

Prince.
Think'st thou that I, can any honour loose,
A handsom, vertuous Lady, for to choose?
No, no, I cannot, do what I command,
And I will to the other hazard stand.

Non.
Since that your Highness, is resolv'd to love,
Make choice of one, that's fitter it to move.
To tell my own, alas I am too weak,
How can I then, anothers passion speak?

Prince.
I will not trust another, only thou
Of all the world, this business best can'st do.

Non.
Then I will do my utmost, though I die,
Since doing so, I serve your Majestie.

Exeunt.