University of Virginia Library

Scena 1.

Argalus, Kalander, Philarchus.
You are too strangely timorous, your full worth.
Speakes in as loud an accent of Desert,
As the most meriting Arcadian Lord,
Who boasts his Ancestry.

Arga.
My Lord,
The faire Parthenia instructs all hearts.
Nobility, with Musick of her voyce;
Miriads of joyes are in her looks; her eyes
Are Natures richest Diamonds set in foyles
Of polish'd Ebony, her breath expires
Odours more sweet than issu'd from the trees.
Of Balme in Paradise.

Philar.
Demagoras
Drunk with opinion of himselfe, declines
As much her glorious merit, as your just
Expressions honors it.

Arga.
'T were sacriledge
Not to confesse so manifest a truth,
'T was shee when first I did salute the War
With my unable person; who inspir'd
My soule with courage active as the wind,
Gave me a manly being, and infus'd
By the divine reflection of her love,
Thoughts fiery as that passion: I do live
Only her creature. Borrow my poore heat
From the extended vertue of her flame.

Kalan.
You are too modest,
T'a cribe a greater glory to my niece,
Then the whole stock of women ever boasted;
You'l make her proud my Lord, 'tis an excesse
Of naturall sweetnesse in you; you must temper
With a more moderate confidence.

Arga.
Alas my Lord,
Of more sincere devotion; every thought
My fancy offers, is a sacrifice
To the bright deity of Parthenia,
Whose noble freenesse, though it may afford
Me entertainment, more repleat with grace,
Than she bestowes on every Suitor, yet
My timorous hopes dare not assume that life,
As to beleeve she loves me; pray my Lord,
You are familiar with Parthenias thoughts
Resolve your friends this questionable doubt;
Whom her affectionat purity has chosen
Her loves blest favorite.

Phi.
My Lord, you know him,
He's your most intimat friend.

Arga.
My friend,
Were he my utmost enemy and belov'd,
Offaire Parthenia: that should be a tie
Of adoration to me, pray declare
The man must be made fortunate with the title
Of Lord of such perfection.

Phil.
He is
A noble generous and well manur'd youth
Beares beauties ensignes in his gracious looks.
Has that supreme Divinity in his eyes
As sparkles flames, able to fire all hearts,
And the superlative vertue of his Mind,
Transcends his outward figure; he is wise
As most mature age, Valiant in resolve,
As fames belov'd Child reputation,
Conjoine the masculine graces of his soule,
With lovely carriage, and discret discourse
Has not your knowledge reach'd him yet?

Arga.
This character
So far excelling me undoes my hopes.

Phi.
My Lord were not to
Secure your peace, I'de not disclose this secret, 'tis your selfe,
'Tis Argalus Parthenia has receiv'd
A welcome guest into her open heart,
Amase not your quick senses, 'tis a truth.

Kalan.
Your mutuall modesties
Defer your just desires, I must become
The moderator 'twixt your bashfull hopes
You do affect, as timorously as Swans,
(Cold as the brook they swim in) who do bill,
With tardy modesty, and chirring plead
Their constant resolutions.

Enter Chrisaclea.
Chris.
Noble Argalus,
My honor'd brother, pray heaven out entertainment,
Be worthy your acceptance, you must not expect
That happy welcome, here your house affords
To such deserving guests. My Lord Philarchus,
Saw you the Lord Demagoras lately.

Phi.
Madam,
Not since he flung last night hence in a rage
From the presentment by the Shepherds.

Kal.
Demagoras
Is of so haughty a disposition
(Though noble otherwise) that I can wish
No alliance with him: sister, I doe feare,
You are too zealous to advance the match
'Twixt him and your Parthenia: her's a Lord
As great by birth, and greater by the favour
Done him by th'King, but greatest by his owne
Superlative goodnesse, does affect her with
So true a fancie, that you much would wrong
Humanity to dispose her to another,
Where such a meriting Suiter does pretend
A holy interest in her.

Chri.
Good brother doe not
Question my honour so much, I am loath
To give the least occasion of distaste
To my Lord Demagoras, and since my daughter
Cannot affect him, I conceive he will
Cease his unnecessary suit, and leave her
To her owne disposure.

Kala.
I wish it.
My Lords, and sister, honour me to transferre
Your companies to my Castle; it doth stand
Oppress'd with solitude, and mournes the lacke
Of noble hospitality, like a widow
Depriv'd of a lov'd husband. I doe long
To see Dame Ceres crown'd with wreathes of wheat,
Kisse plumpe cheek'd Bacchus there in daily feasts,
To view my table furnish'd with such guests
As would esteem't no trouble to adorne it
A yeare or two together, and there finde
No entertainment like a bounteous minde.

Exeunt.