University of Virginia Library

Scæn. 3.

Enter the Queen Amasia, Bellamino her Favorite, Drollio Attendants.
Bell.
What is the matter, Madam, that the Court
Is in such clouds to night? The King
Feigns mirth and freeness, but withall
Flashes of fury make escapes.

Q.
'Tis strange, my Lord, you should not know.

Bell.
Faith Madam, I know nothing.

Q.
Troth nor I, but I suspect:
The clock no sooner struck, but all the Statesmen
Started, as if they had been to run a race,
And the King told me 'twere fit I took my rest:
There's something in't; but these designs of State
We women know no more then our own fate.
To turn our talk, Faith my Lord, where lies
That Beauty that so captivates you all?
She has a graceful garb, 'tis true.

Bell.
Who, Madam, Francelia?
Oh she has a dainty foot,
And daintier hand, an eye round as a globe
And black as jet, so full of majesty and life,
That when it most denies, it most invites.

Q.
These parts she has indeed, but is here all?

Bell.
All! heaven forbid:
Her hair's so preciously fair and soft,
That were she faln into some river and
In danger, one would make a conscience
To save her life, for fear of spoiling it.
Her lips are gently swelled like unto
Some blushing cherry, that hath newly tasted
The dew from heaven; and her cheeks—

Q.
Hold, hold my Lord, all this is Poetry,
A Painter could not flatter more:
To my eye now she is so slender,
She's scarce, I think, a span about ith' middle.

Bell.
Oh, Madam, you must think wise Nature
Of such rich mould as she was framed
Would make as little waste as could be.

Q.
So, so,
What think you of the upper part o'th' nose then;
Does it not look as if it did give way
The eyes should shortly have an interview?

Bell.
You're too severe a Critick, Madam;
So good a wit as yours could make,
Where there were any, all blest perfections.
After all, next to your Highness, I'm resolved to think
She is chiefest Beauty.

Q.
Not next to me, my Lord, now I am sure you flatter,
But 'tis too late to chide you for it,
Goodnight—

Exeunt.