University of Virginia Library

Scena Tertia.

Philocres, Lucina.
Phil.
My deare Lucina have you yet prevayl'd?
Hath ought that you can say had power enough
To worke me into Florabella's graces?
I know your powerful speech is of such force,
Your Art yourselfe therein to governe such
As if you truely doe intend a blisse,
You'll make the stubborn oake the haw-thorne kisse.
Say then, is't blisse or bane that you doe bring?

Luc.
Fayre Sr. although the taske you set me on
All things consider'd duely as they ought
Be of the hardest sort e're undertaken,
(aside)
(For God he knowes, I'de rather sue to you
Then sue for you to another,) yet such force
Have your commands on me that like to Lawes
Of Medes and Persians I have them obey'd.
I have not lost the least occasion
Proffer'd of highly setting forth your Highnesse prayse.
Nay, I have [even] ta'ne occasions
Ungiven to let her see how fit a match
You'd be in all respects for her; of bloud
A Prince as she a Princesse: of estate
Not misbecomming her, and which was not
Least worth respect, your state so neere to her's,
Of personage a husband for a Queene,
As by this light you seeme to me to be.
I have set forth your wisdome, your discourse,
Your feates of Armes; what not? and this
With all the skill and Rhetoricke I have.
But—

Phil.
But what? pray draw not out so long
My doome of life or death; seem'd she well pleased
With your discourse? did she not thinke your talke
Too tedious? gave she you fayre hearing?

Luc.
Faith 'twere in vayne to flatter you with hopes
When there's small hopes to flatter you withall.
As oft as I named you she'd turne her head
Another way; still I pursuing her,
She'd cry'd Nay, pish: faith if you will not leave
This theame Lucina, I'le leave you; and as
I though pursued to blazon forth your worth,
She'd say, halfe this said of another man
Would better pleasing be, and much more true.
In fine, I feare her heart is else-where set:
Therefore deare Sr. forbeare furthur pursuite
Of this nice wayward one and strike a Doe
Will stand you fayre.

Phil.
Who can that other be?
Enter Feredo.
See where Feredo comes in happy time,
He'll doe his best, I'm sure, to learne who 'tis
That she affects; that known the cure's halfe done.
I'le teach him whosoever he be, what 'tis
To be my Rivall: or if she will needes
Place her affection elsewhere, and scorn me
I may perchance read him and her a lesson
They shall not soon forget, Feredo.

Fer.
Sr.
'Twas partly therefore why I now came hither;
Take it upon no small presumptions
She dotes upon the Italian, Bellamour:
And that you may rest more secure, see where
They come link't arme in arme; Sr. if you please
I think 'twere good we did a while withdraw
Where not by them discover'd we may heare
What passes 'twixt them, so your selfe may be
A witnesse both to that you heare and see.

Phil.
'Tis well advis'd: Let's in, if this be true
I'le turn a new leafe, and bid love Adieu.