University of Virginia Library

Scena tertia.

Iuliano, Picinino.
Iul.
My Picinino, holds this sad newes true?

Pici.
My Iuliano, yes; tis in each voyce
That some perswasion flatt'ring Ferdinand,
That the French iourney was but a report,
Made him reuoke Alphonso, his braue sonne,
Who with an Army had indanger'd vs:
For the wise old man fearing, a deepe feare
Might arme an enemy, else too weake for him,
And make vs hasten the French warre, gaue o're
His warre with vs: but when he vnderstands
That all this quiet does not purchase peace,
The coozen'd Prince seekes the sure peace of death,
And leaues his ruine to destroy his sonne.

Iul.
Will the French come? then prethee, Death, come too.
Why should our eyes dull'd to all other sights
By Age and sorrow, be reseru'd for sight
Of warre and sorrow? ô discourteous heau'ns!
Why haue you dally'd with vs to white hayres?
Why kept till this time, must we perish now?
O wherefore are we come so neere the graue
And are not in it yet? yet pardon me
Good heau'n, your acts are aboue question:
Yet I may shed these teares for Italy;
Slaue of that world, which once, her valour slau'd,
Restoring backe her triumph's with her spoyle,
Distracted in herselfe, and onely fit
To make a bankrout Poet heale his credit
With matter for fresh Tragedies.

Pic.
Good heau'n!
Is this to ease misfortune, or increase it?
If Passion could whine out felicity,
Or plenteous teares could drowne vnhappinesse,
I haue eyes too, and they containe their showres,
Nor would I ere be niggard of a Griefe.
But teares being onely teares, an easie dew
Of childish eyes, and all the rest of Griefe
Commanding smiles, more then Compassion,
I thanke my Genius I am resolute
To laugh at Fortune when she is most angry.

Iul.
Such laughter may haue little mirth in it,
And I shall haue more comfort in a teare.

Pic.
You may, good Fountaine, yes, droppe on, to see,
If so much moysture will reuiue thy cheekes
Whilst Ile be yong with laughter. I am he
That feares a sorrow, more then misery.