University of Virginia Library

Scen. 2.

Martagon, Cynosbatus.
Ma.
To hinder the conjunction of those starres,
We must try all our skill, Cynosbatus.

Cy.
I jealous am of their maligne aspect,
And therefore hold it best to take away
That cause which may produce such bad effects;
For I shall never cease t'applaud his skill,
That in the shell, the Cockatrice doth kill.

Ma.
The Serpent will be hatch'd, I shrewdly feare,
E're we the mischiefe can prevent, if thus
We should delay to act our purposes:
For late, a certaine rumor, throngh my eare,
Did strike me to the heart; when 'twas reported
That Rhodon on Hymettus hill was seene;
Where by Anthophotus, and his sister Iris,
He was with such solemnity receiu'd,
That all surmise there is a match intended
Betweene the Shepheard Rhodon and faire Iris.

Cy.
If once they be conjoyn'd in Hymens rites,
Then all our toyle's ridiculous and vaine;
For Hymens obligations are (we see)
Seldome by any cancell'd, but by death.

Ma.
Then let us set some Stratagem abroach,
The Cords of their new amity to breake.
The tender twig may easily be broke,
But who's so strong to bow the sturdy Oke.
Our friends will say (if we procrastinate)
That, like the Troians, we were wise too late.

Exeunt