University of Virginia Library

SCENA IV.

Sir William Stanly.
Sir, the rash Foe all your desires fulfills
The Native Fortresses of Wales, the Hills,
Which only could his certain Fate prolong,
He madly ha's forsaken; and the Throng
Have crost the Severn.

King.
Happy news! at last
Our little Cæsar Rubicon ha's past.
Either he acts the part of a mad Lover,
Or hopes, his Rashness may his Weakness cover.

Sir Will. Stanly.
Let him come on, he, what he seeks shall have,
Since English ground best likes him for a Grave.

King.
Sir William Stanly 'tis beneath your Fame
In War to fly at such ignoble Game:
These Vipers want their Teeth. But I must ask
Your powerful aid in a much harder task.

Sir Will. Stanly.
Nothing is hard to me, when you command.

King.
Confirm me in that hope. I understand,
You o're your Sister have no little power;
She waits upon the Saint whom I adore.
Procure her Mediation for my Love;
If she in the design successful prove,
You shall be less my Subject, then my Friend;
My Gratitude shall all your Hopes transcend.

Sir Will. Stanly.
Reward did never yet my duty move;
And I am no good Advocate for Love.
But, Sir, my prompt Obedience shall fulfil
All your Commands, and help my want of skill.

King.
That Love, from her which you obtain for me,
With double Int'rest shall rewarded be.

[Exit King, Lovel, Catesby, Ratclife.
Sir Wil. Stanly
solus.
When Nature form'd this Monster, she design'd
No less, then the destruction of Mankind.
His Enemies but poorly satisfie
The Hunger of his Rage, which seeks supply.
E'en from his nearest Blood, and his own Bed:
His Wife was poyson'd, and his Nephews bled
To feed the Wolf. His Friends are kept alive,
As Indians cramm'd for Sacrifice survive.
And now this Monster both in Crimes and Shape,
On fairest Innocence designs a Rape.
Enter the Princess crossing the Stage from her own lodgings to the Queen's Appartment: In passing by Sir Will. Stanly speaks to his Sister waiting upon the Princess.
Sister, a word.

Mrs. Stanly.
I instantly will come.

Mrs. Stanly leaves the Princess in the Queens Appartment, and returns to her Brother.