University of Virginia Library

Scene First.

Enter King Ethelwold, Aldernald, Ruthin, Alfreda, and Ladies Attendants.
King.
This, Alfreda, should have been
A night of pleasure to you and Ethelwold,
A night of Extasie and Delights;
But this amorous Conflict must be deferr'd
'Till Ethelwold recovers his health.

Eth.
My wounds is slight, the Surgeons
Have declar'd it so; but with all
Humble thankfulness I own your care
Of my health, as an Honour and a Blessing.

King.
I'de have you meet your Bride in your
Full strength, in all your vigour.

Alfr.
Since you have begun to make his health
Your care; Sir, command him to let it be
His own chief concern, and not too rashly
To expose himself abroad;
The open air, late hours, and Court-attendance
[To Eth.
You should avoid.

Enter Ruthin at distance.
Eth.
Depriv'd of you, how shall I pass this night
Without sad thoughts and great inquietude?
Like one just grasping of his long wish'd store
Of wealth, I am snatch'd back.

King.
Commit your Lord to my care.
Good night, Alfreda.

Alfr.
Good night, my Lord.

Eth.
Soft and gentle slumbers close your Eyes.

Ald.
Your Wedding night is yet to come.

[Exit Alfreda and Ladies.
Eth.
How many unexpected accidents, retard a
Lover's progress, and delay his bliss?

King.
To divert your thoughts from Melancholly,
And to give my own mind a Truce from cares,
We'l pass one hour at Chess,
You have excellent cunning in that Game;
I have many nights try'd the Experiment,
And found it 'gainst the minds distempers
A most prevailing remedy.—Come,
I know your sleep will be more sound and quiet.

[Exeunt Ald. & Osw.
Ruth.
My Lord all this is design.
The King and Alfreda have appointed
A private meeting this night in the Garden,
Near the Marble Grotto.

Eth.
O subtlety, O woman Devil!

Ruth.
Be calm, but circumspect.
This my friendship obliged me to discover.

Eth.
I thank you for your intelligence.

Ruth.
No ceremony, but away.

Eth.
Woman, woman, what art thou but deceit!
Exit Eth.

Ruth.
I'le keep him thus alarm'd, his Jealousie
May rouse his fury to some desperate act.
From Court this will induce him to remove her,
Perhaps he may think Heaven a fit place for her.

[Exit.