University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Enter EUBULUS.
EUBULUS.
I like not well this wooing embassy
Betwixt the Royal Pair.—A common man,
Who his own bed can tumble at his will,
Wants no such messenger to smoothe his way.

[Knocks at the Queen's anti-chamber.
ACANTHE, from window above.
ACANTHE.
Who knocks so loud without?

EUBULUS.
'Tis Eubulus,
Commission'd from her Lord to greet the Queen.

ACANTHE.
I'll tell her so, but doubt your errand's vain.
[Exit Acanthe.

EUBULUS.
With all my heart! Love frolics not with me,
A bachelor's the fellow after all!

ACANTHE re-appearing.
ACANTHE.
No suit will shake the Queen from her resolve;
Who craves the King's and your excuse, my Lord,
For this her solitude to-night.

EUBULUS.
'Tis well,
I'll trouble you no further.
[Exit Acanthe.
I had orders to win her woman's interest with a purse;
But such a traffic is too pitiful
For Eubulus! I ever thought a King
Might take up any at the King's good price,
And must he buy his own at dearer rate?
If this be long the fashion of the court,
Shame fall on such as use it!—My return
Will lack so much of comfort, that the King,
Howe'er his Queen may fare, will press, I doubt,
A joyless pillow.
[Exit Eubulus.