University of Virginia Library

SCENE. II.

The Court.
Enter Chateauneuf, Bonneval.
Chaten.
Altho my Fortune's bad, it is not strange,
Since the Kings heart is so inclin'd to change.
His thoughts can ne'r be fixt; you may as soon
Cut out and fit a Vesture for the Moon.
Inconstant winds to fewer points will vere,
Than he to Ladies if he think 'em fair.

Bon.
You have too tender and too quick a sense,
Which catches at the shadows of offence.
And yet this jealousie does plainly prove,
You claim no small share in great Henry's love.

Chat.
I'l either have no share, or I'l have all,
They who love right can never lower fall.
True Lovers all, like greatest Gamesters set,
And will not let By-standers have a Bet.

Bon.
Like Men both great and rich, you have such store,
Scarce with conveniency you can manage more;
Yet still like them you are so greedy found,
Envying the poor to look but on your Ground.

Chat.
Desist my Friend; it would ev'n patience vex;
Custome and Nature both against our Sex!
Nature's a Bungler not to make us strong,
As th' other Sex to vindicate a wrong.
To seek amends for any great abuse
In them is Honour, impudence in us.

Enter King, Grillon.
He and Bonneval aside.
King.
Madam, I'm told by Grillon, you're severe
In your discourse, as I inconstant were
Of what you tax me, you may guilty prove,
And injure Truth that Confident of Love.

Chat.
Whereshall we seek for Truth, (that injur'd Maid)
Despis'd on Earth is to Astræa fled.
In Cottages despis'd she may remain,
For I, alas, have searcht the Court in vain.

King.
You wrong your self, such doubtings to pursue;
Why should not I persist in loving you?

Chat.
Believe it, Sir, I now can plainly see,
You share not any part of love with me.
Else you'd the causes of my doubts perceive,
As well as I the causes you do give.
With what content and pride, your love I'd own?
But I have lost it, and for one unknown.

King.
That Jealousie is rash, I daily see't;
But ne'r before knew it so indiscreet.
Can you believe I should my love withdraw
From your fair eyes, for those I never saw?
As I should leave the Sun and its known light,
To search for greater in the womb of night.

Chat.
Yet Fancy most inclines to what is new;
And knowledge cannot please as hopes can do.
When Grillon's frantick praises speak his Prize,
O Heav'ns! what joy, what love shoots from your eys!
Your loose Imaginations are surpriz'd,
And I for fond Chymera's am despis'd.

King.
There is no hope to alter such a doubt,
When I have made my Love so fairly out.
Has not my Kingdome taxt me of the Crime
Of slighting other Beauties of the Time.
Great Criminals justly condemn'd to death,
Begg'd a new life, and gain'd it in your breath.
Honour and Riches (which the World beguile
From Heav'n it self) were purchas'd with your smile.
What then can more be said, My Love t' advance?
You, Madam, govern him, who governs France.

Chat.
To what we wish how eas'ly we incline?
My doubts disperse, and joys begin to shine.
I am content; so you'l a Promise make—
You'l not my Love, for this Unknown, forsake.
And when she's found (tho you must her prefer)
Yet you will look on me as much as her.
And tho you cannot Love me half so well,
I'l not believe it, so you do not tell.—
I'd rather have you Murder me this Night,
Then let me live to morrow for a slight.

King.
Thy merit and thy beauty thou maist trust,
Whilst I am wise, or generous, or just:
[Exit. Chat.
Grillon about your charge, but first command
[Turning to him.
Larchant to wait me here.

Gril.
I'm now unchain'd.

Gets from Bonneval. She followes and said.
Bon.
You vow'd to talk a day with me.

Gril.
'Tis right;
And so I will, but now it is almost night.

[Ext. Gril. and Bon.
Enter Larchant.
King.
Larchant how hast thou sped!

Larch.
As I desir'd:
No sooner come; for Grillon she inquir'd;
My proffer'd service took, and thankt me for't;
By which pretence I got her to the Court.

King.
How is her Beauty?

Larch.
O, Sir, so refin'd
It dazles th' Eye and strikes the ravisht mind.
All o'r warm Christal, Sir, with Sun beams lin'd
Strugling for ease th' imprison'd splendor lyes,
And breaks the Jayl thro' th' Windows of her Eyes.

King.
I long to see this Wonder. Now hold proof,
Distracted Heart, and hold fast Chateauneuf.

[Exeunt.