"And the light lasting of a woman's will; "As if the lord of nature should delight "To hang this pond'rous globe upon a hair, "And bid it dance before a breath of wind." She must be here, and lodg'd in Guilford's arms, Ere Edward dies, or all we've done is marr'd. Ha! Pembroke! that's a bar which thwarts my way? His fiery temper brooks not opposition, And must be met with soft and supple arts, "With crouching courtesy, and honey'd words," Such as assuage the fierce, and bend the strong. Enter the Earl of PEMBROKE. Good-morrow, noble Pembroke: we have staid sure, To say that I am wanted, where yourself, North. No; as I honour virtue, I have try'd, And all the frailties common to our nature; "Blind to events, too easy of persuasion, "And often, too, too often, have I err'd:" I know not one of all our English peers, Whom I wou'd choose for that best friend, like Pembroke. Pem. "What shall I answer to a trust so noble, "This prodigality of praise and honour ?" Were not your grace too generous of soul, To speak a language differing from your heart, The rival of your son. North. No more; I scorn a thought So much below the dignity of virtue. 'Tis true, I look on Guilford like a father, I judge of Pembroke and my son alike. Pem. I ask no more to bind me to your service. North. The realm is now at hazard, and bold fac tions Threaten change, tumult, and disastrous days. Of courtship, and of love. Grant, Heav'n, the state To fix in peace and safety once again; Then speak your passion to the princely maid, Pem. One moment's pause, and I attend your grace. [Exit. North. Old Winchester cries to me oft, Beware Has sought my friendship. And yet more, his son, comes. C Enter Lord GUILFORD. Oh, Guilford! just as thou wert ent❜ring here, And wond'ring how thy soul could choose a partner Guil. How cou'd my tongue Take pleasure and be lavish in thy praise! Pem. Oh, generous youth; What can a heart, stubborn and fierce, like mine, Guil. So wou'd I! Since 'twas my fate to see and love her first. Pem. Oh! Why should she, that universal good ness, Like light, a common blessing to the world, Guil. Heaven forbid ! But tell me, Pembroke, Is it not in virtue To arm against this proud imperious passion? "Does holy friendship dwell so near to envy, "She cou'd not bear to see another happy," If blind mistaken chance, and partial beauty Pem. Name it not; My fiery spirits kindle at the thought, And hurry me to rage. Guil. And yet I think I shou'd not murmur, were thy lot to prosper, Pem. Ha! Couldst thou bear it? And yet perhaps thou mightst; thy gentle temper To ev'ry mad extreme. Then pity me, Enter Sir JOHN GATES. Sir J. G. The lords of council Wait with impatience. Pem. I attend their pleasure. This only, and no more then. Whatsoever Fortune decrees, still let us call to mind Our friendship and our honour. And since love |