Of your gross wrongs and ours. And now, remembering Whose deputies we are, be neither swayed, Car. There's some hope yet, What we will prove against you. Could this princess (Thou enemy to thyself!) stoop her high flight Of gratitude, couldst thou forbear to meet it? Pass over it, and briefly touch at that, Which does concern ourself; in which, both being Equal offenders, what we shall speak, points To a full possession of power and honours, Not Florence, but all Tuscany, can witness us: Made both the keys that opened our heart's se crets, And what you spake, believed as oracles. But you, in recompense of this, to him And, would not our consent to your demands You might make less the mountains of your crimes, And so invite our clemency to feast with you. Car. And swear so deeply, That gave you all, to whom you owed your be- That if all women's beauties were in this ing, With treacherous lies endeavoured to conceal This jewel from our knowledge, which ourself Could only lay just claim to. Giov. 'Tis most true. San. We both confess a guilty cause. Is this a beauty fit to be embraced Like a rough orator, that brings more truth (As she's not to be named with the dead dutch Coz. You all conspire To force our mercy from us. Car. Which, given up To after-times, preserves you unforesworn ; An honour, which will live upon your tomb, When your greatness is forgotten. Coz. Though we know All this is practice, and that both are false, us. Sanazarro, we forgive you : in your service Presume upon their sovereign's lenity. [A shout. Enter CALANDRINO and PETRONELLA, All. Long live great Cozimo! Caland. Sure the duke is Caland. Why, the whole race Of such as can act naturally fools' parts, Coz. We are pleased in it, And will pay her portion. May the passage prove Of what's presented, worthy of your love In the giving vein, they are so loud. Come on, That can, in compass of our wishes, fall. spouse, P VOL. II. [Exeunt omnes. Enter DON JUAN DE CASTRO and MICHAEL Mich. ARE your companies full, colonel? Nor will not be this month yet, as I reckon. Mich. We pick up still, And, as our monies hold out, we have men come. About that time, I think, we shall be full, too: Many young gallants go. Juan. And inexperienced. The wars are dainty dreams to young hot spirits; Mich. I've heard of him, and that he hath served before, too, Juan. But no harm done, nor ever meant, Don Michael, That came to my ears yet: ask him a question, He blushes like a girl, and answers little, To the point less. He wears a sword, a good When heard you of Donna Margaritta, the great heiress? Mich. I hear every hour of her, though I ne'er saw her; She is the main discourse. Noble Don Juan de Castro, How happy were that man could catch this wench up, And live at ease! She's fair, and young, and wealthy, Infinite wealthy, and as gracious, too, In all her entertainments, as men report. Juan. But she is proud, sir; that I know for certain; And that comes seldom without wantonness : With a light rein to rule my wife. If e'er woman, Juan. I am, sweet lady. Cla. I have a kinsman, and a noble friend, Employed in those wars; may be, sir, you know him; Don Campusano, captain of carbines, I know the gentleman, a most worthy captain. [Exeunt JUAN and CLARA. Mich. I am no blaster of a lady's beauty, Nor bold intruder on her special favours: I know how tender reputation is, And with what guards it ought to be preserved. Lady, you may to me Estif. You must excuse me, signior, I come Ser. Sir, there be two gentlewomen attend to Not here to sell myself. speak with you. Juan. Wait on them in. Mich. Are they two handsome women? Ser. They seem so, very handsome! but they're veiled, sir. Mich. Thou puttest sugar in my mouth. How it melts with me! I love a sweet young wench. But in a strange place, to a stranger, too, As if I came on purpose to betray you, Juan. Wait on them in, I say. [Exit Servant. Indeed I will not. Mich. Don Juan. Juan. Michael, how you burnish? Will not this soldier's heat out of your bones yet? Mich. There be two. Juan. Say honest, what shame have you, then? Mich. I would fain see that. I've been in the Indies twice, and have seen strange things; But for two honest women :-one I read of once. Juan. Prithee, be modest. Mich. I'll be any thing. Mich. I shall love you dearly, I know not, you have struck me with your modesty So deep, and taken from me All the desire, I might bestow on others- Estif. Indeed, I dare not. But since I see you're so desirous, sir, Enter Servant, DONNA CLARA and ESTIFANIA, But your repentance veiled. Juan. You're welcome, ladies. Mich. Both hooded! I like them well though: They came not for advice in law, sure, hither. They're very modest; 'tis a fine preludium. Juan. With me, or with this gentleman, would you speak, lady? Cla. With you, sir, as I guess, Juan de Castro. Mich. Her curtain opens; she is a pretty gentlewoman. Juan. I am the man, and shall be bound to fortune, I may do any service to your beauties. Cla. Captain, I hear you're marching down to Flanders, To serve the Catholic king. Mich. It must needs be excellent. Estif. And with what honesty you ask it of me, When I am gone, let your man follow me, Enter JUAN, CLARA, and Servant. I shall be able to give welcome to you. She hath done her business; I must take my leave, sir. Mich. I'll kiss your fair white hand, and thank you, lady. My man shall wait, and I shall be your servant. Sirrah, come near, hark. Enter JUAN DE CASTRO and LEON. Juan. Have you seen any service? Juan. Where? Juan. What office bore ye? Leon. Not that I well remember; Juan. Nor ne'er ta'en prisoner? Leon. No, I ran away; For I ne'er had no money to redeem me. Leon. It makes my head ache. Juan. Are you not valiant, when you're drunk? Leon. I think not; but I am loving, sir. Juan. What a lump is this man! Was your father wise? Leon. Too wise for me, I'm sure; For he gave all he had to my younger brother. |