one; Nor wealth nor greatness makes him proud. Too few of them; for most of our new courtiers, And left their heirs rich from their knowledge that way, Like gourds shot up in a night, disdain to speak But to cloth of tissue. Enter CAROLO CHAROMONTE in a night gown, PETRUCHIO following. Car. Stand, you prating knaves, When such a guest is under my roof! See all The rooms perfumed. This is the man that carries The sway and swing of the court; and I had ra ther For know, my lord, my confidence dares trust her Car. I have employment for you. [Exeunt CAROLO and PETRONELLA. Lyd. What is your will, sir? San. Madam, you are so large a theme to treat of, And Lyd. My hand joined to yours, Now, when you please, begin. San. Such Læda's breasts were, [Turns from her. Down pillows styled by Jove: And their pure whiteness Shames the swan's down, or snow. No heat of lust Swells up her azure veins. And yet I feel That this chaste ice, but touched, fans fire in me. Lyd. You need not, noble sir, be thus transported, Or trouble your invention to express That you can use, will be too high a strain San. If the great duke Made this his end to try my constant temper, [Aside. Lyd. I ne'er was proud; Nor can I find I'm guilty of a thought Deserving this neglect and strangeness from you. Nor am I amorous San. Suppose his greatness Loves her himself, why makes he choice of me To call one, pinched with hunger, to a feast, A good sword on an anvil: as that often Flies in pieces without service to the owner; So trust, enforced too far, proves treachery, And is too late repented. Lyd. Pray you, sir, Or license me to leave you, or deliver With such as are more glorious. Though I never San. Will you please to hear me? Lyd. O the difference of natures! Giovanni, A prince in expectation, when he lived here, Stole courtesy from Heaven, and would not, to The meanest servant in my father's house, Have kept such distance. San. Pray you, do not think me Unworthy of your ear: It was your beauty That turned me statue.-I can speak, fair lady. Lyd. And I can hear. The harshness of your courtship Cannot corrupt my courtesy. San. Will you hear me, If I speak of love? Lyd. Provided you be modest; I were uncivil, else. Car. They are come to parley: I must observe this nearer. San. You're a rare one, [CAROLO descends. And such (but that my haste commands me [Aside. A parting kiss, fair maid. I know not what to think on't. Is't his pride, Or his simplicity? San. Whither have my thoughts Carried me from myself? In this my dulness, I've lost an opportunity. [He turns to her. Lyd. 'Tis true, [She falls off. I was not bred in court, nor live a star there; As they, that are the mistresses of great fortunes, San. Will you vouchsafe Your ear, sweet lady? Lyd. Yet I may be bold, For my integrity and fame, to rank VOL. II. Lyd. That custom grants you. [Aside. Car. A homely breakfast does attend your lordship, Such as the place affords. San. No; I have feasted Already here. My thanks, and so I leave you: I will see you again. Till this unhappy hour Car. Gone so abruptly? 'Tis very strange! Lyd. Under your favour, sir, Car. Take heed, Lydia! I do advise you with a father's love, And tenderness of your honour; as I would not Have you coarse and harsh in giving entertain ment, N With best diligence and speed, to find out San. Here I'll attend his coming; way, [Exeunt. Cannot o'erreach a youth, my practice yields me But little profit. Enter GIOVANNI and the Servant. Giov. You are well returned, sir. San. Leave us. When that your grace shall know the motives [Exit servant. That forced me to invite you to this trouble, And see you keep yourself, as much as may be, My noble friend. Concealed from all men else. Into a desperate straight, and cannot steer At this object would take fire. Nor is the duke As with a veil to cover the sun's beams, Or comfortable light. Three years the prince You are ever San. You shall have further cause To assure you of my faith and zeal to serve you. And, when I have committed to your trust (Presuming still on your retentive silence) A secret of no less importance than My honour, nay, my head, it will confirm What value you hold with me. Giov. Pray you believe, sir, What you deliver to me, shall be locked up Sun. This assurance Should this (as Heaven avert it) ever happen; That you were come to court (as if you had Giov. I allow these As flourishes of fortune, with which princes San. Yet all these were paid To what you may be, not to what you are; For if the great duke but shew to his servants A son of his own, you shall, like one obscure, Pass unregarded. Giov. I confess, command Is not to be contemned; and if my fate With willing shoulders. But, my lord, as yet, You've told me of a danger coming towards me, But have not named it. San. That is soon delivered. Great Cozimo, your uncle, as I more That does persuade my judgment to believe it) Giov. Married, sir! With whom, and on what terms? pray you, in struct me. San. With the fair Lydia. San. The daughter Of signior Charomonte. Though I appear incredulous; for, on But Contarino hath so sung her praises, San. Yes, yes, I have seen worse faces. Giov. A delicate hand, too. San. As she is, sir, I know she wants no gracious part that may Gioa. I would you could, A noble way. San. I will cry down her beauties, Giov. I never told a lie yet, and I hold it San. Be constant in it. Enter ALPHONSO. Alph. My lord, the duke hath seen your man and wonders Enter CoziмO, CONTARINO, and attendants. You come not to him. See, if his desire To have conference with you, hath not brought Him hither in his own person. Coz. They are comely coursers, And promise swiftness. Con. They are, of my knowledge, Of the best race in Naples. 47 |