A King, and No King | Page 9

if any man will say, I did, this sword shall
answer; Nay, I'le defend the reputation of my charge whilst I live, your
Grace shall understand I am secret in these businesses, and know how
to defend a Ladies honour.
Spa.
I hope your Grace knows him so well already, I shall not need to tell
you he's vain and foolish.
Bes.
I you may call me what you please, but I'le defend your good name
against the world; and so I take my leave of your Grace, and of you my
Lord Protector; I am likewise glad to see your Lordship well.
Bac.
O Captain Bessus, I thank you, I would speak with you
anon.
Bes.
When you please, I will attend your Lordship.
Bac.
Madam, I'le take my leave too.
Pan.
Good Bacurius.
[Exeunt_ Bes. _and Bac.
Gob.
Madam what writes his Majesty to you?

Pan.
O my Lord, the kindest words, I'le keep 'em whilst I live, here in my
bosom, there's no art in 'em, they lie disordered in this paper, just as
hearty nature speaks 'em.
Gob.
And to me he writes what tears of joy he shed to hear how you were
grown in every vertues way, and yields all thanks to me, for that dear
care which I was bound to have in training you, there is no Princess
living that enjoys a brother of that worth.
Pan.
My Lord, no maid longs more for any thing,
And feels more heat and
cold within her breast,
Than I do now, in hopes to see him.
Gob.
Yet I wonder much
At this he writes, he brings along with him
A
husband for you, that same Captive Prince,
And if he loves you as he
makes a shew,
He will allow you freedom in your choice.
Pan.
And so he will my Lord, I warrant you, he will but offer and give me
the power to take or leave.
Gob.
Trust me, were I a Lady, I could not like that man were bargain'd with
before I choose him.
Pan.
But I am not built on such wild humours, if I find him worthy, he is not
less because he's offer'd.

Spa.
'Tis true, he is not, would he would seem less.
Gob.
I think there's no Lady can affect
Another Prince, your brother
standing by;
He doth Eclipse mens vertues so with his.
Spa.
I know a Lady may, and more I fear
Another Lady will.
Pan.
Would I might see him.
Gob.
Why so you shall, my businesses are great,
I will attend you when it
is his pleasure to see you.
Pan.
I thank you good my Lord.
Gob.
You will be ready Madam.
[Exit Gob.
Pan.
Yes.
Spa.
I do beseech you Madam, send away
Your other women, and receive

from me
A few sad words, which set against your joyes
May make
'em shine the more.
Pan.
Sirs, leave me all.
[Exeunt Women.
Spa.
I kneel a stranger here to beg a thing
Unfit for me to ask, and you to
grant,
'Tis such another strange ill-laid request,
As if a begger
should intreat a King
To leave his Scepter, and his Throne to him

And take his rags to wander o're the world
Hungry and cold.
Pan.
That were a strange request.
Spa.
As ill is mine.
Pan. Then do not utter it.
Spa.
Alas 'tis of that nature, that it must
Be utter'd, I, and granted, or I die:

I am asham'd to speak it; but where life
Lies at the stake, I cannot
think her woman
That will not take something unreasonably to hazard saving of it: I shall
seem a strange Petitioner, that wish all ill to them I beg of, e're they
give me ought; yet so I must: I would you were not fair, nor wise, for in
your ill consists my good: if you were foolish, you would hear my
prayer, if foul, you had not power to hinder me: he would not love you.

Pan.
What's the meaning of it.
Spa.
Nay, my request is more without the bounds
Of reason yet: for 'tis not
in the power
Of you to do, what I would have you grant.
Pan.
Why then 'tis idle, pray thee speak it out.
Spa.
Your brother brings a Prince into this land,
Of such a noble shape, so
sweet a grace,
So full of worth withal, that every maid
That looks
upon him, gives away her self
To him for ever; and for you to have

He brings him: and so mad is my demand
That I desire you not to
have this man,
This excellent man, for whom you needs must die,
If
you should miss him. I do now expect
You should laugh at me.
Pan.
Trust me I could weep rather, for I have found him
In all thy words a
strange disjoynted sorrow.
Spa.
'Tis by me his own desire so, that you would not love him.
Pan.
His own desire!