Philaster | Page 2

then Lady.
La. Near me perhaps: But there's a Lady indures no stranger; and to me you appear a very strange fellow.
Meg. Me thinks he's not so strange, he would quickly be acquainted.
Thra. Peace, the King.
[ Enter King, Pharamond, Arethusa, and Train.
King. To give a stronger testimony of love Than sickly promises (which commonly In Princes find both birth and burial In one breath) we have drawn you worthy Sir, To make your fair indearments to [our] daughter, And worthy services known to our subjects, Now lov'd and wondered at. Next, our intent, To plant you deeply, our immediate Heir, Both to our Blood and Kingdoms. For this Lady, (The best part of your life, as you confirm me, And I believe) though her few years and sex Yet teach her nothing but her fears and blushes, Desires without desire, discourse and knowledge Only of what her self is to her self, Make her feel moderate health: and when she sleeps, In making no ill day, knows no ill dreams. Think not (dear Sir) these undivided parts, That must mould up a Virgin, are put on To shew her so, as borrowed ornaments, To speak her perfect love to you, or add An Artificial shadow to her nature: No Sir; I boldly dare proclaim her, yet No Woman. But woo her still, and think her modesty A sweeter mistress than the offer'd Language Of any Dame, were she a Queen whose eye Speaks common loves and comforts to her servants. Last, noble son, (for so I now must call you) What I have done thus publick, is not only To add a comfort in particular To you or me, but all; and to confirm The Nobles, and the Gentry of these Kingdoms, By oath to your succession, which shall be Within this month at most.
Thra. This will be hardly done.
Cle. It must be ill done, if it be done.
Di. When 'tis at best, 'twill be but half done, Whilst so brave a Gentleman's wrong'd and flung off.
Thra. I fear.
Cle. Who does not?
Di. I fear not for my self, and yet I fear too: Well, we shall see, we shall see: no more.
Pha. Kissing your white hand (Mistress) I take leave, To thank your Royal Father: and thus far, To be my own free Trumpet. Understand Great King, and these your subjects, mine that must be, (For so deserving you have spoke me Sir, And so deserving I dare speak my self) To what a person, of what eminence, Ripe expectation of what faculties, Manners and vertues you would wed your Kingdoms? You in me have your wishes. Oh this Country, By more than all my hopes I hold it Happy, in their dear memories that have been Kings great and good, happy in yours, that is, And from you (as a Chronicle to keep Your Noble name from eating age) do I Opine myself most happy. Gentlemen, Believe me in a word, a Princes word, There shall be nothing to make up a Kingdom Mighty, and flourishing, defenced, fear'd, Equall to be commanded and obey'd, But through the travels of my life I'le find it, And tye it to this Country. And I vow My reign shall be so easie to the subject, That every man shall be his Prince himself, And his own law (yet I his Prince and law.) And dearest Lady, to your dearest self (Dear, in the choice of him, whose name and lustre Must make you more and mightier) let me say, You are the blessed'st living; for sweet Princess, You shall enjoy a man of men, to be Your servant; you shall make him yours, for whom Great Queens must die.
Thra. Miraculous.
Cle. This speech calls him Spaniard, being nothing but A large inventory of his own commendations.
[Enter Philaster.
Di. I wonder what's his price? For certainly he'll tell himself he has so prais'd his shape: But here comes one more worthy those large speeches, than the large speaker of them? let me be swallowed quick, if I can find, in all the Anatomy of yon mans vertues, one sinew sound enough to promise for him, he shall be Constable. By this Sun, he'll ne're make King unless it be for trifles, in my poor judgment.
Phi. Right Noble Sir, as low as my obedience, And with a heart as Loyal as my knee, I beg your favour.
King. Rise, you have it Sir.
Di. Mark but the King how pale he looks with fear. Oh! this same whorson Conscience, how it jades us!
King. Speak your intents Sir.
Phi. Shall I speak 'um freely? Be still my royal Soveraign.
King. As a subject We give you freedom.
Di. Now it heats.
Phi. Then thus I turn My language to you Prince, you foreign man. Ne're stare nor put on wonder, for you must Indure