CLEOPHILA

Tread softly ( Trollio ) my Father sleeps still. Sure thou art weary of this sullen living, But I am not; for I take more content In my obedience here, then all delights The time presents elsewhere. Menander within. O! Dost hear that groan? My much-wronged Father: let me view his face. Peace, fool. Sir, I am here, how d'ee Sir? I am Cleophila, Your woeful daughter. Will you now, Sir? I am (alas) too grieved to think of love, That must concern me least. He has met it, if sorrows can look kindly. I am so low In mine own Fortune's, and my Father woes, That I want words to tell ye, you deserve A worthier choice. Sir, this for answer: If I ever thrive In and earthly happiness, the next To my good Father's wished recovery, Must be my thankfulness to your great merit; Which I dare promise for the present time: You cannot urge more from me. This Gentleman is moved. Still you shall have my prayer. I do beseech ye, Sir, as you love your health, as you respect My safety, let not passion overrule you. 'Tis in readiness. So Sir, I pray be brief. As you please. Well, to your Embassy; what, or from whom? From whom then are you sent? Good time a day t'ee; I can stay no longer. To me from her? 'Tis strange; I dare peruse it. Is't possible? Heaven, thou art great and bountiful. Sir, I much thank your pains: and to the Princess, Let my love, duty, service, be remembered. When we of Hope's, or helps, are quite bereaven, Our humble prayers have entrance into heaven. Call any service Of mine a debt, for such it is; the Letter You lately sent me, in the blessed contents It made me privy to, hath largely quit Every suspicion of your Grace or goodness. Never fell a shower More seasonably gentle on the barren Parched thirsty earth, then showers of courtesy Have from this Princess been distilled on me, To make my growth in quiet of my mind Secure and lasting. Now in troth, Sir, Pray credit me, I do not use to swear The virtuous Princess hath in words and carriage Been kind, so overkind, that I do blush: I am not rich enough in thanks sufficient For her unequaled bounty.—My good Cousin, I have a suit to you. That no time, no persuasion, no respects Of Jealousy's passed, present, or hereafter By possibility to be conceived, Draw you from that sincerity and pureness Of love, which you have oftentimes protested To this great worthy Lady she deserves A duty more, then what the ties of Marriage Can claim, or warrant: be for ever hers, As she is yours, and Heaven increase your comforts. My Lord Amethus, Blame not my plainness, I am young and simple, And have not any power to dispose Mine own will without warrant from my father: That purchased, I am yours. I have studied My partly with care, and will perform it ( Rhetias ) With all the skill I can. That I show my self a Girl (Sister) and bewray Joy in too soft a passion'fore all these, I hope you cannot blame me. The sovereign Greatness, Who, by Commission from the powers of heaven, Sways both this Land and us, our gracious Prince, By me presents you (Sir) with this large bounty, A gift more precious to him then his birthright. Here let your cares take end; now set at liberty Your long imprisoned heart, and welcome home The solace of your soul, too long kept from you. Nor I. Much discontented, Shunning all means that might procure him comfort. From this own fair hands I did receive my Sister. I thank thee and the Prince, I thank thee too, Eroclea, that thou wouldst In pity of my age, take so much pains To live, till I might once more look upon thee, Before I broke my heart: Oh it a piece Of piety and duty unexampled. thou toldst me, that the Prince Sent me this present. One chief of they (worthy Cousin) lives In you, and your welldoing.