CLEANDER

It was a comfort Sir, I do confess, That came in time to rescue me from death, So great her scorn was, and my love so violent. I am: but if I be too curious in asking where The Kings son is, I shall desire your pardon: For sure it were injustice to deprive So great a Prince, of that which he was born too. What said the Oracle? have you the answer? And did you so? How did you then? But what did then become of the young Prince? But did the Queen know this? Belike those thieves had carried him away. How could the Queen take this So sad a story? But yet sir, with your favour might you not Have made inquiry after him? I am charmed. Henceforth I shall obey her as my Princess, And love her as my sister, not my Mistress. I know not how to answer any thing, Unless your Majesty will sign my pardon. Then know great sovereign that when I went As full of joy, as speed, with your glad message, I found the Princess. Dead to her honour. In short my Lord, I found her walking in the garden with A shepherd, (more of him I cannot tell) But she was habited in that attire She wore, when from the woods I brought her home, I slipped away, not being seen by them, And if you please to go, perhaps great Sir, You still may find them there. Sir I do feel so much of grief within me, For this my act, that if my blood will serve To save her life, I'll make no price of it: Yet could I not imagine, that the King Would have been so enraged; or if he would, I had no time to think of it before. But Sir, remember what a straight we're in: It will concern us, to invent some way To save my sister, though the shepherd die; He will deserve it for his bold attempt. What luck is this? This is more haste then speed: I am resolved (though my life lie at stake) To stand the fury of enraged King: Who knows but he may be as sorry for His sudden act, as I for mine. It's here To save her, though it cost her lover deer. What a sighed were this To meet her father? This would make him mad Indeed, and execute his rage himself. Madam, your father's here. Shepherd, know for this Thy resolution, which in noble bloods I scarce have found, I willingly would grant What thou desirest. But something must be known Before that time either from you, or you. Madam, my duty bids me speak to you, Not as a lover now; but as you are My Princess, and the daughter of my King. I would not for the world have those desires Which I had then; for sure my bolder love Would have transgressed the limits of all duty, And would have dared to tell you, that this shepherd Was not a match for great Arcadia's heir, Nor yet one fit for my Competitor. It's not his outward feature, (which how fair It is I do not question) that can make him Noble, or wise: Whereas my birth, derived From ancient Kings, and years not far unsuiting Those of your own; to these my education (To you well known,) perhaps might make me worthy Of being your servant. What mean you, madam? A strange contention! Madam will you please A little to retire: 'Tis your honour That I do strive to save, as well as life: Pray do not cross my purpose, I shall do Something that you may thank me for. Will you be pleased to enter here? I shall do my best, I dare not swear, for 'tis not in my power To do what you command. I will by heaven. Fie Madam, How low is this in you? No Sir, they live, and Hymen in his bans Has tied them both; the happiest knot that ere Knit two such equal hearts, and loves together: O I am ravished with the news, my joy Is greater now, then if sh'had been the daughter Unto our King, and I had married her. Somewhat exalted, Sir, beyond my my self, But yet not mad: Go, Sir, unto the King, Tell him, Cleander lives to make him happy. Yes Sir, I do think, And know that I have news to make him live, And you and age yet longer. 'Tis true. 'Tis true, my Sister Shall be a Queen. But your hasty son, That came so speedy with a fatal message, Was not so forward now; they both do live, And both are married. The Fates command it, it's their proper work The Shepherd is a Prince, your Prince, and mine, And married to my Sister, Archigenes. No, then come forth You royal pair, and testify your selves. Enter Thyrsis and Sylvia. Nay, I've told all. She knows she is your daughter: look Sir here; Here we must place our reverence. Not yet? then look upon this Circle, that You know for certain, though you know not him. Sir, should I tell you, How many ways I cast to save my sister After the fatal message which I brought, I should be tedious, and keep you from What you do long to hear: In short I soon Resolved to make away this royal shepherd. And knowing that in this affair, to keep it Secret, dispatch was needful, I commanded A servant, of whose faith and courage I Was well assured, to kill him in my presence. 'Twas a necessity was laid upon me, Because I would be sure to see him dead, I bade him choose his death, when manfully He said, he cared not how, so he might die. I knew to strangle him, was the readiest way, Which death himself was ready to embrace: This his so noble resolution, Did stand me from mine; my servants hands Trembled for fear, Presaging what a sin they were to act: He bade him be assured he would not start, And often called him to dispatch him quickly. The Prince, before he came To put the fatal twist about his neck, Besought me, as I ever hoped for peace, I should preserve the Princess: this I promised, And whatsoever else he would desire: He answered, nothing now, but hasty death, Then stripping off his doublet, I espied With a quick eye this golden Circle here, When hastily I bid my servant hold, And let him go. He asked me why I stayed, I told him that about his neck was Sacred, He would have rend it off, but I forbade it. Sir, I did well remember What I had herd of the Oracle and you, Which with the computation of his years, I found agreeing to make up a truth Which you before assured me; then I asked him, Whither he would be married to the Princess Before he died; he thought that I had mocked him, And said, I practised Tyranny upon him: Then went I to my sister, and desired The same of her; in fine, I saw them both Join hands and hearts together, but the Prince Thought this a dream of life, which certain death Would wake him from, until I did assure him Of his great State, and that his love, whom now He thought to be the Princess, was my Sister, All which I did refer unto your knowledge. Can shepherd's then espise that Deity which we adore? The King. Shepherd, I will not honour thee so much As to inquire thy name) thou hast done that Thou wilt pay deer for: And I hope thy death Will take away the blot of this disgrace Th'hast laid upon the Princess. That all the Gods forbid.