CASSANDRA

O my deer Vittori My wishes aim at none beside. Call again That temper, which hath made Vittori honoured And if my tears which carry something more Then joy to welcome home, my best loved Lord Affect you with no sadness, which I wish not, Yet look upon this mourning not put on To counterfeit a grief, and that will tell you There is necessity for you to know Somewhat to check the current of your triumph. Madam I know not in what language to Express those humble thanks my soul is full of, It shall be justice, you command this life You have preserve worser. To me noble sir. Alas my Lord You ask mine in exchange, and I have made it A gift already to Vittori, while He lives he must possess it, as you're noble Prosecute this no further. As you are a King, I beg your mercy To poor Vittori. Great sir, we are one soul, life cannot be So precious as our loves. You're all bounty. We have pledge for this trust in Cassandra, whose head shall be the price of your disobedience. The language is too clear. His words did found more comfort. Naples has been injurious, and we made No solemn vow to love what hath betrayed us. This is all, A new disguise for grief, to make it show well. Sir I have read it, And were not worthy of Vittories love To valve this poor life above his honour, Keep your high thoughts, p eserve all peace within you, You shall not buy my breath with your own shame, I'll die with that de otion, I would prayed for you, Which trust me was most heartily, and isle shed No tears for my own funeral, if any Unruly drop break forth, when we are parting, 'Tis more to leave Vittori then the world, Yet if thou wot give me leave, I'll confess to the Before my head fallen from this other piece, I would deceive the hangman, for ere thou Go from me, with a sighs into thy bosom, I would convey my spirit, and leave him But a pale ghost, to mock his execution. If you will have it so, you have taught me To be in love with noble thoughts, I shall Have some weep over my hearse, and when Im'e gone Sealed by my blood, a Martyr for thy love, The world shall praise me for it, and the Virgins And Wives, if I obtain no other monument, Built me a tomb within their hearts, and pay Their yearly songs and garlands, to my memory, That died, to save Vittories life and honour. Allow it So you be happy, and although my wishes Are rather for the punishment of Naples, More cruel then our enemies, yet if you Think it dishonour to oppose that country, I have a heart most willing to preserve By any death your fame, loose not a scruple Of your self for me, I carry thy love with me, And prophesy my story shall throw more Disgrace on Naples, then all thy revolt Can bring upon thy name. I have told you Madam every circumstance, I should but flatter my own misery To speak it less, misfortune had not made me Your prisoner now, if he had been more temperate. He had my duty Madam, Which still I owe him, as my prince, but I Had but one faith, and that was given Vittori, I fear I have displeased you. That was a desperate remedy, how if Your father be overcome, and you made prisoners. Madam I pity you, Sure if the Prince knew with what constancy Your love breathes after him, he would find a passion To meet your Noble flame. 'Tis possible That you may see him Madam. This night, And speak with him, without exposing your Person to any danger. You were compassionate Of me, and 'tis but duty I should answer it With my desires to serve you, not to hold Your thoughts in expectation, is there any Gentleman near, whom you dare trust? With carriage of a paper, I shall run Some hazard, but there's nothing can weigh down That goodness you have showed me, being a stranger, I'll frame a letter Madam in my name, And by some charm of love invite him to Your tent, if he retain partly of that flame Which did so command in him, be assured The Prince will come. He to whose trust You give this secret, shall remove that fear. Best of all. Send for him strait, if you allow this device I'll presently dispatch the amorous summons. Call me servant Madam, In that I am honoured Happy success attend you. You cannot be So near as I am to Vittori sir, And you increase my wonder, that you can Nourish the least'hope, that I should forget My own tie, by remenbring what relation You have to any other, if the King Did know this, he would chide you. How sir? You are not noble. I'll hear no more. What answer? The night comes fast upon us. I hope you feed no jealonsie of me, I did all for your service, and shall then Think I am happy, when he knows your love And value's it. I wait your pleasure. O misfortune. Hear me great sir. O my Lord, be you But master of so much charity. My Lord Vittori? It was my plot I must confess, but her Affection bid me too't, I did expect Another consequence. The Prince now in your power, I hope great sir. You'll look more gently on Vittori. Sir throw of your passion, And when you have herd me speak but a few minutes, You'll change opinion, and if you do not Accuse your self, you will at least acquit Me from the gilded of your dishonour. I must not sir deny, I used what motive I could to gain your presence, but no magic. May heaven Then shoot his anger at me, I sent for you, But as I have a life not to betray you. Love, love my Lord. Mistake not, It love I must confess, but not that love Your wild imagination prompts you too, And yet it was my love to wish you happy. Love with another Lady In birth; and all thats good above Cassandra, Had towards your person, did command my service In that rude letter, my ambition Reached at no greater honour, then to bring Her passion to your knowledge, think my Lord Ypon Rosinda. And prison all Your wanton thoughts, Rosinda was by heaven Designed for you, as I was for Vittori. Is the Princess lost? Would Vittori? Direct their counsels heaven. I know not Madam, but I hope not.