THESINA

The work is pious we attempt. I should Like their tempers better, if she Were down, and her Lord up. She moves as she were sick, this skirmish has Much weakened her. I, Madam, a French skirmish; where the onset Is hight and fiery, but the retreat cold and tame. My Lord; I have tired my self in your search. With the Queen, my Lord, who is so found Of her attendance, she'll scarce allow her space To wink in her own service, and to night She lies within her chamber. You're now to trust my Art. For Valdaura Sent me express her joy, i'th delivery Of this message. You shall lie with her to night. I'll perfect my assurance; so you'll please Obey what I enjoin. When you approach The Sphere, where your bright Phoebe rules, do not Occasion so much noise, as shall express You living. You must not speak to her, nor By your gestures, invite her speech. All this Perform, lest you should wake the Queen. And (Sir) as you are merciful to Ladies (Ripe in growth) do not breathe too loud, lest we Ith' neighbouring room, overhear the harmony, And sin in wishes. But you young soldiers are so boisterous, You'll think anon, you're battering some Town-wall. Follow, Sir, I'll direct you to the place, Where, when the dark hour arrives, you must Address your visit. Trust my obedience, and my skill, Sir. Alas, who is't, that so provokes the tongue Of pity! Hah! Captain Grimold ! how come you thus Imprisoned in a Chair? have you the Gout? What name then do you give to your disease! How? Heaven secure the State! I hope we are Not guilty of a sin so horrible, To deny a Soldier fit materials For conservation of his life. Alas the day! Could you on this wide Earth, find no object For your fury, but brave Grimold? Or is't Because you saw, it was my chief virtue To affect a Soldier? I hope you do not utterly despair of life? Since you are marked for sudden death, cold death That silenceth all tongues: and since this place Is so secure from neighbouring ears, I will Disclose, what until now my modesty Enforced me to conceal. Know, Sir, that I have loved you long; loved you With soft and tender passion. But if you will permit, I may express A little vanity in love, I can Inform you, Sir, how much we Ladies prize Age before Youth in Lovers. Old men are Discreet sinners, and offend with silence. But young men, when the game is done, do crow Like pregnant Cocks: boast to the world their strength In folly. Beside (Sir) and authentic Lady says in her Problems thus: The Young and slender Grafted is easily broke, But who can shake, or bruise the aged Oak? Oh, I should grow more found; preserve you long Alive with zealous Orisons! Bless us! me thinks, Sir, you begin to use Your legs with active strength. Unhand me, Sir, for I shall forfeit all My fame else. They'll think, I am immodest— Alas, deer Captain, what bodily hope Can a young Lady have of your performance, That fallen so soon in a relapse? Take leisure in your motion, Sir. Me thinks you stand upright too. I shall be fainted for this miracle. Fie, Sir! Your tongue is blistered Your meaning, Sir? Or Like the brazen head, when 'twas about To speak— He takes the King aside. Away Captain! be gone while you are yet Mortal. I have much power with Hermegild, And will upon your patient sufferance Redeem my credit with your thoughts. Quick then, Move with silence. Shall I belie my own silence? Sir, you'll forget my merit in this danger? Thus kneeling, I confess with penitence, IT was I revealed it to the King. I saw the King reach to Valdaura's hand A poisonous viol; and with religious hints, Taught her to mix it in her husbands draught. IT was that night when he enjoyed her person— As you enjoyed the Queen. My Lord, you'll not forget your kind promise Of matrimony. My Lord, I have lost my honour in your service, You may choose one that shall affect you worse. If you should prove false— We Court Ladies grow so squeamish after We have tasted Man. Your Majesty may Much profit her behaviour, if you A while divide her from her Lord. Oh cruel stars! —