carries herself somewhat too familiarly towards Pharamond; and it is whispered, that there is too close an intercourse between him and that lady.

Dion. Troth, perhaps there may; tho' the multitude (that seldom know any thing but their own opinions) speak what they would have. But the prince, before his own approach, received so many confident messages from the state, and bound himself by such indissoluble engagements, that I think their nuptials must go forwards, and that the princess is resolved to be ruled.

Cler. Sir, it is thought, with her he shall enjoy both these kingdoms of Sicily and Calabria.

Dion. Sir, it is, without controversy, so meant. But 'twill be a troublesome labour for him to enjoy both these kingdoms with safety, the right heir to one of them living, and living so virtuously; especially, the people admiring the bravery of his mind, and lamenting his injuries.

Cler. Who, Philaster?

Dion. Yes, whose father, we all know, was by our late king of Calabria unrighteously deposed from his fruitful Sicily. Myself drew some blood in those wars, which I would give my hand to be washed from.

Cler. Sir, my ignorance in state-policy will not let me know why, Philaster being heir to one of these kingdoms, the king should suffer him to walk abroad with such free liberty.

Dion. Sir it seems, your nature is more constant than to enquire after state-news. But the king,

of late, made a hazard of both the kingdoms of Sicily and his own, with offering but to imprison Philaster; at which the city was in arms, not to be charmed down by any state-order or proclamation, till they saw Philaster ride through the streets, pleased, and without a guard; at which they threw their hats and their arms from them, some to make bonfires, some to drink, all for his deliverance. Which, wise men say, is the cause the king labours to bring in the power of a foreign nation to awe his own with. Thra. Peace; the king.

[Flourish.

SCENE II.

Draws, and discovers the 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 endearments to our daughter, And worthy services known to our subjects, "Now lov'd and wonder'd 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;

"Think not, dear sir, these undivided parts,
"That must mould up a virgin, are put on
"To shew her so, as borrow'd ornaments,
"To speak her perfect love to you, or add
"An artificial shadow to her nature."

Last, noble son, (for so I now must call you)
What I have done thus public, 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.

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, gentlemen,
Believe me, in a word, a prince's word,
There shall be nothing to make up a kingdom
Mighty and flourishing, defenced, fear'd,
Equal to be commanded and obey'd,

But through the travels of my life I'll find it,
And tie it to this country. And I vow,
My reign shall be so easy to the subject,
That ev'ry man shall be his prince himself,
And his own law: (yet I his prince and law)
And, dearest lady, let me say, you are

The blessed'st living; for sweet princess, you
Shall make him yours for whom great queens must die.
Thra. Miraculous 1

Cler. This speech calls him Spaniard, being no

thing but

A large inventory of his own commendations.

But here comes one more worthy those large speeches, Than the large speaker of them.

Enter PHILASTER.

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.

Speak your intents, sir.

Phi. Shall I speak them freely? Be still my royal sovereign

King. As a subject, We give you freedom.

Dion. Now it heats.

Phi. Then thus I turn

My language to you, prince, you, foreign man.
Ne'er stare, nor put on wonder; for you must
Indure me, and you shall. This earth you tread on,
(A dowry, as you hope, with this fair princess)
By my dead father (oh, I had a father,
Whose memory I bow to!) was not left
To your inheritance, and I up and living,
Having myself about me, and my sword,
The souls of all my name, and memories,
These arms and some few friends, besides the gods,
To part so calmly with it, and sit still,

And say, I might have been. I tell thee, Pharamond,

C

When thou art king, look I be dead and rotten,
And my name ashes. For, hear me, Pharamond,
This very ground thou goest on, this fat earth,
My father's friends made fertile with their faiths,
Before that day of shame, shall gape, and swallow
Thee and thy nation, like a hungry grave,

Into her hidden bowels. Prince, it shall;
By Nemesis, it shall.

King. You do displease us.

You are too bold.

Phi. No, sir, I am too tame,

Too much a turtle, a thing born without passion,
A faint shadow, that every drunken cloud sails over,
And maketh nothing.

Pha. What have you seen in me to stir offence

I cannot find, unless it be this lady,

Offer'd into mine arms, with the succession,

Which I must keep, though it hath pleas'd your fury
To mutiny within you. The king grants it,
And I dare make it mine. You have your answer.
Phi. If thou wert sole inheritor to him

That made the world his, and were Pharamond

As truly valiant as I feel him cold,

And ring'd among the choicest of his friends,
And from this presence, spite of all these stops,
You should hear further from me.

King. Sir, you wrong the prince.

I gave you not this freedom to brave our best friends; You do deserve our frown. Go to; be better tem

per'd.