This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
Act II., Sc. 2]
AGLAURA
101

Ors. For what?

Phi. For being in the company of those
That took away the prince's mistress from him.55

Ors. Peace, that will be redeem'd.
I put but on this wildness to disguise myself;—
There are brave things in hand: hark i' thy ear.

[Whispers

1 Court. Some severe plot upon a maidenhead! These
two young lords make love, as embroiderers work against a60
mask, night and day. They think importunity a nearer
way than merit, and take women as schoolboys catch
squirrels—hunt 'em up and down, till they are weary,
and fall down before 'em.

Ors. Who loves the prince fails not——

Phi. And I am one;65
My injuries are great as thine, and do
Persuade as strongly.

Ors. I had command to bring thee:
Fail not, and in thine one disguise.

Phi. Why in disguise?

Ors. It is the prince's policy and love; for, if70
We should miscarry, some one taken might
Betray the rest, unknown to one another.
Each man is safe in his own valour.

2 Court. And what mercer's wife are you to cheapen now instead of his silks?

Ors. Troth! 'tis not so well; 'tis but a cousin of thine:75
Come, Philan, let's along.[Exeunt

Scene III

Enter Queen alone

Orb. What is it thus within whispering remorse,
And calls love tyrant? all powers but his
Their rigour and our fear have made divine;
But every creature holds of him by sense—
The sweetest tenure. Yea—but my husband's brother:5
And what of that? do harmless birds or beasts
Ask leave of curious Heraldry at all?
Does not the womb of one fair spring
Bring unto the earth many sweet rivers,
That wantonly do one another chase,10
And in one bed kiss, mingle, and embrace?
Man (Nature's heir) is not by her will tied