This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
Act IV., Sc. 1]
AGLAURA
113

The common key of secrets, I have found
The truth at last, and have discover'd all.
The prince, your son, was, by Aglaura's means,
Convey'd last night unto the cypress grove,
Through a close vault that opens in the lodgings.40
He does intend to join with Carimania;
But, ere he goes, resolves to finish all
The rites of love, and this night means to steal
What is behind.

King. How good is heav'n unto me,
That, when it gave me traitors for my subjects,45
Would lend me such a servant!

Zir. How just, sir, rather,
That would bestow this fortune on the poor;
And, where your bounty had made debt so infinite
That it grew desperate, their hope to pay it——

King. Enough of that! Thou dost but gently chide50
Me for a fault that I will mend; for I
Have been too poor and low in my rewards
Unto thy virtue. But to our business:
The question is, whether we shall rely
Upon our guards again?

Zir. By no means, sir.55
Hope on his future fortunes, or their love
Unto his person, has so sicklied o'er
Their resolutions, that we must not trust them.
Besides, it were but needless here:
He passes through the vault alone, and I60
Myself durst undertake that business,
If that were all; but there is something else
This accident doth prompt my zeal to serve you in.
I know you love Aglaura, sir, with passion,
And would enjoy her; I know besides65
She loves him so, that whosoe'er shall bring
The tidings of his death must carry back
The news of hers; so that your justice, sir,
Must rob your hope. But there is yet a way——

King. Here, take my heart, for I have hitherto70
Too vainly spent the treasure of my love.
I'll have it coin'd straight into friendship all,
And make a present to thee.

Zir. If any part of this rich happiness
Fortune prepares now for you, shall owe itself75
Unto my weak endeavours, I have enough.