Act 2 — [Scene III.][764]
Reading edition
[Scene III.][764]
Enter King of Spain, Portingale Ambassador, Don Cyprian, etc.
King. Brother of Castile, to the prince’s love What says your daughter Bel-imperia? Cyp. Although she coy it,[765] as becomes her kind, And yet dissemble that she loves the prince, I doubt not, I, but she will stoop in time.5 And were she froward, which she will not be, Yet herein shall she follow my advice, Which is to love him, or forgo my love. King. Then, lord Ambassador of Portingale, Advise thy king to make this marriage up,10 For strengthening of our late-confirmed league; I know no better means to make us friends. Her dowry shall be large and liberal: Besides that she is daughter and half-heir Unto our brother here, Don Cyprian,15 And shall enjoy the moiety of his land, I’ll grace her marriage with an uncle’s gift, And this it is, in case the match go forward: The tribute which you pay, shall be releas’d; And if by Balthazar she have a son,20 He shall enjoy the kingdom after us. Amb. I’ll make the motion to my sovereign liege, And work it, if my counsel may prevail. King. Do so, my lord, and if he give consent, I hope his presence here will honour us,25 In celebration of the nuptial day; And let himself determine of the time. Amb. Will’t please your grace command me aught beside? King. Commend me to the king, and so farewell. But where’s Prince Balthazar to take his leave? Amb. That is perform’d already, my good lord.31 King. Amongst the rest of what you have in charge, The prince’s ransom must not be forgot: That’s none of mine, but his that took him prisoner; And well his forwardness deserves reward.35 It was Horatio, our knight marshal’s son. Amb. Between us there’s a price already pitch’d, And shall be sent with all convenient speed. King. Then once again farewell, my lord. Amb. Farewell, my lord of Castile, and the rest. 40 Exit. King. Now, brother, you must take some little pains To win fair Bel-imperia from her will. Young virgins must be ruled by their friends. The prince is amiable, and loves her well; If she neglect him and forgo his love,45 She both will wrong her own estate and ours. Therefore, whiles I do entertain the prince With greatest pleasure that our court affords, Endeavour you to win your daughter’s thought: If she give back,[766] all this will come to naught.50 Exeunt.