Act 3 — Scene I.[4169]

Tec. Be well advis’d; let not a resolution Of giddy rashness choke the breath of reason. Org. It shall not, most sage master. Tec. I am jealous;[4170] For if the borrowed shape so late put on Inferr’d a consequence, we must conclude5 Some violent design of sudden nature Hath shook that shadow off, to fly upon A new-hatch’d execution. Orgilus, Take heed thou hast not, under our integrity, Shrouded unlawful plots; our mortal eyes10 Pierce not the secrets of your heart, the gods Are only privy to them. Org. Learned Tecnicus, Such doubts are causeless; and, to clear the truth From misconceit, the present state commands me. The Prince of Argos comes himself in person15 In quest of great Calantha for his bride, Our kingdom’s heir; besides, mine only sister, Euphranea, is dispos’d to Prophilus; Lastly, the king is sending letters for me To Athens, for my quick repair to court:20 Please to accept these reasons. Tec. Just ones, Orgilus, Not to be contradicted: yet beware Of an unsure foundation; no fair colours Can fortify a building faintly jointed. I have observ’d a growth in thy aspect25 Of dangerous extent, sudden, and—look to ’t— I might add, certain— Org. My aspect! Could art Run through mine inmost thoughts, it should not sift An inclination there more than what suited With justice of mine honour. Tec. I believe it.30 But know then, Orgilus, what honour is. Honour consists not in a bare opinion By doing any act that feeds content, Brave in appearance, ’cause we think it brave; Such honour comes by accident, not nature,35 Proceeding from the vices of our passion, Which makes our reason drunk: but real honour Is the reward of virtue, and acquir’d By justice, or by valour which for basis Hath justice to uphold it. He then fails40 In honour, who for lucre [or] revenge Commits thefts, murders, treasons, and adulteries, With suchlike, by intrenching on just laws, Whose sovereignty is best preserv’d by justice. Thus, as you see how honour must be grounded On knowledge, not opinion,—for opinion46 Relies on probability and accident, But knowledge on necessity and truth,— I leave thee to the fit consideration Of what becomes the grace of real honour,50 Wishing success to all thy virtuous meanings. Org. The gods increase thy wisdom, reverend oracle, And in thy precepts make me ever thrifty![4171] Exit. Tec. I thank thy wish. Much mystery of fate Lies hid in that man’s fortunes; curiosity55 May lead his actions into rare attempts:— But let the gods be moderators still; No human power can prevent their will. Enter Armostes [with a casket]. From whence come ye? Arm. From King Amyclas,—pardon My interruption of your studies.—Here,60 In this seal’d box, he sends a treasure [to you,] Dear to him as his crown. ’A prays your gravity You would examine, ponder, sift, and bolt The pith and circumstance of every tittle The scroll within contains. Tec. What is ’t, Armostes?65 Arm. It is the health of Sparta, the king’s life, Sinews and safety of the commonwealth; The sum of what the oracle deliver’d When last he visited the prophetic temple At Delphos: what his reasons are, for which,70 After so long a silence, he requires Your counsel now, grave man, his majesty Will soon himself acquaint you with. Tec. [Takes the casket.] Apollo Inspire my intellect!—The Prince of Argos Is entertain’d? Arm. He is; and has demanded75 Our princess for his wife; which I conceive One special cause the king importunes you For resolution of the oracle. Tec. My duty to the king, good peace to Sparta, And fair day to Armostes! Arm. Like to Tecnicus!80 Exeunt.