Act 3 — [Scene I.][4380]

Val. I did not think, Celinda, when I prais’d Alvarez, to the duchess, that things thus Would come about. What does your ladyship Think of Columbo now? It staggers all The court, he should forsake his mistress; I5 Am lost with wonder yet. Cel. ’T is very strange, Without a spell; but there ’s a fate in love;— I like him ne’er the worse.

1 Lord. Nothing but marriages and triumph now! Val. What new access of joy makes you, my lord,10 So pleasant? 1 Lord. There ’s a packet come to court Makes the king merry: we are all concern’d in ’t. Columbo hath given the enemy a great And glorious defeat, and is already Preparing to march home.15 Cel. He thriv’d the better for my prayers. 2 Lord. You have been His great admirer, madam. 1 Lord. The king longs To see him. Val. This news exalts the Cardinal.

1 Lord. He ’s here! He appears with discontent; the marriage20 With Count d’Alvarez hath a bitter taste, And not worn off his palate: but let us leave him. Cel. and Val. We ’ll to the duchess. Exeunt. Car. He has not won so much upon the Arragon As he has lost at home; and his neglect25 Of what my studies had contriv’d to add More lustre to our family by the access Of the great duchess’ fortune, cools his triumph, And makes me wild.

Her. My good lord Cardinal! Car. You made complaint to th’ king about your general?30 Her. Not a complaint, my lord: I did but satisfy Some questions o’ the king’s. Car. You see he thrives Without your personal valour or advice, Most grave and learned in the wars. Her. My lord, I envy not his fortune. Car. ’T is above35 Your malice, and your noise not worth his anger; ’T is barking ’gainst the moon. Her. More temper would Become that habit. Car. The military thing would show some spleen. I ’ll blow an army of such wasps about40 The world.—Go look your sting you left i’ th’ camp, sir.

Her. The king!—This may be one day counted for. Exit. King. All things conspire, my lord, to make you fortunate. Your nephew’s glory— Car. ’T was your cause and justice Made him victorious: had he been so valiant45 At home, he had had another conquest to Invite, and bid her welcome to new wars. King. You must be reconcil’d to providence, My lord. I heard you had a controversy with50 The duchess; I will have you friends. Car. I am not angry. King. For my sake, then, You shall be pleas’d, and with me grace the marriage. A churchman must show charity, and shine With first example: she ’s a woman.55 Car. You shall prescribe in all things, sir. You cannot Accuse my love, if I still wish my nephew Had been so happy, to be constant to Your own, and my election; yet my brain Cannot reach how this comes about; I know60 My nephew lov’d her with a near affection.

King. He ’ll give you fair account at his return.— Colonel, your letters may be spar’d; the general Has finish’d, and is coming home. Exit. Her. I am glad on ’t, sir.—My good lord Cardinal,65 ’T is not impossible but some man provok’d May have a precious mind to cut your throat. Car. You shall command me, noble Colonel; I know you wo’ not fail to be at the wedding. Her. ’T is not Columbo that is married, sir. Car. Go teach the postures of the pike and musket;71 Then drill your myrmidons into a ditch, Where starve, and stink in pickle.—You shall find Me reasonable; you see the king expects me. [Exit.] Her. So does the devil.—75 Some desperate hand may help you on your journey. Exit.