Act 3 — [Scene III.][4188]

Amy. Cousin of Argos, what the heavens have pleas’d, In their unchanging counsels to conclude For both our kingdoms’ weal, we must submit to: Nor can we be unthankful to their bounties, Who, when we were even creeping to our grave,5 Sent us a daughter, in whose birth our hope Continues of succession. As you are In title next, being grandchild to our aunt, So we in heart desire you may sit nearest Calantha’s love; since we have ever vow’d10 Not to enforce affection by our will, But by her own choice to confirm it gladly. Near. You speak the nature of a right just father. I come not hither roughly to demand My cousin’s thraldom, but to free mine own.15 Report of great Calantha’s beauty, virtue, Sweetness, and singular perfections, courted All ears to credit what I find was publish’d By constant truth; from which, if any service Of my desert can purchase fair construction,20 This lady must command it. Cal. Princely sir, So well you know how to profess observance,[4189] That you instruct your hearers to become Practitioners in duty; of which number I’ll study to be chief. Near. Chief, glorious virgin,25 In my devotions, as in all men’s wonder. Amy. Excellent cousin, we deny no liberty; Use thine own opportunities.—Armostes, We must consult with the philosophers; The business is of weight. Arm. Sir, at your pleasure.30 Amy. You told me, Crotolon, your son’s return’d From Athens: wherefore comes he not to court As we commanded? Crot. He shall soon attend Your royal will, great sir. Amy. The marriage Between young Prophilus and Euphranea35 Tastes of too much delay. Crot. My lord,— Amy. Some pleasures At celebration of it would give life To th’ entertainment of the prince our kinsman; Our court wears gravity more than we relish. Arm. Yet the heavens smile on all your high attempts,40 Without a cloud. Crot. So may the gods protect us. Cal. A prince a subject? Near. Yes, to beauty’s sceptre; As all hearts kneel, so mine. Cal. You are too courtly.

Ith. Your safe return to Sparta is most welcome: I joy to meet you here, and, as occasion45 Shall grant us privacy, will yield you reasons Why I should covet to deserve the title Of your respected friend; for, without compliment, Believe it, Orgilus, ’tis my ambition. Org. Your lordship may command me, your poor servant.50 Ith. [Aside.] So amourously close!—so soon!—my heart! Pro. What sudden change is next? Ith. Life to the king! To whom I here present this noble gentleman, New come from Athens: royal sir, vouchsafe Your gracious hand in favour of his merit. [The King gives Orgilus his hand to kiss.]55 Crot. [Aside.] My son preferr’d by Ithocles! Amy. Our bounties Shall open to thee, Orgilus; for instance,— Hark in thine ear,—if, out of those inventions Which flow in Athens, thou hast there engrost[4190] Some rarity of wit, to grace the nuptials60 Of thy fair sister, and renown our court In th’ eyes of this young prince, we shall be debtor To thy conceit: think on ’t. Org. Your highness honours me. Near. My tongue and heart are twins. Cal. A noble birth, Becoming such a father.—Worthy Orgilus,65 You are a guest most wish’d for. Org. May my duty Still rise in your opinion, sacred princess! Ith. Euphranea’s brother, sir; a gentleman Well worthy of your knowledge. Near. We embrace him, Proud of so dear acquaintance. Amy. All prepare70 For revels and disport; the joys of Hymen, Like Phoebus in his lustre, put to flight All mists of dulness, crown the hours with gladness: No sounds but music, no discourse but mirth! Cal. Thine arm, I prithee, Ithocles.—Nay, good75 My lord, keep on your way; I am provided. Near. I dare not disobey. Ith. Most heavenly lady! Exeunt.