Act 3 — [Scene IV.][4191]

Crot. The king hath spoke his mind. Org. His will he hath; But were it lawful to hold plea against The power of greatness, not the reason, haply Such undershrubs as subjects sometimes might Borrow of nature justice, to inform5 That license sovereignty holds without check Over a meek obedience. Crot. How resolve you Touching your sister’s marriage? Prophilus Is a deserving and a hopeful youth. Org. I envy not his merit, but applaud it;10 Could wish him thrift[4192] in all his best desires, And with a willingness inleague our blood With his, for purchase of full growth in friendship. He never touch’d on any wrong that malic’d The honour of our house nor stirr’d our peace: Yet, with your favour, let me not forget16 Under whose wing he gathers warmth and comfort, Whose creature he is bound, made, and must live so. Crot. Son, son, I find in thee a harsh condition;[4193] No courtesy can win it; ’tis too rancorous.20 Org. Good sir, be not severe in your construction; I am no stranger to such easy calms As sit in tender bosoms: lordly Ithocles Hath grac’d my entertainment in abundance, Too humbly hath descended from that height25 Of arrogance and spleen which wrought the rape On griev’d Penthea’s purity; his scorn Of my untoward fortunes is reclaim’d Unto a courtship, almost to a fawning:— I’ll kiss his foot, since you will have it so.30 Crot. Since I will have it so! Friend, I will have it so, Without our ruin by your politic plots, Or wolf of hatred snarling in your breast. You have a spirit, sir, have ye? A familiar That posts i’ th’ air for your intelligence?35 Some such hobgoblin hurried you from Athens, For yet you come unsent for. Org. If unwelcome, I might have found a grave there. Crot. Sure, your business Was soon dispatch’d, or your mind alter’d quickly. Org. ’T was care, sir, of my health cut short my journey;40 For there a general infection Threatens a desolation. Crot. And I fear Thou hast brought back a worse infection with thee,— Infection of thy mind; which, as thou say’st, Threatens the desolation of our family.45 Org. Forbid it, our dear genius! I will rather Be made a sacrifice on Thrasus’ monument, Or kneel to Ithocles, his son, in dust, Than woo a father’s curse. My sister’s marriage With Prophilus is from my heart confirm’d;50 May I live hated, may I die despis’d, If I omit to further it in all That can concern me! Crot. I have been too rough. My duty to my king made me so earnest; Excuse it, Orgilus. Org. Dear sir!— Crot. Here comes55 Euphranea with Prophilus and Ithocles.

Org. Most honoured!—ever famous! Ith. Your true friend; On earth not any truer.—With smooth eyes Look on this worthy couple; your consent Can only make them one. Org. They have it.—Sister,60 Thou pawn’dst to me an oath, of which engagement I never will release thee, if thou aim’st At any other choice than this. Euph. Dear brother, At him, or none. Crot. To which my blessing ’s added. Org. Which, till a greater ceremony perfect,—65 Euphranea, lend thy hand,—here, take her, Prophilus; Live long a happy man and wife; and further, That these in presence may conclude an omen, Thus for a bridal song I close my wishes: [Sings.] Comforts lasting, loves increasing,70 Like soft hours never ceasing; Plenty’s pleasure, peace complying, Without jars, or tongues envying; Hearts by holy union wedded, More than theirs by custom bedded;75 Fruitful issues; life so graced, Not by age to be defaced, Budding, as the year ensu’th, Every spring another youth: All what thought can add beside80 Crown this bridegroom and this bride! Pro. You have seal’d joy close to my soul.—Euphranea, Now I may call thee mine. Ith. I but exchange One good friend for another. Org. If these gallants Will please to grace a poor invention85 By joining with me in some slight device, I’ll venture on a strain my younger days Have studied for delight. Hem. With thankful willingness I offer my attendance. Gro. No endeavour Of mine shall fail to show itself. Ith. We will90 All join to wait on thy directions, Orgilus. Org. O, my good lord, your favours flow towards A too unworthy worm;—but as you please; I am what you will shape me. Ith. A fast friend. Crot. I thank thee, son, for this acknowledgment;95 It is a sight of gladness. Org. But my duty. Exeunt.