MAR. Nay, madam, by your leave, Pride gives a lustre to a woman's fair,[213] Things that are highest priz'd are ever dear. Why is the diamond the sapphire's king, But for esteem and rareness? both which spring From the stone's pride, which is so chaste and hard, Nothing can pierce it, itself is itself's guard. Now what is pride? self-love, our own esteem, A strength to make us of ourselves well deem: From whence this maxim I collect 'mongst other, Who hates herself can never love another. And, to conclude, man's appetite grows dull To what it may have: empty hope's a fool.[214] So[215] all our sex on earth, maid, widow, wife, and bride, They happy live, when they live with chaste pride.
CYP. [_Aside._] My queen will speak as much for lust, as she For pride, if the toy take her.
MECH. Your ladyship sows dangerous seed abroad.
MAR. But I hope, my lord, all grounds are not fruitful.
QUEEN. Well, wench, shalt be the proud woman's champion.
MAR. And I'll defend them against all men, as at single tongue.
MECH. I had rather fight with a giant than you at that weapon.
CYP. [_To_ EPIRE.] My lord, go forth, return in your own shape, Say I am coming.
CYP. [_Aside._] I'll note their countenance when they hear of me: Kings often see that which they would not see.
QUEEN. Dancing hath made me weary. What sport is next?
CYP. [_Aside._] She will command you, sir, to play with her.
EPIRE. Madam, his majesty is return'd to court.
QUEEN. Nay, then, away with revels and with sports; Lie hush'd and still this vainer idleness, It now hath lost his spleen; come, lords, away, My sun is risen brings a brighter day.
CYP. Darkness is thy delight, lascivious queen, And thou wouldst have thy sun pent-up in clouds, If I be he. O falseness, did I for this In single opposition, hand to hand, Hazard my royal blood for thee to be My greatest shame, the scandal of my blood, Whilst rumour crowns me king of infamy? But I will be reveng'd. Watch, gentle lord When next I see them, they shall taste of death, Such power hath baseness over great defame, That monarchs cannot cover their own shame.
EPIRE. My plot yet holds a true proportion, And I do see an even way to rule. A crown, like a bold champion, bids me on, And fame shall chronicle mine enterprise: The queen being dead, I must oppose myself Against her tyrant husband--that's my claim,-- And with strong courage stand the shock of war: If of myself I can withstand the king, Then all the land will flock unto mine aid; if not, The king is God's anointed, my head fits the block, And that's the worst: yet future times will tell, I sunk not slightly; for a crown I fell. [_Exit_ EPIRE.