CAE. So, now let the heralds give the champions sign Of ready preparations. [_Exeunt Heralds._
_The cornets sound; and enter at one end of the stage_ _a Herald, two Pages, one with pole-axes, the_ _other with hand-axes, the_ DUKE OF EPIRE _and_ ALPHONSO, _like combatants; the_ QUEEN _and_ MARIANA; PRATE, LOLLIA, COLLAQUINTIDA, _and_ PRECEDENT _aloft_.
FLO. What are you that appear, and what devoir Draws you within these lists?
EPIRE. I am the Duke of Epire, and the mine,[151] Which doth attract my spirit to run this marshal[152] course Is the fair guard of a distressed queen, would wed To hate and inequality, and brutish force; Which to withstand I boldly enter thus, And will defail,[153] or else prove recreant.
FLO. And what are you, or your intendiments?
ALPH. I am Alphonso, marshal of this realm, Who of like-temper'd thoughts and like desires Have grounded this my sanctimonious zeal, And will approve the duke's assertions, Or in this field lie slain and recreant.
FLO. Enter and prosper, as your cause deserves.
_The cornets sound; and enter at the other end of the_ _stage a Herald, two Pages with [hand-]axes and_ _pole-axes; then the_ KING OF CYPRUS _and_ PHILOCLES, _like combatants, and their array._[154]
CAE. What are you that appear, and what devoir Draws you within these lists?
CYP. I am the King of Cyprus who, led on By the divine instinct of heavenly love, Come with my sword to beg that royal maid, And to approve by gift of heaven and fate She is alone to me appropriate: Which to maintain, I challenge entrance here, Where I will live a king or recreant.
CAE. And what are you or your intendiments?
PHIL. I am less than my thoughts, more than myself, Yet nothing but the creature of my fate; By name my nature only is obscur'd, And yet the world baptiz'd me Philocles; My entrance here is proof of holy zeal, And to maintain that, no severe disdain, False shape of chastity, nor woman's will, Neglective petulance or uncertain hope, Foul-visor'd coyness, nor seducing fame, Should rob the royal temper of true love From the desired aim of his desires, Which my best blood shall witness, or this field Entomb my body, made a recreant.
CAE. Enter and prosper, as your cause deserves.