+Queen.+ But how, in th' heat of war, your thoughts should be So apt for Love's impression?
+Cle.+ Love will dance As nimbly to the trumpet, fife, or drum, As to those many violins which play So loud at court. Moreover, it concern'd My safety; I so straitly was besieg'd, And by so strong a Cæsar.
+Queen.+ O my lord! I am informed with how fierce a spirit You do assault our ladies.
+San.+ Pray, your mercy! And if your majesty will please to banish The art of making love quite from the court, I'll not be out of fashion.
+Queen.+ For your sake I will contrive it so: and, good my lord, Will you begin th' example, you will see How soon the fine young lords will follow you.-- Your pardon, sir; had I but seen your highness, I had not lost so much of language from A most expressive gratitude.
+Asc.+ Madam, you pay a trivial debt with too great interest; For how contemn'd a slightness was my life Until employ'd to serve you?
+Flo.+ She glanced this way, And love's artillery played from her eye. Unhappy bankrupt, what a kingdom have I forfeited! So often in a calm Some vessel, rich in freight and proud in sail, Doth spring a sudden leak, and sinks for ever.
+Asc.+ But, madam, is there hope your heart can yield To an exchange in love? My title's good, Florentio having given up his claim.
+Queen.+ But, sir, th' estate is still my own; nor have I need to sell it. But Decastro's here; And if your majesty will deign your presence Unto the parley, 'twill advance the honour And purpose of our meeting.
+Queen.+ My lord, you see how near the safety of Our subjects toucheth us: we can stoop thus Beneath our majesty, and enter parley Even with a rebel.
+Dec.+ Madam, 'tis in vain To hold dispute 'gainst what you will condemn; And it were insolence to boast my power Or speak my right, now when the hearts of all men Confirm the justice of my taking arms. Cast but your eye on this vast body, which The kingdom doth unite in my defence, And see how ruinous is your error, that Must lean to foreign succours.
+Queen.+ 'Tis a refuge Your practice forc'd me to.
+Dec.+ But would your highness Had lent a gentler ear to the safe counsel Of him who had no crime but too much love!
+Flo.+ My lord, that word fell rudely from your tongue, And, I may say, unmannerly: 'tis duty You owe the queen.