COMEDY. And I'll defend them, maugre all thy spite. So, ugly fiend, farewell, till time shall serve, That we may meet to parley for the best.
ENVY. Content, Comedy; I'll go spread my branch And scattered blossoms from mine envious tree, Shall prove two monsters, spoiling of their joys. [_Exit.
[_Sound.] Enter_ MUCEDORUS _and_ ANSELMO, _his friend_.
MUCEDORUS. True, my Anselmo, both thy lord and friend, Whose dear affections bosom with my heart, And keep their domination in one orb.
ANSELMO. Whence ne'er disloyalty shall root it forth, But faith plant firmer in your choice respect.
MUCEDORUS. Much blame were mine, if I should other deem, Nor can coy Fortune contrary allow. But, my Anselmo, loth I am to say, I must estrange that friendship. Misconstrue not; 'tis from the realm, not thee: Though lands part bodies, hearts keep company. Thou know'st that I imparted often have Private relations with my royal sire, Had as concerning beauteous Amadine, Rich Arragon's blight jewel, whose face (some say) That blooming lilies never shone so gay, Excelling, not excell'd: yet, lest report Does mangle verity, boasting of what is not, Wing'd with desire, thither I'll straight repair, And be my fortunes, as my thoughts are, fair!
ANSELMO. Will you forsake Valencia, leave the court, Absent you from the eye of sovereignty? Do not, sweet prince, adventure on that task, Since danger lurks each where; be won from it.
MUCEDORUS. Desist dissuasion, My resolution brooks no battery, Therefore, if thou retain thy wonted form, Assist what I intend.
ANSELMO. Your miss will breed a blemish in the court, And throw a frosty dew upon that beard, Whose front Valencia stoops to.
MUCEDORUS. If thou my welfare tender, then no more; Let love's strong magic charm thy trivial phrase, Wasted as vainly as to gripe the sun. Augment not then more answers; lock thy lips, Unless thy wisdom suit me with disguise, According to my purpose.
ANSELMO. That action craves no counsel, Since what you rightly are, will more command, Than best usurped shape.
MUCEDORUS. Thou still art opposite in disposition; A more obscure servile habiliment Beseems this enterprise.
ANSELMO. Then like a Florentine or mountebank!
MUCEDORUS. 'Tis much too tedious; I dislike thy judgment, My mind is grafted on an humbler stock.