_Count. of A._ It was of duty, prince, that I have done; And what in favour may content me most, Is, that it please your grace to give me leave For to return unto my country-home.
_K. of Scots._ But, lovely Ida, is your mind the same?
_Ida._ I count of court, my lord, as wise men do, 'Tis fit for those that know what 'longs thereto: Each person to his place; the wise to art, The cobbler to his clout, the swain to cart.
_K. of Scots._ But, Ida, you are fair, and beauty shines, And seemeth best, where pomp her pride refines.
_Ida._ If beauty, as I know there's none in me, Were sworn my love, and I his life should be, The farther from the court I were remov'd, The more, I think, of heaven I were belov'd.
_Ida._ Because the court is counted Venus' net, Where gifts and vows for stales[250] are often set: None, be she chaste as Vesta, but shall meet A curious tongue to charm her ears with sweet.
_K. of Scots._ Why, Ida, then I see you set at naught The force of love.
_Ida._ In sooth, this is my thought, Most gracious king,--that they that little prove, Are mickle blest, from bitter sweets of love. And weel I wot, I heard a shepherd sing, That, like a bee, love hath a little sting: He lurks in flowers, he percheth on the trees, He on kings' pillows bends his pretty knees; The boy is blind, but when he will not spy, He hath a leaden foot and wings to fly: Beshrew me yet, for all these strange effects, If I would like the lad that so infects.
_K. of Scots._ [_aside_]. Rare wit, fair face, what heart could more desire? But Doll is fair and doth concern thee near: Let Doll be fair, she is won; but I must woo And win fair Ida; there's some choice in two.-- But, Ida, thou art coy.
_K. of Scots._ In that you will dispraise so sweet a thing As love. Had I my wish--
_K. of Scots._ Then would I place His arrow here, his beauty in that face.
_Ida._ And were Apollo mov'd and rul'd by me, His wisdom should be yours, and mine his tree.
_K. of Scots._ But here returns our train.
Welcome, fair Doll! How fares our father? is he shipp'd and gone?
_Q. Dor._ My royal father is both shipp'd and gone: God and fair winds direct him to his home!
_K. of Scots._ Amen, say I.--[_Aside_]. Would thou wert with him too! Then might I have a fitter time to woo.-- But, countess, you would be gone, therefore, farewell,-- Yet, Ida, if thou wilt, stay thou behind To accompany my queen: But if thou like the pleasures of the court,-- [_Aside_]. Or if she lik'd me, though she left the court,-- What should I say? I know not what to say.-- You may depart:--and you, my courteous queen, Leave me a space; I have a weighty cause To think upon:--[_Aside_]. Ida, it nips me near; It came from thence, I feel it burning here. [_Exeunt all except the_ KING OF SCOTS _and_ ATEUKIN. Now am I free from sight of common eye, Where to myself I may disclose the grief That hath too great a part in mine affects.