_Bl._ I do not urge my service Looking for recompense; I do not ask So much as that your grace remember me 580 At court, to mention my forgotten name In the new king’s ear; as, When I was in Sicily I saw old Blasco; nay, ’twas for good-will I served, and now ’tis that I want a master Which bids me speak. If but your grace could find me Employment worth my wits, I would serve well.
_Bl._ Let your grace know my life Spent in this court should make my loyalty More than a counsellor. In this rebellion I know where Hugo fails, where Manuel leans; 590 Could blow upon the flame or snuff it out, Could bring you to the leaders.
_Ph._ Honest Blasco, Thou know’st the world.
_Bl._ I know that one who comes To make peace in a quarrel that he knows not, Needs other knowledge than he is like to get From either party. The strings of policy Are coiled in private chambers; if your grace Would pull at these ...
_Ph._ True. If thou serve me thus I’ll take instruction.
_Bl._ Let your grace now prove me In any question.
_Ph._ This, then. We in Spain 600 Supposed that your revolt stood on two legs, Over-taxation and the hate of Hugo; And had its claim for justice countenanced By Manuel’s voice: but coming here, I find That he and Hugo’s daughter are betrothed. Now here’s a private matter, which, I take it, Involves the public. Say, doth Manuel play His policy on Hugo, or hath Hugo Trumped up a match with Manuel to support His failing credit?
_Bl._ They are not betrothed, your grace. What passes between lovers is unknown: 611 But this is sure, Hugo withholds consent, And doth so to win Manuel to his side.
_Bl._ Nay, indeed; it gives me pain To witness his indifference; for the lady Deserves the best.
_Ph._ Stay, count. Remember In what has passed that word may well blame me.
_Bl._ I hearken not to idle tales. Your grace May be punctilious; but in Manuel’s instance 620 There’s no excuse.
_Ph._ I care not what men say. And now it hurts me more to hear thee blame Another for the fault I stumbled in, Than if ’twas said of me. I need thy knowledge. Look, thou canst serve me; and I let none serve For nothing. Take my purse (_gives it_); thou mayst have need To spend so much for me.
_Bl._ I thank your grace. I shun no obligation, and I am poor.