A King, and No King. Beaumont Francis

he should perceive by the event of that whose King would win: something he answered, and a scuffle was like to grow, when one Zipetus offered to help him, I—

      Pan.

      All this is of thy self, I pray thee Bessus tell something of my Brother, did he nothing?

      Bes.

      Why yes, I'le tell your Grace, they were not to fight till the word given, which for my own part, by my troth I confess I was not to give.

      Pan.

      See for his own part.

      Bac.

      I fear yet this fellow's abus'd with a good report.

      Bes.

      But I—

      Pan.

      Still of himself.

      Bes.

      Cri'd give the word, when as some of them say, Tigranes was stooping, but the word was not given then, yet one Cosroes of the enemies part, held up his finger to me, which is as much with us Martialists, as I will fight with you: I said not a word, nor made sign during the combate, but that once done.

      Pan.

      He slips o're all the fight.

      Bes.

      I call'd him to me, Cosroes said I.

      Pan.

      I will hear no more.

      Bes.

      No, no, I lie.

      Bac.

      I dare be sworn thou dost.

      Bes.

      Captain said I, so it was.

      Pan.

      I tell thee, I will hear no further.

      Bes.

      No? Your Grace will wish you had.

      Pan.

      I will not wish it, what is this the Lady

      My brother writes to me to take?

      Bes.

      And please your Grace this is she: Charge, will you come near the

      Princess?

      Pan.

      You'r welcome from your Country, and this land shall shew unto you all the kindness that I can make it; what's your name?

      Spa.

      Thalectris.

      Pan.

      Y'are very welcome, you have got a letter to put you to me, that has power enough to place mine enemy here; then much more you that are so far from being so to me that you ne're saw me.

      Bes.

      Madam, I dare pass my word for her truth.

      Spa.

      My truth?

      Pan.

      Why Captain, do you think I am afraid she'l steal?

      Bes.

      I cannot tell, servants are slippery, but I dare give my word for her, and for honesty, she came along with me, and many favours she did me by the way, but by this light none but what she might do with modesty, to a man of my rank.

      Pan.

      Why Captain, here's no body thinks otherwise.

      Bes.

      Nay, if you should, your Grace may think your pleasure; but I am sure I brought her from Armenia, and in all that way, if ever I touch'd any bare of her above her knee, I pray God I may sink where I stand.

      Spa.

      Above my knee?

      Bes.

      No, you know I did not, and if any man will say, I did, this sword shall answer; Nay, I'le defend the reputation of my charge whilst I live, your Grace shall understand I am secret in these businesses, and know how to defend a Ladies honour.

      Spa.

      I hope your Grace knows him so well already, I shall not need to tell you he's vain and foolish.

      Bes.

      I you may call me what you please, but I'le defend your good name against the world; and so I take my leave of your Grace, and of you my Lord Protector; I am likewise glad to see your Lordship well.

      Bac.

      O Captain Bessus, I thank you, I would speak with you anon.

      Bes.

      When you please, I will attend your Lordship.

      Bac.

      Madam, I'le take my leave too.

      Pan.

      Good Bacurius.

      [Exeunt Bes. and Bac.

      Gob.

      Madam what writes his Majesty to you?

      Pan.

      O my Lord, the kindest words, I'le keep 'em whilst I live, here in my bosom, there's no art in 'em, they lie disordered in this paper, just as hearty nature speaks 'em.

      Gob.

      And to me he writes what tears of joy he shed to hear how you were grown in every vertues way, and yields all thanks to me, for that dear care which I was bound to have in training you, there is no Princess living that enjoys a brother of that worth.

      Pan.

      My Lord, no maid longs more for any thing,

      And feels more heat and cold within her breast,

      Than I do now, in hopes to see him.

      Gob.

      Yet I wonder much

      At this he writes, he brings along with him

      A husband for you, that same Captive Prince,

      And if he loves you as he makes a shew,

      He will allow you freedom in your choice.

      Pan.

      And so he will my Lord, I warrant you, he will but offer and give me the power to take or leave.

      Gob.

      Trust me, were I a Lady, I could not like that man were bargain'd with before I choose him.

      Pan.

      But I am not built on such wild humours, if I find him worthy, he is not less because he's offer'd.

      Spa.

      'Tis true, he is not, would he would seem less.

      Gob.

      I think there's no Lady can affect

      Another Prince, your brother standing by;

      He doth Eclipse mens vertues so with his.

      Spa.

      I know a Lady may, and more I fear

      Another Lady will.

      Pan.

      Would I might see him.

      Gob.

      Why so you shall, my businesses are great,

      I will attend you when it is his pleasure to see you.

      Pan.

      I thank you good my Lord.

      Gob.

      You will be ready Madam.

      [Exit Gob.

      Pan.

      Yes.

      Spa.

      I