Indeed, as ye say, I have been absent a long space: But is not my cousin Cutpurse with you in the meantime? To it, to it, cousin; and do your office fine. How like you Sisamnes for using of me? He play’d with both hands, but he sped ill favouredly. The king himself was godly uptrained; He professed virtue, but I think it was feigned: He plays with both hands good deeds and ill; But it was no good deed Praxaspes’ son for to kill: As he for the good deed on the judge was commended, For all his deeds else he is reprehended. The most evil-disposed person that ever was; All the state of his life he would not let pass. Some good deeds he will do, though they be but few: The like things this tyrant Cambyses doth show. No goodness from him to none is exhibited; But still maledictions abroad is distributed. And yet ye shall see in the rest of his race, What infamy he will work against his own grace. Whist, no more words: here comes the king’s brother. _Enter_ LORD SMIRDIS, _with_ ATTENDANCE _and_ DILIGENCE. SMIRDIS. The king’s brother by birth am I, Issued from Cyrus’ loins: A grief to me it is to hear Of this the king’s repines. I like not well of those his deeds, That he doth still frequent; I wish to God, that other ways His mind he could content: Young I am, and next to him, No mo of us there be; I would be glad a quiet realm In this his reign to see. ATTENDANCE. My lord, your good and willing heart The gods will recompense, In that your mind so pensive is For those his great offence. My lord, his grace shall have a time To pair and to amend: Happy is he that can escape, And not his grace offend. DILIGENCE. If that wicked vice he could refrain, From wasting wine forbear, A moderate life he would frequent, Amending this his square. AMBIDEXTER. My lord, and if your honour it shall please, I can inform you what is best for your ease; Let him alone, of his deeds do not talk, Then by his side ye may quietly walk; After his death you shall be king, Then may you reform each kind of thing. In the meantime live quietly, do not with him deal; So shall it redound much to your weal. SMIRDIS. Thou say’st true, my friend, that is the best: I know not whether he love me, or do me detest. ATTENDANCE. Learn from his company all that you may; I faithful Attendance will your honour obey. If against your honour he take any ire, His grace is as like to kindle his fire, To your honour’s destruction as otherwise. DILIGENCE. Therefore, my lord, take good advice, And I Diligence your case will so tender, That to his grace your honour shall be none offender. SMIRDIS.