ERASTUS. The least of these surpass my best desert, Unless true loyalty may seem desert. SOLIMAN. Erastus, now thou hast obtained thy boon, Deny not Soliman this one request; A virtuous envy pricks me with desire To try thy valour: say, art thou content? ERASTUS. Ay, if my sov'reign say content, I yield. SOLIMAN. Then give us swords and targets: And now, Erastus, think thee mine enemy, But ever after thy continual friend; And spare me not, for then thou wrong'st my honour. [_Then they fight, and_ ERASTUS _overcomes_ SOLIMAN. Nay, nay, Erastus, throw not down thy weapons, As if thy force did fail; it is enough That thou hast conquer'd Soliman by strength: By courtesy let Soliman conquer thee. And now from arms to council sit thee down. Before thy coming I vow'd to conquer Rhodes: Say, wilt thou be our lieutenant there, And further us in manage of these wars? ERASTUS. My gracious sovereign, without presumption, If poor Erastus may once more entreat, Let not great Soliman's command, To whose behest I vow obedience, Enforce me sheathe my slaught'ring blade In the dear bowels of my countrymen: And, were it not that Soliman hath sworn, My tears should plead for pardon in that place. I speak not this to shrink away for fear, Or hide my head in time of dangerous storms: Employ me elsewhere in thy foreign wars; Against the Persians or the barbarous Moor, Erastus will be foremost in the battle. SOLIMAN. Why favour'st thou thy countrymen so much, By whose cruelty thou art exil'd? ERASTUS. 'Tis not my country, but Philippo's wrath (It must be told) for Ferdinando's death, Whom I in honour's cause have reft of life. SOLIMAN. Nor suffer this or that to trouble thee: Thou shalt not need Philippo nor his isle; Nor shalt thou war against thy countrymen: I like thy virtue in refusing it. But, that our oath may have his current course, Brusor, go levy men; Prepare a fleet t' assault and conquer Rhodes. Meantime Erastus and I will strive By mutual kindness to excel each other. Brusor, begone; and see not Soliman, Till thou hast brought Rhodes in subjection. [_Exit_ BRUSOR. And now, Erastus, come and follow me, Where thou shalt see what pleasures and what sports My minions and my eunuchs can devise To drive away this melancholy mood. [_Exit_ SOLIMAN.