On,[279] then; whatsoever I devise, Let me entreat you, grace my practices: For why the plot's already in mine head. Here they are-- _Enter_ BALTHAZAR _and_ LORENZO. BALTHAZAR. How now, Hieronimo? what, courting Bell'-Imperia? HIERONIMO. Ay, my lord, such courting as, I promise you, She hath my heart; but you, my lord, have hers. LORENZO. But now, Hieronimo, or never we are to entreat your help. HIERONIMO. My help? why, my good lords, assure yourselves of me; For you have given me cause: ay, by my faith[280] have you. BALTHAZAR. It pleas'd you at th' entertainment of th' ambassador, To grace the king so much as with a show: Now, were your study so well-furnished, As for the passing of the first night's sport, To entertain my father with the like, Or any suchlike pleasing motion, Assure yourself it would content them well. HIERONIMO. Is this all? LORENZO. Ay, this is all. HIERONIMO. Why then, I'll fit you; say no more: When I was young,[281] I gave my mind, And plied myself to fruitless poetry; Which though it profit the professor nought, Yet is it[282] passing pleasing to the world. LORENZO. And how for that? HIERONIMO. Marry, my good lord, thus: And yet, methinks, you are too quick with us. When in Toledo, there I studied, It was my chance to write a tragedy, See here, my lords, [_Shows them a book._ Which (long forgot) I found this other day: Now would your lordships favour me so much As but to grace me with your acting it, I mean, each one of you to play a part, Assure you it will prove most passing strange, And wondrous pleasurable[283] to that assembly. BALTHAZAR. What, would you have us play a tragedy? HIERONIMO. Why, Nero thought it no disparagement, And kings and emperors have ta'en delight, To make experience of their wits in plays. LORENZO. Nay, be not angry, good Hieronimo; The prince but asked a question. BALTHAZAR. In faith, Hieronimo, and you be In earnest, I'll make one. LORENZO. And I another. HIERONIMO. Now, my good lord, could you entreat Your sister Bell'-Imperia to make one, For what's a play without a woman in't? BELL'-IMPERIA. Little entreaty shall serve me, Hieronimo; For I must needs be employed in your play.