Earl Ethenwald, welcome: I thought to send for you. You must go do a message for us now: 'Tis nothing but to woo a wench, which you Can do. You must not woo her for yourself, But me. Tell her, I sit and pine like Tantalus; And, if you can, strain forth a tear for me. Tell her she shall be honoured in my love, And bear a child that one day may be king. Bid her not stand on terms, but send me word, Whether she be resolved to love me, yea or no. If she say no, tell her I can enforce her love: Or 'tis no matter, though you leave that out, And tell her this--we hear she is as wise, As eloquent and full of oratory, As Thaly[293] was, daughter of Jupiter, Whose speeches was so pleasing 'mong the Greeks, That she was term'd a second Socrates. For some report, women love to be praised; Then in my cause, I pray thee, love thou Alfrida. ETHENWALD. My gracious lord, and Ethenwald shall not fail To show his humble duty to your majesty. I will, my lord, woo her in your behalf, plead love For you, and strain a sigh to show your passions: I will say she is fairer than the dolphin's eye, At whom amaz'd the night-stars stand and gaze. Then will I praise her chin and cheek, and pretty hand, Long, made like Venus when she us'd the harp, When Mars was revelling in Jove's high house. Besides, my lord, I will say she hath a pace Much like to Juno in Ida[294] vale, When Argus watch'd the heifer on the mount. These words, my lord, will make her love, I am sure; If these will not, my lord, I have better far. KING. Nay, this is well: now, Ethenwald, be gone, For I shall long to hear of thy return. ETHENWALD. My gracious lord, I humbly take my leave. [_Exit_. KING. Ethenwald, farewell. Dunstan, how likest thou this? What, have I done well in sending Ethenwald? But in good time, how if he like the maid; Believe me, Dunstan, then my game is marr'd. DUNSTAN. I do not think, my gracious lord, My nephew Ethenwald bears that bad mind, For hitherto he hath been termed just, And clept[295] your grace his gracious favourer. KING. True, Dunstan; yet have I read that love Hath made the son deceive the father oft. But, Dunstan, leaving this, come, let's to court. DUNSTAN. I will attend upon your majesty. [_Exeunt_. _Enter_ BAILIFF _of Hexham, and his four sons; to wit, a_ COURTIER, _a_ PRIEST, _a_ CONEYCATCHER, _and a_ FARMER.