PHIL. But not me, my thrice-royal sovereign; I'd rather wed a sooty blackamore, A leper, monster, incubus, or hag: A wretch deform'd in nature, loath'd of men. Than her that hath bemonster'd my pure soul. Her scorn and pride had almost lost her life; A maid so faulted seldom proves good wife. QUEEN. What is the reason you not love her now, And were so passionate in love before? PHIL. Not that I love her less, but rather more, Run I this backward course; only my vow Sith unperform'd craves satisfaction: Which thus I reconcile: when this fair maid Shall with as strong a love, as firm a zeal, A faith as constant, and a shame as strong, Requite my care, and show as ample proof In mine extremes, as I have in her death, Then will I love, enjoy, and honour her; Till when I will not think a loving thought, Or give the easy temper of my mind To lovesick passion or deliciousness; Only with those which do adore the sun, I'll give her all respect and reverence. MAR. I am well pleas'd, and with a doubtful foe You have good reason thus to capitulate: Then hang your colours forth, extend your thought. Muster your strongest powers of strictest wit; And when your reason's best artillery's bent, Love not my love, if't be not excellent. CYP. I have not seen a war breed better wit. Or passion draw on more delightfulness: Proceed in your contention, for we boast, That love is best which is approved most. But now to revels, since our tragic scene Is turn'd to comic mirthful constancy; Instead of mourning, we will dance and banquet, And fill our empty veins with all delights: For oft we find that storms and sorrows prove The best forerunners of a happy love. [_Exeunt all but_ EPIRE. EPIRE. He will, but he will not: loves, but cannot like. Will and affection in this prince are like Two buckets, which do never both ascend; Or those star-twins which shine out in one sphere. O Philocles, I see thy soul grows fat, And feeds upon the glories of thy[188] fame; But I'll forestall thine epileptic fits; And by my plots breed thy destruction. Revenge now rules as sovereign of my blood, And others' ruins shall advance my good, Which once attain'd to, I will prove ambitious, Great men, like gods, are ne'er thought vicious. Now, Philocles, stand fast; king, guard thy crown, For by this brain you both shall tumble down. [_Exit._ _Enter_ VELOURS _and_ DRAP, PRECEDENT _sitting at_ _his desk_. VEL. This is his chamber; let's enter, here's his clerk. PRE. _Fondling, said she, since I have hemm'd thee here,_ _Within the circuit of this ivory pale._[189] DRAP. I pray you, sir, help us to the speech of your master.