CLER. I would we were a little nearer 'em, We might but hear what talk these wenches have, When they are alone; I warrant, some good stuff. PHIL. 'Tis happiness enough for me to see The motion of her lips. CLER. I' faith, is't thereabouts? Why, Philocles! what, lost already, man! Struck dead with one poor glance! Look up, for shame, And tell me how thou lik'st my judgment now-- Now thou dost see? PHIL. Ah, Clerimont! too well; Too well I see what I shall never taste, Yon lady's beauty: she must needs be cruel (Though her fair shape deny it) to the son Of him that is her father's enemy. That, Clerimont, that fatal difference Checks my desire, and sinks my rising hopes; But love's a torrent violent, if stopp'd, And I am desperately mad: I must-- I must be hers, or else I must not be. CLER. Contain that passion, that will else o'er-whelm All virtue in you, all that is call'd man, And should be yours; take my advice, my heart, My life, to second you: let us consult; You may find time to speak to her and woo her. PHIL. Nay, nay, I will, in spite of destiny. Let women and faint-hearted fools complain In languishing despair; a manly love Dares show itself, and press to his desires Through thickest troops of horrid[423] opposites. Were there a thousand waking dragons set To keep that golden fruit, I would attempt To pluck and taste it; 'tis the danger crowns A brave achievement! What if I should go And boldly woo her in her father's house In spite of enmity, what could they say? CLER. 'Twere madness that, not wisdom: rash attempts Betray the means, but never work the end. PHIL. She would not hate a man for loving her; Or if she did, better be once denied Than live for ever hapless. CLER. But take time; The second thoughts, our wise men say, are best. PHIL. Delay's a double death; no, I have thought A means that straight I'll put in execution: I'll write a letter to her presently, Take how it will. CLER. A letter! who shall carry it? PHIL. I'll tell thee when I have done: hast thou pen and ink in thy chamber? CLER. Yes, there is one upon the table. I'll stay here at the window, and watch whether she stay or not. What a sudden change is this! LEU. Did not Count Virro promise to be here To-day at dinner? PSEC. Yes, madam, that he did; and I dare swear He will not break. LEU. He needs not, he is rich enough; unless he should break in knavery, as some of our merchants do nowadays. PSEC. Break promise, madam, I mean; and that he will not for your sake: you know his business. LEU. I would I did not: he might spare his pains, And that unusual cost that he bestows In pranking up himself, and please me better.