THYR. Sir, I have heard that by your piety My infant life was sav'd: now by the goodness, Deriv'd from you unto your son, I have Not only found my life, but my content. The sum of all my hopes--this lady here, Without whose love my life had been a torment. SYL. And I the happiest maid that ever was, Conducted by the power of simple love, Have found, in place of him I thought a shepherd, A princely lover. EUB. Rise, Calligone: The gods are just, I see, that, favouring My innocence, have brought this match about. But say, Cleander, what fate guided thee To this discovery? CLE. Sir, should I tell you How many ways I cast to save my sister After the fatal message which I brought, I should be tedious, and keep you from What you do long to hear: in short, I soon Resolv'd to make away this royal shepherd: And knowing that, in this affair, to keep it Secret, despatch was needful, I commanded A servant, of whose faith and courage I Was well-assur'd, to kill him in my presence. EUB. 'Tis strange thou shouldst be present at a murder. CLE. 'Twas a necessity was laid upon me, Because I would be sure to see him dead. I bade him choose his death; when manfully He said he car'd not how, so he might die. I knew to strangle him was the readiest way, Which death himself was ready to embrace: This his so noble resolution Did startle me from mine; my servants' hands Trembled for fear, Presaging what a sin they were to act: He bade him be assur'd he would not start. And often call'd him to despatch him quickly. SYL. What man could have a heart for such a deed, And see his face? CLE. The prince, before he came To put the fatal twist about his neck, Besought me, as I ever hop'd for peace, I should preserve the princess; this I promis'd, And whatsoever else he would desire. He answered, nothing now, but hasty death; Then stripping off his doublet, I espied With a quick eye this golden circle here, When hastily I bid my servant hold, And let him go. He ask'd me why I stay'd; I told him that about his neck was sacred. He would have rent it off, but I forbad it. EUB. What did you then?