+Asc.+ How justly had I perish'd by thy sword! How happy for my safety! Then had I Been lost in my disguise, or died, my crime Unknown unto the world. Now, if I live, I must wade through a sea of injuries, T' attain an unsafe haven. _Enter the +Queen+._ +Flo.+ Cheer yourself, Dread sir. Though, as I give the legacy, I breathe my last, yet will I show a heart Thankful to your great favours. Madam, here Behold the Sovereign of Castile. +Queen.+ You have Been cruel in your kindness, sir, to keep So long your sacred person hid from us. +Flo.+ He is your lover, madam, and deserves The title: whether you observe his youth, So beauteous nature doats upon her work, Or weigh his greatness, powerful to defend you Should fate and all mankind conspire your ruin. And add to that, he merits you, his sword Having restored your freedom, when poor I Was judg'd, like some old instrument of war, Unfit for service. All my interest I here resign to th' author of my fate; My love I cannot, which must still remain Companion to my life: but I'll take heed My wound appear not, though it inward bleed. [_Exit._ +Asc.+ I wait here, madam, and attend your sentence; For 'tis my doom. +Queen.+ I am that sad wretch, Stands trembling at the bar. I know your merit, And know a gratitude, great as e'er was owing, By an injured soul relieved: I duly weigh That double tie, which doth oblige me yours. First, when you sent your soldiers to my rescue; Then, by exposing your most sacred person To th' dangers of a war. +Asc.+ A trivial nothing. +Queen.+ What honour can come equal to my state, As by so high a match? And 'gainst your person The envious cannot find a quarrel. +Asc.+ Madam, All this is circumstance the politic Busy their fancy with. I bring a love, An humble love, which is of value to Ennoble the parch'd labourer, and force An empress listen to his vows. Consider In me nothing of fortune; only look On that to which love new-created me. If once receiv'd your servant, what's Castile In the comparison? For princes are Too bold, if they bring wealth and victory To enter competition with those treasures A lover aims at in his mistress' favour. May I not hope your smile? +Queen.+ You must command it. +Asc.+ Then give me leave to whisper to my hopes What strange felicities I shall enjoy. +Queen.+ But, sir, consider how you gave away To your Florentio all that claim you might Have to me, as so great a neighbouring prince. +Asc.+ It was a gift my ignorance made, which I Was cosen'd in; for had my eye been honour'd With sight of such a beauty, safer he Might have petition'd for my sceptre, and The grant had not so soon begot repentance.