+Queen.+ But promises of princes must not be By after-arts evaded. Who dares punish The breach of oath in subjects, and yet slight The faith he hath made them keep? +Asc.+ But my Florentio Hath given me back his interest. +Queen.+ That gift Was like a vow extorted, which religion Cancels, as forc'd from conscience. +Asc.+ But yourself Are free, and never by an oath made his. +Queen.+ My resolution, grounded on his service, Ties more than formal contracts. +Asc.+ I'll not urge You farther, but by these, which never yet Found passage through my eyes, not he nor all Mankind, contracted to one heart, can harbour A love that equals that I burn with. Madam, Think on't; and let your thoughts find out that path Which leads to mercy. [_Exit +Ascanio+._ +Queen.+ How I am dazzled, Plac'd on a precipice by tyrant Love! The king is noble, and his merits claim A retribution great as I can make. He loves me, and yields only to Florentio, In the priority of service. My sad soul! _Enter +Florentio+, looks on the +Queen+, sighs, and goes in again._ Between these two I might stand distracted! But, virtue, guide me: nor can I e'er stray While that directs, and honour leads the way. [_Exeunt._ FOOTNOTES: [285] [Old copy, _in_.] ACT V., SCENE I. _Enter +Decastro+ and his Army._ +Dec.+ My fortune yet forsakes me not. There's something Whispers my soul that, though a storm did cloud My morning, I shall set the envy of My yet prevailing enemy. Had you, My fellow-soldiers, not been three hours' march From aiding us when the Castilian army Made the assault, we had given their fate a check, And taught them how unsafe it is to court Dangers abroad. I must entreat your courage To suffer for some moments; a short time Will bring us the queen's answer; if she yield (As reason may persuade her), we shall spare Much loss of blood; if not, your valour will Have liberty to show itself. Yet still Remember, that the city's forc'd t' obey A stranger; in their votes they fight for us. Did no man see the Lord Ossuna since Our fight i' th' morning? +Capt.+ He appear'd not, since We left the city to the enemy; Which hath bred jealousy, my lord, that he Chang'd with the present fortune. +Dec.+ Doubt him not: He hath a heart devoted to the greatness And safety of his country. Well, he may Be lost i' th' number of the slain; but fate Cannot enforce him stoop beneath the vow Of rescuing Arragon from foreign arms. _Enter two common +Soldiers+ haling +Ossuna+ in as a hermit._ What insolence is this? Unhand the man! Methinks his habit should beget respect.