+Dec.+ My Lord Ossuna here and I have sworn Our lives to solitude, which we'll observe Religiously: and since I cannot prove Possessor, I'll be conqueror, in love. +Asc.+ Pray stay, my lord. Behold Florentio there, He hath outdone you: he, for love of me, Hath done what you for love of heaven. All The interest he had in that bright queen He hath resign'd to me. +Dec.+ He hath paid you for your favours. +Flo.+ 'Tis confess'd: what's mine is yours. +Asc.+ Thanks, my Florentio; for with her my youth May be still happy, and my age disdain To know a weakness. From her eyes I may Draw still new vital heat, and find what fools Have studied for, th' elixir: in her arms I may be safe 'gainst all invasion from Abroad, or civil dangers nurs'd at home. +Queen.+ Your highness' pardon. I confess how high Your merits rise in my esteem; but must not, To honour your deserts, myself become Unworthy after-story, blemish'd with That scorn which still defames our sex, register'd A most inconstant woman; or, what's much More infamous, one who reserves her love To serve her profit, and exposeth it To the merchant that bids fairest. +Asc.+ Madam, spare that breath to clear The air, when poison'd by contagion. I know your settled thoughts, and that my power Or title weighs not in your love. Florentio, I will no longer rack you: though the queen Be th' only fire e'er warm'd this heart, and I Despair ever to love again, I will Disdain to be unjust. I will not be O'ercome in friendship: reassume thy right. +Flo.+ Sir, you undo me. In your injury I was less wretched: like a bankrupt now, Without all hope of payment, I must owe. +Asc.+ Th' ambition of my service, and disguise, Was to advance your fortune, madam; nor Can I attempt you farther, though the conquest Would wreathe my temples with a prouder laurel Than the addition of the world unto My sceptre. Be safe in your choice, and happy. +Queen.+ This goodness grows even to a miracle. In his behalf, sir, I must vow myself A subject, and your servant. +Asc.+ O, command; For I have nothing, madam, but obedience. My kingdom shall be proud to share with yours In danger, and I'll glory to be styled Your soldier. +Flo.+ I am lost in wonder! Sir, I know not how to entertain this blessing: I fear my joys will be my ruin. +Dec.+ Be both happy; And may time never father that black moment, Which shall appear to you less fortunate! +Asc.+ Join then your hands for ever. He doth live Mighty indeed, who hath power and will to give. [_Exeunt._ FOOTNOTES: [286] Bajazet and Tamerlane. [287] [Prize.] THE EPILOGUE AT COURT.