AUR. To be a queen, what danger would I run! I'd spend my life like to a barefoot nun, So I might sit above the lesser stars Of small nobility, but for a day. MACH. 'Tis to be done, sweet love, a nearer way: I have already with the sugar'd baits Of justice, liberality, and all The fox-like gins that subtle statesmen set To catch the hearts o' th' giddy multitude: Which, if it fail, as cautious policy Forbids, I build too strongly on their drunk, Uncertain votes. I'd have thee break with my Great prisoner's wife, as I will do with him; Promise (the states equal divided) half Himself shall rule: So that if need compel us to take arms, We may have forces from the realm of France, To seat us in the chair of government. AUR. I never shall endure to walk as equal With proud Philippa, no; my ambitious soul Boils in a thirsty flame of total glory: I must be all without a second flame To dim our lustre. MACH. Still my very soul! Think'st thou I can endure competitor, Or let an Ethiop sit by Machiavel's side As partner in his honour? no, as I Have seen i' the commonwealth of players, One that did act the Theban Creon's part: With such a life I became ravish'd, and on Raymond mean to plot what he did on The cavilling boys of Oedipus, Whilst we grasp the whole dignity. AUR. As how, sweet Machiavel? MACH. It is not ripe, my love. The king, I hear, applauds my justice; Wherefore I've sent order that Count Antonio, Once being taken, be sent to Filford Mill; There ground to death. AUR. What for his sister? MACH. Thy envy: she I have banish'd; And her goods, to guard a shower of curses From my head, I have given the poor. AUR. Good policy, let's home to our designs: I hate to be officious, yet my frown Shall be dissolv'd to flattery for a crown. [_Exit._ MACH. Attend your lady. So, her forward spleen, Tickled with thought of greatness makes the scene Attempts run smooth: the haughty Moor shall be The ladder, on whose servile back I'll mount To greatness. If calm peace deny me easy way, Rough war shall force it; which done, Raymond And his Philippa must go seek an empire in Elysium; for to rule predominant belongs Alone to me: slaves are unworthy rule, What state would set a crown upon a mule? [_Exit._ ANTONIO, _disguised, sitting in a closet_.