_Sil._ Why methought I heard a Piece, Lady, A Piece shot off, much about this place too, But could not judge the cause, nor what it boaded, Under the Castle-wall. _Rod._ We heard it too, And the Watch pursu'd it presently, but found nothing, Not any tract. _Sil._ I am right glad to hear it: The Ruffians surely that command the night Have found him, stript him: and into the River Convey'd the body. _Rod._ You look still sadder, Nephew, Is any thing within these walls to comfort ye? Speak, and be Master of it. _Sil._ Ye are a right Courtier, A great Professor, but a poor performer. _Rod._ Do you doubt my faith: you never found me that way. I dare well speak it boldly, but a true friend. _Sil._ Continue then. _Rod._ Try me, and see who falters. _Sil._ I will, and presently: 'tis in your power To make me the most bound man to your courtesie. _Rod._ Let me know how, and if I fail-- _Sil._ 'Tis thus then, Get me access to the Lady _Belvidere_, But for a minute, but to see her: your Husband now Is safe at Court, I left him full employ'd there. _Rod._ You have ask'd the thing without my power to grant ye, The Law lies on the danger: if I lov'd ye not I would bid ye goe, and there be found, and dye for't. _Sil._ I knew your love, and where there shew'd a danger How far you durst step for me: give me a true friend; That where occasion is to do a benefit Aims at the end, and not the rubs before it; I was a fool to ask ye this, a more fool To think a woman had so much noble nature To entertain a secret of this burthen; Ye had best to tell the Dutchess I perswaded ye, That's a fine course, and one will win ye credit; Forget the name of Cosin, blot my blood out, And so you raise your self, let me grow shorter. A woman friend? he that believes that weakness Steers in a stormy night without a Compass. _Rod._ What is't I durst not do might not impeach ye? _Sil._ Why this ye dare not do, ye dare not think of. _Rod._ 'Tis a main hazard. _Sil._ If it were not so I would not come to you to seek a favour. _Rod._ You will lose your self. _Sil._ The loss ends with my self then. _Rod._ You will but see her? _Sil._ Only look upon her. _Rod._ Not stay? _Sil._ Prescribe your time. _Rod._ Not traffique with her In any close dishonourable action? _Sil._ Stand you your self by. _Rod._ I will venture for ye, Because ye shall be sure I am a touch'd friend, I'll bring her to ye: come walk, you know the Garden, And take this key to open the little Postern, There stand no guards. _Sil._ I shall soon find it Aunt. [_Exeunt._ _Scæna Secunda._ _Enter two Soldiers._ _1 Sold._ Is the Captain come home? _2 Sold._ No, who commands the Guard to night?