_Mir._ Grave, and most honor'd Master, With humble duty, and my souls best thanks To you, and all this famous Conventicle, Let me, with modesty refuse acceptance Of this high order: I (alass) am yet Unworthy, and uncapable of such honor, That merit, which with favor you enlarge Is far, far short, of this propos'd reward. Who take upon him such a charge as this, Must come with pure thoughts, and a gathered mind That time, nor all occasions ever may After disperse, or stain; did this title here Of Knighthood, ask no other ornaments Then other Countries glittring show, poor pride, A gingling spur, a feather, a white hand, A frizled hayr, powder'd, perfumes, and lust, Drinking sweet wines, surfeits, and ignorance, Rashly, and easily should I venture on't, But this requires an other kind of man. _Mount._ A staid, and mature judgement; speak on sir. _Mir._ May it please you then to allow me some small time To rectifie my self, for that high seat, Or give my reasons to the contrary. Ith mean space, to dismiss me to the ayd Of _Norandine_: my Ships ride in the bay Ready to disembogue, tack'led, and mann'd Even to my wishes. _Mount._ His request Is fair and honest. _Val._ At your pleasure go. _Mir._ I humbly take my leave of all: of you My noble friend _Mountferrat_; gratious Mistriss, Oh that auspitious smile doth arm your souldier, Who fights for those eyes, and this sacred Cross, Can neither meet sad accident, nor loss. [_Exit._ _Ori._ The mighty master of that Livory, Conduct thee safely to these eyes again. _Mount._ Blowes the wind that way? _Val._ Equally belov'd, Equally meriting, _Gomera_, you Without excuse receive that dignity: Which our provincial chapter hath decreed you. _Gom._ Great Master of _Jerusalems_ Hospital, From whence to _Rhodes_ this blest Fraternity Was driven, but now among the _Maltois_ stands, Long may it flourish, whilst _Gomera_ serves it, But dares not enter farther. _All._ This is strange. _Val._ What do ye object? _Gom._ Nothing against it, but my self (fair Knights) I may not wear this Robe. _Val._ Express your reasons; Doth any hid sin goar your conscience? _Ast._ Are you unstedfast in Religion? _Cast._ Or do ye intend to forsake _Malta_ now, And visit your own Countrey fruitful _Spaine_. _Gom._ Never good sir. _Val._ Then explicate your thoughts. _Gom._ This then: I should be perjur'd to receive it, Once in _Melita_, your next City here, When I was yonger, read I the decrees Touching this point, being ambitious then To approach it once, none but a Gentleman Can be admitted. _Val._ That's no obstacle In you. _Gom._ I should be sorry that were it, No married man. _Mount._ You never felt that yoak.