_Mari._ Mistake not, Great Duke of _Tuscany_, or the beginning Or process of this novelty; my husband The now deceas'd _Alberto_, from his youth In-ur'd to an impatiency, and roughness Of disposition, when not many months After our Marriage were worn out, repin'd At the unfr[u]itful barrenness of youth, Which, as he pleas'd to terme it, cut our hopes off From blessing of some issue; to prevent it I grew ambitious of no fairer honor Than to preserve his love, and as occasions Still call'd him from me, studied in his absence How I might frame his welcome home with comfort. At last I fain'd my self with Child; the Message Of freedome, or relief, to one half starv'd In prison, is not utter'd with such greediness Of expectation, and delight, as this was To my much affected Lord; his care, his goodness; (Pardon me that I use the word) exceeded All former fears, the hour of my deliverance As I pretended, drawing near, I fashion'd My birth-rights at a Country Garden-house, Where then my Faulk'ners Wife was brought a bed Of this _Cesario_; him I own'd for mine; Presented him unto a joyful Father. _Duke._ Can you prove this true? _Mari._ Proofs I have most evident; But oh the curse of my impatiency; shortly, E'r three new Moons had spent their borrow'd Lights, I grew with Child indeed, so just is Heaven, The issue of which burthen was this Daughter; Judge now most gracious Prince, my Lords and you, What combats then, and since, I have indur'd, Between a Mothers piety, and weakness Of a Soul trembling Wife; to have reveal'd This secret to _Alberto_, had been danger Of ruin to my fame, besides the conflict Of his distractions; now to have supprest it, Were to defeat my Child, my only Child, Of her most lawful honors, and inheritance. _Cæsario_, th'art a Man still, Education Hath moulded thee a Gentleman, continue so; Let not this fall from greatness sink thee lower Than worthy thoughts may warrant, yet disclaim All interest in _Alberto's_ blood, thou hast not One drop of his or mine. _Duke._ Produce your witness. _Marian._ The Faulconers Wife his Mother, And such women as waited then upon me, Sworn to the privacy of this great secret. _Duke._ Give them all their Oaths. _Cesar._ O let me crave forbearance, gracious Sir, Vouchsafe me hearing. _Duke._ Speak _Cæsario_.