_Alber._ A Wife! As if there were a course to purchase one Prevailing more than honourable action! Or any Intercessors move so far, To take a Mistriss of a noble spirit, As the true fame of glorious victories, Atchiev'd by sweat and bloud! Oh the brave dames Of warlike _Genoua_! they had eyes to see The inward man, and only from his worth, Courage, and conquests: the blind Archer knew To head his shafts, or light his quenched Torch, They were proof against them else. No Carpet Knight That spent his youth in Groves, or pleasant Bowers; Or stretching on a Couch his lazy limbs, Sung to his Lute such soft and melting Notes, As _Ovid_, nor _Anacreon_ ever knew, Could work on them, nor once bewitch'd their sense; Though he came so perfum'd as he had robb'd _Sabæa_, or _Arabia_, of their wealth; And stor'd it in one sute: I still remember, And still remember it with joy, _Baptista_, When from the rescue of the _Genoua_ Fleet, Almost surpriz'd by the _Venetian_ Gallies, Thou didst return, and wert receiv'd in triumph. How lovely in thy honor'd wounds and scars Thou didst appear! what worlds of amorous glances The beauties of the City (where they stood, Fix'd like so many of the fairest stars) Shot from their windows at thee! how it fir'd Their blouds to see the enemies captive streams Born through the streets! nor could chaste _Juliana_ The Duke's fair Neece, though guarded with her greatness Resist this gallant charge, but laying by Desparity of fortune from the object, Yielded her self thy prisoner. _Bap._ Pray you chuse some other theme. _Mari._ Can there be one more pleasing? _Bap._ That triumph drew on me a greater torture, And 'tis in the remembrance little less Than ever Captive suffer'd. _Mari._ How? to gain the favour of so great a Lady? _Bap._ Yes, since it prov'd fatal, t'have been happy, Madam, Adds to calamity, and the heavy loss Of her I durst not hope for, once enjoy'd, Turns what you think a blessing to a curse, Which grief would have forgotten. _Alber._ I am sorry I touch'd upon it. _Maria._ I burn rather, Sir, With a desire to hear the story of Your loves, and shall receive it as a favour, Which you may grant.