_Philaster_--Madam, this truth which I shall speak will be Foolish: but, for your fair and virtuous self, I could afford myself to have no right To any thing you wished. _Arethusa_--Philaster, know, I must enjoy these kingdoms. _Philaster_--Madam, both? _Arethusa_--Both, or I die; by fate, I die, Philaster, If I not calmly may enjoy them both. _Philaster_--I would do much to save that noble life, Yet would be loath to have posterity Find in our stories, that Philaster gave His right unto a sceptre and a crown To save a lady's longing. _Arethusa_--Nay, then, hear: I must and will have them, and more-- _Philaster_--What more? _Arethusa_--Or lose that little life the gods prepared To trouble this poor piece of earth withal. _Philaster_--Madam, what more? _Arethusa_--Turn, then, away thy face. _Philaster_--No. _Arethusa_--Do. _Philaster_--I can endure it. Turn away my face! I never yet saw enemy that looked So dreadfully, but that I thought myself As great a basilisk as he; or spake So horribly, but that I thought my tongue Bore thunder underneath, as much as his; Nor beast that I could turn from: shall I then Begin to fear sweet sounds? a lady's voice, Whom I do love? Say, you would have my life: Why, I will give it you; for 'tis to me A thing so loathed, and unto you that ask Of so poor use, that I shall make no price: If you entreat, I will unmovedly hear. _Arethusa_--Yet, for my sake, a little bend thy looks. _Philaster_--I do. _Arethusa_--Then know, I must have them and thee. _Philaster_--And me? _Arethusa_--Thy love; without which, all the land Discovered yet will serve me for no use But to be buried in. _Philaster_--Is't possible? _Arethusa_--With it, it were too little to bestow On thee. Now, though thy breath do strike me dead, (Which, know, it may,) I have unript my breast. _Philaster_--Madam, you are too full of noble thoughts To lay a train for this contemnèd life, Which you may have for asking: to suspect Were base, where I deserve no ill. Love you! By all my hopes I do, above my life! But how this passion should proceed from you So violently, would amaze a man That would be jealous. _Arethusa_--Another soul into my body shot Could not have filled me with more strength and spirit Than this thy breath. But spend not hasty time In seeking how I came thus: 'tis the gods, The gods, that make me so; and sure, our love Will be the nobler and the better blest, In that the secret justice of the gods Is mingled with it. Let us leave, and kiss: Lest some unwelcome guest should fall betwixt us, And we should part without it. _Philaster_--'Twill be ill I should abide here long.