_Dion._ [_To Aristocles_] Ocrastes is a youth full dear to me. Orphaned at birth, I've bred him from a babe. He is of bravest heart, and must leap high Although he fall o'er heaven. _Aris._ And the maid? _Dion._ The daughter of my brother some years dead. Her bloom might make e'en priestly blood forget To pace with vows, but she is true, and kneels To wisdom's star. Hast yet no eye for woman? _Aris._ For all things fair. That is my staff 'gainst age. We're young so long as we love beauty. [_Aratea moves to Dion and Aristocles, leaving Nauresta and Phillistus together_] _Nau._ See This feathered snuggery? _Phil._ A vine-lark's nest. _Nau._ Touch 't not. We'll lose a song by you. 'Tis strange These dare-wings build about our heads, when they So fear us. _Phil._ Farther. Birds are not my study. [_They move aside_] _Nau._ Frowning again, my lord? _Phil._ And reason for it. I like not yonder pairing. [_Looks at Theano and Ocrastes_] _Nau._ Would that your plans Might leave them happy! _Phil._ False? I'll not believe it Of thee, Nauresta. I've given thee confidence As open as the ungated dawn; unlocked My secrets; fixed within your breast, as in My own, my darling purpose! _Nau._ 'Twas my counsel In Aratea's ear that brought you hither. And why these dark reproaches where I hoped To see the color of your gratitude? _Phil._ What's done, though ne'er so well, but makes a way For what's to do, Nauresta. _Nau._ Ah, my lord, I know not how to please you. _Phil._ Learn. To me Be wax, and adamant to all touch else. Mad Dionysius is in revels lost; Dion is far too stern for common love; Between the two my hope makes fair ascent Above the clouds of state. 'Tis I must reign. Then we, my queen, must see our daughter wed To some strong noble who will prop our power. Ocrastes' love is bound inseverably To Dion. Keep him from Theano, sweet. Look on them now. See how she bends to him? _Nau._ Nay, she is modest, sir. _Phil._ But mark! He speaks, And crimson runs her cheek, as though his voice Did paint it magically, which bids him fair, For know you not that love on blushes feeds As plundering bees on roses? He is sure! 'Twill task you hard to ward from port who bears So bold a sail. _Nau._ But I will do it. Ay! _Phil._ Again you are all mine! [_Nauresta moves to Theano and Ocrastes_] Thus do I woo The mother, with the daughter in my eye.