English drama; Kings and rulers -- Succession -- Drama; Love -- Drama; Sicily (Italy) -- Drama; Tragicomedy
_Phi_. Oh, what should I do?
Why, who can but believe him? He does swear
So earnestly, that if it were not true,
The gods would not endure him. Rise _Bellario_,
Thy protestations are so deep; and thou
Dost look so truly, when thou utterest them,
That though I [know] 'em false, as were my hopes,
I cannot urge thee further; but thou wert
To blame to injure me, for I must love
Thy honest looks, and take no revenge upon
Thy tender youth; A love from me to thee
Is firm, what ere thou dost: It troubles me
That I have call'd the blood out of thy cheeks,
That did so well become thee: but good boy
Let me not see thee more; something is done,
That will distract me, that will make me mad,
If I behold thee: if thou tender'st me,
Let me not see thee.
_Bell_. I will fly as far
As there is morning, ere I give distaste
To that most honour'd mind. But through these tears
Shed at my hopeless parting, I can see
A world of Treason practis'd upon you,
And her and me. Farewel for evermore;
If you shall hear, that sorrow struck me dead,
And after find me Loyal, let there be
A tear shed from you in my memorie,
And I shall rest at peace.
[_Exit_ Bel.
_Phi_. Blessing be with thee,
What ever thou deserv'st. Oh, where shall I
Go bath thy body? Nature too unkind,
That made no medicine for a troubled mind!
[_Exit_. Phi.
_Enter_ Arethuse.
_Are_. I marvel my boy comes not back again;
But that I know my love will question him
Over and over; how I slept, wak'd, talk'd;
How I remembred him when his dear name
Was last spoke, and how, when I sigh'd, wept, sung,
And ten thousand such; I should be angry at his stay.
[_Enter _King.
_King_. What are your meditations? who attends you?
_Are_. None but my single self, I need no Guard,
I do no wrong, nor fear none.
_King_. Tell me: have you not a boy?
_Are_. Yes Sir.
_King_. What kind of boy?
_Are_. A Page, a waiting boy.
_King_. A handsome boy?
_Are_. I think he be not ugly:
Well qualified, and dutiful, I know him,
I took him not for beauty.
_King_. He speaks, and sings and plays?
_Are_. Yes Sir.
_King_. About Eighteen?
_Are_. I never ask'd his age.
_King_. Is he full of service?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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