shall tell his tale. Cinthio. No wealth, power, state, can I bestow upon her, Who dowers me with herself--that trifles all. I naught possess save unstained youth and honour; But could I purchase it, hers were this ball. Yea, to my queen the universe I'd give, Fastening her zodiac-girdle with the sun, Which from its fixture I would swiftly rive By love's unrivalled power. This being done, The moon I would assail, and, for a brooch, Place it between the fair moons on her breast; Nor would the ornament on them encroach So pure are they. Nor would I then desist, But gather all the stars out of their bowers, And with the most magnate a carkanet String for her neck; with other heavenly flowers Bead for her richer hair a priceless net; And ring her fingers, deck her little ears-- So like their homes, the stars would have no fears. Scipio. Well said, shepherd! All the world on our side! Nothing remains but hell. Cinthio. Not even that; for she with piteous tears Would quench its sulphurous flames. Rupert. So it appears There's naught beneath, on earth, in heaven above, Remains for me to ornament my love. And, truly, it needs not; for in her smock She would outshine your star-bedizened dear.-- But lo, the mayers to the maypole flock! I am resolved to live no more in fear, But straightway hasten to that company Where now my sweetheart is; move her aside; Tell her I love her heartily and true, And ask her to become my darling bride. Then shall she murmur sweetly, 'I love thee.' I'll kiss her then, and gaze into her eyes; Appoint a near date for our union too, And pray for sweet conjunctions in the skies. [Goes out. Cinthio. Permit me, gentlemen, to part from you. [Goes out. Bruno. Willingly, willingly.--A new rival. Felice. Then is Scipio cut out too. Come, we'll be friends with him.--Scipio, do you know where the Prince is gone? Scipio. Do I know what kind of beast a lover is? Does he not follow his mistress like a lamb to the slaughter? If she be in the mouth of hell, I warrant you'll find him in the jaws of death, an he be no nearer. The Prince is now upon his way to her. Felice. And she? Scipio. Is where he will find her. Felice. Which is----? Scipio. Whither I will bring you, if you be so minded; and on the road I will tell you how all the beauteous virginity and lusty bachelory of Dolorosa be even now assembled to choose a May-queen; how thereafter they will go to bed, and sleep till midnight; how they will then journey to the forest accompanied with music and blowing of horns, to gather may-blossoms and birchen boughs, and deck themselves with nosegays and crowns of flowers. What else they may do there I shall also hint at, specifying to what proceedings on the morrow these actions are prelusive. Felice. Of all this the light of knowledge has revealed to us