Sea-bred or inland, friend? Cinthio. A shepherd, sir. Conrad. Where are we, gentle shepherd, by your voice, And who reigns here? Cinthio. In Belmarie, not far From court, kind stranger, where no courtiers be. This country's king was lost a year ago: Yet in a longing hope he is not dead, The heir-apparent but a regent's power Decrees to exercise for twice four years. When that date is expired, if no king come, The prince intends to fill his father's room. Alardo. His father's, say you? [Aside.] Have I then two sons? This shepherd dreams. Cinthio. Yes; King Alardo, once Of these broad realms; now, king in heaven, I wot. Even as earth's bower-maid, Spring, in robes of green Her naked lady, roused from winter's sleep, Began to deck, five galleys, new-built all, With sails of taffeta, and masts of gold, Pushed from this strand bound on adventures far, The king, his son, and many a noble knight, With mariners and fighting-men aboard. Of this armada not a single ship Has yet returned to us; nor any spar Of drifting wreckage tells a woeful tale. The gallant prince right from his father's eyes Was hurried in a storm, and, blest by fate, Snatched from that doom which overwhelmed the rest; For he was washed ashore and nursed to health By fisher-folk, whom he has made his friends. And now he has forsaken courtly state To live in country freedom for a while; In Dolorosa's vale he spends the spring. Alardo. And what road must we take to reach this place? [Aside.] I dare not credit him, or else his tale Is true of some impostor. Cinthio. Onward go, Until that pine-straight pathway radiates Two branches from its stem, extending still: That shooting westward winds a mile or two, And ends in our royal town; the other way, Toward sunrise, leads to Dolorosa's vale. Alardo. Thy kindness, shepherd, merits some reward; But now our purses are as lank as we. Rest you assured of worthy recompense From me in Dolorosa. [Goes out. Conrad. If my old eyes Deceive me not, I've seen you, sir, before. Cinthio. Maybe, sir; though I, witting, ne'er saw you. Conrad. [Aside.] I'll question him again.--Shepherd, farewell. [Goes out. Cinthio. What lordly wight was this, who, seeming poor, Would fee a duteous courtesy? He hides His beams behind a ragged cloud perhaps. I'll hope to see him in his majesty. Enter Sebastian.