_The suitor._ Lady, if ever thou didst see Three dewdrops gathered full within Some unawakened lily’s cup, Each swollen to fall, or e’er begin The stalks to dress themselves aright: For yet the sun, that hasteth up, Pricks not their delicate stems, Nor spreads the crimson petals bright: 1640 That were an image of the gems Which in this casket lie, a pair Fit for thine ears to wear. _Pen._ I thank thee, good Peisander; set it down Here with the rest. _Ul._ (_aside to Amph._). Sir, I would speak with thee. _Amph._ (_to Ul._). Nay, stand aloof.— _Pen._ Ye do me honour, lords; Yet must reception end. I will take all, And note the givers. Now my constant grief Is strangely awakened. (_To maids._) Gather up the gifts. _Ul._ (_aside to Amph._). Sir! speak with me. 1650 _Amph._ (_to Ul._). What wouldst thou? _Ant._ See, the rogue Begins to beg. _Eur._ Lady, ere yet thou go, Grant me thine ear. There is come into the hall A beggar, who for mere propriety [_Ul. sits._ We would were housed without. The prince, thy son, Against our general comfort bids him here. Let thy kind favour spare us this annoyance. _Pen._ That is he? _Eur._ Ay. _Ant._ Lo! by the fire he sits. _Pen._ (_aside_). How strange a man. (_To Tel._) Is this thy guest, my son? _Tel._ ’Tis he I spoke of. _Pen._ (_to Tel._). Surely the complaint Hath a fair ground. To save offence ’twere best Dismiss him with some gift—I leave, my lords, This matter where it lies: My son rules here. 1662 Farewell. Keep peace amongst you. (_To maids._) Bear off the gifts. [_Exit._ _All._ Farewell, fairest Penelope. _Eur._ Ere now we sit again, I ask the prince once more if he persist To vex our party with this beggar’s presence. _Tel._ Press me not, lords, ye know my will: and how In night and darkness should I turn away A houseless guest? Nay, but for you ’tis time 1670 Ye sought your lodges. _Ant._ (_to Eum._). Thou presumptuous swineherd, Why drovest thou this nuisance to the town? Had we not tramps and scamps eno’, starved beggars And needy scavengers, haunting the place, Ravening thy master’s substance, that thou now Must fetch in this one too?