_PHILIP._ Good morrow, Blasco. _Bl._ I served thy father well. _Ph._ I know it, Blasco. What of it now? _Bl._ I do not urge my service Looking for recompense; I do not ask So much as that your grace remember me 580 At court, to mention my forgotten name In the new king’s ear; as, When I was in Sicily I saw old Blasco; nay, ’twas for good-will I served, and now ’tis that I want a master Which bids me speak. If but your grace could find me Employment worth my wits, I would serve well. _Ph._ I’ll think of it. _Bl._ Let your grace know my life Spent in this court should make my loyalty More than a counsellor. In this rebellion I know where Hugo fails, where Manuel leans; 590 Could blow upon the flame or snuff it out, Could bring you to the leaders. _Ph._ Honest Blasco, Thou know’st the world. _Bl._ I know that one who comes To make peace in a quarrel that he knows not, Needs other knowledge than he is like to get From either party. The strings of policy Are coiled in private chambers; if your grace Would pull at these ... _Ph._ True. If thou serve me thus I’ll take instruction. _Bl._ Let your grace now prove me In any question. _Ph._ This, then. We in Spain 600 Supposed that your revolt stood on two legs, Over-taxation and the hate of Hugo; And had its claim for justice countenanced By Manuel’s voice: but coming here, I find That he and Hugo’s daughter are betrothed. Now here’s a private matter, which, I take it, Involves the public. Say, doth Manuel play His policy on Hugo, or hath Hugo Trumped up a match with Manuel to support His failing credit? _Bl._ They are not betrothed, your grace. What passes between lovers is unknown: 611 But this is sure, Hugo withholds consent, And doth so to win Manuel to his side. _Ph._ Doth not that win him? _Bl._ Nay. _Ph._ Then I conclude He loves not. _Bl._ Nay, indeed; it gives me pain To witness his indifference; for the lady Deserves the best. _Ph._ Stay, count. Remember In what has passed that word may well blame me. _Bl._ I hearken not to idle tales. Your grace May be punctilious; but in Manuel’s instance 620 There’s no excuse.