_N._ You make me proud, sir. Yet, you should know, I do not think my poems 740 As good as others think them: they are but trifles. I wish that I could stay to explain my meaning; But I must seek my sonnet. [_Exit._ _R._ Your rival. O heavens! _F._ A fool that fortune favours. _R._ Not at all. Diana hath here some purpose we have not guessed. Come to my room: there we will read her letter; And if it shew no sign of my discovery, I’ll write it such an answer as it asks; Which, when you have, you may perform your service, And see your mistress both. ’Tis but to start 750 At the set time, and turn about in the dark. _F._ Make a pretended journey? _R._ An expedition Some ten miles out and back. _F._ I’ll do it, Richard. O, you were ever excellent. _R._ Arrange Some practicable stages; and remember To keep an eye on the time. _F._ Trust me. _R._ And, hark! If some night you should make the real journey, Would Laura fly with you? _F._ Fly where? _R._ I’ll tell you. I have planned the whole thing for you: I put my palace 759 At your command; my servants shall receive you; The archbishop marry you, and all my friends Attend your fête. _F._ You cannot mean it, Richard! _R._ By heaven, I do: but you must first persuade Your lady to make sail. _F._ That would be easy, With such a port to run for. But how soon? It could not be to-night. _R._ I need one day To warn my people. Come now to my room, Where we will read this letter. Our success Depends on secrecy. _F._ True. _R._ Go within: To avoid encounter I will follow alone. 770 _F._ To your room? _R._ Yes. _F._ Which suite are you in? _R._ They call it One of the Grecian muses. _F._ Yes, but which? _R._ I quite forget. At the end of the corridor, Beyond the tower. _F._ I know. You’ll find me there. [_Exit._ _R._ To get this Frederick married, more concerns me Than anything else. ’Tis plain Diana loves him: And till he’s gone, ’tis folly to besiege Her garrisoned heart. I must engage my skill, Like a wise general, to draw off the foe. That I can do. ’Tis a most blessed chance 780 That he is so well disposed, and hath a lady Ready to run off with him. The very thing I plot to save myself, most helps my friend. [_Exit._ _Re-enter Tristram with a paper._