_Q. Dor._ Ah, Douglas, thou misconster'st his intent! He doth but tempt his wife, he tries my love; This injury pertains to me, not to you. The king is young; and, if he step awry, He may amend, and I will love him still. Should we disdain our vines because they sprout Before their time? or young men, if they strain Beyond their reach? No; vines that bloom and spread Do promise fruits, and young men that are wild In age grow wise. My friends and Scottish peers, If that an English princess may prevail, Stay, stay with him: lo, how my zealous prayer Is plead with tears! fie, peers, will you hence? _Bp. of St And._ Madam, 'tis virtue in your grace to plead; But we, that see his vain untoward course, Cannot but fly the fire before it burn, And shun the court before we see his fall. _Q. Dor._ Will you not stay? then, lordings, fare you well. Though you forsake your king, the heavens, I hope, Will favour him through mine incessant prayer. _Nano._ Content you, madam; thus old Ovid sings, 'Tis foolish to bewail recureless things. _Q. Dor._ Peace, dwarf; these words my patience move. _Nano._ Although you charm my speech, charm not my love. [_Exeunt_ QUEEN DOROTHEA _and_ NANO. _Enter the_ KING OF SCOTS; _the_ Nobles, _spying him as they are about to go off, return._ _K. of Scots._ Douglas, how now! why changest thou thy cheer? _Doug._ My private troubles are so great, my liege, As I must crave your license for awhile, For to intend mine own affairs at home. _K. of Scots._ You may depart. [_Exit_ DOUGLAS.] But why is Morton sad? _Mort._ The like occasion doth import me too: So I desire your grace to give me leave. _K. of Scots._ Well, sir, you may betake you to your ease. [_Exit_ MORTON. [_Aside_]. When such grim sirs are gone, I see no let To work my will.