_Ateu._ Say, gentlemen, where may we find the king? _First Hunts._ Even here at hand, on hunting; And at this hour he taken hath a stand, To kill a deer. _Ateu._ A pleasant work in hand. Follow your sport, and we will seek his grace. _First Hunts._ When such him seek, it is a woful case. [_Exeunt_ Huntsmen _one way_, ATEUKIN _and_ JAQUES _another._ SCENE II.--_Near the Castle of the_ COUNTESS OF ARRAN. _Enter the_ COUNTESS OF ARRAN, IDA _and_ EUSTACE. _Count. of A._ Lord Eustace, as your youth and virtuous life Deserve a far more fair and richer wife, So, since I am a mother, and do wit What wedlock is, and that which 'longs to it, Before I mean my daughter to bestow, 'Twere meet that she and I your state did know. _Eust._ Madam, if I consider Ida's worth, I know my portions merit none so fair, And yet I hold in farm and yearly rent A thousand pound, which may her state content. _Count. of A._ But what estate, my lord, shall she possess? _Eust._ All that is mine, grave countess, and no less.-- But, Ida, will you love? _Ida._ I cannot hate. _Eust._ But will you wed? _Ida._ 'Tis Greek to me, my lord: I'll wish you well, and thereon take my word. _Eust._ Shall I some sign of favour, then, receive? _Ida._ Ay, if her ladyship will give me leave. _Count. of A._ Do what thou wilt. _Ida._ Then, noble English peer, Accept this ring, wherein my heart is set; A constant heart, with burning flames be-fret, But under-written this, _O morte dura_: Hereon whenso you look with eyes _pura_, The maid you fancy most will favour you. _Eust._ I'll try this heart, in hope to find it true. _Enter certain_ Huntsmen _and_ Ladies. _First Hunts._ Widow countess, well y-met;[278] Ever may thy joys be many;-- Gentle Ida, fair beset, Fair and wise, not fairer any; Frolic huntsmen of the game Will you well, and give you greeting. _Ida._ Thanks, good woodman, for the same, And our sport, and merry meeting. _First Hunts._ Unto thee we do present Silver hart with arrow wounded. _Eust._ [_aside_]. This doth shadow my lament, [With] both fear and love confounded. _Ladies._ To the mother of the maid, Fair as the lilies, red as roses, Even so many goods are said, As herself in heart supposes. _Count. of A._ What are you, friends, that thus do wish us well? _First Hunts._ Your neighbours nigh, that have on hunting been, Who, understanding of your walking forth, Prepar'd this train to entertain you with: This Lady Douglas, this Sir Egmond is. _Count. of A._ Welcome, ye ladies, and thousand thanks for this. Come, enter you a homely widow's house, And if mine entertainment please you, let us feast. _First Hunts._ A lovely lady never wants a guest. [_Exeunt_ COUNTESS OF ARRAN, Huntsmen, _and_ Ladies.