_Alphon._ Although, dear father, I have often vow'd Ne'er to unfold the secrets of my heart To any man or woman, whosome'er Dwells underneath the circle of the sky; Yet do your words so cónjure me, dear sire, That needs I must fulfil that you require. Then so it is. Amongst the famous tales Which you rehears'd done by our sires in war, Whenas you came unto your father's days, With sobbing notes, with sighs and blubbering tears, And much ado, at length you thus began: "Next to Alphonsus should my father come For to possess the diadem by right Of Arragon, but that the wicked wretch His younger brother, with aspiring mind, By secret treason robb'd him of his life, And me his son of that which was my due." These words, my sire, did so torment my mind, As had I been with Ixion[32] in hell, The ravening bird could never plague me worse; For ever since my mind hath troubled been Which way I might revenge this traitorous fact, And that recover which is ours by right. _Cari._ Ah, my Alphonsus, never think on that! In vain it is to strive against the stream: The crown is lost, and now in hucksters' hands, And all our hope is cast into the dust. Bridle these thoughts, and learn the same of me,-- A quiet life doth pass an empery. _Alphon._ Yet, noble father, ere Carinus' brood Shall brook his foe for to usurp his seat, He'll die the death with honour in the field, And so his life and sorrows briefly end. But did I know my froward fate were such As I should fail in this my just attempt, This sword, dear father, should the author be To make an end of this my tragedy. Therefore, sweet sire, remain you here a while, And let me walk my Fortune for to try. I do not doubt but, ere the time be long, I'll quite his cost, or else myself will die. _Cari._ My noble son, since that thy mind is such For to revenge thy father's foul abuse, As that my words may not a whit prevail To stay thy journey, go with happy fate, And soon return unto thy father's cell, With such a train as Julius Cæsar came To noble Rome, whenas he had achiev'd[33] The mighty monarch of the triple world. Meantime Carinus in this silly[34] grove Will spend his days with prayers and orisons, To mighty Jove to further thine intent. Farewell, dear son, Alphonsus, fare you well. [_Exit._ _Alphon._ And is he gone? then hie, Alphonsus, hie, To try thy fortune where thy fates do call. A noble mind disdains to hide his head, And let his foes triumph in his overthrow. [_Makes as though to go out._ _Enter_ ALBINIUS. _Albi._ What loitering fellow have we spièd here? Presume not, villain, further for to go, Unless[35] you do at length the same repent.