That you have been, and continued so for many years, since you vouchsafed to own me, patrons to me and my despised studies, I cannot but with all humble thankfulness acknowledge: and living, as you have done, inseparable in your friendship, (notwithstanding all differences, and suits in law arising between you[132],) I held it as impertinent as absurd, in the presentment of my service in this kind, to divide you. A free confession of a debt, in a meaner man, is the amplest satisfaction to his superiors; and I heartily wish that the world may take notice, and from myself, that I had not to this time subsisted, but that I was supported by your frequent courtesies and favours. When your more serious occasions will give you leave, you may please to peruse this trifle, and peradventure find something in it that may appear worthy of your protection. Receive it, I beseech you, as a testimony of his duty who, while he lives, resolves to be truly and sincerely devoted to your service, PHILIP MASSINGER. FOOTNOTE: [132] _Notwithstanding all differences, and suits in late arising between you._] The _suits in law_ subsisting between these fast friends of Massinger--Sir Francis Foljambe, of Walton, in the county of Derby, and Sir Thomas Bland, of Kippax Park, in the county of York--originated in a question as to the right of working some coal-mines.--GILCHRIST. DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. ROBERTO, _king of Sicily_. FERDINAND, _duke of Urbin_. BERTOLDO, _the king's natural brother, a knight of Malta_. GONZAGA, _a knight of Malta, general to the duchess of Sienna_. ASTUTIO, _a counsellor of state_. FULGENTIO, _the minion of_ ROBERTO. ADORNI, _a follower of_ CAMIOLA'S _father_. SIGNIOR SYLLI, _a foolish self-lover_. ANTONIO, } GASPARO, } _two rich heirs, city-bred_. PIERIO, _a colonel to_ GONZAGA. RODERIGO, } JACOMO, } _captains to_ GONZAGA. DRUSO, } LIVIO, } _captains to duke_ FERDINAND. _Father_ PAULO, _a priest_, CAMIOLA'_s confessor_. _Ambassador from the duke of Urbin._ _A Bishop._ _A Page._ AURELIA, _duchess of Sienna_. CAMIOLA, _the Maid of Honour_. CLARINDA, _her woman_. _Scout, Soldiers, Gaoler, Attendants, Servants, &c._ SCENE, partly in Sicily, and partly in the Siennese. THE MAID OF HONOUR. ACT I. SCENE I. _Palermo. A State-room in the Palace._ _Enter_ ASTUTIO _and_ ADORNI. _Ador._ Good day to your lordship. _Ast._ Thanks, Adorni. _Ador._ May I presume to ask if the ambassador Employ'd by Ferdinand, the duke of Urbin, Hath audience this morning? _Enter_ FULGENTIO. _Ast._ 'Tis uncertain; For, though a counsellor of state, I am not Of the cabinet council: but there's one, if he please, That may resolve you.