_Artem._ Why, fear you to be raised? Say I put off the dreadful awe that waits On majesty, or with you share my beams, Nay, make you to outshine me; change the name Of Subject into Lord, rob you of service That's due from you to me, and in me make it Duty to honour you, would you refuse me? _Anton._ Refuse you, madam! such a worm as I am Refuse what kings upon their knees would sue for! Call it, great lady, by another name; An humble modesty, that would not match A molehill with Olympus. _Artem._ He that's famous For honourable actions in the war, As you are, Antoninus, a proved soldier, Is fellow to a king. _Anton._ If you love valour, As 'tis a kingly virtue, seek it out, And cherish it in a king; there it shines brightest, And yields the bravest lustre. Look on Epire, A prince, in whom it is incorporate; And let it not disgrace him that he was O'ercome by Cæsar; it was victory, To stand so long against him: had you seen him, How in one bloody scene he did discharge The parts of a commander and a soldier, Wise in direction, bold in execution; You would have said, Great Cæsar's self excepted, The world yields not his equal. _Artem._ Yet I have heard, Encountering him alone in the head of his troop, You took him prisoner. _K. of Epire._ 'Tis a truth, great princess: I'll not detract from valour. _Anton._ 'Twas mere fortune; Courage had no hand in it. _Theoph._ Did ever man Strive so against his own good? _Sap._ Spiritless villain! How I am tortured! By the immortal gods, I now could kill him. _Diocle._ Hold, Sapritius, hold, On our displeasure, hold! _Harp._ Why, this would make A father mad; 'tis not to be endured; Your honour's tainted in 't. _Sap._ By heaven, it is: I shall think of it. _Harp._ 'Tis not to be forgotten. _Artem._ Nay, kneel not, sir; I am no ravisher, Nor so far gone in fond affection to you, But that I can retire, my honour safe:-- Yet say, hereafter, that thou hast neglected What, but seen in possession of another, Will make thee mad with envy. _Anton._ In her looks Revenge is written. _Mac._ As you love your life, Study to appease her. _Anton._ Gracious madam, hear me. _Artem._ And be again refused?