_Coz._ She is deliver'd, And feelingly to us, by Contarino, For a masterpiece in nature. I would have you Ride suddenly thither to behold this wonder, But not as sent by us; that's our first caution: The second is, and carefully observe it, That, though you are a bachelor, and endow'd with All those perfections that may take a virgin, On forfeit of our favour do not tempt her: It may be her fair graces do concern us. Pretend what business you think fit, to gain Access unto her father's house, and, there, Make full discovery of her, and return me A true relation:--I have some ends in it, With which we will acquaint you. _Sanaz._ This is, sir, An easy task. _Coz._ Yet one that must exact Your secrecy and diligence. Let not Your stay be long. _Sanaz._ It shall not, sir. _Coz._ Farewell, And be, as you would keep our favour, careful. [_Exeunt._ FOOTNOTES: [64] _Divert us._] i. e. _turn us aside_ from following your advice. [65] ------------_that the world, In her whole course of life_, &c.] This is awkwardly expressed, a circumstance most unusual with Massinger; but seems to mean, in her various excellences and virtues.--GIFFORD. [66] _Glorious_,] i. e. _vain_, _empty_, _vaunting_. [67] _All courtship_,] i. e. _all court breeding_. [68] _Take up, take up._] i. e. _stop, check yourself_. ACT II. SCENE I. _The same. A Room in_ FIORINDA'_s House_. _Enter_ FIORINDA _and_ CALAMINTA. _Fior._ How does this dressing show? _Calam._ 'Tis of itself Curious and rare; but, borrowing ornament, As it does from your grace, that deigns to wear it, Incomparable. _Fior._ Thou flatter'st me. _Calam._ I cannot, Your excellence is above it. _Fior._ Were we less perfect, Yet, being as we are, an absolute princess, We of necessity must be chaste, wise, fair, By our prerogative!--yet all these fail To move where I would have them. How received Count Sanazarro the rich scarf I sent him For his last visit? _Calam._ With much reverence, I dare not say affection. He express'd More ceremony in his humble thanks, Than feeling of the favour; and appear'd Wilfully ignorant, in my opinion, Of what it did invite him to. _Fior._ No matter; He's blind with too much light[69]. Have you not heard Of any private mistress he's engaged to? _Calam._ Not any; and this does amaze me, madam, That he, a soldier, should in his manners Be so averse to women. _Fior._ Troth, I know not. _Calam._ I do suspect him; for I learnt last night, When the great duke went to rest, attended by One private follower, he took horse; but whither He's rid, or to what end, I cannot guess at, But I will find it out. _Fior._ Do, faithful servant; _Enter_ CALANDRINO. We would not be abused.--Who have we here? _Calam._ How the fool stares!