_Lid._ My hand join'd to yours, Without this superstition, confirms it. Nor need I fear you will dwell long upon me, The barrenness of the subject yielding nothing That rhetoric, with all her tropes and figures, Can amplify. Yet since you are resolved To prove yourself a courtier in my praise, As I'm a woman (and you men affirm Our sex loves to be flatter'd) I'll endure it. _Enter_ CHAROMONTE _above_. Now, when you please, begin. _Sanaz._ [_turning from her._] If the great duke Made this his end to try my constant temper, Though I am vanquished, 'tis his fault, not mine; For I am flesh and blood, and have affections Like other men. Who can behold the temples, Or holy altars, but the objects work Devotion in him? And I may as well Walk over burning iron with bare feet, And be unscorch'd, as look upon this beauty Without desire, and that desire pursued too, Till it be quench'd with the enjoying those Delights, which to achieve, danger is nothing, And loyalty but a word. _Lid._ I ne'er was proud; Nor can find I am guilty of a thought Deserving this neglect. _Sanaz._ Suppose his greatness Loves her himself, why makes he choice of me To be his agent? It is tyranny To call one pinch'd with hunger to a feast, And at that instant cruelly deny him To taste of what he sees. Allegiance Tempted too far is like the trial of A good sword on an anvil; as that often Flies in pieces without service to the owner, So trust enforced too far proves treachery, And is too late repented. _Lid._ Pray you, sir, Or license me to leave you, or deliver The reasons which invite you to command My tedious waiting on you. _Char._ As I live, I know not what to think on 't. Is 't his pride, Or his simplicity? _Sanaz._ Whither have my thoughts Carried me from myself? In this my dulness, I've lost an opportunity---- [_Turns to her; she falls off._ _Lid._ 'Tis true I was not bred in court, nor live a star there; Nor shine in rich embroideries and pearl, As they that are the mistresses of great fortunes Are every day adorn'd with---- _Sanaz._ Will you vouchsafe Your ear, sweet lady? _Lid._ Yet I may be bold, For my integrity and fame, to rank With such as are more glorious. Though I never Did injury, yet I am sensible When I'm contemn'd and scorn'd. _Sanaz._ Will you please to hear me? _Lid._ O the difference of natures! Giovanni, A prince in expectation, when he lived here, Stole courtesy from heaven[72], and would not to The meanest servant in my father's house Have kept such distance. _Sanaz._ Pray you, do not think me Unworthy of your ear: it was your beauty That turn'd me statue. I can speak, fair lady. _Lid._ And I can hear. The harshness of your courtship Cannot corrupt my courtesy. _Sanaz._ Will you hear me, If I speak of love? _Lid._ Provided you be modest; I were uncivil, else.