_Char._ They are come to parley: I must observe this nearer. [_He retires._ _Sanaz._ You are a rare one, And such (but that my haste commands me hence) I could converse with ever. Will you grace me With leave to visit you again? _Lid._ So you, At your return to court, do me the favour To make a tender of my humble service To the prince Giovanni. _Sanaz._ Ever touching Upon that string! [_Aside._] And will you give me hope Of future happiness? _Lid._ That, as I shall find you: The fort that's yielded at the first assault Is hardly worth the taking. _Re-enter_ CHAROMONTE _below_. _Sanaz._ She is a magazine of all perfection, And 'tis death to part from her, yet I must. _Char._ A homely breakfast does attend your lordship, Such as the place affords. _Sanaz._ No; I have feasted Already here; my thanks, and so I leave you: I will see you again.--Till this unhappy hour I was never lost; and what to do, or say, I have not yet determined. [_Aside, and exit._ _Char._ Gone so abruptly! 'Tis very strange. _Lid._ Under your favour, sir, His coming hither was to little purpose, For any thing I heard from him. _Char._ Take heed, Lidia! I do advise you with a father's love, And tenderness of your honour; as I would not Have you too harsh in giving entertainment, So by no means be credulous: for great men, Till they have gain'd their ends, are giants in Their promises, but, those obtain'd, weak pigmies In their performance. And it is a maxim Allow'd among them, so they may deceive, They may swear any thing; for the queen of love, As they hold constantly, does never punish, But smile at, lovers' perjuries[73].--Yet be wise too, And when you are sued to in a noble way, Be neither nice nor scrupulous. _Lid._ All you speak, sir, I hear as oracles; nor will digress From your directions. _Char._ So shall you keep Your fame untainted. _Lid._ As I would my life, sir. [_Exeunt._ FOOTNOTES: [71] ------------_Can charms Be writ on such pure rubies?_] This, I believe, alludes to a very old opinion, that some sorts of gems (from an inherent sanctity) could not be profaned, or applied to the purposes of magic. The notion took its rise probably from some superstitious ideas respecting the precious stones employed in the breastplate of the high-priest of the Jews.--GIFFORD. [72] _Stole courtesy from heaven._] This is from Shakspeare; and the plain meaning of the phrase is, that the affability and sweetness of Giovanni were of a _heavenly_ kind.--GIFFORD. [73] _Smile at lovers' perjuries._] _Ridet hoc, inquam, Venus ipsa._