_Giov._ And there I leave you, For I presumed no further. _Sanaz._ As she is, sir, I know she wants no gracious part that may Allure the duke; and, if he only see her, She is his own; he will not be denied, And then you are lost: yet, if you'll second me, (As you have reason, for it most concerns you,) I can prevent all yet. _Giov._ I would you could, A noble way. _Sanaz._ I will cry down her beauties; Especially the beauties of her mind, As much as Contarino hath advanced them; And this, I hope, will breed forgetfulness, And kill affection in him: but you must join With me in my report, if you be question'd. _Giov._ I never told a lie yet; and I hold it In some degree blasphémous[76] to dispraise What's worthy admiration: yet, for once, I will dispraise a little, and not vary From your relation. _Sanaz._ Be constant in it. _Enter_ ALPHONSO. _Alph._ My lord, the duke hath seen your man, and wonders _Enter_ COZIMO, HIPPOLITO, CONTARINO, _and Attendants._ You come not to him. See, if his desire To have conference with you hath not brought him hither In his own person! _Coz._ They are comely coursers, And promise swiftness. _Cont._ They are, of my knowledge, Of the best race in Naples. _Coz._ You are, nephew, As I hear, an excellent horseman, and we like it: 'Tis a fair grace in a prince. Pray you, make trial Of their strength and speed; and, if you think them fit For your employment, with a liberal hand Reward the gentleman that did present them From the viceroy of Naples. _Giov._ I will use My best endeavour, sir. _Coz._ Wait on my nephew. [_Exeunt_ GIOVANNI, ALPHONSO, HIPPOLITO, _and Attendants._ Nay, stay you, Contarino:--be within call; It may be we shall use you. [_Exit_ CONTARINO.] You have rode hard, sir, And we thank you for it: every minute seems Irksome, and tedious to us, till you have Made your discovery. Say, friend, have you seen This phoenix of our age? _Sanaz._ I have seen a maid, sir; But, if that I have judgment, no such wonder As she was deliver'd to you. _Coz._ This is strange. _Sanaz._ But certain truth. It may be, she was look'd on With admiration in the country, sir; But, if compared with many in your court, She would appear but ordinary. _Coz._ Contarino Reports her otherwise. _Sanaz._ Such as ne'er saw swans May think crows beautiful. _Coz._ How is her behaviour? _Sanaz._ 'Tis like the place she lives in. _Coz._ How her wit, Discourse, and entertainment? _Sanaz._ Very coarse; I would not willingly say poor, and rude: But, had she all the beauties of fair women, The dulness of her soul would fright me from her. _Coz._ You are curious, sir. I know not what to think on 't.-- [_Aside._ Contarino! _Re-enter_ CONTARINO. _Cont._ Sir. _Coz._ Where was thy judgment, man, To extol a virgin Sanazarro tells me Is nearer to deformity?