_Lys_. I am not worthy, Except love makes desert; For doubtless she's the glory of her time: Of faultless beauty, blooming as the spring In our Sicilian groves; matchless in virtue, And largely souled where'er her bounty gives, As, with each breath, she could create new Indies. _Phil_. But jealous of her glory,-- _Lys_. You are a courtier; and, in other terms, Would you say, she is averse from marriage, Lest it might lessen her authority. But whensoe'er she does, I know the people Will scarcely suffer her to match With any neighbouring prince, whose power might bend Our free Sicilians to a foreign yoke. _Phil_. I love too well my country to desire it. _Lys_. Then, to proceed, (as you well know, my lord,) The provinces have sent their deputies, Humbly to move her, she would chuse at home; And, (for she seems averse from speaking with them,) By my appointment, have designed these walks, Where well she cannot shun them.--Now, if you Assist their suit, by joining yours to it, And by your mediation I prove happy, I freely promise you-- _Phil_. Without a bribe, command my utmost in it:-- And yet, there is a thing, which time may give me The confidence to name,-- _Lys_. 'Tis yours whatever:-- But, tell me true, does she not entertain Some deep and settled thoughts against my person? _Phil_. I hope, not so; but she, of late, is froward; Reserved, and sad, and vexed at little things; Which her great soul, ashamed of, strait shakes off, And is composed again. _Lys_. You are still near the queen; and all our actions Come to princes' eyes, as they are represented By them, that hold the mirror. _Phil_. Here she comes, and with her the deputies: I fear all is not right. _Enter Queen, Deputies after her;_ ASTERIA, _Guard,_ FLAVIA, OLINDA, _and_ SABINA. _Queen turns back to the Deputies, and speaks entering_. _Queen_. And I must tell you, It is a saucy boldness, thus to press On my retirements. _1 Dep_. Our business being of no less concern, Than is the peace and quiet of your subjects;-- And that delayed,-- _2 Dep_. We humbly took this time To represent your people's fears to you. _Queen_. My people's fears! who made them statesmen? They much mistake their business, if they think, It is to govern. The rights of subjects, and of sovereigns, Are things distinct in nature:--Theirs is to Enjoy propriety, not empire. _Lys_. If they have erred, 'twas but an over-care; An ill-timed duty. _Queen_. Cousin, I expect From your near blood, not to excuse, but check them. They would impose a ruler upon their lawful queen: For what's an husband else? _Lys_. Far, madam, be it from the thoughts Of any, who pretends to that high honour, To wish for more than to be reckoned As the most graced, and first of all your servants.