_Phil_. You may have too much prejudice for some, And think them false, before their trials come. But, madam, what determine you to do? _Queen_. I came not here to be advised by you: But charge you, by that power which once you owned, And which is still my right, even when unthroned, That whatsoe'er the states resolve of me, You never more think of Candiope. _Phil_. Not think of her! ah, how should I obey! Her tyrant eyes have forced my heart away. _Queen_. By force retake it from those tyrant eyes, I'll grant you out my letters of reprise. _Phil_. She has too well prevented that design, By giving me her heart, in change for mine. _Queen_. Thus foolish Indians gold for glass forego; 'Twas to your loss you prized your heart so low. I set its value when you were advanced, And as my favours grew, its rate enhanced. _Phil_. The rate of subjects' hearts by yours must go, And love in yours has set the value low. _Queen_. I stand corrected, and myself reprove; You teach me to repent my low-placed love: Help me this passion from my heart to tear!-- Now rail on him, and I will sit and hear. _Phil_. Madam, like you, I have repented too, And dare not rail on one, I do not know. _Queen_. This, Philocles, like strange perverseness shews, As if whate'er I said you would oppose; How come you thus concerned for this unknown? _Phil_. I only judge his actions by my own. _Queen_. I've heard too much, and you too much have said. O heavens, the secret of my soul's betrayed! He knows my love, I read it in his face, And blushes, conscious of his queen's disgrace. [_Aside_. Hence quickly, hence, or I shall die with shame. [_To him._ _Phil_. Now I love both, and both with equal flame. Wretched I came, more wretched I retire: When two winds blow it, who can quench the fire? [_Exit_ PHILOCLES. _Queen_. O my Asteria! I know not whom to accuse; But either my own eyes, or you, have told My love to Philocles. _Ast_. Is't possible that he should know it, madam? _Queen_. Methinks, you ask that question guiltily. [_Lays her hand on_ ASTERIA'S _shoulder._ Confess, for I will know, what was the subject Of your long discourse i'th' antichamber with him. _Ast_. It was business to convince him, madam, How ill he did, being so much obliged, To join in your imprisonment. _Queen_. Nay, now I am confirmed my thought was true; For you could give him no such reason Of his obligements, as my love. _Ast_. Because I saw him much a malecontent, I thought to win him to your interest, madam, By telling him it was no want of kindness, Made your refusal of Candiope. And he, perhaps-- _Queen_. What of him now? _Ast_. As men are apt, interpreted my words, To all the advantage he could wrest the sense, As if I meant you loved him.