_Pala._ That's the hardest part of your adventure. But, for aught I see, fortune has used us both alike: I have a strange kind of mistress too in court, besides her I am to marry. _Rho._ You have made haste to be in love, then; for, if I am not mistaken, you are but this day arrived. _Pala._ That's all one: I have seen the lady already, who has charmed me; seen her in these walks, courted her, and received, for the first time, an answer that does not put me into despair. _To them_ ARGALEON, AMALTHEA, _and_ ARTEMIS. I'll tell you more at leisure my adventures. The walks fill apace, I see. Stay, is not that the young lord Argaleon, the king's favourite? _Rho._ Yes, and as proud as ever, as ambitious, and as revengeful. _Pala._ How keeps he the king's favour with these qualities? _Rho._ Argaleon's father helped him to the crown: besides, he gilds over all his vices to the king, and, standing in the dark to him, sees all his inclinations, interests, and humours, which he so times and soothes, that, in effect, he reigns. _Pala._ His sister Amalthea, who, I guess, stands by him, seems not to be of his temper. _Rho._ O, she's all goodness and generosity. _Arga._ Rhodophil, the king expects you earnestly. _Rho._ 'Tis done, my lord, what he commanded: I only waited his return from hunting. Shall I attend your lordship to him? _Arga._ No; I go first another way. [_Exit hastily._ _Pala._ He seems in haste, and discomposed. _Amal._ [_to_ RHOD. _after a short whisper._] Your friend? then he must needs be of much merit. _Rho._ When he has kissed the king's hand, I know he'll beg the honour to kiss yours. Come, Palamede. [_Exeunt_ RHODO. _and_ PALA. _bowing to_ AMAL. _Arte._ Madam, you tell me most surprising news. _Amal._ The fear of it, you see, Has discomposed my brother; but to me, All, that can bring my country good, is welcome. _Arte._ It seems incredible, that this old king, Whom all the world thought childless, Should come to search the farthest parts of Sicily, In hope to find an heir. _Amal._ To lessen your astonishment, I will Unfold some private passages of state, Of which you are yet ignorant: Know, first, That this Polydamus, who reigns, unjustly Gained the crown. _Arte._ Somewhat of this I have confusedly heard. _Amal._ I'll tell you all in brief: Theagenes, Our last great king, Had, by his queen, one only son, an infant Of three years old, called, after him, Theagenes. The general, this Polydamus, then married; The public feasts for which were scarcely past, When a rebellion in the heart of Sicily Called out the king to arms. _Arte._ Polydamus Had then a just excuse to stay behind.