_Sosib._ [_To Clean._] Now I am twice your father, by preserving The life I gave you, which your folly hazarded. Break off all friendship with that Spartan king, Or never see me more: His fate's resolved, Nor can you stem the tide; avoid his ruins; Reply not, but obey. _Clean._ I know my duty. [_Bowing._ _Sosib._ Thou overjoyest me: Follow, we'll talk farther. [_Exeunt_ SOSIB. _and_ CLEAN. _Cas._ What think you of Sosibius and his son? _Ptol._ As of two creatures zealous for my service. _Cas._ Oh heavens! that I should love this king so well! But that I doat--What can I see in him, But dull good nature and simplicity? Well, well! my little dear, I find the gods Have given me here no business of my own, But made me just your drudge, to love and save you. _Ptol._ 'Protest I thought them honest; are they not? _Cas._ Ye gods! why did you make this man your image? And made him but an image?--You'll forgive me; I love you so, that I am forced to rail. You saw no close conveyance of the game Betwixt the crafty sire and cunning son; How slily one invented an excuse, And t'other took it up as dexterously! _Ptol._ Why, sure Cleanthes was his father's spy? _Cas._ Yes, over you; but not on Cleomenes. I fear you are betrayed, and the gods blind you, To make your ruin sure. _Ptol._ As how, Cassandra? _Cas._ When you are absent---- _Ptol._ Well! _Cas._ 'Tis in their power---- _Ptol._ To murder Cleomenes---- _Cas._ If they please; Or else to set him free, and join with Magas. _Ptol._ I will not to Canopus. _Cas._ Yes, you must. _Ptol._ But how shall I be safe, and take this journey? _Cas._ Leave that to me. _Ptol._ But you must go along. _Cas._ No; I must stay here, in order to your safety, To watch the growth of danger, and prevent it. This cruel absence I must undergo, Or else I love you not. _Ptol._ Since I must go, I'll cheat them of a day, and come before My time, for love of thee. _Cas._ To sum up all,-- For we are both in haste,-- Intrust your royal signet in my hands. _Ptol._ Joined with Sosibius. _Cas._ Would you trust a statesman Before your own dear heart? You love him better, You naughty man, in faith you do; and, now I think on't, I will not have your signet: By this kiss, And this, and this, I will not. _Ptol._ By all three, thou shalt. [_Gives her the Signet from his Finger._ But kill this Cleomenes quickly, he's dangerous. _Cas._ He's in safe hands with me. _Ptol._ One more embrace. _Cas._ There, take it, and now go. Thus, for your good, I thrust you from my arms. _Ptol._ Farewell, my love. [_Exit_ PTOLEMY.