SCENE I. _Venice.--Room in_ ISABELLA'S _house_. ISABELLA, _Countess of Suevia, discovered sitting at a table covered with black, on which stands two black tapers lighted, she in mourning._ _Enter_ ROBERTO _Count of Cyprus_, GUIDO _Count of Arsena, and_ Signior MIZALDUS. _Miz._ What should we do in this countess's dark hole? She's sullenly retirèd as the turtle. Every day has been A black day with her since her husband died; And what should we unruly members make[127] here? _Gui._ As melancholy night masks up heaven's face, So doth the evening star present herself Unto the careful shepherd's gladsome eyes, By which unto the fold he leads his flock. 9 _Miz._ Zounds! what a sheepish beginning is here? 'Tis said true love is simple; and it may well hold; and thou art a simple lover. _Rob._ See how yond star, like beauty in a cloud, Illumines darkness, and beguiles the moon Of all her glory in the firmament! _Miz._ Well said, man i' the moon. Was ever such astronomers? Marry, I fear none of these will fall into the right ditch. _Rob._ Madam. _Isa._ Ha, Anna! what, are my doors unbarr'd? 20 _Miz._ I'll assure you the way into your ladyship is open. _Rob._ And God defend that any profane hand Should offer sacrilege to such a saint! Lovely Isabella, by this duteous kiss, That draws part of my soul along with it, Had I but thought my rude intrusion Had waked the dove-like spleen harbour'd within you, Life and my first-born should not satisfy Such a transgression, worthy of a check; 30 But that immortals wink at my offence, Makes me presume more boldly. I am come To raise you from this so infernal sadness. _Isa._ My lord of Cyprus, do not mock my grief. Tears are as due a[128] tribute to the dead, As fear to God, and duty unto kings, Love to the just, or hate unto the wicked. _Rob._ Surcease; Believe it is a wrong unto the gods.[129] They sail against the wind that wail the dead: 40 And since his heart hath wrestled with death's pangs, From whose stern cave none tracts a backward path,[130] Leave to lament this necessary change, And thank the gods, for they can give us good.