_Ruy-Gom._ So, now his jealousy is at the top, Each little blast will serve to keep it up. But stay; there's something I've omitted yet;-- Posa's my enemy; and true, he's great. Alas! I'm armed 'gainst all that he can do; For my snare's large enough to hold him too: Yet I'll disguise that purpose for a while; But when he with the rest is caught i' the toil, I'll boldly out, and wanton in the spoil. _Re-enter_ Marquis of POSA. _M. of Posa._ My lord Ruy-Gomez! and the king not here! You, who so eminent a favourite are In a king's eye, should ne'er be absent thence. _Ruy-Gom._ No, sir, 'tis you that by a rising prince Are cherished, and so tread a safer way, Rich in that bliss the world waits to enjoy. _M. of Posa._ Since what may bless the world we ought to prize, I wish there were no public enemies; No lurking serpents poison to dispense, Nor wolves to prey on noble innocence; No flatterers, that with royal goodness sport, Those stinking weeds that overrun a court. _Ruy-Gom._ Nay, if good wishes anything could do, I have as earnest wishes, sir, as you: That though perhaps our king enjoys the best Of power, yet may he still be doubly blest. May he-- _M. of Posa._ Nay, Gomez, you shall ne'er outdo me there; Since for great Philip's good I would you were, If possible, more honest than you are. _Ruy-Gom._ Why, Posa; what defect can you discern? _M. of Posa._ Nay, half your mysteries I'm yet to learn Though this I'll boldly justify to all,-- That you contrive a generous prince's fall. [RUY-GOMEZ _smiles_. Nay, think not by your smiles and careless port To laugh it off; I come not here to sport; I do not, sir. _Ruy-Gom._ Young lord, what meaning has This heat? _M. of Posa._ To let you see I know you're base. _Ruy-Gom._ Nay, then, I pardon ask that I did smile: By Heaven, I thought you'd jested all this while. Base! _M. of Posa._ Yes, more base than impotent or old. All virtue in thee, like thy blood, runs cold: Thy rotten putrid carcass is less full Of rancour and contagion than thy soul. Even now before the king I saw it plain; But duty in that presence awed me then; Yet there I dared thy treason with my sword: But still Thy villany talked all; courage had not a word. True, thou art old; yet, if thou hast a friend, To whom thy cursèd cause thou darest commend; 'Gainst him in public I'll the innocence Maintain of the fair queen and injured prince. _Ruy-Gom._ Farewell, bold champion! Learn better how your passions to disguise; Appear less choleric, and be more wise. [_Exit._