_Paul._ Our master never would permit his sons To launch for fortune in the uncertain world; But warns them to avoid both courts and camps, Where dilatory Fortune plays the jilt With the brave, noble, honest, gallant man, To throw herself away on fools and knaves. _Ern._ They both have forward, generous, active spirits: 'Tis daily their petition to their father, To send them forth where glory's to be gotten; They cry they're weary of their lazy home, Restless to do some thing that Fame may talk of. To-day they chased the boar, and near this time Should be returned. _Paul._ Oh, that's a royal sport! We yet may see the old man in a morning, Lusty as health, come ruddy to the field, And there pursue the chase, as if he meant To o'ertake time, and bring back youth again. [_Exeunt_ PAULINO _and_ ERNESTO. _Enter_ CASTALIO, POLYDORE, _and_ Page. _Cast._ Polydore, our sport Has been to-day much better for the danger: When on the brink the foaming boar I met, And in his side thought to have lodged my spear, The desperate savage rushed within my force, And bore me headlong with him down the rock. _Pol._ But then-- _Cast._ Ay, then, my brother, my friend Polydore, Like Perseus mounted on his wingèd steed, Came on, and down the dangerous precipice leaped To save Castalio. 'Twas a god-like act! _Pol._ But when I came, I found you conqueror. Oh, my heart danced to see your danger past! The heat and fury of the chase was cooled, And I had nothing in my mind but joy. _Cast._ So, Polydore, methinks we might in war Rush on together; thou shouldst be my guard, And I be thine; what is't could hurt us then? Now half the youth of Europe are in arms, How fulsome must it be to stay behind, And die of rank diseases here at home! _Pol._ No, let me purchase in my youth renown, To make me loved and valued when I'm old: I would be busy in the world, and learn, Not like a coarse and useless dunghill-weed, Fixed to one spot, and rot just as I grew. _Cast._ Our father Has ta'en himself a surfeit of the world, And cries it is not safe that we should taste it: I own I've duty very powerful in me; And, though I'd hazard all to raise my name, Yet he's so tender and so good a father, I could not do a thing to cross his will. _Pol._ Castalio, I have doubts within my heart, Which you, and only you, can satisfy: Will you be free and candid to your friend? _Cast._ Have I a thought my Polydore should not know? What can this mean? _Pol._ Nay, I'll conjure you too, By all the strictest bonds of faithful friendship, To show your heart as naked in this point As you would purge you of your sins to Heaven. _Cast._ I will.