Sem. ‘Tis not Prince Artabazes, or Ismenes?
Cleo. Away, thou anger’st me.
Sem. Pardon me, Madam, It can be none at Court, if none of these? And all besides are much below that Glory.
Cleo. What call’st thou much below, mistaken thing?
Can a gay Name give Virtue, Wit, or Beauty?
Can it gain Conquest, or in Fields or Courts?
No, nor defend its own fantastick Owner.
—Come, guess again.
Sem. I can guess no further than a Man, and that I’m sure he is.
Cleo. I know not— For yet I never saw him, but in’s Character, Unless sometimes in Dreams.
Sem. Is’t not enough he conquers where he comes,
But that his Fame prevents his Sword and Eyes?
Perhaps his Person may not be agreeable;
The best in Camps are not the best in Courts.
Cleo. So brave a Mind must have as brave an Outside.
My Uncle’s Letters from the Camp contain
Nothing but Wonders of his Worth and Valour,
And ‘tis impossible but such a Man
Must merit Love as well as Admiration.
Sem. Does he not come to Court?
Cleo. The Queen has made him many Invitations;
But he for some unknown and cruel Cause,
Humbly implores her Pardon for refusing:
Nor can the General learn his Quality;
But like his Deeds, believes it must be great.