Alci. You'l share with me in both, as soon as you are made
Acquainted with the cause, if you love vertue,
In danger not secure; I have no time
For circumstance, instruct me if Lisander
Be in your Brothers house?
Ber. Upon my knowledge he is not there.
Alci. I am glad on't.
Ber. Why good Sir?
(Without offence I speak it) there's no place
In which he is more honour'd, or more safe,
Than with his friend Cleander.
Alci. In your votes
I grant it true, but as it now stands with him,
I can give reason to make satisfaction
For what I speak; you cannot but remember
The ancient difference between Lisander
And Cloridon, a man in grace at Court?
Ber. I do; and the foul plot of Cloridons kinsman
Upon Lisanders life, for a fall given to Cloridon
'Fore the King, as they encountred at a solemn tilting.
Alci. It is now reveng'd:
In brief, a challenge was brought to Lisander
By one Chrysant[h]es; and as far as valour
Would give him leave, declin'd by bold Lisander:
But peace refus'd, and braves on braves heap'd on him,
Alone he met the opposites, ending the quarrel
With both their lives.
Ber. I am truly sorry for't.
Alci. The King incensed for his favorites death,
Hath set a price upon Lisanders head,
As a reward to any man that brings it
Alive, or dead; to gain this, every where
He is pursu'd, and laid for; and the friendship
Between him and your noble Brother known,
His house in reason cannot pass unsearcht,
And that's the principal cause that drew me hither,
To hasten his remove, if he had chosen
This Castle for his sanctuary.
Ber. 'Twas done nobly,
And you most welcom; this night pray you take
A lodging with us; and at my intreaty
Conceal this from my Brother, he is grown
Exceeding sad of late; and the hard fortune
Of one he values at so high a rate,
Will much encrease his melancholy.