Quee. I will no Treaties
With a League-breaker and a Rebell; shall I
Article with a Traitor? be compell'd
To yield an innocent unto their fury
Whom I have prov'd so to you?
Euph. Gracious Queen,
Though your own god-like disposition
Would succor Virtue, and protect the right,
Yet for the publick good, for the dear safety
Of your most Royal only Son, consent
To give me up the sacrifice to their malice,
My life is aym'd at, and 'twere better far
The blood of twenty thousand such as I
Purpled our Seas, [than] that your Princely Son
Should be endanger'd.
Quee. Still well said honest Fool,
Were their demand but one hair from thy head,
By all the gods [I'ld] scorn 'em: were they here,
The Majesty that dwels upon this brow
Should strike 'em on their knees: As for my Son,
Let 'em no more dare than they'l answer, I
An equal Mother to my Countrey, am,
And every virtuous Son of it is Son
Unto my bosome, tender as mine own.
Con. Oh, you are heavenly Madam, and the gods
Can suffer nothing pass to injure you:
The life that Conon promis'd, he stands now
Ready to pay with joy.
Quee. Farewell both,
Success attend you: you have Souldiers been,
Tam Marti quam Mercurio: if you bring not peace
Bring me their heads.
Con. I will put fair for one. [Exeunt Quee. Lords.
Euph. Double the Guard upon her Highness Person,
Conon. You must perform a friendly part,
Which I shall counsel you.
Con. I am your servant. [Exeunt.