Leo. We are prisoners, lead us, ne'r was known
A president like this: one unarm'd man
(Suspected) to captive with golden words
(Truth being his shield) so many arm'd with swords. [Ex.
Enter (at one door) Queen, Theanor, Crates, Conon, Lords, Soldiers, (at another) Euphanes (with two swords) Agenor, Leonidas, Soldiers: Euphanes presents Leonidas on his knees to the Queen: Agenor bare-headed, makes shew of sorrow to the Queen, she stamps, and seems to be angry at the first. Euphanes perswades her, [layes] their swords at her feet, she [kisses him,] gives them their swords again, they kiss her hand and embrace, the Soldiers lift up Euphanes, and shout: Theanor and Crates discovered, Conon whispers with Crates, Euphanes with Agenor, and Leonidas observes it, who seem to promise something, Euphanes directs his Page somewhat.
[Exeunt all but Theanor and Crates.
The. We are not lucky Crates, this great torrent
Bears all before him.
Cra. Such an age as this
Shall ne'r be seen again: virtue grows fat,
And villany pines; the Furies are asleep,
Mischief 'gainst goodness aim'd, is like a stone,
Unnaturally forc'd up an eminent hill
Whose weight falls on our heads and buries us,
We springe our selves, we sink in our own bogs.
The. What's to be done?
Cra. Repent and grow good.
The. Pish,
'Tis not the fashion (fool) till we grow old:
The peoples love to him now scares me more
Than my fond Mothers: both which, like two floods
Bearing Euphanes up; will o'rflow me,
And he is worthy, would he were in Heaven,
But that hereafter: Crates help me now,
And henceforth be at ease.
Cra. Your Will my Lord?
The. Beliza is to marry him forthwith,
I long to have the first touch of her too,
That will a little quiet me.