Val. Proceed to th' ceremony.
Gom. Before you match with this bright honor'd title,
Admir'd Miranda, pardon what in thought
I ever did transgress against your virtue;
And may you find more joy with your new Bride
Than poor Gomera e'r enjoy'd with his,
But 'twas mine own crime, and I suffer for't:
Long wear your dignity, and worthily,
Whilst I obscurely in some corner vanish.
Mir. Have stronger thoughts, and better, first I crave
According to the order of the Court
I may dispose my Captives, and the Fort,
That with a clean and purified heart
The fitlier I may endue my Robe.
All. 'Tis granted.
Enter Oriana vail'd, Ladies, Lucinda, Child.
Mir. Bring the Captives. To your charge
And staid tuition, my most noble friend;
I then commend this Lady; start not off
A fairer, and a chaster never liv'd;
By her own choice you are her Guardian,
For telling her I was to leave my Fort,
And to abandon quite all worldly cares.
Her own request was, to Gomera's hands
She might be given in custody, for sh'ad heard
He was a Gentleman wise, and temperate,
Full of humanity to Women-kind,
And 'cause he had been married, knew the better
How to entreat a Lady.
Val. What Countrey-woman is she?
Mir. Born a Greek.
Val. Gomera, 'twill be barbarous to denie
A Lady, that unto your refuge flies,
And seeks to shrowd her under virtues wing.