Bap. That triumph drew on me a greater torture,
And 'tis in the remembrance little less
Than ever Captive suffer'd.
Mari. How? to gain the favour of so great a Lady?
Bap. Yes, since it prov'd fatal, t'have been happy, Madam,
Adds to calamity, and the heavy loss
Of her I durst not hope for, once enjoy'd,
Turns what you think a blessing to a curse,
Which grief would have forgotten.
Alber. I am sorry I touch'd upon it.
Maria. I burn rather, Sir,
With a desire to hear the story of
Your loves, and shall receive it as a favour,
Which you may grant.
Bap. You must not be deny'd,
Yet with all brevity I must report it;
'Tis true, fair Juliana (Genoua's pride)
Enamour'd of my actions, lik'd my person;
Nor could I but with joy meet her affection;
Since it was lawful, for my first wife dead;
We were closely married, and for some few months
Tasted the fruits of't; but malicious fate,
Envying our too much happiness, wrought upon
A faithless servant, privy to our plot,
And Cabinet-Counselor to Juliana,
Who either for hope, or reward, or fear,
Discover'd us to the incensed Duke:
Whose rage made her close prisoner, and pronounc'd
On me perpetual banishment: some three years
I wander'd on the Seas, since entertain'd
By the great Duke of Florence; but what fate
Attended her? or Prospero my friend,
That staid at Genoua, to expect the issue,
Is yet uncertain.
Enter a Gentleman.
Alber. From the Duke:
Bap. He's welcome, to end my forc'd relation.
Alber. Signior Baptista;
The Great Dukes Will commands your present [e]are.