Bell. My Father would oft speak
Your worth and vertue, and as I did grow
More and more apprehensive, I did thirst
To see the man so rais'd, but yet all this
Was but a Maiden longing to be lost
As soon as found, till sitting in my window,
Printing my thoughts in Lawne, I saw a God
I thought (but it was you) enter our Gates,
My bloud flew out, and back again as fast
As I had puft it forth, and suck't it in
Like breath, then was I call'd away in hast
To entertain you. Never was a man
Heav'd from a Sheep-coat to a Scepter rais'd
So high in thoughts as I, you left a kiss
Upon these lips then, which I mean to keep
From you for ever, I did hear you talk
Far above singing; after you were gone,
I grew acquainted with my heart, and search'd
What stir'd it so, Alas I found it love,
Yet far from lust, for could I have but liv'd
In presence of you, I had had my end,
For this I did delude my noble Father
With a feign'd Pilgrimage, and drest my self
In habit of a boy, and, for I knew
My birth no match for you, I was past hope
Of having you. And understanding well
That when I made discovery of my Sex,
I could not stay with you, I made a vow
By all the most religious things a Maid
Could call together, never to be known,
Whilst there was hope to hide me from mens eyes,
For other than I seem'd; that I might ever
Abide with you, then sate I by the Fount
Where first you took me up.
King. Search out a match
Within our Kingdom where and when thou wilt,
And I will pay thy Dowry, and thy self
Wilt well deserve him.
Bell. Never Sir will I
Marry, it is a thing within my vow,
But if I may have leave to serve the Princess,
To see the vertues of her Lord and her,
I shall have hope to live.
Are. I Philaster,
Cannot be jealous, though you had a Lady
Drest like a Page to serve you, nor will I
Suspect her living here: come live with me,
Live free, as I do, she that loves my Lord,
Curst be the wife that hates her.
Phi. I grieve such vertues should be laid in earth
Without an Heir; hear me my Royal Father,
Wrong not the freedom of our souls so much,
To think to take revenge of that base woman,
Her malice cannot hurt us: set her free
As she was born, saving from shame and sin.
King. Set her at liberty, but leave the Court,
This is no place for such: you Pharamond
Shall have free passage, and a conduct home
Worthy so great a Prince, when you come there,
Remember 'twas your faults that lost you her,
And not my purpos'd will.
Pha. I do confess,
Renowned Sir.
King. Last joyn your hands in one, enjoy Philaster
This Kingdom which is yours, and after me
What ever I call mine, my blessing on you,
All happy hours be at your Marriage joyes,
That you may grow your selves over all Lands,
And live to see your plenteous branches spring
Where ever there is Sun. Let Princes learn
By this to rule the passions of their blood,
For what Heaven wills, can never be withstood.
[Exeunt Omnes.