Queen. Ev'n that confirms me, I have loved amiss; Since thou canst know I love, and not imagine It must be Philocles.
Ast. My cousin is, indeed, a most deserving person; Valiant, and wise; handsome, and well-born.
Queen. But not of royal blood:
I know his fate, unfit to be a king.
To be his wife, I could forsake my crown; but not my glory:
Yet—would he did not love Candiope;
Would he loved me—but knew not of my love,
Or e'er durst tell me his.
Ast. In all this labyrinth, I find one path, conducting to our quiet.
Queen. O tell me quickly then!
Ast. Candiope, as princess of the blood,
Without your approbation cannot marry:
First, break his match with her, by virtue of
Your sovereign authority.
Queen. I fear, that were to make him hate me, Or, what's as bad, to let him know, I love him: Could you not do it of yourself?
Ast. I'll not be wanting to my pow'r:
But if your majesty appears not in it,
The love of Philocles will soon surmount
All other difficulties.
Queen. Then, as we walk, we'll think what means are best; Effect but this, and thou shar'st half my breast. [Exeunt.