Queen. See there, Asteria,
All we have done succeeds still to the worse;
We hindered him from seeing her at home,
Where I but only heard they loved; and now
She comes to court, and mads me with the sight on't.
Ast. Dear madam, overcome yourself a little, Or they'll perceive how much you are concerned.
Queen. I struggle with my heart— But it will have some vent. Cousin, you are a stranger at the court. [To CAND.
Cand. It was my duty, I confess, To attend oftner on your majesty.
Queen. Asteria, mend my cousin's handkerchief;
It sits too narrow there, and shows too much
The broadness of her shoulders—Nay, fie, Asteria,
Now you put it too much backward, and discover
The bigness of her breasts.
Cand. I beseech your majesty, Give not yourself this trouble.
Queen. Sweet cousin, you shall pardon me;
A beauty such as yours
Deserves a more than ordinary care,
To set it out.
Come hither, Philocles, do but observe,
She has but one gross fault in all her shape,
That is, she bears up here too much,
And the malicious workman has left it
Open to your eye.
Phil. Where, and please your majesty? Methinks 'tis very well.
Queen. Do not you see it? Oh how blind is love!
Cand. And how quick-sighted malice! [Aside.