Ast. And yet not sound. His ignorance of your true thoughts Excuses this; you did seem cruel, madam.
Queen. But much of kindness still mixed with it. Who could mistake so grossly, not to know A Cupid frowning, when he draws his bow?
Ast. He's going now to smart for his offence.
Queen. Should he, without my leave, depart from hence?
Ast. No matter; since you hate him, let him go.
Queen. But I my hate by my revenge will show: Besides, his head's a forfeit to the state.
Ast. When you take that, I will believe you hate. Let him possess, and then he'll soon repent; And so his crime will prove his punishment.
Queen. He may repent; but he will first possess.
Ast. O, madam, now your hatred you confess: If his possessing her your rage does move, 'Tis jealousy, the avarice of love.
Queen. No more, Asteria.
Seek Lysimantes out, bid him set his guards
Through all the court and city.
Prevent their marriage first; then stop their flight.
Some fitting punishments I will ordain,
But speak not you of Philocles again:
'Tis bold to search, and dangerous to find,
Too much of heaven's, or of a prince's mind.
[Queen descends, and exit.