Fla. My lord!
Lys. How now? some new message from the queen?— Retire a while to a convenient distance.
[To the Soldiers. LYS. and FLAV. whisper.
Lys. O Flavia, 'tis impossible! the queen in love with Philocles!
Fla. I have suspected it before; but now
My ears and eyes are witnesses.
This hour I overheard her, to Asteria,
Making such sad complaints of her hard fate!—
For my part, I believe, you lead him back
But to his coronation.
Lys. Hell take him first!
Fla. Presently after this she called for me,
And bid me run, and, with strict care, command you,
On peril of your life, he had no harm:
But, sir, she spoke it with so great concernment,
Methought I saw love, anger, and despair,
All combating at once upon her face.
Lys. Tell the queen,—I know not what,
I am distracted so.—
But go, and leave me to my thoughts.—
[Exit FLAVIA.
Was ever such amazing news,
Told in so strange and critical a moment?—
What shall I do?—
Does she love Philocles, who loves not her;
And loves not Lysimantes, who prefers her
Above his life?—What rests, but that I take
This opportunity, which she herself
Has given me, to kill this happy rival!—
Assist me, soldiers!
Phil. They shall buy me dearly.
Cand. Ah me, unhappy maid!