Phil. I could my sorrows with some patience bear,
Did they proceed from any one but her:
But from the queen! whose person I adore,
By duty much, by inclination more.
Ast. He is inclined already; did he know, That she loved him, how would his passion grow! [Aside.
Phil. That her fair hand with destiny combines!
Fate ne'er strikes deep, but when unkindness joins:
For, to confess the secret of my mind,
Something so tender for the queen I find,
That even Candiope can scarce remove,
And, were she lower, I should call it love.
Ast. She charged me, not this secret to betray;
But I best serve her, if I disobey.
For, if he loves, 'twas for her interest done;
If not, he'll keep it secret for his own. [Aside.
Phil. Why are you in obliging me so slow?
Ast. The thing's of great importance, you would know; And you must first swear secresy to all.
Phil. I swear.
Ast. Yet hold; your oath's too general: Swear that Candiope shall never know.
Phil. I swear.
Ast. No; not the queen herself.