Phil. Think but what difficulties come between!
Ast. 'Tis wondrous difficult to love a queen.
Phil. For pity, cease more reasons to provide,
I am but too much yielding to your side;
And, were my heart but at my own dispose,
I should not make a scruple now to chuse.
Ast. Then if the queen will my advice approve, Her hatred to you shall expel her love.
Phil. Not to be loved by her as hard would be, As to be hated by Candiope.
Ast. I leave you to resolve while you have time; You must be guilty, but may chuse your crime. [Exit ASTERIA.
Phil. One thing I have resolved; and that I'll do, Both for my love, and for my honour too; But then (ingratitude and falsehood weighed), I know not which would most my soul upbraid. Fate shoves me headlong down a rugged way; Unsafe to run, and yet too steep to stay. [Exit PHIL.
ACT V.
SCENE I.—The Court.
FLORIMEL in man's habit.