Arga. Come, sweet Palmyra,
I will instruct you better in my meaning:
You see he would be private.
Leon. Go yourself,
And leave her here.
Arga. Alas, she's ignorant,
And is not fit to entertain a prince.
Leon. First learn what's fit for you; that's to obey.
Arga. I know my duty is to wait on you.
A great king's son, like you, ought to forget
Such mean converse.
Leon. What? a disputing subject?
Hence, or my sword shall do me justice on thee.
Arga. Yet I may find a time— [Going.
Leon. What's that you mutter, [Going after him.
To find a time?—
Arga. To wait on you again—
In the mean while I'll watch you. [Softly.
[Exit, and watches during the scene.
Leon. How precious are the hours of love in courts!
In cottages, where love has all the day,
Full, and at ease, he throws it half away.
Time gives himself, and is not valued, there;
But sells at mighty rates, each minute, here:
There, he is lazy, unemployed, and slow;
Here, he's more swift; and yet has more to do.
So many of his hours in public move,
That few are left for privacy and love.