Luc. I wish he had trusted to his own courtship, and spoke himself; for it gives us a bad impression of a prince's wit, when we see fools in favour about his person.
Duke. Whatever I am, I have it in commission from him to tell you, he's in love with you.
Luc. The good old gentleman may dote, if he so pleases; but love, and fifty years old, are stark nonsense.
Duke. But some men, you know, are green at fifty.
Luc. Yes, in their understandings.
Duke. You speak with great contempt of a prince, who has some reputation in the world.
Luc. No; 'tis you that speak with contempt of him, by saying he is in love at such an age.
Duke. Then, madam, 'tis necessary you should know him better for his reputation; and that shall be, though he violate the laws of masquerade, and force you.
Fred. I suspected this from his violent temper. [Aside.] Sir, the emperor's ambassador is here in masquerade, and I believe this to be his lady: It were well if you inquired of him, before you forced her to discover.
Duke. Which is the ambassador?