O, they that are as great as be their sins,
Let them remember that th’ inconstant people
Love many princes[578] merely for their faces
And outward shows; and they do covet more
To have a sight of these than of their virtues.
Yet thus much let the great ones still conceive,[579] 190
When they observe not heaven’s impos’d conditions,
They are no kings,[580] but forfeit their commissions.
Maq. O good my lord, I have lived in the court this twenty year: they that have been old courtiers, and come to live in the city, they are spited at, and thrust to the walls like apricocks, good my lord.
Bil. My lord, I did know your lordship in this disguise; you heard me ever say, if Altofront did return, I would stand for him: besides, ’twas your lordship’s pleasure to call me wittol and cuckold: you must not think, but that I knew you, I would have put it up so patiently. 202
Mal. You o’er-joy’d spirits, wipe your long-wet eyes.
[To Pietro and Aurelia.
Hence with this man [Kicks out Mendoza]: an eagle takes not flies.
You to your vows [To Pietro and Aurelia]: and thou into the suburbs.[581]
[To Maquerelle.
You to my worst friend I would hardly give;
Thou art a perfect old knave [To Bilioso]: all-pleas’d live
You two unto my breast [To Celso and the Captain]: thou to my heart.
[To Maria.