Herc. Faith, like the Roman Milo, bore with him when he was a calf, and now carries him when he’s grown an ox. 81
Nym. Peace! the duke’s at hand.
Cornets. Enter Gonzago, Granuffo, Dulcimel, Philocalia, Zoya.
Gon. Daughter, for that our last speech leaves the firmest print, be thus advised. When young Tiberio negotiates his father’s love, hold heedy guard over thy passions, and still keep this full thought firm in thy
reason: ’tis his old father’s love the young man moves (is’t not well thought, my lord, we must bear brain[131]), and when thou shalt behold Tiberio’s lifeful eyes and well-fill’d veins, complexion firm, and hairs that curls with strength of lusty moisture (I think we yet can speak, we ha’ been eloquent), thou must shape thy thoughts to apprehend his father well in years— 93
A grave wise prince, whose beauty is his honour,
And well-pass’d life; and do not give thy thoughts
Least liberty to shape a diverse scope
(My Lord Granuffo, pray ye note my phrase):
So shalt thou not abuse thy younger hope,
Nor afflict us, who only joy in life,
To see thee his.
Dul. Gracious my father, fear not; 100
I rest most duteous to your dispose.
[Consort of music.
Gon. Set on then; for the music gives us notice
The prince is hard at hand.
Tiberio with his train, with Hercules disguised.
Dul. You are most welcome to our long-desiring father. To us you are come——