Cle. Then, if she use but civil compliment
To a courtier bachelor, he straight bespeaks
The licence and the favours, and calls in
Some wit into his counsel for the poesy;
While I feel no temptation to such folly
But with a married lord.
Cle. Our walks are privileg'd, our whispers safe,
No fear of laying contracts to my charge,
Nor much of scandal: and if there be cause,
Who is so fond a gamester of his life,
As merely out of spleen to stake it? But,
My lord, I now suspect you constru'd ill
That language I used to your lady, when
I told her of your love: but I presume
You were not so dull-sighted as in that
Not to discern the best disguise for love.
San. What a suspicious ass was I! How captious!
I ne'er mistrusted my own wit before.
Mischief, how dull was I!
Cle. Pray turn your face
Away. Now know, when worth and valour are
Led on by love, to win my favour. But—
The queen!
Enter Queen, Decastro, Ossuna, Floriana, &c.
San. Divine Cleantha! Noblest lady!
Dec. Ossuna, let me beg thy care: though we
Bravely repuls'd the enemy, they seem
To threaten a new assault.
Oss. Command your servant.
Dec. Bear then a vigilant eye, and by your scouts
Learn if they any new attempt prepare. [Exit Ossuna.
May't please your majesty, command these many
Ears from your presence.