Queen. Your pleasure, sir?
Ler. The Lord Ascanio charg'd [Kneels.
Me fall yet lower, if the earth would license;
For to so high a majesty obedience
Cannot bend down enough: then he commanded,
I, in his name, should beg the honour for him,
Before he take his journey from your country,
To kiss your hand.
Queen. Pray, sir, let's know the hour;
But let it not be sudden. Years should sweat
In preparation for his entertainment,
And poets rack invention, till it reach
Such praises as would reach the victories
Of th' old heroes.
Ler. Madam, if his arm
Did actions worthy memory, it receiv'd
An influence from your quarrel, in the which
A dwarf might triumph o'er an army. But
He humbly craves his audience may not be
With crowd and noise, as to embassadors;
But with that silence which befits his business,
For 'tis of moment.
Queen. Sir, we will obey
His own desires, though ours could wish his welcome
With a full ceremony. I attend him. [Exit Lerma.
Flo. Madam, this stranger——
Queen. Pray, my lord, let love
Not interrupt your business. I believe,
The army which Decastro so expected
Being now arriv'd, your soldiers tired, the city
Ill-settled in her faith, much counsel will
Be needful. When your leisure shall permit,
Our joy shall be to see you.
Flo. I'm all obedience.
[Exeunt Queen and Florentio at several doors.
Manet Sanmartino and Cleantha.