Lio. You are very welcome.
Leo. I come in quest of our noble duke,
Who from his court has stol'n out privately,
And 'tis reported he is here.
Lio. No indeed, sir,
He is not here. 'Slight, we shall be question'd
For counterfeiting his person.
Duke. Be not dismay'd,
I am the duke.
Leo. My lord!
Duke. The very same, sir.
That for my recreation have descended,
And no impeach, I hope, to royalty
To sit spectator of your mirth. And thus much
You shall gain by my presence: what is pass'd,
I'll see it ratified as firm, as if
Myself and senate had concluded it.
And when a prince allows his subjects sport,
He that pines at it, let him perish for 't.
FOOTNOTES:
[358] A cooling card is frequently mentioned in our ancient authors; but the precise sense in which it is used is difficult to be ascertained. In some places it seems to signify admonition or advice; in others, censure or reproof. In Lyly's "Euphues," p. 39, "Euphues, to the intent he might bridle the overlashing affections of Philautus, conveied into his studie a certeine pamphlet, which he tearmed A cooling card for Philautus; yet generally to bee applyed to all lovers."
So in the "First Part of Henry VI.," act v. sc. 4—
"There all is marr'd; there lies a cooling card."