Duke. Which will most clearly show his merits, and heighten
Them in value to you; for, madam, look on him
In the spring of his deserts; and you'll say, titles
Are but narrow spheres; and if honoured actions
Be the soul and breath, he's then above them,
And stands in the first rank of men.
Des. I shall want life to pay this debt. [Aside.
Claud. But, with your grace's favour, I must be tender here:
For I stand a tall mark to voice and censure;
And need not tell your highness, with what strong
Expectation the Count de Flame hath long
Time visited me.
Duke. If you will stand engaged, madam,
I am silent.
Claud. No, sir—but——
Duke. You expect honour and fortune to your bed:
I know Castile owns not a subject (I'll not
Except myself; and had I another's freedom, I should
Not speak my wishes in a second person) that
Looks not with ambition on you: but, madam, weigh
Them all; take but off their grains of fortune,
He shall hoist them into the air; and to my
Wish he's come. Dessandro, your name was
Mentioned—happily, I hope. Let me present
His value to your grace's hand; and to a sister,
Madam, I would say, her bosom.
De C. You purchase our poor lives too highly, sir.
Duke. I would have rich jewels set to their worth;
And shall be proud to give any advantage unto his.
The Duchess shall not slight me in't: I will be
Heard against the proudest courtship that shall
Charm her. Come, my lord, what sport will you
Win some ducats at?
De C. I will lose some at any your grace pleases.
Duke. My brother has got a fortunate hand of late
'Gainst all the court: I cannot rise at even terms
From him.