[ACT I., SCENE I.]
Enter Duke from war, in triumph, leading in his hand Artabella, a woman of that country from whence he came, with Arbatus her brother, and Zoranzo prisoner; and on the other side Amphelia, Ortellus, and Guard.
Duke. Madam, I need not say y'are welcome to this
Country, since 'tis mine.
Art. Sir, leaving my own for yours
Speaks my belief of that, and all things else
You say.
Duke. The same unto your worthy brother,
Besides, my thanks to you, sir, for letting
Your sister take this journey.
Arb. Your highness hath so nobly express'd
Yourself unto my sister, that I
Consented to her coming with you; so
Highly I esteem'd your princely word,
That I have let her trespass on the
Bound of common modesty in this
Adventure: for when this hasty judging
World shall see you have brought a woman
From her own country, and not your
Wife, how soon will every tongue give her
Another title!
Duke. Sir, my sudden actions shall prevent all
Tongues or thoughts either to name or think her
Anything but my duchess; therefore
All that owe duty or respect to me, pay it
To her. What, Amphelia, did you believe
The world so barren of good faces, that
Yours only does enrich it? or did you think
It was men's fates only to doat on yours?
Look on this lady, and you'll see your error;
Mark well her face, and you will find
In every line beauty sits empress there.
These are the eyes, Amphelia, now, that dart
Obedience through my heart; are not you vex'd
To see I am no constant fool, and love
You still?
Amph. Vexed at what? to see a man I hate
Love another? a very great vexation!
Know, sir, this breast has only room for joy
And love to brave Ortellus—
Forgive my heart that 'twas not yours before,
Since you have long deserv'd it.
Ort. Madam, no time was long enough to wait
This blessed hour.