Ort. Promise me my life
First, if I do.
Duke. Well, you shall have it.
Ort. Then know, the lady Artabella is
Your sister.
Duke. Ha!
Ort. I say, your sister;
You do remember that you had one once?
Duke. Yes, I do, but she was lost at three years old.
Ort. 'Tis true it was thought so; but thus it is:—
When 'twas reported you were slain in th' battle,
I straight convey'd away this lady, then
A child, because she should not stand 'twixt me
And the dukedom. I being then acquainted
With the mother to Arbatus, I brought
This lady, and gave her a sum of money,
T' adopt her for her child. With willingness
My offer she embrac'd, the more, because
Her son Arbatus had been lost about
Seven years, thought to have been cast away
At sea, though afterwards returned home:
I had enjoin'd her secrecy, which she
Kept, therefore she told Arbatus 'twas his
Sister.
Enter Arbatus.
Duke. And is she then my sister? O
Arbatus, welcome, welcome! I've a crowd
Of joys about my heart to tell thee.
Arb. What! that you have broken my sister's heart?