Alph. I will delaie him with some kinde excuse.
Hard. What kinde excuse, my Lord?
Alph. For that let me alone; do thou but soothe What I my selfe will presently devise And I will send him satisfied away.
Hard. Be sure (my Lord) Ile soothe what ere you say.
Alph. Then let them come, we are provided for them.
Enter Vandercleeve the Ambassador attended.
My lord Ambassador, we are right sorrie
Our urgent causes have deferd you thus
In the dispatch of that we most desire.
But for your answer: know I am deterr'd
By many late prodigious ostents
From present consumation of the nuptials
Vowd twixt your beauteous Dutchesse and our selfe.
O what colde feare mens jealous stomacks feele
In that they most desire! suspecting still
'Tis eyther too too sweete to take effect
Or (in th'effect) must meete with some harshe chaunce
To intervent the joye of the successe.
The same wisht day (my Lord) you heere arriv'd
I bad Lord Hardenbergh commaund two horse
Should privately be brought for me and him,
To meete you on the waye for honours sake
And to expresse my joye of your repaire:
When (loe!) the horse I us'd to ride upon
(That would be gently backt at other times)
Now, offring but to mount him, stood aloft,
Flinging and bound. You know, Lord Hardenbergh.
Hard. Yes, my good Lord.
Alph. And was so strangely out of wonted rule That I could hardlie back him.
Hard. True, my liege; I stood amaz'd at it.