Whate'er it be, Perseda, I grant it thee.
Perseda.
Then let me live a Christian virgin still,
Unless my state shall alter by my will.
Soliman.
My word is past, and I recall my passions:
What should he do with crowns and empery,
That cannot govern private, fond affections?
Yet give me leave in honest sort to court thee,
To ease, though not to cure, my malady!
Come, sit thee down upon my right-hand here;
This seat I keep void for another friend.—
Go, Janissaries, call in your governor;
So shall I joy between two captive friends,
And yet myself be captive to them both,
If friendship's yoke were not at liberty:—
See where he comes, my other best-beloved.
Enter Erastus.
Perseda.
My sweet and best-beloved!
Erastus.