Camp. But how if hee will not suffer thee to see my person?
Apel. Then will I gaze continually on thy picture.
Camp. That will not feede thy heart. 10
Apel. Yet shall it fill mine eye. Besides, the sweet thoughts, the sure hopes, thy protested faith, wil cause me to embrace thy shadow continually in mine armes, of the which by strong imagination I will make a substance.
Camp. Wel, I must be gone. But this assure your selfe, that I 15 had rather be in thy shop grinding colours than in Alexander's court following higher fortunes. [As she crosses the stage[936]] Foolish wench, what hast thou done? That, alas, which cannot be undone; and therefore I feare me undone. But content is such a life; I care not for aboundance. O Apelles, thy love commeth from the 20 heart but Alexander's from the mouth! The love of kings is like the blowing of winds, which whistle sometimes gently among the leaves and straight waies turne the trees up by the rootes; or fire, which warmeth afarre off, and burneth neere hand; or the sea, which maketh men hoise their sailes in a flattering calme, and to 25 cut their mastes in a rough storme. They place affection by times, by policy, by appoyntment. If they frowne, who dares call them unconstant; if bewray secrets, who will tearme them untrue; if fall to other loves, who trembles not, if hee call them unfaithfull? In kings there can bee no love but to queenes; for as neere must 30 they meete in majestie as they doe in affection. It is requisite to stand aloofe from kings love, Jove, and lightening.
Exit.
Apel.[937] Now, Apelles, gather thy wits together. Campaspe is no lesse wise then faire; thy selfe must be no lesse cunning then faithfull.[938] It is no small matter to be rivall with Alexander. 35
[Enter Page of Alexander.]
Page. Apelles, you must come away quickly with the picture the king thinketh that now you have painted it, you play with it.
Apel. If I would play with pictures, I have enough at home.