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Duke. The point is gain'd; my daughter is successful, And Basil is detain'd another day,

Gaur. But does the princess know your secret aim?

Duke. No, that had marr'd the whole: she is a woman; Her mind, as suits the sex, too weak and narrow To relish deep-laid schemes of policy. Besides, so far unlike a child of mine, She holds its subtle arts in high derision, And will not serve us but with bandag'd eyes. Gauriecio, could I hasty servants find, Experienc'd, crafty, close, and unrestrain'd By silly superstitious child-learnt fears, What might I not effect?

Gaur.O! any thing; The deep and piercing genius of your highness, So ably serv'd, might e'en atchieve the empire.

Duke. No, no, my friend, thou dost o'erprize my parts. Yet mighty things might be—deep subtle wits In truth are master-spirits in the world. The brave man's courage, and the student's lore, Are but as tools his secret ends to work, Who hath the skill to use them.