Page:The Tragedy of the Duchesse of Malfy (1623).pdf/63

 Ferd. How doth our sister Dutchesse beare her selfe In her imprisonment?

Bos. Nobly: I'll describe her: She's sad, as one long us'd to't: and she seemes Rather to welcome the end of misery Then shun it: a behaviour so noble, As gives a majestie to adversitie: You may discerne the shape of lovelinesse More perfect, in her teares, then in her smiles; She will muse foure houres together: and her silence, (Me thinkes) expresseth more, then if she spake.

Ferd. Her mellancholly seemes to be fortifide With a strange disdaine.

Bos. 'Tis so: and this restraint (Like English Mastiffes, that grow feirce with tying) Makes her too passionately apprehend Those pleasures she's kept from.

Ferd. Curse upon her: I will no longer study in the booke Of anothers heart: informe her what I told you.

Bos. All comfort to your Grace;

Dutch. I will have none: 'Pray-thee, why do'st thou wrap thy poysond Pilles In Gold, and Sugar?

Bos. Your elder brother the Lord Ferdinand Is come to visite you: and sends you word 'Cause once he rashly made a solemne vowe Never to see you more; he comes i'th' night: And prayes you (gently) neither Torch, nor Taper Shine in your Chamber: he will kisse your hand: And reconcile himselfe: but, for his vowe,