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32 Amin.Melantius, I can tell thee a good jest Of Strato and a lady the last day.

Mel.How was't?

Amin.Why, such an odd one!

Mel.I have long'd to speak with you, not of an idle jest, that's forced, but of matter You are bound to utter to me.

Amin.What is that, my friend?

Mel.I have observed your words Fall from your tongue wildly; and all your carriage Like one that strove to show his merry mood, When he were ill disposed: You were not wont To put such scorn into your speech, or wear Upon your face ridiculous jollity. Some sadness sits here, which your cunning would Cover o'er with smiles, and 'twill not be. What is it?

Amin.A sadness here! what cause Can fate provide for me, to make me so? Am I not loved through all this isle? The king Rains greatness on me. Have I not received A lady to my bed, that in her eye Keeps mounting fire, and on her tender checks Inevitable colour, in her heart A prison for all virtue? Are not you, Which is above all joys, my constant friend? What sadness can I have? No; I am light, And feel the courses of my blood more warm And stirring than they were. 'Faith, marry too: And you will feel so unexpress'd a joy In chaste embraces, that you will indeed Appear another.

Mel.You may shape, Amintor, Causes to cozen the whole world withal, And yourself too: but 'tis not like a friend, To hide your soul from me. 'Tis not your nature To be thus idle: I have seen you stand As you were blasted, 'midst of all your mirth; Call thrice aloud, and then start, feigning joy So coldly!—World, what do I hear? a friend Is nothing. Heaven, I would have told that man My secret sins! I'll search an unknown land, And there plant friendship; all is wither'd here. Come with a compliment! I would have fought, Or told my friend "he lied," ere sooth'd him so. Out of my bosom!

Amin.But there is nothing——

Mel.Worse and worse! farewell! From this time have acquaintance, but no friend.

Amin.Melantius, stay: You shall know what it is.

Mel.See, how you play'd with friendship! Be advised How you give cause unto yourself to say, You