Page:Works of Sir John Suckling.djvu/121

] Ors. For what?

Phi. For being in the company of those

That took away the prince's mistress from him.

Ors. Peace, that will be redeem'd.

I put but on this wildness to disguise myself;—

There are brave things in hand: hark i' thy ear. [Whispers 1 Court. Some severe plot upon a maidenhead! These

two young lords make love, as embroiderers work against a

mask, night and day. They think importunity a nearer

way than merit, and take women as schoolboys catch

squirrels—hunt 'em up and down, till they are weary,

and fall down before 'em.

Ors. Who loves the prince fails not

Phi. And I am one;

My injuries are great as thine, and do

Persuade as strongly.

Ors. I had command to bring thee:

Fail not, and in thine one disguise.

Phi. Why in disguise?

Ors. It is the prince's policy and love; for, if

We should miscarry, some one taken might

Betray the rest, unknown to one another.

Each man is safe in his own valour.

2 Court. And what mercer's wife are you to cheapen now instead of his silks?

Ors. Troth! 'tis not so well; 'tis but a cousin of thine:

Come, Philan, let's along.

Orb. What is it thus within whispering remorse,

And calls love tyrant? all powers but his

Their rigour and our fear have made divine;

But every creature holds of him by sense—

The sweetest tenure. Yea—but my husband's brother:

And what of that? do harmless birds or beasts

Ask leave of curious Heraldry at all?

Does not the womb of one fair spring

Bring unto the earth many sweet rivers,

That wantonly do one another chase,

And in one bed kiss, mingle, and embrace?

Man (Nature's heir) is not by her will tied