Page:Works of Sir John Suckling.djvu/151

] The sisters spin no cables for us mortals;

They're Thread, and Time, and Chance.

Trust me, I could weep now;

But wat'ry distillations do but ill

On graves: they make the lodging colder.

Zir. What would you, madam?

Orb. Why, my friends, my lord,

I would consult, and know what's to be done.

Zir. Madam, 'tis not so safe to raise the court,

Things thus unsettled: if you please to have

Orb. Where's Ariaspes?

Zir. In's dead sleep by this time, I'm sure.

Orb. I know he is not! find him instantly.

Zir. I'm gone.

But, madam, why make you choice of him, from whom,

If the succession meet disturbance, all

Must come of danger?

Orb. My lord, I am not yet

So wise, as to be jealous: pray, dispute

No further.

Zir. Pardon me, madam, if, before I go,

I must unlock a secret unto you: such a one

As, while the king did breathe, durst know no air

Zorannes lives!

Orb. Ha!

Zir. And, in the hope of such a day as this,

Has ling'red out a life, snatching, to feed

His almost famished eyes, sights now and then

Of you, in a disguise.

Orb. Strange!

This night is big with miracle.

Zir. If you did love him, as they say you did,

And do so still, 'tis now within your power

Orb. I would it were, my lord; but I am now

No private woman. If I did love him once,

(And 'tis so long ago, I have forgot),

My youth and ignorance may well excuse't.

Zir. Excuse it?

Orb. Yes, excuse it, sir.

Zir. Though I confess I lov'd his father much,

And pity him; yet, having offer'd it

Unto your thoughts, I have discharg'd a trust;

And zeal shall stray no further. Your pardon, madam.

Orb. [Studies] Maybe 'tis