Page:Works of Sir John Suckling.djvu/295

] That, if she be not victualled well within,

And have some sudden succours, she will, I fear,

Ere long surrender.

Clar. O Fidelio,

When kings do tempt, th' had need be angels that

Endure the shock, not women.

Fid. 'Tis true, my lord.

Yet let not uncertain fears create new griefs.

Doubt is of all the sharpest passion,

And often turns distempers to diseases.

Collect yourself, and be assur'd my zeal

Shall watch abroad; and, when I may reveal

Myself your servant, I'll not do't in breath,

But with the adventure of my life or death.

Clar. O, you are noble, sir, I know't, and mean

To hope the best. Farewell.

Arm'd with the love of sovereignty and revenge,

I'll ravish fortune, and all engines try,

That heaven or hell have yet discovered;

But I will scale my end, and plant desire

As high as any thought durst e'er aspire.

The dotage of the king shall not secure thee,

Poor old man!

Clarimont, I come: this night our quarrel ends!

Nothing but death could ever make us friends.

Where's old Clarimont?

Keep. In's bed, my lord.

Lor. In's grave, thou wouldst have said.

Keep. Must he then die to-night?

Lor. The king will have it so:

He fears the people love him, and to save

His life may prove tumultuous.

Keep. Poor gentleman! how quick

Is fate come on him! how sudden is all woe!