The Case is Altered/Act IV Scene III

SCENE III.

Enter Chamont, Camillo.

Cha. Sweet Gasper, I am sorry we must part;

But strong necessity enforces it.

Let not the time seem long unto my friend,

Till my return; for by our love I swear

(The sacred sphere wherein our souls are knit)

I will endeavour to effect this business

With all industrious care and happy speed.

Cam. My lord, these circumstances would come well

To one less capable of your desert

Than I, in whom your merit is confirm'd

With such authentical and grounded proofs.

Cha. Well, I will use no more. Gasper, adieu.

Cam. Farewell, my honour'd lord.

Cha. Commend me to the lady, my good Gasper.

Cam. I had remember'd that, had not you urg'd it.

Cha. Once more adieu, sweet Gasper.

Cam. My good lord.

[Exit Camillo.]

Cha. Thy virtues are more precious than thy name;

Kind gentleman, I would not sell thy love

For all the earthly objects that mine eyes

Have ever tasted. Sure thou art nobly born,

However fortune hath obscur'd thy birth;

For native honour sparkles in thine eyes.

How may I bless the time wherein Chamont,

My honour'd father, did surprize Vicenza,

Where this my friend (known by no name) was found,

Being then a child, and scarce of power to speak,

To whom my father gave this name of Gasper,

And as his own respected him to death;

Since when we two have shar'd our mutual fortunes

With equal spirits, and but death's rude hand,

No violence shall dissolve the sacred band.

[Exit.]