In vain it is to strive against the stream: Bridle these thoughts, and learn the same of me, ALPHON. Yet, noble father, ere Carinus' brood CARI. My noble son, since that thy mind is such For to revenge thy father's foul abuse, As that my words may not a whit prevail To stay thy journey, go with happy fate, And soon return unto thy father's cell, With such a train as Julius Cæsar came To noble Rome, whenas he had atchiev'd The mighty monarch of the triple world. Meantime Carinus in this silly grove Will spend his days with prayers and orisons To mighty Jove to further thine intent. Farewell, dear son, Alphonsus, fare you well. [Exit. To try thy fortune where thy fates do call. [hie, Enter ALBINIUS. Alphonsus make as though thou goest out; Albinius say: ALBI. What loitering fellow have we spied here? Presume not, villain, further for to go, [Alphonsus comes towards Albinius. ALPHON. Villain, say'st thou? nay, villain, in thy [calls❜t? What, know'st thou, skipjack, whom thou villain ALBI. A common vassal I do villain call. throat: ALPHON. That shalt thou soon approve, persuade thyself, Or else I'll die, or thou shalt die for me. ALBI. What, do I dream, or do my dazzling eyes Or doth black Pluto, king of dark Avern, Whose babbling tongue hath caus'd his own annoy! What, shall I fly and hide my traitorous head, [Albinius kneels down. ALPHON. What news, my friend? why are you so blank, That erst before did vaunt it to the skies? ALBI. Pardon, dear lord! Albinius pardon craves For this offence, which, by the heavens I vow, Unwittingly I did unto your Grace: For had I known Alphonsus had been here, Ere that my tongue had spoke so traitorously, This hand should make my very soul to die. ALPHON. Rise up, my friend, thy pardon soon is But, prithee, tell me, what the cause might be, [got: That in such sort thou erst upbraided'st me? [sire [Albinius rises up. ALBI. Most mighty prince, since first your father's Did yield his ghost unto the sisters three, And old Carinus forced was to fly His native soil, and royal diadem; I, for because I seemed to complain Against their treason, shortly was forewarn'd Ne'er more to haunt the bounds of Arragon On pain of death. Then, like a man forlorn, I sought about to find some resting place; And at the length, did hap upon this shore, Where shewing forth my cruel banishment, By king Belinus I am succoured. But now, my lord, to answer demand: It happens so, that the usurping king Of Arragon makes war upon this land, For certain tribute which he claimeth here; Wherefore Belinus sent me round about His country, for to gather up men, For to withstand this most injurious foe; Which being done, returning with the king, Dispitefully I did so taunt your Grace, Imagining you had some soldier been, your The which, from fear, had sneaked from the camp. But may it be that these thy happy news ALBI. The gods forbid that e'er Albinius' tongue Should once be found to forge a feigned tale, Especially unto his sovereign lord: But if Alphonsus think that I do feign, Stay here a while, and you shall plainly see My words be true, whenas you do perceive Our royal army march before your face. The which, if't please my noble lord to stay, I'll hasten on, with all the speed I may. ALPHON. Make haste, Albinius, if you love my life; But yet beware whenas your army comes, You do not make as though you do me know, For I a while a soldier base will be, Until I find time more convenient To shew, Albinius, what is mine intent. ALBI. Whate'er Alphonsus fittest doth esteem, Albinius for his profit best will deem. [Exit. ALPHON. Now do I see both gods and fortune too Do join their powers to raise Alphonsus' fame; Enter BELINUS, king of Naples, ALBINIUS, BELI. Thus far, my lords, we trained have our * pass] See note* vol. i. p. 154. Now, as we are informed by our scouts, And Naples succour, that distressed town, ALBI. The silly serpent, found by country swain, To fetch an herb, with which in little time And bruise the same, though all the rest be sound, *subjects] The 4to." subject." |