The Laws of Candy Part 14

Arcanes:

Nothing More glorifies the n.o.ble, and the valiant, Than to despise contempt: if you continue But to enjoy your self, you in your self Enjoy all store besides.

Ca.s.silanes:

An excellent change: I that some seven Apprentice-ships commanded A hundred Ministers, that waited on 265] My nod, and sometimes twenty thousand souldiers, Am now retir'd, attended in my age By one poor maid, follow'd by one old man.

Arcanes:

Sir, you are lower in your own repute Than you have reason for.

Ca.s.silanes:

The _Roman_ Captains, I mean the best, such as with their blouds Purchas'd their Countreys peace, the Empires glorie, Were glad at last to get them to some Farmes, Off-from the clamours of the ingratefull great ones, And the unsteady mult.i.tude, to live As I do now, and 'twas their blessing too, Let it be ours _Arcanes_.

Arcanes:

I cannot but Applaud your scorn of injuries.

Ca.s.silanes:

Of injuries?

_Arcanes_, _Annophel_, lend both your hands.

So, what say ye now?

Arcanes:

Why now my Lord--

Ca.s.silanes:

I swear By all my past prosperities; thus standing Between you two, I think my self as great, As mighty, as if in the Capitol I stood amidst the Senators, with all The _Cretan_ subjects prostrate at my feet.

Annophel:

Sir, you are here more safe.

Ca.s.silanes:

And more beloved: Why look ye Sirs, I can forget the weakness Of the traduced Souldiers, the negleft Of the fair-spoken Senate, the impietie Of him, the villain, whom (to my dishonour) The World miscalls my son.

But by the--

Arcanes:

Sir, remember that you promis'd no occasion Should move your patience.

Ca.s.silanes:

Thou do'st chide me friendly, He shall not have the honour to be thought upon Amongst us.

[Enter _a Servant_.]

Now? the news?

266]

Servant:

The Secretarie, With the _Venetian_ prisoner, desire Admittance to your Lordship.

Ca.s.silanes:

How? to me?

What mysterie is this? _Arcanes_ can they, Thinkst thou, mean any good?

Arcanes:

My Lord, they dare not Intend ought else but good.

Ca.s.silanes:

'Tis true, they dare not; _Arcanes_ welcom them: Come hither _Annophel_, Stand close to me, we'l change our affability Into a form of State: and they shall know Our heart is still our own.

[Enter _Arcanes_, _Fernando_, and _Gaspero_.]

Arcanes:

My Lord--

Ca.s.silanes:

_Arcanes_, I know them both: _Fernando_, as you are A man of greatness, I should under-value The right my sword hath fought for, to observe Low-fawning complements, but as you are A Captive and a stranger, I can love you, And must be kind. You are welcom.

Fernando:

'Tis the all Of my ambition.

Gaspero:

And for proof how much He truly honours your heroick vertues, The Senate on his importunity, Commend him to your Lordships guard.

Ca.s.silanes:

For what?

Gaspero:

During the time of his abode in _Candy_, To be your houshold guest.

Fernando: