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To and fro, a toy for this merc'less world.

PASCENTIUS.

Listen, I pray thee now, to reason's voice;

Were it not strange, if thou alone shou'dst 'scape

The numerous ills and buffets of the world?

FOOL.

I'troth, thou hast wisely spoken.

PASCENTIUS.

Dost think so, my good Fool?

FOOL.

Marry, aye, do I; an I'll thee why,

thy speech hath not wearied the Fool, therefore

'tis a wise speech.

PASCENTIUS.

Thou'rt then a judge?

FOOL.

Aye, and a righteous one too, dost mark

me, 'tis your Fool alone will make a true report.

PASCENTIUS

I understand thee not.

FOOL.

The more's the pity. He that doth, or

well speak, or write, will be prais'd by fools

only, for look ye, envy doth sting those that have

knowledge, and makes them fear lest their wise

heads should be outwitted, therefore again, 'tis

your Fool alone that is your upright judge, cause

forsooth, his brains are not in plenty; but those

which he hath are at's own disposal.

PASCENTIUS.

This road methinks shou'd lead us on our way

To the Prince's camp! Fool, go you on before.

[As they retire, enter Captain and Soldiers.

CAPTAIN.

Not quite so fast, good master, prithee halt.

FLAVIA.

What, guards! O brother, now we are undone.

PASCENTIUS.

Be calm, be calm, the troops are not my father's.

Wil't please you, sir inform us whence you came?

CAPTAIN.

From Scotland, sir.

FLAVIA.

Then O good heav'ns protect me!

PASCENTIUS.

And who is your commander?

CAPTAIN.

One whose merit

Outweighs whatever yet did breathe on earth;

If ye be Britons, as your looks bespeak,

Then shew your wonted quality of justice;

Did ye not 'fore the awful face of Heaven,

Proclaim Constantius as your lawful King,

When on his head was pour'd the sacred oil?

PASCENTIUS.

But he is now no more.

CAPTAIN.

Yet hath he two sons living,

Whose souls, for purity, I can compare

Unto this bright unspotted canopy.

PASCENTIUS.

Are ye bound towards the camp?

CAPTAIN.

We are, and if you're upright men and true,

Thither you'll follow, and there wield the sword

For justice, truth, and your anointed King.

Yet in this hallow'd cause we wou'd not force you,

But lead into the fold with gentleness,

Each sheep that may unknowingly have strayed,

And broke from out its bounds, and flowery pasture.

PASCENTIUS.

Proceed then, and we'll follow; tell me, sister,

Doth not your heart beat high?

FLAVIA.

Yea, it swells so, this little breast in truth.

Can scarce contain it.--

How shall we bear the meeting?

FOOL.

I troth, merrily, merrily as I do; 'tis true

I am a Briton, but then am I not a Fool? And

ne'er will I put my folly to the test. Think'st

thou I'll risk my brains for mine anointed King?

Nay, nay in this affair mine heels shall be my

guide, and quick teach me the way to run.

[Exeunt.

SCENE VI.

A Chamber in the Palace.

Enter EDMUNDA, and Attendants.

EDMUNDA.

I will not to my chamber then I tell ye.

FIRST MAID.

Beseech you madam to return again,

For so did your physician order--

EDMUNDA.

Come hither pretty maid, look at me well;

Now say, hath he so order'd it, or not?

FIRST MAID.

Indeed he hath.

EDMUNDA.

Nay, get thee gone,--a maid, and still so false!

Go to, live I not yet? Am I then call'd?

And hath my sweet-heart death yet fondly clasp'd me;

Say! hath the heavy passing bell yet sounded,

And hail'd me to my snug and chilly chamber?

SECOND MAID.

Madam, I fear your reason wanders.

EDMUNDA.

Aye, aye! I understand thee, it is flown;

My poor brain, alas! is sore distemper'd.

[Strikes her forehead.

Sweet, sweet, come from yon branch here's food for thee,

My pretty birds come back, I will not harm ye,

My bosom as your little nest is warm,

And is as soft, aye, and full of comfort too.

Nay stop! it is too warm, come not! 'twill burn ye.

SECOND MAID.

My tears do flow for her so plenteously,

That I have left me in no power to help her.

EDMUNDA.

O! you great Gods! why pelt ye thus my brain,

And with your thunders loud, cause such dire outrage

Within