_Room in the Palace. Enter BLASCO._
_BLASCO._
I have sucked this Ferdinand. Duke Philip bears
Secret despatches sealed, not to be broken
Save on emergency; from which I gather
That if emergency arise, this Philip
Will be our viceroy. Palicio being escaped
Must make the emergency.—Then, where am I?
Packed off to Spain with Hugo’s broken service, 560
To answer his impeachment. ’Tis high time
I cast by these old friends, such as they are,
And turn my face to the rising sun, this Philip.
I see the way too. Manuel’s love for Constance
Hath roused again his former love for her
To a burning jealousy; if I feed that
I win his ear, and make my foe his foe.
As for Palicio, should he hold back
I have a way with him, and can contrive
He shall seize Hugo, or himself be seized, 570
As may suit best. The mischief set on foot,
Philip must break his seals; and I come in
With him as friendly to the people’s rights,
And trusted servant of the crown. By heav’n,
I shall deserve their credit. See, here he comes.
_Enter Philip._
Good morrow to your grace.
_PHILIP._
Good morrow, Blasco.
_Bl._ I served thy father well.
_Ph._ I know it, Blasco.
What of it now?
_Bl._ I do not urge my service
Looking for recompense; I do not ask
So much as that your grace remember me 580
At court, to mention my forgotten name
In the new king’s ear; as, When I was in Sicily
I saw old Blasco; nay, ’twas for good-will
I served, and now ’tis that I want a master
Which bids me speak. If but your grace could find me
Employment worth my wits, I would serve well.
_Ph._ I’ll think of it.
_Bl._ Let your grace know my life
Spent in this court should make my loyalty
More than a counsellor. In this rebellion
I know where Hugo fails, where Manuel leans; 590
Could blow upon the flame or snuff it out,
Could bring you to the leaders.
_Ph._ Honest Blasco,
Thou know’st the world.
_Bl._ I know that one who comes
To make peace in a quarrel that he knows not,
Needs other knowledge than he is like to get
From either party. The strings of policy
Are coiled in private chambers; if your grace
Would pull at these ...
_Ph._ True. If thou serve me thus
I’ll take instruction.
_Bl._ Let your grace now prove me
In any question.
_Ph._ This, then. We in Spain 600
Supposed that your revolt stood on two legs,
Over-taxation and the hate of Hugo;
And had its claim for justice countenanced
By Manuel’s voice: but coming here, I find
That he and Hugo’s daughter are betrothed.
Now here’s a private matter, which, I take it,
Involves the public. Say, doth Manuel play
His policy on Hugo, or hath Hugo
Trumped up a match with Manuel to support
His failing credit?
_Bl._ They are not betrothed, your grace.
What passes between lovers is unknown: 611
But this is sure, Hugo withholds consent,
And doth so to win Manuel to his side.
_Ph._ Doth not that win him?
_Bl._ Nay.
_Ph._ Then I conclude
He loves not.
_Bl._ Nay, indeed; it gives me pain
To witness his indifference; for the lady
Deserves the best.
_Ph._ Stay, count. Remember
In what has passed that word may well blame me.
_Bl._ I hearken not to idle tales. Your grace
May be punctilious; but in Manuel’s instance 620
There’s no excuse.
_Ph._ I care not what men say.
And now it hurts me more to hear thee blame
Another for the fault I stumbled in,
Than if ’twas said of me. I need thy knowledge.
Look, thou canst serve me; and I let none serve
For nothing. Take my purse (_gives it_); thou mayst have need
To spend so much for me.
_Bl._ I thank your grace.
I shun no obligation, and I am poor.
_Ph._ True, all men are so. Come now to my chamber,
Where we may talk in private.
_Bl._ (_aside_). ’Tis well begun. 630
[_Exeunt._