_Enter_ PLANGUS.
LIB. All health and happiness attend the prince.
PLAN. Pray, tell me if you saw the king?
Be short, for I am very melancholy.
LIB. He parted hence just now, but with such
A fury revelling in his looks, there had been
Less danger in a basilisk.
PLAN. Went he this way?
LIB. Yes, sir.
[_He is going out, but turns short._
PLAN. But dost not thou know what mov'd him?
LIB. I heard some such words as these:
My rival in the kingdom----There's evidence against him----
The people's love----Deserving is a crime----
And somewhat else my fear made me forget.
PLAN. Who was there with him lately?
LIB. I cannot tell: but about a quarter of an hour ago
He ask'd for you; and every time he nam'd you
He seem'd angry.
PLAN. Named me! thou art mistaken.
LIB. I had almost forgot, sir,
I have a message to you from Andromana.
PLAN. I will not hear one syllable.
LIB. No!--so she told me; but charged me to speak it,
Or die; for it concerned your life, which she
Held dearer than her own.
PLAN. I value it not; but speak the mystery.
LIB. When first her lips began to move, a blush
O'erflow'd her face, as if her heart had sent
Her tainted blood to seek a passage out. Then with
A show'r of tears she told me how inordinate
Desires had made her but this morning tempt you
To th' acting of a sin she would not name;
And that your virtue had so wrought upon her,
She had not left one thing unchang'd.
She loves you still, but with affection
That carries honour and converted thoughts.
And next, she bad me whisper in your ear
(For time was short) that, if you lov'd her or yourself,
Or intended to cherish the people's growing hopes,
You should not come when the king sent for you,
For something had incensed him so highly
Against you, that there was mighty danger in it.
She bad me haste, for time would not permit her
To say more. I was scarce out o' th' chamber,
When your father came and ask'd for you, and bad
Me seek you out with speed. Sir, I should be
Most proud to serve you.
PLAN. I thank thee, friend;
But prythee, tell thy mistress
Innocence knows no fear: 'tis for guilty souls
To doubt their safety. If she would have me safe,
My only way is by present appearance to clear
Myself; for I believe my false accusers
Wish nothing more than that I should be absent.
LIB. The devil's in him, sure, he guesseth so right.
[_Aside._
She told me so, sir, and would have wish'd you to it;
But that there was a way to serve you better by.
She say'th Ephorbas told her, a few minutes hence
He'd call a council, where they'd consult about you.
The place is hang'd so, that behind the wall, sir,
You may stand secure, and hear what passeth;
And according to what they determine, you may
Provide for your safety; only for more security
She wisheth you would arm yourself. Sir, pray resolve:
She'll pacify the king, that you appear
Not presently.
PLAN. Well I will be persuaded:
Tell her, I am resolv'd I will not come.
LIB. Happiness attend you! Half an hour hence I'll wait
Upon you.
[_Exit_ LIBACER.
PLAN. We shall reward thee.