[_Enter_] CAMPASPE.[923]
_Camp. sola._ Campaspe, it is hard to judge whether thy choyce be
more unwise or thy chance unfortunate. Doest thou preferre--but
stay, utter not that in wordes which maketh thine eares to glow
with thoughts. Tush, better thy tongue wagge than thy heart
breake! Hath a painter crept further into thy minde than a 5
prince;--Apelles, than Alexander? Fond wench, the basenes of thy
minde bewraies the meannesse of thy birth. But, alas, affection is
a fire which kindleth as well[924] in the bramble as in the oake,
and catcheth hold where it first lighteth, not where it may best
burne. Larkes, that mount aloft in the ayre, build their neasts 10
below in the earth; and women that cast their eyes upon kings may
place their hearts upon vassals. A needle will become thy fingers
better than a lute, and a distaffe is fitter for thy hand than a
scepter. Antes live safely till they have gotten wings, and juniper
is not blowne up till it hath gotten an high top: the meane estate
is without care as long as it continueth without pride. [_Enter 15
Apelles._] But here commeth Apelles, in whom I would there were the
like affection.
_Apel._ Gentlewoman, the misfortune I had with your picture will
put you to some paines to sit againe to be painted. 20
_Camp._ It is small paines for mee to sit still, but infinite for you
to draw still.
_Apel._ No, madame; to painte Venus was a pleasure, but to
shadow the sweete face of Campaspe, it is a heaven!
_Camp._ If your tongue were made of the same flesh that your 25
heart is, your words would bee as your thoughts are; but, such a
common thing it is amongst you to commend that oftentimes for
fashion sake you call them beautifull whom you know blacke.
_Apel._ What might men doe to be beleeved?
_Camp._ Whet their tongue on their hearts. 30
_Apel._ So they doe, and speake as they thinke.
_Camp._ I would they did!
_Apel._ I would they did not!
_Camp._ Why, would you have them dissemble?
_Apel._ Not in love, but their love.[925] But will you give mee 35
leave to aske you a question without offence?
_Camp._ So that you will answere mee another without excuse.
_Apel._ Whom doe you love best in the world?
_Camp._ He that made me last in the world.
_Apel._ That was a god. 40
_Camp._ I had thought it had beene a man. But whom doe you
honour most, Apelles?
_Apel._ The thing that is likest you, Campaspe.
_Camp._ My picture?
_Apel._ I dare not venture upon your person. But come, let us 45
go in: for Alexander will thinke it long till we returne. _Exeunt._