fickle dame,
May scorn our smiles and flirt with these, our foes.

_Scene 4: Governor's Room._

_Francos:_ Good Quezox, it doth seem the more I grant,
The more dost thou demand. I at thy word
Did to a list'ning throng declare that thou
With mighty hand, did boost me to this place.
'Twas done to firm impress on public mind
Thy worth in fields politic, and by this
To expedite our plans which will in time
An era new inaugurate; but thou,
Like "Twist" of old, cry'st "More!" and ever "More!"
_Quezox:_ But Sire, the time is short. Soon I must hie
Me to the halls of state, and I would fain
Depart with mind at ease on matters here,
For there be few who safely may advise.
_(Exit Quezox. Enters Carpen)_
_Francos:_ Ha! Carpen, is it so; these varlets who
Do thoughts imprint, have o'er my head direct
Appealed to those who may dire action take,
And thus belittlement on me bestow?
_Carpen:_ My Liege, 'tis so. From words which from thy mouth
Did flow, discouragement arose, and so,
To guard their welfare, they did quickly act
And to their order did make strong appeal.
_Francos:_ Carpen disloyalty to those in pow'r
Shall meet its proper penalty, and they
Who voiced it must forthwith before me come
And explanation make, which doth ring clear.
_Carpen:_ I'll quick despatch a message to their chief,
That he at once before thee shall appear.
_Francos (walks the room, soliloquizing):_
Fortune is often kind, and to our hand
A weapon ready forged and sharpened fits.
A strong presentment lurketh in my mind
That she hath now perchance befriended me.
But Carpen, is this chief most proper named?
Its sound implies that blood's his proper food,
And that he sucks it from this people's veins.
_Carpen:_ I think your voiced suspicions are unjust.
He seemeth to me but a proper man
Possessing skill anent his chosen crat.
So it was published when he here was sent.
_Francos:_ Ah, well I know the arts political
Our foes did practice when they filled a nest
Fit for an eagle with a vulture mean
And covered their deceit by mouthing words.
_Carpen: