er you into good company.

_Flo_. 'Thank you, sir; here's a key, will let me through this
back-door to my own lodgings.

_Cel_. If I come off with life, I'll see you this evening; if
not,--adieu, Florimel!

_Flo_. If you come not, I shall conclude you are killed; or
taken, to be hanged for a rebel to-morrow morning: and then I'll
honour your memory with a lampoon, instead of an epitaph.

_Cel_. No, no! I trust better in my fate: I know I am reserved to
do you a courtesy. [_Exit_ CEL.

[_As_ FLORIMEL _is unlocking the door to go out,_ FLAVIA
_opens it against her, and enters to her, followed by a Page_.

_Fla_. Florimel, do you hear the news?

_Flo_. I guess they are in pursuit of Philocles.

_Fla_. When Lysimantes came with the queen's orders,
He refused to render up Candiope;
And, with some few brave friends he had about him,
Is forcing of his way through all the guards.

_Flo_. A gallant fellow!--I'll in, will you with me?--
Hark! the noise comes this way!

_Fla_. I have a message from the queen to Lysimantes.--
I hope I may be safe among the soldiers.

_Flo_. Oh, very safe!--Perhaps some honest fellow in the tumult
may take pity of thy maidenhead, or so.--Adieu! [_Exit_ FLO.

_Page_. The noise comes nearer, madam.

_Fla_. I am glad on't.--This message gives me the opportunity of
speaking privately with Lysimantes.

_Enter_ PHILOCLES _and_ CANDIOPE, _with three Friends,
pursued by_ LYSIMANTES, _and Soldiers_.

_Lys_. What is it renders you thus obstinate? You have no hope of
flight, and to resist is full as vain.

_Phil_. I'll die rather than yield her up.

_Fla_. My lord!

_Lys_. How now? some new message from the queen?--
Retire a while to a convenient distance.

[_To the Soldiers_. LYS. _and_ FLAV. _whisper_.

_Lys_. O Flavia, 'tis impossible! the queen in love with Philocles!

_Fla_. I have suspected it before; but now
My ears and eyes are witnesses.
This hour I overheard her, to Asteria,
Making such sad complaints of her hard fate!--
For my part, I believe, you lead him back
But to his coronation.

_Lys_. Hell take him first!

_Fla_. Presently after this she called for me,
And bid me run, and, with strict care, command you,
On peril of your life, he had no harm:
But, sir, she spoke it with so great concernment,
Methought I saw love, anger, and despair,
All combating at once upon her face.

_Lys_. Tell the queen,--I know not what,
I am distracted so.--
But go, and leave me to