hat I need write the
name beneath the picture.

_Pala._ Well, then, how far have you proceeded in your love?

_Rho._ 'Tis yet in the bud, and what fruit it may bear I cannot tell;
for this insufferable humour, of haunting the court, is so
predominant, that she has hitherto broken all her assignations with
me, for fear of missing her visits there.

_Pala._ That's the hardest part of your adventure. But, for aught I
see, fortune has used us both alike: I have a strange kind of mistress
too in court, besides her I am to marry.

_Rho._ You have made haste to be in love, then; for, if I am not
mistaken, you are but this day arrived.

_Pala._ That's all one: I have seen the lady already, who has charmed
me; seen her in these walks, courted her, and received, for the first
time, an answer that does not put me into despair.

_To them_ ARGALEON, AMALTHEA, _and_ ARTEMIS.

I'll tell you more at leisure my adventures. The walks fill apace, I
see. Stay, is not that the young lord Argaleon, the king's favourite?

_Rho._ Yes, and as proud as ever, as ambitious, and as revengeful.

_Pala._ How keeps he the king's favour with these qualities?

_Rho._ Argaleon's father helped him to the crown: besides, he gilds
over all his vices to the king, and, standing in the dark to him, sees
all his inclinations, interests, and humours, which he so times and
soothes, that, in effect, he reigns.

_Pala._ His sister Amalthea, who, I guess, stands by him, seems not to
be of his temper.

_Rho._ O, she's all goodness and generosity.

_Arga._ Rhodophil, the king expects you earnestly.

_Rho._ 'Tis done, my lord, what he commanded: I only waited his return
from hunting. Shall I attend your lordship to him?

_Arga._ No; I go first another way. [_Exit hastily._

_Pala._ He seems in haste, and discomposed.

_Amal._ [_to_ RHOD. _after a short whisper._] Your friend? then he
must needs be of much merit.

_Rho._ When he has kissed the king's hand, I know he'll beg the honour
to kiss yours. Come, Palamede.
[_Exeunt_ RHODO. _and_ PALA. _bowing to_ AMAL.

_Arte._ Madam, you tell me most surprising news.

_Amal._ The fear of it, you see,
Has discomposed my brother; but to me,
All, that can bring my country good, is welcome.

_Arte._ It seems incredible, that this old king,
Whom all the world thought childless,
Should come to search the farthest parts of Sicily,
In hope to find an heir.

_Amal