t yet the circumstances strongly argue,
That those, for whom I search, are not far off.

_Arga._ I cannot easily believe it.

_Arte._ No,
You would not have it so. [_Aside._

_Poly._ Those, I employed, have in the neighbouring hamlet,
Amongst the fishers' cabins, made discovery
Of some young persons, whose uncommon beauty,
And graceful carriage, make it seem suspicious
They are not what they seem: I therefore sent
The captain of my guards, this morning early,
With orders to secure and bring them to me.

_Enter_ RHODOPHIL _and_ PALAMEDE.

O, here he is.--Have you performed my will?

_Rho._ Sir, those, whom you commanded me to bring,
Are waiting in the walks.

_Poly._ Conduct them hither.

_Rho._ First, give me leave
To beg your notice of this gentleman.

_Poly._ He seems to merit it. His name and quality?

_Rho._ Palamede, son to lord Cleodemus of Palermo,
And new returned from travel.
[PALAMEDE _approaches, and kneels to kiss the
Kings hand._

_Poly._ You are welcome.
I knew your father well, he was both brave
And honest; we two once were fellow soldiers
In the last civil wars.

_Pala._ I bring the same unquestion'd honesty
And zeal to serve your majesty; the courage
You were pleased to praise in him,
Your royal prudence, and your people's love,
Will never give me leave to try, like him,
In civil wars; I hope it may in foreign.

_Poly._ Attend the court, and it shall be my care
To find out some employment, worthy you.
Go, Rhodophil, and bring in those without. [_Exeunt_ RHO. _and_ PALA.

RHODOPHIL _returns again immediately, and with him enter_
HERMOGENES, LEONIDAS, _and_ PALMYRA.

Behold two miracles! [_Looking earnestly on_ LEON. _and_ PALMYRA.
Of different sexes, but of equal form:
So matchless both, that my divided soul
Can scarcely ask the gods a son or daughter,
For fear of losing one. If from your hands,
You powers, I shall this day receive a daughter,
Argaleon, she is yours; but, if a son,
Then Amalthea's love shall make him happy.

_Arga._ Grant, heaven, this admirable nymph may prove
That issue, which he seeks!

_Amal._ Venus Urania, if thou art a goddess,
Grant that sweet youth may prove the prince of Sicily!

_Poly._ Tell me, old man, and tell me true, from whence [_To_ HERM.
Had you that youth and maid?

_Her._ From whence you had
Your sceptre, sir: I had them from the god