ide above
In the abyss of heaven, the court of stars,
The blushing morning, and the rising sun,
What greater can I see?

_Poly._ This speaks thee born a prince; thou art, thyself,
[_Embracing him._
That rising sun, and shalt not see, on earth,
A brighter than thyself. All of you witness,
That for my son I here receive this youth,
This brave, this--but I must not praise him further,
Because he now is mine.

_Leon._ I wo'not, sir, believe [_Kneeling._
That I am made your sport;
For I find nothing in myself, but what
Is much above a scorn. I dare give credit
To whatsoe'er a king, like you, can tell me.
Either I am, or will deserve to be, your son.

_Arga._ I yet maintain it is impossible
This young man should be yours; for, if he were,
Why should Hermogenes so long conceal him,
When he might gain so much by his discovery?

_Her._ I staid a while to make him worthy, sir,
Of you. [_To the King._
But in that time I found
Somewhat within him, which so moved my love,
I never could resolve to part with him.

_Leon._ You ask too many questions, and are [_To_ ARGA.
Too saucy for a subject.

_Arga._ You rather over-act your part, and are
Too soon a prince.

_Leon._ Too soon you'll find me one.

_Poly._ Enough, Argaleon!
I have declared him mine; and you, Leonidas,
Live well with him I love.

_Arga._ Sir, if he be your son, I may have leave
To think your queen had twins. Look on this virgin;
Hermogenes would enviously deprive you
Of half your treasure.

_Her._ Sir, she is my daughter.
I could, perhaps, thus aided by this lord,
Prefer her to be yours; but truth forbid
I should procure her greatness by a lie!

_Poly._ Come hither, beauteous maid: Are you not sorry
Your father will not let you pass for mine?

_Palm._ I am content to be what heaven has made me.

_Poly._ Could you not wish yourself a princess then?

_Palm._ Not to be sister to Leonidas.

_Poly._ Why, my sweet maid?

_Palm._ Indeed I cannot tell;
But I could be content to be his handmaid.

_Arga._ I wish I had not seen her. [_Aside._

_Palm._ I must weep for your good fortune; [_To_ LEON.
Pray, pardon me, indeed I cannot help it.
Leonidas,--alas! I had forgot,
Now I must call you prince,--but must I leave you?

_Leon._ I dare not speak to her; for, if I s