them. Well, I will not be so prophane a wretch as to interrupt her
devotions; but, to make them more effectual, I'll down upon my knees,
and endeavour to join my own with them. [_Exit._

_Amal._ [_To_ RHO.] I know already they do not love each other; and
that my brother acts but a forced obedience to the king's commands; so
that if a quarrel should arise betwixt the prince and him, I were most
miserable on both sides.

_Rho._ There shall be nothing wanting in me, madam, to prevent so sad
a consequence.

_Enter the King and_ LEONIDAS; _the King whispers_ AMALTHEA.

[_To himself._] I begin to hate this Palamede, because he is to marry
my mistress: Yet break with him I dare not, for fear of being quite
excluded from her company. It is a hard case, when a man must go by
his rival to his mistress: But it is, at worst, but using him like a
pair of heavy boots in a dirty journey; after I have fouled him all
day, I'll throw him off at night. [_Exit._

_Amal._ [_To the King._] This honour is too great for me to hope.

_Poly._ You shall this hour have the assurance of it.--
Leonidas, come hither; you have heard,
I doubt not, that the father of this princess
Was my most faithful friend, while I was yet
A private man; and when I did assume
This crown, he served me in the high attempt.
You see, then, to what gratitude obliges me;
Make your addresses to her.

_Leon._ Sir, I am yet too young to be a courtier;
I should too much betray my ignorance,
And want of breeding to so fair a lady.

_Amal._ Your language speaks you not bred up in desarts,
But in the softness of some Asian court,
Where luxury and ease invent kind words,
To cozen tender virgins of their hearts.

_Poly._ You need not doubt,
But in what words soe'er a prince can offer
His crown and person, they will be received.
You know my pleasure, and you know your duty.

_Leon._ Yes, sir, I shall obey, in what I can.

_Poly._ In what you can, Leonidas? Consider,
He's both your king, and father, who commands you.
Besides, what is there hard in my injunction?

_Leon._ 'Tis hard to have my inclination forced.
I would not marry, sir; and, when I do,
I hope you'll give me freedom in my choice.

_Poly._ View well this lady,
Whose mind as much transcends her beauteous face,
As that excels all others.

_Amal._ My beauty, as it ne'er could merit love,
So neither can it beg: And, sir, you may
Believe, that what th