e; for it found her in an ill-humour with a rival of yours,
that shall be nameless, about the pronunciation of a French word.

_Pala._ Count Rhodophil? never disguise it, I know the amour: But I
hope you took the occasion to strike in for me?

_Phil._ It was my good fortune to do you some small service in it; for
your sake I discommended him all over,--clothes, person, humour,
behaviour, every thing; and, to sum up all, told her, it was
impossible to find a married man that was otherwise; for they were all
so mortified at home with their wives' ill humours, that they could
never recover themselves to be company abroad.

_Pala._ Most divinely urged!

_Phil._ Then I took occasion to commend your good qualities; as the
sweetness of your humour, the comeliness of your person, your good
mein, your valour; but, above all, your liberality.

_Pala._ I vow to Gad I had like to have forgot that good quality in
myself, if thou hadst not remembered me of it: Here are five pieces
for thee.

_Phil._ Lord, you have the softest hand, sir, it would do a woman good
to touch it: Count Rhodophil's is not half so soft; for I remember I
felt it once, when he gave me ten pieces for my new-years-gift.

_Pala._ O, I understand you, madam; you shall find my hand as soft
again as Count Rhodophil's: There are twenty pieces for you. The
former was but a retaining fee; now I hope you'll plead for me.

_Phil._ Your own merits speak enough. Be sure only to ply her with
French words, and I'll warrant you'll do your business. Here are a
list of her phrases for this day: Use them to her upon all occasions
and foil her at her own weapon; for she's like one of the old Amazons,
she'll never marry, except it be the man who has first conquered her.

_Pala._ I'll be sure to follow your advice: But you'll forget to
further my design.

_Phil._ What, do you think I'll be ungrateful?--But however, if you
distrust my memory, put some token on my finger to remember it by:
That diamond there would do admirably.

_Pala._ There 'tis; and I ask your pardon heartily for calling your
memory into question: I assure you I'll trust it another time, without
putting you to the trouble of another token.

_Enter_ PALMYRA _and_ ARTEMIS.

_Art._ Madam, this way the prisoners are to pass; Here you may see
Leonidas.

_Palm._ Then here I'll stay, and follow him to death.

_Enter_ MELANTHA, _hastily._

_Mel._ O, here's her highness! Now is my time to introduce