to
introduce me to the abbess; this assignation from Lucretia shows me a
nearer way.--Noble Don Mario, it was my business, when this accident
happened in the street, to have made you a visit; but now I am
prevented by an occasion which calls me another way.

_Mar._ I receive the intention of that honour as the greatest
happiness that could befal me: In the meantime, if my attendance--

_Duke._ By no means, sir, I must of necessity go in private; and
therefore, if you please, you shall omit the ceremony.

_Mar._ A happy even to your highness.--Now will I go to my sister, the
abbess, before I sleep, and desire her to take more care of her flock,
or, for all our relation, I shall make complaint, and endeavour to
ease her of her charge. [_Exit._

_Duke._ So, now we are alone, what said Lucretia?

_Val._ When first I pressed her to this assignation,
She spoke like one in doubt what she should do;
She demurred much upon the decency of it,
And somewhat too she seemed to urge, of her
Engagement to the prince: In short, sir,
I perceived her wavering, and closed with the opportunity.

_Duke._ O, when women are once irresolute, betwixt the former love and
the new one, they are sure to come over to the latter. The wind, their
nearest likeness, seldom chops about to return into the old corner.

_Val._ In conclusion, she consented to the interview; and for the
rest, I urged it not, for I suppose she will hear reason sooner from
your mouth than mine.

_Duke._ Her letter is of the same tenor with her discourse, full of
doubts and doubles; like a hunted hare when she is near tired. The
garden, you say, is the place appointed?

_Val._ It is, sir; and the next half hour the time. But, sir, I fear
the prince your son will never bear the loss of her with patience.

_Duke._ 'Tis no matter; let the young gallant storm to-night,
to-morrow he departs from Rome.

_Val._ That, sir, will be severe.

_Duke._ He has already received my commands to travel into Germany. I
know it stung him to the quick, but he's too dangerous a rival: the
soldiers love him too; when he's absent they will respect me more. But
I defer my happiness too long; dismiss my guards there.
[_Exeunt Guards._

The pleasures of old age brook no delay;
Seldom they come, and soon they fly away. [_Exeunt._

SCENE III.

_Enter_ FREDERICK _and_ ASCANIO.