e.

_Asan._ And she? What did my lady?
She did repulse him sternly?

_Lys._ Nay, indeed,
She wept; was greatly moved, and whispered to him,
"I am a wife."

_Asan._ Peace, peace! I will not hear
Another word. How little do they know thee,
My white, pure dove! My Lord Lysimachus,
Some glamour has misled thee.

_Lys._ Well, my lord,
I should rejoice to think it, but I cannot
Deny my eyes and ears. Is not this noble
The brother of the lady who was once
At Bosphorus at Court, and now attends
The Lady Gycia?

_Asan._ Ay, indeed he is.

_Lys._ Well, she is near at hand; if thy belief
Inclines not to my tale--which yet is true--
Couldst thou not ask of her if ere your marriage
Her brother was enamoured of your wife,
And she of him?

_Asan._ That might I do indeed.
But, sooth to say, I would not speak again
With her you name; and it may be indeed,
Since well I know her, that the Lady Gycia,
Who is angered with her for what cause I know not,
Might well resent the converse.

_Lys._ Prince Asander,
There is no man so blind as he who closes
His eyes to the light and will not have it shine,
As thou dost now.

_Asan._ Then will I see this lady,
Though knowing it is vain.

[_Exit_ ASANDER.

_Lys._ I do not know
What he will hear, but this at least I know:
That woman loves him, and will lie to sow
Dissension 'twixt these lovers--which accomplished,
The rest is easy, and I hold this Cherson
In the hollow of my hand. Ha! a good thought.
I will send a message to the Lady Gycia
Which shall ensure't. If she mislikes her friend,
It is odds of ten to one some jealous humour
Has caused it, or may grow of it.

[_Writes._

"Dear lady,
Thou art wronged; the Prince Asander presently
Is with Irene alone. Seek them, and wring
Confession of their fault."

[_Summons a_ Messenger.

Ho there! convey
These to the Lady Gycia, but stay not
To tell her whence they come.

_Mess._ I go, my lord.

SCENE IV.--IRENE'S _prison._

IRENE; _afterwards_ ASANDER _and_ GYCIA.

_Ire._ To think that once I loved that haughty woman!
Ah, that was long ago, before love came
To tear our lives as