Frederick.

’Twas my good fortune To meet no hindrance.

D. But thy health, good servant; Thy sickness?

F. Madam, let my quick despatch Bury my late reluctance. I confess I was unreasonable. Indeed, the journey Hath quite restored my spirits.

D. Yes, so it seems. I hoped that it might be so. Hast thou my answer?

F. ’Tis here. (Handing letter.)

D. Thou must have roused the Duke from sleep.

F. ’Twas such an hour as one might look to find A duke a-bed.

D. And he was not? Pray, tell us Exactly how he was employed.

F. I chanced To find him banqueting in merry company; Such as make war on night, and march their force Across the frontier, for a long campaign In the enemy’s country.

D. (to R.). Banqueting, you hear. And at that hour.

F. All night they kept it up.

D. (to R.). Hark you.

R. I hear and wonder. (To F.) Say you, sir, The Duke was merry, that he held a feast Within the palace?

F. (aside). Heavens!—how I have blundered! Nay, sir, I said not so: I said expressly, Or should have said, he was another’s guest.

R. And yet I have never known him....

F. Indeed ’tis true: He said to me himself those very words. I have never known myself do this, he said.

TRISTRAM (aside).

Now, they are at their fooling again, and not a single word of any sense. ’Tis enough to drive a man mad with bewilderment.

R. (to D.). To plunge into distraction so unwonted Argues despair. Grave men use dissipation To drown their misery.

D. No doubt: and yet Answer not for him.

F. True it is, my lady, He did confess as much to me a stranger. Despair;—that was his word. He seemed, withal, Wondrously put out at all I chanced to say: And very sick he looked.

T. (aside). Madness and lies! I’ll hear no more of this. (Goes aside to Flora.)

D. It seems that dissipation Agrees not with grave men.

R. Heaven smite me dead If I protest not ’gainst the wrong you do him.

D. So hot!—Well, thrash this out between yourselves: ’Tis nought to me. And, Frederick, when you have dressed, Rested, and breakfasted, attend me here. I thank you for your service.

F. You are welcome, madam, To all such offices. (Going.)

D. Please leave your servant. I have some papers ready indoors to send you.

F. I thank you. [Exit.

R. I crave permission: I would follow To ask of my particular affairs; How they are spoke of whence he comes.

D. (bowing permission). I hope You will hear good.

R. (aside, going). My Frederick needs fresh prompting. He is so preoccupied in his own love, That I am forgotten. [Exit.

Diana opens the letter.

T. (to Fl., shewing and shaking purse). Look here! Listen here!