Philip.

Good morrow, Blasco.

Bl. I served thy father well.

Ph. I know it, Blasco. What of it now?

Bl. I do not urge my service Looking for recompense; I do not ask So much as that your grace remember me At court, to mention my forgotten name In the new king’s ear; as, When I was in Sicily I saw old Blasco; nay, ’twas for good-will I served, and now ’tis that I want a master Which bids me speak. If but your grace could find me Employment worth my wits, I would serve well.

Ph. I’ll think of it.

Bl. Let your grace know my life Spent in this court should make my loyalty More than a counsellor. In this rebellion I know where Hugo fails, where Manuel leans; Could blow upon the flame or snuff it out, Could bring you to the leaders.

Ph. Honest Blasco, Thou know’st the world.

Bl. I know that one who comes To make peace in a quarrel that he knows not, Needs other knowledge than he is like to get From either party. The strings of policy Are coiled in private chambers; if your grace Would pull at these ...

Ph. True. If thou serve me thus I’ll take instruction.

Bl. Let your grace now prove me In any question.

Ph. This, then. We in Spain Supposed that your revolt stood on two legs, Over-taxation and the hate of Hugo; And had its claim for justice countenanced By Manuel’s voice: but coming here, I find That he and Hugo’s daughter are betrothed. Now here’s a private matter, which, I take it, Involves the public. Say, doth Manuel play His policy on Hugo, or hath Hugo Trumped up a match with Manuel to support His failing credit?

Bl. They are not betrothed, your grace. What passes between lovers is unknown: But this is sure, Hugo withholds consent, And doth so to win Manuel to his side.

Ph. Doth not that win him?

Bl. Nay.

Ph. Then I conclude He loves not.

Bl. Nay, indeed; it gives me pain To witness his indifference; for the lady Deserves the best.

Ph. Stay, count. Remember In what has passed that word may well blame me.

Bl. I hearken not to idle tales. Your grace May be punctilious; but in Manuel’s instance There’s no excuse.

Ph. I care not what men say. And now it hurts me more to hear thee blame Another for the fault I stumbled in, Than if ’twas said of me. I need thy knowledge. Look, thou canst serve me; and I let none serve For nothing. Take my purse (gives it); thou mayst have need To spend so much for me.

Bl. I thank your grace. I shun no obligation, and I am poor.

Ph. True, all men are so. Come now to my chamber, Where we may talk in private.

Bl. (aside). ’Tis well begun.

[Exeunt.