Playes written by the thrice noble, illustrious and excellent princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastle.

Scene 17.

Enter Affectionata, then enters to him, two or three Venetian Gen∣tlemen, as Embassadors from the Duke of Venice.

1. GEntleman.

Noble Sir, the great Duke of Venice hath sent us to let you know he hath adopted you his Son, and desires your com∣pany.

Affectionata.

Pray return the great Duke thanks, and tell him those favours are too great for such a one as I; but if he could, and would adopt me, as Augustus Caesar did Tiberius, and make me master of the whole World; by Heaven I would refuse it, and rather chose to live in a poor Cottage, with my most Noble Lord.

2. Gentleman.

But you must not deny him; Besides, he will have you.

Affectionata.

I will dye first, and rather chose to bury my self in my own tears, than build a Throne with ingratitude.

1. Gentleman.

But it is ungratefull to deny the Duke.

Affectionata.

O no, but I should be the ingrate of ingratitude, should I leave my Noble Lord, who from a low despised poor mean degree, advanced me to Respect and Dignity:

Whose favours I will keep close in my heart, And from his person I will never part. For though I dye, my soul will still attend, And wait upon him, as his faithfull friend.

He offers to go away in a melancholly posture and humour, so as not considering the Gentlemen. Whereupon one of them follows him, and catches hold of his Cloak.

2. Gentleman.

Noble Sir, will not you send the Duke an answer?

Affectionata.

Have not I answered? Then pray present my thanks in the most humblest manner to the great Duke, and tell him he may force the pre∣sence of my person, but if he doth, it will be but as a dead carcase without a living soul; for tell him, when I am from my Lord,

I withering vade, as flowers from Sun sight; His presence is to me, as Heavens light.

Affectionata Exit.

1, Gentleman.

'Tis strange that such an honour cannot perswade a boy!

2. Gentleman.

That proves him a boy, for if he had been at mans estate, he would not have refused it, but have been ambitious of it, and proud to re∣ceive it.

1. Gentl.

Indeed youth is foolish, and knows not how to chose.

2. Gentl.

When he comes to be a man, he will repent the folly of his youth.

Exeunt.