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

Scene 36.

Enter the Iudges and Iury-men, as in a Court of Judicature; the Lord Singularity, Foster Trusty, and Nurse Fondly, and many others to hear them.

JUdges.

Who accuses these persons of murther?

Lord Singularity.

I, my Lord.

Foster Trusty.

We beseech your Honours, not to condemn us before you have found us guilty.

Lord Singularity.

It is a proof sufficient, my Lord, they cannot clear them∣selves, or produce the party that was delivered to their trust and care.

Iudges.

Jurie, do you find them guilty or not?

Iuries.

Guilty, my Lord.

Iudges.

Then from the Jurie, we can—.

Enter Affectionata, drest very sine in her own Sexes habit, and stops the Iudges sentence.

Affectionata.

Hold, condemn not these innocent persons for their fidelity, constancy and love; I am that maid they are accused to murther, and by good circumstances can prove it.

All the Assembly, Iudges and Iurie, seems as in a maze at her beauty, and slares on her. The Lord Singularity, as soon as he seeth her, starts back, then goeth towards her, his eyes all the time sixt on her; speaking as to himself.

Lord Singularity.

Sure it is that face.

He takes her by the Hand, and turns her to the light; are not you my Affectionata, whom I adopted my Son.

Affectionata.

Shame stops my breath, and chokes the words I should utter.

Lord Singularity.

For Heaven sake speak quickly, release my fears, or crown my joyes.

Affectionata.

My Lord, pray pardon loves follies, and condemn not my modesty for dissembling my Sex; for my designs were harmless, as only to follow you as a servant: For by Heaven, my Lord? my only desire was, that my eyes, and my eares might be fed with the sight of your person, and sound of your voice, which made me travel to hear, and to see you: But since I am discovered, I will otherwise conceal my self, and live as an Anchoret from the view of the World.

Lord Singularity.

Pray let me live with you.

Affectionata.

That may not be, for an Anchoret is to live alone.

Lord Singularity.

If you will accept of me for your husband, we shall be as one.

Affectionata.

You have declared against marriage, my Lord.

Lord Singularity.

I am converted, and shall become so pious a devote, as I shall offer at no Alter but Hymens, and since I am your Convert, refuse me not.

Affectionata.

I love too well to refuse you.

He kneels down on one knee, and kisses her hand.

Lord Singularity.

Here on my knee I do receive you as a blessing, and a gift from the Gods.

He riseth.

Affectionata.

Most Reverend Judges, and Grave Jury, sentence me not with censure, nor condemn me to scandals, for waiting as a Man, and serving as a Page; For though I dissembled in my outward habit and behaviour, yet I was alwaies chaste and modest in my nature.

Exeunt.