Volume Xi Part 141 (1/2)

LUCE. Do not reject me, father.

FRANC. But for the fault that she must answer for, or shame she should endure in court, behold her yet an untouched virgin. Cus.h.i.+on, come forth; here, Signior Shallow, take your child unto you, make much of it, it may prove as wise as the father. [_He flings the cus.h.i.+on at him._

MATHO. None, my lord.

KING. Surely there may; speak, man: I'll give thee double fees.

MATHO. It cannot be, my liege; the statute is plain.

FRANK. This is more strange than t'other: ah, Luce! wert thou so subtle to deceive thyself and me? Well, take thy fortune, 'tis thine own choice.

FRANC. Sir, we can force no bounty from you, and therefore must rest content with what your pleasure is.

_Enter_ EUPHUES, ALPHONSO.

ALPH. Yonder he is, my lord; that's he in the parson's habit; he is thus disguised about the business I told you of. Lysandro, see your n.o.ble father.

EUPH. Welcome, my long-lost son, from all the storms Of frowning fortune that thou hast endur'd, Into thy father's arms.

LUCE. Is my Francisco n.o.ble?

FRANK. Lord Euphues' son! I am amaz'd.

EUPH. I hear, Lysandro, that you are married.

FRANC. Yes, my lord; this is my bride, the daughter and heir of this rich gentleman. 'Twas only she that, when my state was nothing, my poor self and parentage unknown, vouchsafed to know me--nay, grace me with her love, her constant love.

EUPH. Such merit must not be forgot, my son.

Daughter, much joy attend upon your choice.

FRANC. Now wants but your consent.

FRANK. Which with a willing heart I do bestow.

Pardon me, worthy son, I have so long Been hard to you: 'twas ignorance Of what you were, and care I took for her.

FRANC. Your care needs no apology.

EUPH. But now, Lysandro, I must make thee sad Upon thy wedding-day, and let thee know There is no pure and uncompounded joy Lent to mortality: in depth of woe Thou mett'st the knowledge of thy parentage; Thy elder brother Philocles must die: And in his tragedy our name and house Had sunk for ever, had not gracious heaven Sent, as a comfort to my childless age, Thy long-lost self, supporter of the name.

FRANC. But can there be no means to save his life?

EUPH. Alas! there's none--the king has taken an oath Never to pardon him; but since, they say, His majesty repents, and fain would save him.

FRANC. Then am I wretched: like a man long blind, That comes at last to see the wish'd-for sun, But finds it in eclipse: such is my case, To meet in this dark woe my dearest friends.

EUPH. Had you not heard this news before, Lysandro?

FRANC. Yes, sir, and did lament As for a worthy stranger, but ne'er knew My sorrow stood engag'd by such a tie As brotherhood. Where may we see him, sir?

EUPH. This morning he's arraigned. Put off That habit you are in, and go along with me; Leave your friends here awhile.

FRANC. Farewell, father; dear Luce, till soon[437] farewell: Nought but so sad a chance could make me cloudy now. [_Exeunt._

FRANK. Well, Luce, thy choice has proved better than we expected; but this cloud of grief has dimmed our mirth, but will, I hope, blow over.

Heaven grant it may! And, Signior Shallow, though you have missed what my love meant you once, pray be my guest.