[As FLORIMEL is unlocking the door to go out, FLAVIA opens it against her, and enters to her, followed by a Page.

Fla.  Florimel, do you hear the news?

Flo.  I guess they are in pursuit of Philocles.

Fla.  When Lysimantes came with the queen’s orders,
He refused to render up Candiope;
And, with some few brave friends he had about him,
Is forcing of his way through all the guards.

Flo.  A gallant fellow!—­I’ll in, will you with me?—­ Hark! the noise comes this way!

Fla.  I have a message from the queen to Lysimantes.—­ I hope I may be safe among the soldiers.

Flo.  Oh, very safe!—­Perhaps some honest fellow in the tumult may take pity of thy maidenhead, or so.—­Adieu! [Exit FLO.

Page.  The noise comes nearer, madam.

Fla.  I am glad on’t.—­This message gives me the opportunity of speaking privately with Lysimantes.

Enter PHILOCLES and CANDIOPE, with three Friends, pursued by LYSIMANTES, and Soldiers.

Lys.  What is it renders you thus obstinate?  You have no hope of flight, and to resist is full as vain.

Phil.  I’ll die rather than yield her up.

Fla.  My lord!

Lys.  How now? some new message from the queen?—­ Retire a while to a convenient distance.

[To the Soldiers.  LYS. and FLAV. whisper.

Lys.  O Flavia, ’tis impossible! the queen in love with Philocles!

Fla.  I have suspected it before; but now
My ears and eyes are witnesses. 
This hour I overheard her, to Asteria,
Making such sad complaints of her hard fate!—­
For my part, I believe, you lead him back
But to his coronation.

Lys.  Hell take him first!

Fla.  Presently after this she called for me,
And bid me run, and, with strict care, command you,
On peril of your life, he had no harm: 
But, sir, she spoke it with so great concernment,
Methought I saw love, anger, and despair,
All combating at once upon her face.

Lys.  Tell the queen,—­I know not what,
I am distracted so.—­
But go, and leave me to my thoughts.—­ [Exit FLAVIA. 
Was ever such amazing news,
Told in so strange and critical a moment?—­
What shall I do?—­
Does she love Philocles, who loves not her;
And loves not Lysimantes, who prefers her
Above his life?—­What rests, but that I take
This opportunity, which she herself
Has given me, to kill this happy rival!—­
Assist me, soldiers!

Phil.  They shall buy me dearly.

Cand.  Ah me, unhappy maid!

Enter CELADON, with his Friends, unbuttoned and reeling.

Cel.  Courage, my noble cousin!  I have brought A band of blades, the bravest youths of Syracuse; Some drunk, some sober, all resolved to run Your fortune to the utmost.—­Fall on, mad boys!