Leon. I need not this encouragement;
I can fear nothing but the gods. 
And, for this glory, after I have seen
The canopy of state spread wide above
In the abyss of heaven, the court of stars,
The blushing morning, and the rising sun,
What greater can I see?

Poly. This speaks thee born a prince; thou art, thyself,
          
                                           [Embracing him.
That rising sun, and shalt not see, on earth,
A brighter than thyself.  All of you witness,
That for my son I here receive this youth,
This brave, this—­but I must not praise him further,
Because he now is mine.

Leon. I wo’not, sir, believe [Kneeling.
That I am made your sport;
For I find nothing in myself, but what
Is much above a scorn.  I dare give credit
To whatsoe’er a king, like you, can tell me. 
Either I am, or will deserve to be, your son.

Arga. I yet maintain it is impossible
This young man should be yours; for, if he were,
Why should Hermogenes so long conceal him,
When he might gain so much by his discovery?

Her. I staid a while to make him worthy, sir,
Of you. [To the King.
But in that time I found
Somewhat within him, which so moved my love,
I never could resolve to part with him.

Leon. You ask too many questions, and are [To ARGA.  Too saucy for a subject.

Arga. You rather over-act your part, and are Too soon a prince.

Leon. Too soon you’ll find me one.

Poly. Enough, Argaleon!  I have declared him mine; and you, Leonidas, Live well with him I love.

Arga. Sir, if he be your son, I may have leave
To think your queen had twins.  Look on this virgin;
Hermogenes would enviously deprive you
Of half your treasure.

Her. Sir, she is my daughter. 
I could, perhaps, thus aided by this lord,
Prefer her to be yours; but truth forbid
I should procure her greatness by a lie!

Poly. Come hither, beauteous maid:  Are you not sorry Your father will not let you pass for mine?

Palm. I am content to be what heaven has made me.

Poly. Could you not wish yourself a princess then?

Palm. Not to be sister to Leonidas.

Poly. Why, my sweet maid?

Palm. Indeed I cannot tell; But I could be content to be his handmaid.

Arga. I wish I had not seen her. [Aside.

Palm. I must weep for your good fortune; [To LEON. 
Pray, pardon me, indeed I cannot help it. 
Leonidas,—­alas!  I had forgot,
Now I must call you prince,—­but must I leave you?

Leon. I dare not speak to her; for, if I should, I must weep too. [Aside.