Rho. ’Tis somewhat sudden; say that I am coming. [Exit Messenger. Now, Palamede, what think you of this sport?  This is some sudden tumult; will you along?

Pala. Yes, yes, I will go; but the devil take me if ever I was less in humour.  Why the pox could they not have staid their tumult till to-morrow?  Then I had done my business, and been ready for them.  Truth is, I had a little transitory crime to have committed first; and I am the worst man in the world at repenting, till a sin be thoroughly done:  But what shall we do with the two boys?

Rho. Let them take a lodging in the house, ’till the business be over.

Dor. What, lie with a boy?  For my part, I own it, I cannot endure to lie with a boy.

Pala. The more’s my sorrow, I cannot accommodate you with a better bed-fellow.

Mel. Let me die, if I enter into a pair of sheets with him that hates the French.

Dor. Pish, take no care for us, but leave us in the streets; I warrant you, as late as it is, I’ll find my lodging as well as any drunken bully of them all.

Rho. I’ll light in mere revenge, and wreak my passion, On all that spoil this hopeful assignation. [Aside.

Pala. I’m sure we light in a good quarrel:  Rogues may pretend religion, and the laws; But a kind mistress is the good old cause. [Exuent.

SCENE V.

  Enter PALMYRA, EUBULUS, and HERMOGENES.

Palm. You tell me wonders; that Leonidas Is prince Theagenes, the late king’s son.

Eub. It seems as strange to him, as now to you,
Before I had convinced him; but, besides
His great resemblance to the king his father,
The queen his mother lives, secured by me
In a religious house, to whom, each year,
I brought the news of his increasing virtues. 
My last long absence from you both was caused
By wounds, which in my journey I received,
When set upon by thieves; I lost those jewels
And letters, which your dying mother left.

Herm. The same he means, which, since, brought to the king,
Made him first know he had a child alive: 
’Twas then my care of prince Leonidas,
Caused me to say he was the usurper’s son;
Till after, forced by your apparent danger,
I made the true discovery of your birth,
And once more hid my prince’s.

  Enter LEONIDAS.

Leon. Hermogenes, and Eubulus, retire; Those of our party, whom I left without, Expect your aid and counsel. [Exeunt HERM. and EUB.

Palm. I should, Leonidas, congratulate
This happy change of your exalted fate;
But, as my joy, so you my wonder move. 
Your looks have more of business than of love;
And your last words some great design did shew.