MERCURY. Pompey and Caesar, the wonders of their time, By froward Fortune spoiled in their prime.
VULCAN. They were served well enough, why could not they be content With a roach and a red herring in the holy time of Lent?
MERCURY. [Hero and] Leander presents them very loth, That felt the force of Love and Fortune both.
FORTUNE. Upon him I my sovereignty did show.
VENUS. And think you, dame, my power she did not know?
FORTUNE. But it was I that dashed their delight.
VENUS. After that I had proved my open might.
VULCAN. What a scolding is here! shall it even thus be? You look like an honest man in the parish; I pray you, make them agree.
JUPITER. Content ye both: I'll hear no more of this. And, Mercury, surcease; call out no more. I have bethought me how to work their wish, As you have often prov'd it heretofore. Here in this land, within that princely bower, There is a Prince beloved of his love, On whom I mean your sovereignties to prove. Venus, for that th[e]y love thy sweet delight, Thou shalt endeavour to increase their joy: And, Fortune, thou to manifest thy might, Their pleasures and their pastimes shalt[72] destroy, Overthwarting them with news of fresh annoy; And she that most can please them or despite, I will confirm to be of greatest might.
VENUS. Your godhead hath devis'd, as I desire, And I am gladly therewithal content.
FORTUNE. And I am prest to do as you require; Now shall you see the proof of my intent.
[JUPITER.] Take up your places here to work your will: When you have done, the rest I shall fulfil.
VULCAN. They are set sunning like a crow in a gutter. What, are they gone? And you will be quiet, sirs, they will make you good sport with their scolding anon. Are not these a sort of good, mannerly gods to get them thus away? I must take the pains to overtake them, for I see they will not stay.
HERMIONE. Why then, my dear, what is the greatest prize in love?
FIDELIA. Absence of other griefs, the greatest that loving hearts can prove.
HERMIONE. But absence cannot minish love, or make it less in ought.
FIDELIA. Yet nevertheless it leaves a doubt within the other's thought.
FIDELIA. Lest change of air should change the absent mind.
HERMIONE. That fault is proper but to them whom jealousy makes blind.