lose it in my king’s cause, than with an ague, or a fall, or(sleeping) to a thief; as all these are probable enough. Let me but know what I shall do for you.

Arb. It will not out! Were you with Gobrias, And bade him give my sister all content The place affords, and give her leave to send And speak to whom she please?

Mar. Yes, sir, I was.

Arb. And did you to Bacurius say as much About Tigranes?

Mar. Yes.

Arb. That’s all my business.

Mar. Oh, say not so; you had an answer of this before: Besides, I think this business might be utter’d more carelessly.

Arb. Come, thou shalt have it out. I do beseech thee, By all the love thou hast profess’d to me, To see my sister from me.

Mar. Well; and what?

Arb. That’s all.

Mar. That’s strange! Shall I say nothing to her?

Arb. Not a word: But, if thou lov’st me, find some subtle way To make her understand by signs.

Mar. But what shall I make her understand?

Arb. Oh, Mardonius, for that I must be pardon’d.

Mar. You may; but I can only see her then.

Arb. ’Tis true!

[Gives him a ring.

Mar. Is there no more?

Arb. Oh, yes! And her the best; Better than any brother loves his sister: That is all.

Mar. Methinks, this need not have been delivered with such a caution. I’ll do it.

Arb. There is more yet: Wilt thou be faithful to me?

Mar. Sir, if I take upon me to deliver it, after I hear it, I’ll pass through fire to do it.

Arb. I love her better than a brother ought. Dost thou conceive me?

Mar. I hope you do not, sir.

Arb. No! thou art dull. Kneel down before her, And never rise again, till she will love me.

Mar. Why, I think she does.