Scene 17
[SCENE XVII.]
Enter Shift very brave .
S. Shift. Jesu, what a gazing do you make at me to see me in a gown!
Do you not know, after travel men being in court or in town,
And specially such as are of any reputation, they must use this guise,
Which signifieth a fool to be sage, grave, and of counsel wise?
But where are we, think you now, that Shift is so brave?
Not running to seek the Knight of the Golden Shield; another office I have;
For coming here to the court of Strange Marshes so named,
Where King Alexander in his own person lies, that prince mightily famed,
Between Mustantius brother to the late king deceased,
And the queen, through King Alexander, a strife was appeased,
But how or which way I think you do not know:
Well, then, give ear to my tale, and the truth I will show.
The old king being dead through sorrow for Neronis,
Whom we do hear lover to the Knight of the Golden Shield is,
The queen, being with child, the sceptre askèd to sway,
But Mustantius the king's brother he did it denay,
Whereof great contention grew amongst the nobles on either side;
But being by them agreed the judgment to abide
Of King Alexander the Great, who then was coming hither,
At his arrival to the court they all were call'd togither:
The matter being heard, this sentence was given,
That either party should have a champion to combat them between,
That which champion were overcome, the other should sway,
And to be foughten after that time the sixteen day.
Now, my master Clamydes coming hither, for Mustantius will he be;
But upon the queen's side to venter none can we see,
And yet she maketh proclamation through every land
To give great gifts to any that will take the combat in hand.
Well, within ten days is the time, and King Alexander he
Stayeth till the day appointed the trial to see;
And if none come at the day for the queen to fight,
Then, without travail to my master, Mustantius hath his right.
But to see all things in a readiness against th' appointed day,
Like a shifting knave, for advantage to court I'll take my way.
Enter Shift very brave .
S. Shift. Jesu, what a gazing do you make at me to see me in a gown!
Do you not know, after travel men being in court or in town,
And specially such as are of any reputation, they must use this guise,
Which signifieth a fool to be sage, grave, and of counsel wise?
But where are we, think you now, that Shift is so brave?
Not running to seek the Knight of the Golden Shield; another office I have;
For coming here to the court of Strange Marshes so named,
Where King Alexander in his own person lies, that prince mightily famed,
Between Mustantius brother to the late king deceased,
And the queen, through King Alexander, a strife was appeased,
But how or which way I think you do not know:
Well, then, give ear to my tale, and the truth I will show.
The old king being dead through sorrow for Neronis,
Whom we do hear lover to the Knight of the Golden Shield is,
The queen, being with child, the sceptre askèd to sway,
But Mustantius the king's brother he did it denay,
Whereof great contention grew amongst the nobles on either side;
But being by them agreed the judgment to abide
Of King Alexander the Great, who then was coming hither,
At his arrival to the court they all were call'd togither:
The matter being heard, this sentence was given,
That either party should have a champion to combat them between,
That which champion were overcome, the other should sway,
And to be foughten after that time the sixteen day.
Now, my master Clamydes coming hither, for Mustantius will he be;
But upon the queen's side to venter none can we see,
And yet she maketh proclamation through every land
To give great gifts to any that will take the combat in hand.
Well, within ten days is the time, and King Alexander he
Stayeth till the day appointed the trial to see;
And if none come at the day for the queen to fight,
Then, without travail to my master, Mustantius hath his right.
But to see all things in a readiness against th' appointed day,
Like a shifting knave, for advantage to court I'll take my way.
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