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Sad and solemn music.

Grif. She is asleep. Good wench, let's sit down quiet,

For fear we wake her :-softly, gentle Patience.

[The Vision.

Enter, solemnly tripping one after another, six Personages, clad in white robes, wearing on their heads garlands of bays, and golden vizards on their faces; branches of bays, or palm, in their hands. They first congee unto her, then dance; and, at certain changes, the first two hold a spare garland over her head; at which, the other four make reverend courtesies; then the two, that held the garland, deliver the same to the other next two, who observe the same order in their changes, ind holding the garland over her head; which done, hey deliver the same garland to the last two, who likewise observe the same order: at which, as it were by inspiration, she makes in her sleep signs of rejoicing, and holdeth up her hands to heaven: and so in their dancing they vanish, carrying the garland with them. The music continues.

Kath. Spirits of peace, where are ye? Are ye all gone,

And leave me here in wretchedness behind ye?
Grif. Madam, we are here.

Kath.

It is not you I call for.

None, madam.

Saw ye none enter since I slept?

Grif.

Kath. No? Saw you not, even now, a blessed

troop

Invite me to a banquet, whose bright faces
Cast thousand beams upon me, like the sun?
They promised me eternal happiness;

And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel
I am not worthy yet to wear: I shall, assuredly.
Grif. I am most joyful, madam, such good

dreams

Possess your fancy.

Kath.

Bid the music leave;

They are harsh and heavy to me.

Pa.

[music ceases.

Do you note,

How much her grace is alter'd on the sudden? How long her face is drawn! How pale she looks, And of an earthy cold! Mark you her eyes?

Grif. She is going, wench: pray, pray.

Pa.

Heaven comfort her!

Knowing, she will not lose her wonted greatness, To use so rude behavior: go to; kneel.

Mes. I humbly do entreat your highness' pardon; My haste made me unmannerly.

A gentleman, sent from the king,

There is staying

to see you.

Kath. Admit him entrance, Griffith; but this

fellow

Let me ne'er see again.

[Exeunt Griffith and Messenger.

Re-enter GRIFFITH, with CAPUCIUS.

If my sight fail not,

You should be lord ambassador from the emperor, My royal nephew, and your name Capucius.

Cap. Madam, the same, your servant.

Kath.

O my lord, The times and titles now are alter'd strangely With me since first you knew me: but, I pray you, What is your pleasure with me?

Cap.

Noble lady,

First, mine own service to your grace; the next,
The king's request that I would visit you;
Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me
Sends you his princely commendations,

And heartily entreats you take good comfort.

Kath. O my good lord, that comfort comes too late;

'Tis like a pardon after execution :

That gentle physic, given in time, had cured me; But now I am past all comforts here but prayers. How does his highness?

Cap.

Madam, in good health.

Kath. So may he ever do! and ever florish,

When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name

Banish'd the kingdom!-Patience, is that letter,

I caused you write, yet sent away?

Pa.

No, madam.

[giving it to Katharine.