The sisters spin no cables for us mortals;

They're Thread, and Time, and Chance.
Trust me, I could weep now;
But wat'ry distillations do but ill⁠40
On graves: they make the lodging colder.[She knocks

⁠Zir. What would you, madam?

⁠Orb. ⁠Why, my friends, my lord,
I would consult, and know what's to be done.

⁠Zir. Madam, 'tis not so safe to raise the court,
Things thus unsettled: if you please to have——⁠45

⁠Orb. Where's Ariaspes?

⁠Zir. In's dead sleep by this time, I'm sure.

⁠Orb. I know he is not! find him instantly.

⁠Zir. I'm gone.[Turns back again
But, madam, why make you choice of him, from whom,⁠50
If the succession meet disturbance, all
Must come of danger?

⁠Orb. ⁠My lord, I am not yet
So wise, as to be jealous: pray, dispute
No further.

⁠Zir. Pardon me, madam, if, before I go,⁠55
I must unlock a secret unto you: such a one
As, while the king did breathe, durst know no air——
Zorannes lives!

⁠Orb. Ha!

⁠Zir. And, in the hope of such a day as this,⁠60
Has ling'red out a life, snatching, to feed
His almost famished eyes, sights now and then
Of you, in a disguise.

⁠Orb. Strange!
This night is big with miracle.⁠65

⁠Zir. If you did love him, as they say you did,
And do so still, 'tis now within your power——

⁠Orb. I would it were, my lord; but I am now
No private woman. If I did love him once,
(And 'tis so long ago, I have forgot),⁠70
My youth and ignorance may well excuse't.

⁠Zir. Excuse it?

⁠Orb. Yes, excuse it, sir.

⁠Zir. Though I confess I lov'd his father much,
And pity him; yet, having offer'd it⁠75
Unto your thoughts, I have discharg'd a trust;
And zeal shall stray no further. Your pardon, madam.[Exit

⁠Orb. [Studies] Maybe 'tis