Paul.
The keeper of the prison, call to him: [Exit Gent.
Let him have knowledge who I am. Good lady,
No Court in Europe is too good for thee;
What dost thou then in Prison? now, good Sir,
You know me, do you not? [Re-enter Gentleman with the Goaler.

Goa.
For a worthy lady,
And one whom much I honour.

Paul.
Pray you then,
Conduct me to the Queen.

Goa.
I may not, Madam,
To the contrary I have express commandment.

Paul.
Here's Ado to lock up honesty and honour from
Th' access of gentle visitors! Is't lawful, pray you,
To see her women? any of them? Emilia?

Goa.
So please you, Madam,
To put a-part these your attendants, I
Shall bring Emilia forth.

Paul.
I pray you now, call her:
Withdraw your selves. [Exeunt Gent. &c.

Goa.
And, Madam,
I must be present at your conference.

Paul.
Well; be it so, pr'ythee. Enter Emilia.
Here's such Ado to make no stain a stain,
As passes colouring. Dear gentlewoman,
How fares our gracious lady?

Emil.
As well, as one so Great and so forlorn
May hold together; On her frights and griefs,
(Which never tender lady hath borne greater,)
She is, something before her time, deliver'd.

Paul.
A boy?

Emil.
A daughter, and a goodly babe,
Lusty, and like to live: the Queen receives
Much comfort in't. Says, My poor Prisoner,
I'm innocent as you.

Paul.
I dare be sworn:
These dangerous, unsafe lunes i'th' King! beshrew them,(10) ^note
He must be told on't, and he shall; the office
Becomes a woman best. I'll take't upon me.
If I prove honey-mouth'd, let my tongue blister;
And never to my red-look'd anger be
The trumpet any more! Pray you, Emilia,
Commend my best obedience to the Queen,
If she dares trust me with her little babe,
I'll shew't the King, and undertake to be
Her advocate to th' loud'st. We do not know,
How he may soften at the sight o'th' child:
The silence often of pure innocence
Persuades, when speaking fails.

Emil.
Most worthy Madam,
Your honour and your goodness is so evident,
That your free undertaking cannot mise
A thriving issue: there is no lady living

So meet for this great errand. Please your ladyship
To visit the next room, I'll presently
Acquaint the Queen of your most noble offer,
Who but to day hammer'd of this design;
But durst not tempt a minister of honour,
Lest she should be deny'd.

Paul.
Tell her, Emilia,
I'll use that tongue I have; if wit flow from't,
As boldness from my bosom, let't not be doubted
I shall do good.

Emil.
Now be you blest for it!
I'll to the Queen: please you, come something nearer.

Goa.
Madam, if't please the Queen to send the babe,
I know not what I shall incur, to pass it,
Having no warrant.

Paul.
You need not fear it, Sir;
The child was prisoner to the womb, and is
By law and process of great nature thence
Free'd and enfranchis'd; not a party to
The anger of the King, nor guilty of,
If any be, the trespass of the Queen.

Goa.
I do believe it.

Paul.
Do not you fear; upon mine Honour, I
Will stand 'twixt you and danger. [Exeunt.

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