SCENE IV.--

_An Apartment in the Palace._

_Enter HUGO, furbishing VALENTINE's Shield._

There--I have made Lord Valentine's shield so bright, that if the wild man does but see his face in it, he may haply take fright at his own ugly features. It's monstrous unlucky that though I have been armour-bearer and armour-maker to the young knight from the time of his first campaign, yet something has always happened to prevent my going with him, and now when so handsome an opportunity offers, I'm sadly afraid I shan't be able to find an excuse for staying behind. I've been ill of every thing I could think of, in turn, and have obtained more certificates of bad health, than would have paid for the cure of real sickness.--Let's see--what can I think of next?

_Enter AGATHA._

AGATHA.

So, Mr. Hugo, your poor master is going again, I fear?

HUGO.

Yes, I fear we are both going. But you see how it is with us--a willing horse, you know----

AGATHA.

The poor princess will cry her eyes out, she's so sorry----

HUGO.

And so am I.

AGATHA.

_You_ sorry!--for what?

HUGO.

Why, to think that----that----

AGATHA.

Oh, I know what you are sorry for--you've heard that Valentine has sworn to go alone, and that you will lose the honour of sharing in so hopeful an enterprize.

HUGO.

Has he? how lucky! (_aside_) Yes, I'm monstrous sorry--I didn't know it sooner. (_apart_)

AGATHA.

I knew you'd feel hurt.

HUGO.

True--to think I that carried him in arms, when a boy, should see him go _alone_ at these years.

AGATHA.

Well, but if you were to ask him.----

HUGO.

What, to break his vow? I wou'dn't have such a sin at my door, for the honour of fighting the wildest man in Christendom.

_Enter VALENTINE, with a Letter._

VALENTINE.

Agatha, present this to the princess, and tell her till Valentine can prove that gentle blood flows in his veins, her roseate cheek shall ne'er have cause to blush for him she has so honoured.

AGATHA. (_gives VALENTINE a Scarf._)

Sir, she sends this parting token, and will pray incessantly for your return.

[_Exit._

VALENTINE.

Then success is certain! Come, see my armour.

HUGO.

(_While arming him._) I humbly hope, my lord, that, now, I have no hinderance you'll graciously permit my services. I have kill'd divers wild things in my time, and might be useful.

VALENTINE.

Well, then, thou shalt go with me.

HUGO.

(_Dropping the armour._) Shall I! O dear!

VALENTINE.

How now?

HUGO.

'Twas but a sudden qualm--That was a real pain i' the back. [_Aside._

VALENTINE.

I mean to take thee but to the entrance of the forest.

HUGO.

I cou'dn't think of intruding further.

VALENTINE.

There secure my horse, and wait my return. (_Draws his sword._) Now gentle fortune aid thy knight.

And let the Fates for good or ill combine, The star that leads me on, is, Eglantine.

[_Exeunt on opposite sides._