SCENE IV.--_The Shrine of our Lady of Loretto.

_Enter_ Two Pilgrims.

_1st Pil._ I have not seen a goodlier shrine than this; Yet I have visited many.

_2nd Pil._ The Cardinal of Arragon Is this day to resign his cardinal's hat: His sister duchess likewise is arrived To pay her vow of pilgramage. I expect A noble ceremony.

_1st Pil._ No question.--They come.

_Here the ceremony of the_ Cardinal's _instalment, in the habit of a soldier, is performed by his delivering up his cross, hat, robes, and ring, at the shrine, and the investing of him with sword, helmet, shield, and spurs; then_ ANTONIO, _the_ DUCHESS, _and their children, having presented themselves at the shrine, are, by a form of banishment in dumb-show expressed towards them by the_ Cardinal _and the state of Ancona, banished: during all which ceremony, this ditty is sung, to very solemn music, by divers churchmen._

Arms and honours deck thy story, To thy fame's eternal glory! Adverse fortune ever fly thee; No disastrous fate come nigh thee! I alone will sing thy praises, Whom to honour virtue raises; And thy study, that divine is, Bent to martial discipline is. Lay aside all those robes lie by thee; Crown thy arts with arms, they'll beautify thee. O worthy of worthiest name, adorned in this manner, Lead bravely thy forces on under war's warlike banner! O, mayst thou prove fortunate in all martial courses! Guide thou still by skill in arts and forces! Victory attend thee nigh, whilst fame sings loud thy powers; Triumphant conquest crown thy head, and blessings pour down showers! [_Exeunt all except the_ Two Pilgrims.

_1st Pil._ Here's a strange turn of state! who would have thought So great a lady would have matched herself Unto so mean a person? yet the cardinal Bears himself much too cruel.

_2nd Pil._ They are banished.

_1st Pil._ But I would ask what power hath this state Of Ancona to determine of a free prince?

_2nd Pit._ They are a free state, sir, and her brother showed How that the Pope, fore-hearing of her looseness, Hath seized into the protection of the church The dukedom which she held as dowager.

_1st Pil._ But by what justice?

_2nd Pil._ Sure, I think by none, Only her brother's instigation.

_1st Pil._ What was it with such violence he took Off from her finger?

_2nd Pil._ 'Twas her wedding-ring; Which he vowed shortly he would sacrifice To his revenge.

_1st Pil._ Alas, Antonio! If that a man be thrust into a well, No matter who sets hand to't, his own weight Will bring him sooner to the bottom. Come, let's hence. Fortune makes this conclusion general, All things do help the unhappy man to fall. [_Exeunt._