t River, (to the which
No bridge, nor convay, other then by boats
Was to be had,) free him from vermine Rats?

_Alf_. Against their kind the land Rats took the water
And swomme in little armies to the house;
And, though we drown'd and kild innumerable,
Their numbers were like _Hydra's_ heads increasing;
Ruine bred more untill our brother died.

_Duke_. The house is execrable; Ile not enter.

_Hat_. You need not feare, my Lord; the house is free
From all resort of Rats; for at his death,
As if a trumpet sounded a retreat,
They made a kind of murmure and departed.

_Duke_. Sure 'twas the hand of heaven, for his contempt
Of his poore creatures.--But what writs are those?

_Hat_. Commissions (if it please your grace,) for glasse,
For yron Mines, and other needful things.

_Duke_. Our selfe invested in the government,
The Cities care shall lie upon your care.

_Hat. Alfred_ our brother may awaite your grace
In _Saxony_, so please you to command.

_Duke_. We are now but three, and lately have bin seven,
We have cause to love each other; for my part,
Betweene you both we give a brothers heart.
Here or at _Saxonie_, command at pleasure;
I weare the corronet, be yours the treasure.

_Al_. We thanke our brother.

_Duke_. Where's my sonne _Fredericke_?

_Enter Fredericke with a glove_.

_Fre_. Father, the state of _Meath_ desire your grace
To take the paines to passe unto the Senate.

_Duke_. What glove is that, son _Fred_., in your hand?

_Fre_. I found it, if it please your Excellence,
Neere to the state-house: the imbroiderie
Is very excellent, and the fashion rare.

_Duke_. I have not seene a prettier forme of hand.
Daughter, let's see; is't not too bigge for you?

_Euph_. Sure 'tis some admirable worke of nature,
If it fit any hand that owes[174] this glove,
If all the rest doe parallel the hand.

_Duke_. Will it not on?

_Euph_. Not for a diadem;
Ile trie no longer lest I shame my selfe.

_Duke_. Try, _Julia_.

_Ju_. My hand's bigger then my Ladies.

_Duke_. I cannot tell, but in my minde I feele
A wondrous passion of I know not what.

_Fre_. The imbroidered glove may be some childs, no womans.

_Duke_. I should mistrust as much, but that this place
Beares greater compasse then a childish hand.
I must command it.

_Fre_. Willingly, my Lord.

_Duke_. Then to the state-house, brothers, leade the way:
First our instalement [_sic_], then a funerall day.

[_Exeun