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Knowing that tender youth is soon suggested,

I nightly lodge her in an upper tow’r,

The key whereof myself have ever kept;

And thence she cannot be convey’d away.

Pro.

Know, noble lord, they have devis’d a mean

How he her chamber-window will ascend,

And with a corded ladder fetch her down;

For which the youthful lover now is gone,

And this way comes he with it presently,

Where (if it please you) you may intercept him.

But, good my lord, do it so cunningly

That my discovery be not aimed at:

For love of you, not hate unto my friend,

Hath made me publisher of this pretense.

Duke.

Upon mine honor, he shall never know

That I had any light from thee of this.

Pro.

Adieu, my lord, Sir Valentine is coming.

[Exit.]

[Enter] Valentine.

Duke.

Sir Valentine, whither away so fast?

Val.

Please it your Grace, there is a messenger

That stays to bear my letters to my friends,

And I am going to deliver them.

Duke.

Be they of much import?

Val.

The tenure of them doth but signify

My health and happy being at your court.