JEZEBEL
Did she say why?

PHARMAS
Yes, Madam; because once many long years ago she lived in Sidon, her father being sutler to the guard, your royal father’s bodyguardsmen, Madam. She says she looked upon your presence there, when you were a Princess. She does desire to see that prophecy of future beauty fulfilled in you the Queen, if you the Queen would graciously permit her eyes to feast upon the sight of you.

JEZEBEL
So our pasts come to see what time had made of us. So be it. A word of Sidon would be beauty to me today. Let her come in.

PHARMAS
I will, O Splendour! [_Exit._ 

ROSE-FLOWER
Queen, is it wise to let a stranger come?

JEZEBEL
No.

MOON-BLOSSOM
Then why see her?

ROSE-FLOWER
Would it not be better if, first, we questioned her?

MOON-BLOSSOM
Or searched for weapons?

ROSE-FLOWER
She well might carry daggers.

MOON-BLOSSOM
Or bring poison.

JEZEBEL
No; let her come. I am involved in nets so close, that both the wise thing and unwise are cords to catch me.

ROSE-FLOWER
She is here.

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