What can it mean, but, failing to cajole,
To fight or force me from my just pretension?

AST.
Nay, might I not ask ev'n the same of you,
The nodding helmets of whose men-at-arms
Out-crest the plumage of your lady court?

EST.
But to defend what yours would force from me.

AST.
Might not I, lady, say the same of mine?
But not to come to battle, ev'n of words,
With a fair lady, and my kinswoman;
And as averse to stand before your face,
Defenceless, and condemn'd in your disgrace,
Till the good king be here to clear it all--
Will you vouchsafe to hear me?

EST.
As you will.

AST.
You know that, when about to leave this world,
Our royal grandsire, King Alfonso, left
Three children; one a son, Basilio,
Who wears--long may he wear! the crown of Poland;
And daughters twain: of whom the elder was
Your mother, Clorilena, now some while