DECRES

Show him in straightway.

[The attendant goes out.]

From the Emperor
As I expected!


COURIER

Sir, for your own hand
And yours alone.


DECRES

Thanks. Be in waiting near.

[The courier withdraws.]


DECRES reads:

"I am resolved that no wild dream of Ind,
And what we there might win; or of the West,
And bold re-conquest there of Surinam
And other Dutch retreats along those coasts,
Or British islands nigh, shall draw me now