I should have been puzzled to excuse. My lord is thoughtful. I'll
be so too; yet he shall know my thoughts: or think he does.


SCENE III.


[To him] LORD TOUCHWOOD.

MASK. What have I done?

LORD TOUCH. Talking to himself!

MASK. 'Twas honest--and shall I be rewarded for it? No, 'twas
honest, therefore I shan't. Nay, rather therefore I ought not; for
it rewards itself.

LORD TOUCH. Unequalled virtue! [Aside.]

MASK. But should it be known, then I have lost a friend! He was an
ill man, and I have gained; for half myself I lent him, and that I
have recalled: so I have served myself, and what is yet better, I
have served a worthy lord to whom I owe myself.

LORD TOUCH. Excellent man! [Aside.]

MASK. Yet I am wretched. Oh, there is a secret burns within this
breast, which, should it once blaze forth, would ruin all, consume
my honest character, and brand me with the name of villain.