Leo. No, if I mistake In these foundations which I build upon, A school-boy's top. Away with her to prison; Her. There's some ill planet reigns: I must be patient, 'till the heavens look With an aspect more favourable. Good my lords, I am not prone to weeping, as our sex 120 130 Commonly are, the want of which vain dew, The king's will be perform'd ! Leo. Shall I be heard? Her. Who is't that goes with me? 'beseech your highness, My women may be with me; for, you see, My plight requires it. Do not weep, good fools ; [To her Ladies. There is no cause: when you shall know, your mis. tress Hath deserv'd prison, then abound in tears, 141 I trust, I trust, I shall.My women-come; you have leave. Leo. Go, do our bidding; hence. [Exit Queen, guarded; and Ladies. Lord. 'Beseech your highness, call the queen again. Ant. Be certain what you do, sir; lest your justice Prove violence; in the which three great ones suffer, Yourself, your queen, your son. Lord. For her, my lord, I dare my life lay down, and will do't, sir, Please you to accept it, that the queen is spotless In this which you accuse her. Ant. If it prove She's otherwise, I'll keep my stable where I lodge my wife; I'll go in couples with her ; 151 Than when I feel and see her, no further trust her; For every inch of woman in the world, Ay, every dram of woman's flesh, is false, If she be. Leo. Hold your peaces. Lord. Good my lord Ant. It is for you we speak, not for ourselves : You are abus'd, and by some putter on, 161 170 That will be damn'd for't; 'would I knew the villain, honour, I'll geld 'em all: Fourteen they shall not see, Leo. Cease; no more: You smell this business with a sense as cold As is a dead man's nose: I see't and feel't; Ant. If it be so, 180 [Striking his Brows. We need no grave to bury honesty ; There's not a grain of it, the face to sweeten Of the whole dungy earth. Lord. I had rather you did lack, than I, my lord, Upon this ground: and more it would content me To have her honour true, than your suspicion; Be blam'd for't how you might. Leo. Why, what need we Commune with you of this? but rather follow Ant. And I wish, my liege, D 190 220 You 84 You had only in your silent judgment try'd it, Leo. How could that be? Either thou art most ignorant by age, Or thou wert born a fool. Camillo's flight, Added to their familiarity (Which was as gross as ever touch'd conjecture, That lack'd sight only, nought for approbation, But only seeing, all other circumstances 210 Made up to the deed), do push on this proceeding: Yet, for a greater confirmation (For, in an act of this importance, 'twere Most piteous to be wild), I have dispatch'd in post, Of stuff'd sufficiency: Now, from the oracle Leo. Though I am satisfy'd, and need no more Than what I know, yet shall the oracle 220 Come up to the truth. So have we thought it good 230 Ant. Ant. [Aside.] To laughter, as I take it, If the good truth were known. [Exeunt. SCENE II. A Prison. Enter PAULINA, and Gentleman. Paul. The keeper of the prison-call to him ; [Exit Gentleman. Good lady! No court in Europe is too good for thee; What dost thou then in prison? Now, good sir. Let him have knowledge who I am. Re-enter Gentleman, with the Gaoler. You know me, do you not? Gaol. For a worthy lady, And one whom much I honour. Paul. Pray you then, Conduct me to the queen. Gaol. I may not, madam; to the contrary I have express commandment. Paul. Here's ado, To lock up honesty and honour from The access of gentle visitors! Is it lawful Pray you to see her women? any of them?' Gaol. So please you, madam, Dij 240 250 Paul. |