Bar all access to retribution first? And then, when Heaven doth interpose to do To the redress of an unwonted crime, Culprits? 'Tis ye are culprits! That poor wretch A sword in the right hand of justest God. The crimes which mortal tongue dare never name Savella. That you desired his death? Beatrice. You own It would have been A crime no less than his if for one moment Beatrice. And yet, if you arrest me, You are the judge and executioner Of that which is the life of life: the breath Savella. I dare not, lady. I pray that you prepare yourselves for Rome : [are both. and here There the Pope's further pleasure will be known. Lucretia. Oh not to Rome! Oh take us not to Rome! Beatrice. Why not to Rome, dear mother? There, as here, Our innocence is as an armèd heel As here, and with his shadow ever clothes The innocent, the injured, and the weak; And such are we. Cheer up, dear lady! lean On me; collect your wandering thoughts. My lord, And had all such examinations made Upon the spot as may be necessary To the full understanding of this matter, We shall be ready. Mother, will you come? Lucretia. Ha! they will bind us to the rack, and wrest Will Giacomo be there? Orsino? Marzio? [She faints, and is borne out. Savella. She faints; an ill appearance this. My lord, She knows not yet the uses of the world. [Exeunt. ACT V. SCENE I.-An Apartment in ORSINO'S Palace. Giacomo. Do evil deeds thus quickly come to end? As its keen sting is mortal to avenge! Oh that the hour when present had cast off The mantle of its mystery, and shown The ghastly form with which it now returns, When its scared game is roused, cheering the hounds Orsino. It has turned out unluckily, in truth. To cheat kind Nature of the placid death Orsino. I urged you to the deed. Giacomo. You cannot say Oh! had I never Found in thy smooth and ready countenance It grew familiar to desire Men cast the blame of their unprosperous acts And yet, confess the truth, it is the peril In which you stand that gives you this pale sickness Of penitence; confess, 'tis Fear, disguised I doubt not, officers Orsino. For instant flight. are, whilst we speak, I have all prepared We can escape even now, So we take fleet Occasion by the hair. Giacomo. Rather expire in tortures, as I may! What! will you cast by self-accusing flight Assured conviction upon Beatrice? She who alone, in this unnatural work, Whilst we for basest ends . . . I fear, Orsino, Orsino. Is it the desperation of your fear [Drawing. Put up your weapon. Makes you thus rash and sudden with a friend Now ruined for your sake? If honest anger Have moved you, know that what I just proposed Thankless affection led me to this point; From which, if my firm temper could repent, I cannot now recede. Even whilst we speak, The ministers of justice wait below: They grant me these brief moments. Now, if you Have any word of melancholy comfort To speak to your pale wife, 'twere best to pass Out at the postern, and avoid them so. Giacomo. O generous friend! How canst thou pardon me? Would that my life could purchase thine! Orsino. That wish [Exit GIACOMO, Now comes a day too late. Haste; fare thee well! I'm sorry for it; but the guards are waiting By some such plot of mingled good and ill As others weave; but there arose a Power [A shout is heard. Is that my name I hear proclaimed abroad? For a new name and for a country new, My own reproaches? shall I be the slave Of-what? A word! which those of this false world Employ against each other, not themselves; As men wear daggers not for self-offence. But, if I am mistaken, where shall I Find the disguise to hide me from myself, As now I skulk from every other eye? [Exit. SCENE II-A Hall of Justice. CAMILLO, JUDGES, &c., are discovered seated; MARZIO is led in. First Judge. Accused, do you persist in your denial? I ask you, are you innocent or guilty? I demand who were the participators In your offence? Speak truth, and the whole truth. Marzio. My God! I did not kill him; I know nothing; Olimpio sold the robe to me from which You would infer my guilt. |