Luer (Her conduct throughout the scene is marked by extreme agitation.) Where was it found? what is it? It should be Sav. Is it so ? Is it true, Lady, that thy father did Beatr. Not hate, 'twas more than hate: This is most true, yet wherefore question me? [and rash. Beatr. What sayest? My Lord, your words are bold Sav. I do arrest all present in the name Of the Pope's Holiness. You must to Rome. Lucr. Oh, not to Rome! Indeed we are not guilty. Beatr. Guilty! Who dares talk of guilt? My Lord, I am more innocent of parricide Than is a child born fatherless. Dear mother, Your gentleness and patience are no shield For this keen-judging world, this two-edged lie, Bar all access to retribution first, And then, when heaven doth interpose to do To the redress of an unwonted crime, Make ye the victims who demanded it Culprits? 'Tis ye are culprits! That poor wretch, A sword in the right hand of justest God. Wherefore should I have wielded it? Unless The crimes which mortal tongue dare never name Sav. You own That you desired his death? Beatr. It would have been A crime no less than his, if, for one moment, No other hope in Heaven: now what of this? are both. Sav. Strange thoughts beget strange deeds; and here I judge thee not. Beatr. And yet, if you arrest me, You are the judge and executioner Of that which is the life of life: the breath Of accusation kills an innocent name, And leaves for lame acquittal the poor life Although I must rejoice, for justest cause, Now leave us free: stain not a noble house Sav. I dare not, Lady. I pray that you prepare yourselves for Rome: There the Pope's further pleasure will be known. Luer. Oh, not to Rome! Oh, take us not to Rome! Beatr. Why not to Rome, dear mother? There as hen Our innocence is as an armed heel To trample accusation. God is there As here, and with his shadow ever clothe The innocent, the injured, and the weak; And such are we. Cheer up, dear Lady; lean On me; collect your wandering thoughts. My Lord, As soon as you have taken sonie refreshment, And have all such examinations made Upon the spot as may be necessary To the full understanding of this matter, Lucr. Ha! they will bind us to the rack, and wrest Will Giacomo be there? Orsino? Marzio? (She faints, and is borne out.) Sav. She faints: an ill appearance this. Beatr. My Lord, She knows not yet the uses of the world. Which drags it there. Prepare yourself, my Lord; -00 (Exeunt. ACT V. SCENE I. An apartment in ORSINO'S Palace. Enter ORSINO and GIACOMO. Giac. Do evil deeds thus quickly come to end? Oh, that the hour when present had cast off When its sacred game is roused, cheering the hounds Ors. It has turned out unluckily, in truth. Giac. To violate the sacred doors of sleep; To cheat kind nature of the placid death Which she prepares for over-wearied age; To drag from Heaven an unrepentant soul, Which might have quenched in reconciling prayers A life of burning crimes Ors. You cannot say I urged you to the deed. Giac. Oh, had I never Found in thy smooth and ready countenance Ors. 'Tis thus Men cast the blame of their unprosperous acts In which you stand that gives you this pale sickness From its own shame that takes the mantle now Ors. I have all prepared For instant flight. We can escape even now, Giac. Rather expire in tortures, as I may Whilst we for basest ends-I fear, Orsino, That you must be a villain. For what end Thou art a lie! Traitor and murderer! Coward and slave! But, no, defend thyself; (drawing, Ors Put up your weapon. Is it the desperation of your fear Makes you thus rash and sudden with a friend, Have moved you, know, that what I just proposed They grant me these brief moments. Now, if you To speak to your pale wife, 'twere best to pass Out at the postern, and avoid them so. Giac. O generous friend! how canst thou pardon me? Would that my life could purchase thine! Ors. That wish Now comes a day too late. Haste: fare thee well! Hear'st thou not steps along the corridor (Exit Giacomo.) I'm sorry for it; but the guards are waiting At his own gate, and such was my contrivance Which grasp'd and snapp'd the threads of my device, (a shout is heard.) Is that my name I hear prociaimed abroad? |