Volume Xiv Part 61 (1/2)

RIN. As sure as death, this is one of the rogues That hath his roguery to act, and comes in like Something that hath brought news in th' latter end Of a play. Now shall we have some strange discovery-- How the rogue stares!

LIB. No sooner had we shut the gates, my liege, Than an uncertain rumour spread among the people That Plangus was in danger.

When, if you ever saw a hive of bees: How, if you stir but one, the whole swarm moves, And testify their anger; so straight whole crowds Of people, the greatest half not knowing what They came for, swarm'd to the gates, and with confus'd Cries hinder'd themselves from being understood; Till some having divers times cried _Plangus_: [And] some _their prince_: all with one note, made up A common voice, and so continued, till some Captains, with one or two selected troops, made up To them, and having promised them they would Secure the prince, desir'd them to withdraw.

And when they came so nigh as to be heard, They did in earnest what the other had Attempted with such[98] noise, and fail'd in; For they told the porter, in plain soldier's language, They would either see Plangus safe, or force The gates upon him. He, in this exigence, Hath sent to know your pleasure.

EPH. How say you now, my lords? where is The innocence, the love to you and us?

For my part, I will meet the danger; Tame expectation is beneath a king.

Only let me entreat you to see my queen safe.

'Tis pity she should smart who hath no sin To answer for but calling me her husband.

Plangus, Iberia shall be thine; but with curses O' th' angry G.o.ds, and a kind injur'd dying father.

[_He goes to stab himself_, RINATUS _stays him_.

RIN. Heav'n bless you, sir, what a despair is this?

Because you hate a hangman, you will be Your executioner yourself. Believe me, That which presents so great danger to you, I look upon with joy. There is no subject That loves you or the prince, but must be glad To see the zeal Iberians bear to a true virtue, When bending under an unjust oppression; No doubt their love had been as great to you, Had you been in like danger. Besides, my lord, You are not sure 'tis with the prince's consent, The soldiers do this. My life for yours, you will Be safe, let the worst come. Let us Go meet your fears.

[_They begin to rise, when at the instant_ ANDROMANA _enters undressed, and in a fright_.

AND. Happy am I, my lord,

[_She weeps._

This sudden flight[99] hath rescu'd me from being Made the subject of some villain's l.u.s.t, who With his sword drawn just now was forcing me To lewd embraces; if you command to search the court, He cannot be far hence, for he ran that way.

RIN. O impudence!

That durst attempt a sin darkness and woods Have too many eyes for in the open court.

[PLANGUS _stirs behind the hangings_.

I shall be with you. The devil hath Armour on!

[RINATUS _draws, and runs at him_.

EPH. Drag him to torture----

[_They fetch him out._

My son! why have I liv'd to see this?

Away with him to death; the air will grow infectious.

Why stay you?

SCENE IX.

_Enter_ ZOPIRO _and_ INOPHILUS, _with Soldiers_.

INO. Unhand the prince, or else by heav'n he treads Into his grave that moves a foot to touch him.

Madam, though Plangus' n.o.ble self was blind, And could not see the deep black darkness of Your h.e.l.lish actions, his friends had eyes about them.

Was this your love? this your repentance?

This your advice, your counsel? Had I, I must confess,[100]

And these his n.o.ble friends, been[101] rul'd by him, ere this He'd been a sacrifice to your revenge and you.

Why stand you mute, sir? Want you a tongue to justify Your innocence our swords and we maintain?