Part 15 (1/2)

_Evad_. The G.o.ds are not of my mind; they had better let 'em lie sweet still in the earth; they'l stink here.

_Mel_. Do you raise mirth out of my easiness?

Forsake me then all weaknesses of Nature, That make men women: Speak you wh.o.r.e, speak truth, Or by the dear soul of thy sleeping Father, This sword shall be thy lover: tell, or I'le kill thee: And when thou hast told all, thou wilt deserve it.

_Evad_. You will not murder me!

_Mel_. No, 'tis a justice, and a n.o.ble one, To put the light out of such base offenders.

_Evad_. Help!

_Mel_. By thy foul self, no humane help shall help thee, If thou criest: when I have kill'd thee, as I have Vow'd to do, if thou confess not, naked as thou hast left Thine honour, will I leave thee, That on thy branded flesh the world may read Thy black shame, and my justice; wilt thou bend yet?

_Evad_. Yes.

_Mel_. Up and begin your story.

_Evad_. Oh I am miserable.

_Mel_. 'Tis true, thou art, speak truth still.

_Evad_. I have offended, n.o.ble Sir: forgive me.

_Mel_. With what secure slave?

_Evad_. Do not ask me Sir.

Mine own remembrance is a misery too mightie for me.

_Mel_. Do not fall back again; my sword's unsheath'd yet.

_Evad_. What shall I do?

_Mel_. Be true, and make your fault less.

_Evad_. I dare not tell.

_Mel_. Tell, or I'le be this day a killing thee.

_Evad_. Will you forgive me then?

_Mel_. Stay, I must ask mine honour first, I have too much foolish nature in me; speak.

_Evad_. Is there none else here?

_Mel_. None but a fearful conscience, that's too many. Who is't?

_Evad_. O hear me gently; it was the King.

_Mel_. No more. My worthy father's and my services Are liberally rewarded! King, I thank thee, For all my dangers and my wounds, thou hast paid me In my own metal: These are Souldiers thanks.

How long have you liv'd thus _Evadne_?