Sole heir of Sparta.—Me, most miserable! & Pen. Suppose you were contracted to her, would try not Split even your very soul to see her father Ith. Trouble not The fountains of mine eyes with thine own story; Pen. We are reconciled. in Alas, sir, being children but two branches Ith. Yes, in thee; Only in thee, Penthea mine. Pen. If sorrows 115 Have not too much dulled my infected brain, Ith. Mad man! why have I wronged a maid so excellent! Bassanes rushes in with a poniard, followed by ProPhilus, Groneas, Hemophilia, and Grausis. Bass. I can forbear no longer; more, I will not: Keep off your hands, or fall upon my point.— 120 Patience is tired; for, like a slow-paced ass, Ye ride my easy nature, and proclaim Pen. O, my grieved lord !— He holds his perilous weapon in his hand 126 To prick he cares not whom nor where,—see, see, see! Bass. My birth is noble: though the popular blast Of vanity, as giddy as thy youth, Hem. How he stares, Struts, puffs, and sweats! most admirable lunacy! Ith. But that I may conceive the spirit of wine),:" Has took possession of your soberer custom, I'd say you were unmannerly. Pen. Dear brother !— 140 Bass. Unmannerly !—mew, kitting !—smooth formality Is usher to the rankness of the blood, But impudence bears up the train. Indeed, sir, Your fiery mettle, or your springal blaze Of huge renown, is no sufficient royalty 145 To print upon my forehead the scorn, " cuckold." Ith. His jealousy has robbed him of his wits; He talks he knows not what. Bass. Yes, and he knows To whom he talks; to one that franks his lust Ith. Ha, devil! Bass. I will halloo't; though I blush more To name the filthiness than thou to act it. Ith. Monster! [Draws his sword. Pro. Sir, by our friendship— Pen. By our bloods— Will you quite both undo us, brother? Grau. Out on him! These are his megrims, firks, and melancholies. 155 Hem. Well said, old touch-hole. Gro. Kick him out of doors. Pen. With favour, let me speak.—My lord, what slackness In my obedience hath deserved this rage? Have drawn on your unquiet, my simplicity 160 Bass. Light of beauty, Deal not ungently with a desperate wound! Pen. Sir, may every evil Locked in Pandora's box shower in your presence Ith. Purge not his griefs, Penthea. Bass. Yes, say on, Excellent creature !—[To Ithocles] Good, be not a hindrance To peace and praise of virtue.—O, my senses Are charmed with sounds celestial !—On, dear, on: I never gave you one ill word ; say, did I? 175 Indeed I did not. Pen. Nor, by Juno's forehead, Was I e'er guilty of a wanton error. Bass. A goddess! let me kneel. Grau. Alas, kind animal! Ith. No; but for penance. Bass. Noble sir, what is it? With gladness I embrace it; yet, pray let not 180 My rashness teach you to be too unmerciful. Ith. When you shall show good proof that manly wisdom, Not overswayed by passion or opinion, I'll stand the execution with a constancy; Ith. Well, sir, 190 I dare not trust her to your fury. Bass. But Penthea says not so. Pen. She needs no tongue To plead excuse who never purposed wrong. [Exit with Ithocles and Prophilus. Hem. Virgin of reverence and antiquity, Stay you behind. [To Grausis, who is following Penthea. Gro. The court wants not your diligence. 195 [Exeunt Hemophil and Groneas. Grau. What will you do, my lord ? my lady's gone; I am denied to follow. Bass. I may see her, Or speak to her once-more? Grau. And feel her too, man; Be of good cheer, she's your own flesh and bone. . Bass. Diseases desperate must find cures alike. She swore she has been true. Grau. True, on my modesty. 201 Bass. Let him want truth who credits not her vows! Much wrong I did her, but her brother infinite; Rumour will voice me the contempt of manhood, Should I run on thus: some way I must try 205 To outdo art, and jealousy decry. [Exeunt. |