University of Virginia Library

Scena. 8.

Coruinus the King, Cassandra, two counsellers. And Vdislao, a young noble man.
Kyng.
Cassandra, we draw neare vnto the Towne,
So that I wyll that you from vs depart:
Tyll further of our pleasure you doe heare.
Yet rest assur'd, that wycked Promos,
Shall abide such punishment, as the world,
Shal hould mee iust, and cleare thee of offence.

Cas.
Dread soueraigne, as you wyl, Cassandra goeth hence.

Exit.
King.
I playnely see, it tendes to great behoue,
That Prynces oft doo vayle their eares to heare,
The Misers playnt: for though they doe appoynt,
Such as they thynke will Iustice execute,
Aucthority is such a commaunder,
As, where as men by office beareth sway,
If they their rule by conscience measure not,
The poore mans ryght is ouercome by might.
If loue or hate from Iustice leade the Iudge,
Then money sure may ouerrule the case.
Thus one abuse is cause of many moe:
And therefore none in Iudges ought to be,
How Rulers wrong, fewe tales are tould the King:
The reason is, their power keepes in awe
Such men as haue great cause for to complayne.
If Cassandra her goodes, nay, lyfe preferd,
Before reuenge of Promos trechery:
I had not knowne, his detestable rape,
The which he forst to saue her brothers lyfe.
And furthermore, Andrugios raunsome payde,
I had not knowne he put him vnto death:
For when (good soule) she had this treason tould,
Through very shame her honour so was spoyld:
She drewe her knyfe to wound her selfe to death.
Whose pytious plyght, my hart prouockt to wrath,
At Promos wyles:
So that to vse indifferency to both,
Euen in the place where all these wronges were done:
My selfe am come, to syt vpon the cause.
But see where Promos and the Mayor waight,
To welcome mee with great solemnity:
With cheereful showe I shadowe wyll the hate,
I beare to him for his insolency:
Perhaps I may learne more of his abuse,
Whereby the more his punishment may be.
Come my Lords, to the Towne haste we apace:

All speake.
We all are prest, to wayght vpon your Grace;