University of Virginia Library

Scene. III.

The chambers discharg'd: A flourish, as to an assault. Gonzaga, Pierio, Roderigo, Iacomo, Souldiers
Gonzaga.
Is the breach made assaultable?

Pierio.
Yes, and the moate
Fill'd up, the Canonier hath don his parts,
We may enter six a brest.

Roderig.
There's not a man
Dares shew himselfe upon the wall.

Facom.
Defeate not
The souldiers hop'd-for spoile.

Pier.
If you, Sir,
Delay the assault, and the Citie be given up
To your discretion, you in honour cannot
Vse the extremitie of warre, but in
Compassion to 'em, you to us prove cruell.

Iacom.
And an enemy to your selfe.

Roder.
A hindrance to
The brave revenge you have vow'd

Gonz.
Temper your heat,
And loose not by too sudden rashnesse, tha
Which be but patient, will be offer'd to you
Security ushers ruine; proud contempt
Of an enemy three parts vanquish'd with desire
And greedinesse of spoyle, have often wrested
A certaine victory from the Conquerours gripe,
Discretion is the tutor of the warre,
Valour the pupill, and when we command
With lenity and your directions follow'd
With cheerefulnesse, a prosperous end must crowne
Our workes well undertaken.

Roderig.
Ours are finish'd

Pier.
If we make use of fortune.

Gonz.
Her false smiles
Deprive you of your judgements. The condition
Of our affaires exacts a double care,
And like bifronted Ianus, wee must looke
Backward, as forward: though a flattering calme
Bids us urge on, a sudden tempest rais'd,
Not fear'd, much lesse expected, in our reere
May foully fall upon us, and distract us.
To our confusion. Our scout! what brings
Enter Scout.
Thy ghastly lookes, and sudden speede?

Scout.
Th'assurance
Of a new enemy.

Gonz.
This I fore-saw, and fear'd.
What are they, know'st thou?

Scout.
They are by their colours
Sicilians, bravely mounted, and the brightness
Of their rich armours doubly guilded with
Reflection of the Sunne.

Gonz.
From Sicilie?
The King in league! no warre proclaimed ! 'tis foule,
But this must be prevented, not disputed
Ha, how is this? your Estridge plumes, that but
E'n now like quills of Porcupines seem'd to threaten
The staires, drop at the rumor of a shower?
And like to captive colours sweep the earth?
Beare up, but in great dangers, greater mindes
Are neuer proud. Shall a few loose troopes untrain'd
But in a customary ostentation,
Presented as a sacrifice to your valours
Cause a dejection in you?

Pier.
No dejection.

Rod.
However startl'd, where you lead, we'll follow

Gon.
'Tis bravely said. We will not stay their charge,
But meet 'em man to man, and horse to horse.
Pierio our absence hold our place,
And with our foot-men, and those, sickely troupes,
Prevent a sally. I in mine owne person,
With part of the cavallery, will bid,
These hunters welcome to a bloody breakefast,
But I lose time.

Pier.
I'll to my charge.

Exit Pierio.
Gonz.
And wee
To ours. I'll bring you on.

Iacom.
If we come off
It is not amisse, if not, my state is settl'd

Exeunt, alarme.