University of Virginia Library

SCÆNA 8.

Enter to them Libacer.
Rin.
As sure as death
This is one of the Rogues that hath his Roguery to act,
And comes in like something that brought news
In the 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 Liedge.
Then an uncertain rumour spred 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 testifie their anger; so strait whole crowds

Of people, the greatest half not knowing what they came for,
swarmed to the gates, and with confused cryes, hindred themselves
from being understoood; till some having divers times
cryed Plangus, 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, desired them to withdraw.

And when they came so nigh as to be heard, they did in earnest
what the other had attempted with so much noise and failed
in; for they told the Porter in plain Souldiers language, they
would either see Plangus safe, or force the gates upon him.
He in this exigent 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 intreat you to see my Queen safe.
'Tis pity she should smart who hath no sin
To answer for, but calling me husband.
Plangus—Iberia shall be thine—But
He goes to stab himself, Rin. stayes him.
With the curses of the angry gods, and a kinde
Injur'd dying father.

Rin.
Heav'n bless you Sir, what a despair is this?
Because you hate a hangman, you will be
Your executioner your self. Beleeve 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 so a true vertue,
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 Souldiers 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.