University of Virginia Library

SCENE IX.

The Lists in the middle of the stage. A scaffold, guard, and executioner at the bottom. Many spectators, officers, and senators, preceding the Princess, supported by women. Bireno with Ascanio, who bears his shield and sword. Heralds, with trumpets, on the sides.
OFFICER.
Make room. Fall back. Let the procession pass.

BIRENO.
'Tis known why I stand here; yet once again,
And for the last time, herald, sound my challenge.
Proceed, none answer.

[Bireno's Trumpet sounds.
PRINCESS.
I wou'd have it so.
You generous people, who behold with horror
These gloomy preparations, do not deem me
Cold, and unthankful, for my offer'd safety,
Tho' I prefer'd this dire alternative.
Before the tongue of slander struck my fame,
The rude hand of affliction never touch'd me;
Life had a thousand bonds to tie me to it,
Young spirits, royal birth, fortune, and greatness:
But honour was the prop, round which, like stalks
Tender and weak, these accessaries twin'd.
When Calumny's sharp edge cut down that trunk,
Then these poor tendrils lost their hue, and wither'd.
With that great ruin fell my happiness.
I now stand on eternity's dark verge,
Nor dare I to the God, and Judge of Truth,
Bring lips with falsehood sullied. Of the offence
Cast on me by vile malice, I am free,
Even to abhorrence; this to Heaven is known,
My own heart, and my accuser: therefore boldly,
And for your sakes, will I arraign the law,
Which thus has pass'd upon me.

FIRST SENATOR.
Gracious lady!
If in this censure we too stand accus'd,
Think we pronounc'd, but did not make the law.
And let my bleeding heart bear witness for me,
I wou'd lay down the dearest thing I own,
To save you from the forfeit.

PRINCESS.
Good, my Lord!
All forms of justice have been well observ'd;
My blame lights on the law, not on your office,
Which you with truth and mercy minister.
But let these mute spectators mark my counsel:
Fall at the king's feet, clasp the senate's knees,
And pray them, they wipe out clear from their rolls,
This more than cruel edict; else, be sure
From every roof there hangs a dangerous sword,
(Hangs by a thread) which each dark hand may drop
To pierce and sever nature's dearest ties.
She who profanes her honor's sanctity,
Upbraided by her heart, by her own sex
Shun'd or neglected, nay, held cheap, and vile,
Even to the loathing of the lover's sense,
Who wrought her easy nature to transgress;
These are sharp penalties: but added death
Turns the clear stream of justice into blood,
And makes such law more curs'd than anarchy.
Forget not my example; let me perish:
But if you pluck your safety from my ruin,
I shall not die in vain. Farewel—Lead on—

[Princess goes toward the Scaffold, a Trumpet sounds.
FIRST SENATOR.
Hold, on your lives.

BIRENO.
What means that trumpet's voice?
It sounds a shrill alarm.