University of Virginia Library

Scena. VI.

Enter Maria.
Maria.
Dear Eleazar;

Ele.
If they lock the gates
I'le tosse a ball of wild-fire o're the walls.

Maria.
Husband, sweet husband:

Eleaz.
Or else swim o're the moat,
And make a breach through the flinty sides
Of the rebellious walls:

Maria.
Hear me, dear heart.

Eleaz.
Or undermine the chamber where they lie,
And by the violent strength of gunpowder,
Blow up the Castle, and th'incestuous couch,
In which lust wallows; but my labouring thoughts,
Wading too deep in bottomless extreams;
Do drown themselvs in their own stratagems.

Maria.
Sweet husband! dwell not upon circumstance,
When weeping sorrow like an Advocate
Importunes you for aid; look in mine eyes
There you shall see dim grief swimming in tears,
Invocating succor. Oh succor!

Eleaz.
Succor. Zounds for what?

Maria.
To shield me from Fernando's unchast love,
Who with uncessant praiers importun'd me.

Eleaz.
To lie with you I know't.

Maria.
Then seek some means how to prevent it.

Eleaz.
'Tis possible; for to the end that his unbridled lust
Might have more free accesse unto thy bed,
This night he hath enjoined me
To fetch back Philip and the Cardinall.

Maria.
Then this ensuing night shall give an end
To all my sorrows, for before foul lust
Shall soil the fair complexion of mine honour,
This hand shall rob Maria of her life.

Eleaz.
Not so dear soul, for in extremities
Choose out the least, and ere the hand of death
Should suck this Ivorie pallace of thy life:
Imbrace my counsell, and receive this poison
Which in the instant he attempts thy love,
Then give it him: do, do,
Do poison him, he gon, thou'rt next;
Be sound in resolution; and farewell;
By one, and one, I'le ship you all to hell.
Spain I will drown thee with thine own proud blood,
Then make an ark of carcasses farewell.
Revenge and I will sail in blood to hell.

Exit.
Maria.
Poison the King, Alas my trembling hand
Would let the poison fall, and through my cheeks
Fear suted in a bloodless livery,
Would make the world acquainted with my guilt,
But thanks prevention, I have found a means
Both to preserve my Royall Soveraignes life,
And keep my self a true and Loyall wife.

Exit.