University of Virginia Library

Scen. 14.

Neander, Liuely.
Nean.
O that thou hadst
As many liues as haires, that I might be
An age in killing thee, that I might score up
Each passing minute with a life:—But speake,
How durst thou thus abuse me?

Liu.
I did not know
Shee was a woman.

Nean.
No, didst thou not know it?
But thou shalt know thy selfe to be a man,
One that can dye.

Liu.
—O—O—

Nean.
How poore is this reuenge? hast thou any children,
Or kinsfolkes (speak) that I may kill them too?
Ha? wilt thou not answer? how durst thou offer this?

Liu.
Because I loued your friend Lucius
Better then you.

Nean.
Better then I? that word
Does merit death though thou hadst beene preseru'd
White from thy cradle to this houre.—
Doest thou loue Lucius? ha?

Liu.
Yes.

Nean.
Liue; no, no thou must not;
Thou might'st haue kil'd my father, broke the vrne
Wherein my mothers ashes sleepe, farre cheaper.
But for his sake, thus much I'le grant thee, chuse
The manner of thy death—shall I take off thy head?
Or hadst thou rather dye vpon the poynt?
Thinke quickly, nay be instant.

Liu.
Worthy Sir:
Let mee entreate some little space to pause
I haue not yet determin'd.

Nean.
Well thou hast it. But see that it bee speedy.