University of Virginia Library

Scen. 3.

Enter Bracheus.
Brac.
Did you send for me?

Cleob.
I would
Acknowledge that I was too rash for to
Suspect your goodnesse ere I had a cause
Sufficient for my ground, and therefore would—

Brac.
Have me produce the reasons which occasion'd
My former speech to you.

Cleob.
Tis my ambition.

Brac.
Nay since you urge my anger, you shall know
I slight as much your fury as your love:
Nor shall you by entreaties win me to
Prevent the mention'd danger; He who can
Be so unjust as to misdoubt my truth,
Shall perish in his ignorance, before
A sillable I utter shall deliver
Him from his suddaine ruine.

Cleob.
I pray be'nt so resolute,
I shall be diligent unto your speech,
And weigh each word that issues from your tongue,
And study how to shew my selfe your friend.

Brac.
My rage is not malitious, like a spark
Of fire by steel inforc'd out of a flint,
It is no sooner kindled, but extinct.
This paper will inform you all.

He gives him a paper.
Cleob.
Tis so, my Son has challenged Lariscus
Into the field. O Fate!

Brac.
Fear not, If you
Have but a forward will to act what I
Shall counsell, doubt not, your affaires shall meet
A fortunate Issue.

Cleob.
O how I pray!

Brac.
Your eare.

They whisper.
Cleob.
You councell well, you and my better Fate,
And by this means will cure their bloody hate.

Exeunt.