De F.

(Aside.) I cannot strike; I see his brother's wounds

Fresh bleeding in his eye, as in a crystal.

I will not question this, I know you're noble;

I take my injury with thanks given, sir,
Like a wise lawyer, and as a favor
Will wear it for the worthy hand that
gave it.-

(Aside.) Why this from him that yesterday appear'd

So strangely loving to me?

O, but instinct is of a subtler strain! Guilt must not walk so near his lodge again;

He came near me now.

Exit.

Tom. All league with mankind I renounce

for ever,

Till I find this murderer; not so much
As common courtesy but I'll lock up;
For in the state of ignorance I live in,
A brother may salute his brother's mur-
derer,

And wish good speed to th' villain in a greeting.

Enter Vermandero, Alibius, and Isabella. Ver. Noble Piracquo!

Tom

Pray, keep on your way, sir; I've nothing to say to you.

Ver.
Comforts bless you, sir;
Tom. I've forsworn compliment, in troth
I have, sir;

As you are merely man, I have not left
A good wish for you, nor for any here.
Ver. Unless you be so far in love with
grief,

You will not part from 't upon any terms,

We bring that news will make a welcome for us.

Tom. What news can that be?

My love was so abus'd in 't.

Tom.
Time's too precious
To run in waste now; you have brought

a peace

The riches of five kingdoms could not purchase.

Be my most happy conduct; I thirst for 'em:

Like subtle lightning will I wind about 'em,

And melt their marrow in 'em.

Exeunt.

I have kist poison for it, strokt a serpent:

That thing of hate, worthy in my esteem Of no better employment, and him most worthy

To be so employ'd, I caus'd to murder
That innocent Piracquo, having no
Better means than that worst to assure
Yourself to me.

Als.
O, the place itself e'er since
Has crying been for vengeance! The
temple,

Where blood and beauty first unlawfully Fir'd their devotion and quench the right one;

'T was in my fears at first, 't will have it

Als.

Yes, 't is almost out, but 't is per-
ceiv'd though.

I had forgot my message; this it is,
What price goes murder?

De F.

Als.

How, sir?

I ask you, sir; My wife's behindhand with you, she tells

De F.

It could not be much more; 'T was but one thing, and that she is a whore.

Als. It could not choose but follow. 0

cunning devils!

How should blind men know you from fair-fac'd saints?

Beat. (Within.) He lies! the villain does belie me!

De F. Let me go to her, sir.
Als.
Nay, you shall to her.-
Peace, crying crocodile, your sounds are
heard;

Take your prey to you;-get you into her, sir:

Exit De Flores. I'll be your pander now; rehearse again Your scene of lust, that you may be perfect

When you shall come to act it to the black audience,

Where howls and gnashings shall be music to you.

Clip 75

your adulteress freely, 't is the pilot

Will guide you to the mare mortuum, Where you shall sink to fathoms bottomless.

Enter Vermandero, Tomaso, Alibius, Isa

bella, Franciscus, and Antonio.

Ver. O Alsemero! I've a wonder for you.

75 hug.

For any man to pledge me.

Ver.
Horrid villain!
Keep life in him for future tortures.

De F.

No! I can prevent you; here's my pen-knife still;

It is but one thread more (Stabbing himself), and now 't is cut.

Make haste, Joanna, by that token to thee,

Canst not forget, so lately put in mind; I would not go to leave thee far behind. (Dies.)

Beat. Forgive me, Alsemero, all forgive! 'T is time to die when 't is a shame to live. (Dies.)

Ver. 0, my name's ent'red now in that record

Where till this fatal hour 't was never

read.

Als. Let it be blotted out; let your heart lose it,

And it can never look you in the face, Nor tell a tale behind the back of life To your dishonor. Justice hath so right The guilty hit, that innocence is quit By proclamation, and may joy again.