Enter Francisco, Lodovico, and Hortensio

Lodo. My lord, upon my soul you shall no further; You have most ridiculously engag'd yourself To far already. For my part, I have paid All my debts: so, if I should chance to fall, My creditors fall not with me; and I vow, To quit all in this bold a.s.sembly, To the meanest follower. My lord, leave the city, Or I 'll forswear the murder. [Exit.

Fran. Farewell, Lodovico: If thou dost perish in this glorious act, I 'll rear unto thy memory that fame, Shall in the ashes keep alive thy name. [Exit.

Hort. There 's some black deed on foot. I 'll presently Down to the citadel, and raise some force.

These strong court-factions, that do brook no checks, In the career oft break the riders' necks. [Exit.

SCENE VI

Enter Vittoria with a book in her hand, Zanche; Flamineo following them

Flam. What, are you at your prayers? Give o'er.

Vit. How, ruffian?

Flam. I come to you 'bout worldly business.

Sit down, sit down. Nay, stay, blowze, you may hear it: The doors are fast enough.

Vit. Ha! are you drunk?

Flam. Yes, yes, with wormwood water; you shall taste Some of it presently.

Vit. What intends the fury?

Flam. You are my lord's executrix; and I claim Reward for my long service.

Vit. For your service!

Flam. Come, therefore, here is pen and ink, set down What you will give me.

Vit. There. [She writes.

Flam. Ha! have you done already?

'Tis a most short conveyance.

Vit. I will read it: I give that portion to thee, and no other, Which Cain groan'd under, having slain his brother.

Flam. A most courtly patent to beg by.

Vit. You are a villain!

Flam. Is 't come to this? they say affrights cure agues: Thou hast a devil in thee; I will try If I can scare him from thee. Nay, sit still: My lord hath left me yet two cases of jewels, Shall make me scorn your bounty; you shall see them. [Exit.

Vit. Sure he 's distracted.

Zan. Oh, he 's desperate!

For your own safety give him gentle language.

[He enters with two cases of pistols.

Flam. Look, these are better far at a dead lift, Than all your jewel house.

Vit. And yet, methinks, These stones have no fair l.u.s.tre, they are ill set.

Flam. I 'll turn the right side towards you: you shall see How they will sparkle.

Vit. Turn this horror from me!

What do you want? what would you have me do?

Is not all mine yours? have I any children?

Flam. Pray thee, good woman, do not trouble me With this vain worldly business; say your prayers: Neither yourself nor I should outlive him The numbering of four hours.

Vit. Did he enjoin it?

Flam. He did, and 'twas a deadly jealousy, Lest any should enjoy thee after him, That urged him vow me to it. For my death, I did propound it voluntarily, knowing, If he could not be safe in his own court, Being a great duke, what hope then for us?

Vit. This is your melancholy, and despair.