Enter Leonidas with Merione (in white) Euphanes with Beliza (in black) Queen, Agenor, Conon, Marshal, with Thea[n]or, Crates, Sosicles, Eraton, Lords, Ladies, Guard.
Lord. Make way there for the Queen.
Quee. Read first the Law, and what our Ancestors
Have in this case provided to deter
Such like offenders: To you gentle Ladies
This only, Would I could as well give comfort,
As bid [you] be secure from fear or doubt
Of our displeasure: be as confident
As if your plea were 'gainst a common man,
To have all right from us; I will not grieve
For what's not worth my pitty: Read the Law.
Clerk reads.
Lycurgus the nineteenth against Rapes: It is provided: and pulickly enacted and confirmed, That any man of what degree soever, offering violence to the chastity of a Virgin, shall (Ipso facto) be lyable to her accusation, and according to the said Law be censured; Ever provided, that it shall e in the choice of the said Virgin so abused, either to compell the Offender to marry her without a Dowry, if so she will be satisfied, or demanding his head for the offence, to have that accordingly performed.
Qu. You hear this: what do you demand?
Mer. The benefit
The Law allows me.
Bel. For the injury
Done to mine Honor, I require his head.
Mer. I likewise have an eye upon mine Honor,
But knowing that his death cannot restore it
I ask him for my Husband.