Bel. I was ravish'd,
And will have justice.
Mer. I was ravish'd too,
I kneel for mercy.
Bel. I demand but what
The Law allows me.
Mer. That which I desire
Is by the same Law warranted.
Bel. The Rape
On me hath made a forfeit of his life,
Which in revenge of my disgrace I plead for.
Mer. The Rape on me gives me the priviledge
To be his Wife, and that is all I sue for.
Age. A doubtful case.
Leo. Such pretty Lawyers, yet
I never saw nor read of.
Euph. May the Queen
Favour your sweet plea, Madam.
Bel. Is that justice?
Shall one that is to suffer for a Rape
Be by a Rape defended? Look upon
The publick enemy of chastity,
This lustful Satyr, whose enrag'd desires
The ruine of one wretched Virgins honor
Would not suffice; and shall the wrack of two
Be his protection? May be I was ravish'd
For his lust only, thou for his defence;
O fine evasion! shall with such a slight
Your Justice be deluded? your Laws cheated?
And he that for one fact deserv'd to die,
For sinning often, find impunity?
But that I know thee I would swear thou wert
A false Impostor, and suborn'd to this;
And it may be thou art Merione:
For hadst thou suffer'd truly what I have done,
Thou wouldst like me complain, and call for vengeance,
And our wrongs being equal, I alone
Should not desire revenge: But be it so,
If thou prevail, even he will punish it,
And foolish mercy shew'd to him undo thee,
Consider, fool, before it be too late,
What joys thou canst expect from such a Husband,
To whom thy first, and what's more, forc'd embraces,
Which men say heighten pleasure, were distastful.