Alber. For all my service,
Great Sir, grant me the combat with this wretch,
That I may scourge his insolence.
Bap. I kneel for it.
Cesar. And to approve my self Alberto's Son,
I'll be his second upon any odds,
'Gainst him that dare most of Baptista's race.
Menti. Already upon honourable terms,
In me thou hast met thy better, for her sake
I'll add no more.
Alber. Sir, let our swords decide it.
Maria. Oh stay Sir, and as you would hold the Title
Of a just Prince, e'r you grant licence to
These mad-mens fury, lend your private ear
To the most distress'd of Women.
Duke. Speak, 'tis granted. [He takes Mariana aside.
Clar. In the mean time, let not Clarissa be
A patient looker on, though as yet doubtful,
To whom to bend her knee first, yet to all
I stoop thus low in duty, and would wash
The dust of fury with my Virgin tears,
From his bless'd feet, and make them beautiful
That would move to conditions of peace,
Though with a snail-like pace, they all are wing'd
To bear you to destruction: reverend Sirs,
Think on your antient friendship cemented
With so much bloud, but shed in noble action,
Divided now in passion for a brawl;
The Makers blush to own, much lov'd Cesario.
Brother, or friend, (each Title may prevail,)
Remember with what tenderness from our childhood
We lov'd together, you preferring me
Before your self, and I so fond of you
That it begot suspition in ill minds
That our affection was incestuous.
Think of that happy time, in which I know
That with your dearest bloud you had prevented
This shower of tears from me; Mentivole,
My Husband, registred in that bright star-chamber,
Though now on earth made strangers, be the example
And offer in one hand the peaceful Olive
Of concord, or if that can be denied
By powerful intercession in the other
Carry the Hermian rod, and force attonement,
Now we will not be all marble. Death's the worst then
And he shall be my Bridegroom. [Offers to kill her self.
Ment. Hold Clarissa, his loving violence needs must
Offer in spite of honor.— [He snatches away her knife, and sets it to his own breast, she staies his hand.
Duke. Was it to that end then on your Religion?