Bacha. Sir, though you be my King, whom I will
Serve in all just causes: yet when wrongfully
You seek to take my Honor, I will rise
Thus, and defie you; for it is a Jewell
Dearer than you can give, which whilst I keep,
(Though in this lowly house) I shall esteem
My self above the Princes of the earth
That are without it. If the Prince your son,
Whom you accuse me with, know how to speak
Dishonor of me, if he do not do it,
The plagues of hell light on him, may he never
Govern this Kingdome: here I chalenge him
Before the face of heaven, my Liege, and these,
To speak the worst he can: if he will lye,
To lose a womans fame, I'll say he is
Like you (I think I cannot call him worse.)
He's dead, that with his life would have defended
My reputation and I forct to play
(That which I am) the foolish woman,
And use my liberal tongue.
Leu. Is't possible! we men are children in our
Carriages, compar'd with women: 'wake thy self
For shame, and leave not her whose honor thou
Shou'dst keep safe as thine own, alone to free her self:
But I am prest I know not how, with guilt,
And feel my conscience (never us'd to lye)
Loth to allow my tongue to add a lye
To that too much I did: but it is lawfull
To defend her, that only for my Love lov'd evill.
Leon. Tell me, why did you Leucip: stay here so long?
Leu. If I can urge ought from me but a truth,
Hell take me.
Leon. What's the matter, why speak you not?
Tima. Alas good Sir, forbear
To urge the Prince, you see his shamefastness.
Bacha. What does he say Sir? if thou be a Prince
Shew it, and tell the truth.
Ismen. If you have lain with her tell your Father
No doubt but he has done as ill before now:
The Gentlewoman will be proud on't.
Bacha. For God's sake speak.
Leu. Have you done prating yet?