Duke. Good woman, peace:
For were this truth, it doth not help thy Nephew;
The Law's infring'd by their disparity,
That forfeits both their lives.
Cor. Sir, with your pardon,
Had your Grace ever children?
Duke. Thou hast put
A question, whose sharp point toucheth my heart:
I had two little Sons, twins, who were both
(With my good Dutchess) slain, as I did hear;
At that time when my Dukedom was surpriz'd.
Cor. I have heard many say (my gracious Lord)
That I was wondrous like her.
All. Ha?
Duke. By all mans joy, it is Cornelia,
My dearest wife.
Cor. To ratifie me her,
Come down, Alphonso, one of those two twins,
And take thy Fathers blessing: thou hast broke
No Law, thy birth being above thy wives:
Ascanio is the other, nam'd Fernando,
Who by remote means, to my Lord Benvoglio
I got preferr'd; and in poor habits clad,
(You fled, and th' innovation laid again)
I wrought my self into Randulpho's service,
With my eldest boy; yet never durst reveal
What they and I were, no, not to themselves,
Until the Tyrants death.
Duke. My joy has fill'd me
Like a full-winded sail: I cannot speak.
Ger. Fetch Violanta and my brother.
Ben. Run,
Run like a spout, you rogue: a —— o' poison,
That little whore I trusted, will betray me.
Stay, hangman, I have work for you; there's Gold;
Cut off my head, or hang me presently.