Six of my first and best reputed citizens,
Bare headed, tendering the city keys;
And,—'sdeath, I choke!—with vile and loathsome ropes,
Circling their necks, in guise of malefactors,
To suffer instant execution.
[The Citizens appear confounded. A Pause.
Friends,
I do perceive you're troubled:—'tis enough
To pose the stoutest of you. Who among you
Can smother nature's workings, which do prompt