Know you, that Death stands ready at the gate,
That I forbid him, and suspend your fate?
The king's short absence leaves me absolute;
When he returns, the inevitable ill
Is past my power, and may be past my will.
Unhappy man! prevent thy destiny;
Speak one kind word, to save thy life and me.
Cleom. Be answered, and expect no more reply.
Cas. Disdain has swelled him up, and choked his breath;
Sullen, and dumb, and obstinate to death.