Fred. Come, Ascanio, follow me. [Exeunt severally.
SCENE IV.—The Nunnery Garden.
Enter Duke and Lucretia.
Luc. In making this appointment,
I go too far, for one of my profession;
But I have a divining soul within me,
Which tells me, trust reposed in noble natures
Obliges them the more.
Duke. I come to be commanded, not to govern:
Those few soft words, you sent me, have quite altered
My rugged nature; if it still be violent,
'Tis only fierce and eager to obey you;
Like some impetuous flood, which, mastered once,
With double force bends backward.
The place of treaty shows you strongest here;
For still the vanquished sues for peace abroad,
While the proud victor makes his terms at home.
Luc. That peace, I see, will not be hard to make,
When either side shows confidence of noble dealing
From the other.
Duke. And this, sure, is our case, since both are met alone.
Luc. 'Tis mine, sir, more than yours.
To meet you single, shows I trust your virtue;
But you appear distrustful of my love.
Duke. You wrong me much; I am not.
Luc. Excuse me, sir, you keep a curb upon me;
You awe me with a letter, which you hold
As hostage of my love; and hostages
Are ne'er required but from suspected faith.