Duke. Rise, rise, too charming maid, for yet I cannot
Call you my daughter: that first name, Lucretia,
Hangs on my lips, and would be still pronounced.
Look not too kindly on me; one sweet glance,
Perhaps, would ruin both: therefore, I'll go
And try to get new strength to bear your eyes.
'Till then, farewell. Be sure you love my Frederick,
And do not hate his father. [Exeunt Duke and Valerio.
Fred. [At the door.] Now, friends, you may appear.
Enter Aurelian, Camillo, Benito.
Your pardon, madam, that we thus intrude
On holy ground: yourself best know it could not
Be avoided, and it shall be my care it be excused.
Soph. Though sovereign princes bear a privilege
Of entering when they please within our walls,
In others 'tis a crime past dispensation;
And therefore, to avoid a public scandal,
Be pleased, sir, to retire, and quit this garden.
Aur. We shall obey you, madam; but that we may do it with less regret, we hope you will give these ladies leave to accompany us.
Soph. They shall.
And, nieces, for myself, I only ask you
To justify my conduct to the world,
That none may think I have betrayed a trust,
But freed you from a tyranny.
Lau. Our duty binds us to acknowledge it.
Cam. And our gratitude to witness it.
Vio. With a holy and lasting remembrance of your favour.