Raym. Pray heaven it may![Aside.
Bert. If one of you must fall,
Self-preservation is the first of laws;
And if, when subjects are oppressed by kings,
They justify rebellion by that law,
As well may monarchs turn the edge of right
To cut for them, when self-defence requires it.
Leo. You place such arbitrary power in kings,
That I much fear, if I should make you one,
You'll make yourself a tyrant; let these know
By what authority you did this act.
Bert. You much surprise me, to demand that question:
But, since truth must be told, 'twas by your own.
Leo. Produce it; or, by heaven, your head shall answer
The forfeit of your tongue.
Raym. Brave mischief towards.[Aside.
Bert. You bade me.
Leo. When, and where?
Bert. No, I confess, you bade me not in words;
The dial spoke not, but it made shrewd signs,
452 And pointed full upon the stroke of murder:
Yet this you said,
You were a woman, ignorant and weak,
So left it to my care.
Leo. What, if I said,
I was a woman, ignorant and weak,
Were you to take the advantage of my sex,
And play the devil to tempt me? You contrived,
You urged, you drove me headlong to your toils;
And if, much tired, and frighted more, I paused,
Were you to make my doubts your own commission?