King. What means, but yet? 'tis evidence so full,
If the last trumpet sounded in my ears,
Undaunted I should meet the saints half way,
And in the face of heaven maintain the fact.
Mar. Maintain it then to heaven, but not to me.
Do you love me?
King. Can you doubt it?
Mar. Yes, I can doubt it, if you can deny;
Love begs once more this great offender's life.
Can you forgive the man you justly hate,
That hazards both your life and crown to spare him?
One, whom you may suspect I more than pity,—
For I would have you see, that what I ask,
I know, is wondrous difficult to grant,—
Can you be thus extravagantly good?
King. What then? for I begin to fear my firmness,
And doubt the soft destruction of your tongue.
Mar. Then, in return, I swear to heaven and you,
To give you all the preference of my soul;
No rebel rival to disturb you there;
Let him but live, that he may be my convert! [King walks awhile, then wipes his eyes, and speaks.
King. You've conquered; all that's past shall be forgiven.
My lavish love has made a lavish grant;
But know, this act of grace shall be my last.
Let him repent, yes, let him well repent;
Let him desist, and tempt revenge no further:
For, by yon heaven, that's conscious of his crimes,
I will no more by mercy be betrayed.
099 Deputies appearing at the Door.
The deputies are entering; you must leave me.
Thus, tyrant business all my hours usurps,
And makes me live for others.
Mar. Now heaven reward you with a prosperous reign,
And grant, you never may be good in vain![Exit.