Sago. Perils that ever mortal durst approve.
I’ll double all the works of Hercules,
Expose myself in combat against an host,
Meet danger in a place of certain death,
Yet never shrink, or give way to my fate;
Bare-breasted meet the murderous Tartar’s dart,
Or any fatal engine made for death:
Such power has love and beauty from your eye,[283]
He that dies resolute does never die! 90
’Tis fear gives death his strength, which I resisted,
Death is but empty air the fates have twisted.
Isa. Dare you revenge my quarrel ’gainst a foe?
Sago. Then ask me if I dare embrace you thus,
Or kiss your hand, or gaze on your bright eye,
Where Cupid dances on those globes of love!
Fear is my vassal; when I frown he flies;
A hundred times in life a coward dies![284]
Isa. I not suspect your valour, but your will. 99
Sago. To gain your love my father’s blood I’ll spill.
Isa. Many have sworn the like, yet broke their vow.
Sago. My whole endeavour to your wish shall bow;
I am your plague to scourge your enemies.
Isa. Perform your promise, and enjoy your pleasure;
Spend my love’s dowry, that is women’s treasure;
But if thy resolution dread the trial,
I’ll tell the world a Spaniard was disloyal.
Sago. Relate your grief; I long to hear their names
Whose bastard spirits thy true worth defames.
I’ll wash thy scandal off when their hearts bleeds; 110
Valour makes difference betwixt words and deeds.
Tell thy fame’s poison, blood shall wash thee white.
Isa. My spotless honour is a slave to spite.
These are the monsters Venice doth bring forth,
Whose empty souls are bankrupt of true worth:
False Count Guido,[285] treacherous Gniaca,
Counties[286] of Gazia, and of rich Massino.
Then, if thou beest a knight, help the oppress’d;