Enter Brachiano all armed save the beaver, with Flamineo, Francisco de Medicis, Lodovico, and Page.
Brach. Was this your handiwork?
Flam. It was my misfortune.
Cor. He lies, he lies; he did not kill him: these have killed him that would not let him be better looked to.
Brach. Have comfort, my grieved mother.
Cor. O you screech-owl!
Hort. Forbear, good madam.
Cor. Let me go, let me go. [She runs to Flamineo with her knife drawn, and, coming to him, lets it fall.
The God of Heaven forgive thee! Dost not wonder
I pray for thee? I'll tell thee what's the reason:
I have scarce breath to number twenty minutes;
I'd not spend that in cursing. Fare thee well:
Half of thyself lies there; and mayst thou live
To fill an hour-glass with his mouldered ashes,
To tell how thou shouldst spend the time to come
In blest repentance!
Brach. Mother, pray tell me
How came he by his death? what was the quarrel?
Cor. Indeed, my younger boy presumed too much
Upon his manhood, gave him bitter words,
Drew his sword first; and so, I know not how,
For I was out of my wits, he fell with's head
Just in my bosom.
Page. This is not true, madam.
Cor. I pray thee, peace.
One arrow's grazed already: it were vain
To lose this for that will ne'er be found again.
Brach. Go, bear, the body to Cornelia's lodging:
And we command that none acquaint our duchess
With this sad accident. For you, Flamineo,
Hark you, I will not grant your pardon.
Flam. No?
Brach. Only a lease of your life; and that shall last
But for one day: thou shalt be forced each evening
To renew it, or be hanged.
Flam. At your pleasure.
[Lodovico sprinkles Brachiano's beaver with a poison.
Your will is law now, I'll not meddle with it.
Brach. You once did brave me in your sister's lodging;
I'll now keep you in awe for't.—Where's our beaver?
Fran de Med. [Aside]. He calls for his destruction. Noble youth,
I pity thy sad fate! Now to the barriers.
This shall his passage to the black lake further;
The last good deed he did, he pardoned murther.
[Exeunt.
SCENE III.—The Lists at Padua.
Charges and shouts. They fight at barriers; first single pairs, then three to three.
Enter Brachiano, Vittoria Corombona, Giovanni, Francisco de Medicis, Flamineo, with others.