Do what I will, I cannot call to mind
That I did e'er espouse the sage's daughter;
Therefore I have disowned her; yet 'tis strange
How painfully my agitated heart
Bears witness to the truth of her assertion,
And makes me credit her against my judgment.
[Exeunt.
* * * * *
PRELUDE TO ACT VI.
SCENE.—A Street.
Enter the King's brother-in-law as SUPERINTENDENT of the city police; and with him TWO CONSTABLES, dragging a poor FISHERMAN, who has his hands tied behind his back.
BOTH THE CONSTABLES. [Striking the prisoner.
Take that for a rascally thief that you are; and now tell us, sirrah, where you found this ring—aye, the King's own signet-ring. See, here is the royal name engraved on the setting of the jewel.
FISHERMAN. [With a gesture of alarm.
Mercy! kind sirs, mercy! I did not steal it; indeed I did not.