Flo. My lord, that word fell rudely from your tongue,
And, I may say, unmannerly: 'tis duty
You owe the queen.
Dec. Right, sir; an humble duty,
Ambitious to expose my life to dangers,
Greater than any other soul dares fancy.
Asc. Pray stay, Florentio: this is now my cause,
And I (proud man) will tell you, your great heart
Doth want expansion to receive a love
Worthy her scorn.
Dec. And I will answer you,
Proud monarch of Castile, what mould
Soever nature casts me in, my mind
Is vaster than your empire; and I can
Love equally with him whose name did conquer
Kingdoms as large as yours.
Asc. Your majesty
Must license here my rage, to teach his folly
(Presumptuous folly) a submiss repentance.
Dec. Sir, here I stand prepar'd. [A shout within.
Queen. What noise is that?
Oni. The city's all in mutiny, and vow
To perish in the Lord Decastro's cause:
They're ready now to lay rude hands upon
The garrisons of Castile. Your majesty
Should hinder mischief, if you suddenly
Return, and by your presence stop their fury.
Dec. Pray, Oniate, take this signet: tell
The magistrates her majesty and I
Are now accorded, with a due regard
To th' public safety. Take some of my army,
To give authority to what you say.
Assure them all is well. [Exit Oniate.
Asc. What means this wonder?