Amph. How false a woman to all eyes I seem,
Because I still will hide my constant love!
This way I take will bravely break my heart,
To tell the duke were sneakingly to die:
Since, if he knew that I did love him still,
With basest scorns he'd laugh my soul to death;
Such friendship to this pris'ner I will show,
Shall make the duke believe my heart is there.
To set him free I'll use my utmost art——.
Would I could do as much for this poor heart!
This way my love with my designs complies,
Thus one in chains another's chains unties.
I have made the jailor mine already,
By promising him these hundred pieces—
'Tis now about the time I appointed
To be here—
Enter Jailor.
O, yonder's the jailor expecting me—
Here, jailor, here's for thy
Honesty: may the business be done now?
Jailor. O madam, never at a fitter time; take you
The key and go in to the prisoner;
Whilst I go see the passage clear,
Stand you at th' door, and when I beckon
To you, come away.
Amph. Honest jailor?
Jailor. So, now I am just i' th' fashion; I have taken
Money to do her business, and instead
Of doing it I have undone it.
Enter Duke and Ortellus.
Ort. 'Tis so, sir.
The jailor has discover'd all to me. Here
He comes.
Jailor. And please your highness to stand close
Here, for the lady Amphelia is now
With the prisoner; I have given her a
Key to convey him through this private passage;
As soon as I beckon to her, she will come
Away with him. [Beckons her.
Amph. Come, sir, give me your hand;
The jailor beckons me; the way is clear.