Ponteach.
Who ever spar'd a Serpent in the Egg?
Or left young Tygers quiet in their Den?
Warrior.
Or cherishes young Vipers in his Bosom?
Philip.
Begin, begin; I'll lead the merry Dance.
[Offering at the woman with a firebrand.
Ponteach.
Stop: Are we not unwise to kill this Woman?
Or Sacrifice her Children to our Vengeance?
They have not wrong'd us; can't do present Mischief.
I know her Friends; they're rich and powerful,
And in their Turn will take severe Revenge:
But if we spare, they'll hold themselves oblig'd,
And purchase their Redemption with rich Presents.
Is not this better than an Hour's Diversion,
To hear their Groans, and Plaints, and piteous Cries?
Warriors.