LOR. Then, Pedringano, this is my demand;
Whom loves my sister Bel-imperia?
For she reposeth all her trust in thee.
Speak, man, and gain both friendship and reward:
I mean, whom loves she in Andrea's place?
PED. Alas, my lord, since Don Andrea's death
I have no credit with her as before,
And therefore know not if she love or no.
LOR. Nay, if thou dally, then I am thy foe,
And fear shall force what friendship cannot win.
Thy death shall bury what thy life conceals.
Thou die'st for more esteeming her than me!
[Draws his sword.]
PED. Oh stay, my lord!
LOR. Yet speak the truth, and I will guerdon thee
And shield thee from whatever can ensue,
And will conceal whate'er proceeds from thee;
But, if thou dally once again, thou diest!
PED. If madame Bel-imperia be in love—
LOR. What, villain! ifs and ands?
PED. Oh stay, my lord! she loves Horatio!
BALTHAZAR starts back.