DEP. Worthy Hieronimo, your office asks
A care to punish such as do transgress.
HIERO. So is't my duty to regard his death
Who when he liv'd deserv'd my dearest blood.
But come; for that we came for, let's begin;
For here lies that which bids me to be gone.
Enter OFFICERS, BOY, & PEDRINGANO with a letter
in his hand, bound.
DEPU. Bring forth the prisoner for the court is set.
PED. Gramercy, boy! but it was time to come,
For I had written to my lord anew
A nearer matter that concerneth him,
For fear his lordship had forgotten me;
But, sith he hath remember'd me so well,
Come, come, come on! when shall we to this gear?
HIERO. Stand forth, thou monster, murderer of men,
And here, for satisfaction of the world,
Confess thy folly and repent thy fault,
For there's thy place of execution.
PED. This is short work! Well, to your martiallship
First I confess, nor fear I death therefore,
I am the man,—'twas I slew Serberine.
But, sir, then you think this shall be the place
Where we shall satisfy you for this gear?
DEPU. Aye, Pedrigano.
PED. No I think not so.
HEIRO. Peace, impudent! for thou shalt find it so;
For blood with blood shall, while I sit as judge,
Be satisfied, and the law discharg'd.
And, though myself cannot receive the like,
Yet will I see that others have their right.
Dispatch! the fault approved and confess'd,
And by our law he is condemn'd to die.