Lord Av. All leave the place.
Denis. We shall, syr.
Lord Av. Possible
That this shoold bee in man, nay in man vowed
Unto a strickt abstemious chastity!
From my owne creature and from one I feede,
Nay from a place built in my holiest vowes,
Establisht in my purpose in my lyfe,
Maintayn'd from my revenue, after death
Firm'd and assur'd to all posterityes—
That that shoold breede such vipers!
Lady. Patiens, syr; the fellowe suer is madd.
Lord Av. I can be madd as hee too and I will.
Thus to abuse my goodnes! in a deede
Som woold hold meritorious, att the least
Intended for an act of piety,
To suffer in my zeale! nay to bee mockt
In my devotion, by these empty drones
That feede upon the honey of my hyve!
To invert my good intentements, turne this nest
[Ink: paper ready.
I built for prayer unto a bedd of sinnes!
Which thus I'l punish; this religious place,
Once vowed to sanctity, I'l undermyne
And in one instant blowe the structure upp
With all th'unhallowed covent.
Lady. Praye, no extreames: Where one offends shall for his heighnous fact So many suffer? there's no justyce in't.
Lord Av. Som justyce I would showe them heare on earthe Before they finde it multiplyed in heaven.
Lady. For my sake, syr, do not for one man's error
Destroy a woorke of perpetuity,
By which your name shall lyve. One man offends;
Lett the delinquent suffer.
Lord Av. So't shallbe, And thou hast well advysed. Som pen and Inke theire!
Lady. What purpose you?