Go, sirrah, to Serberine, and bid him forthwith
Meet the prince and me at St Liugis' Park,
Behind the house: this evening, boy.
Page.
I go, my lord.
Lorenzo.
But, sirrah, let the hour be eight o'clock:
Bid him not fail.
Page.
I fly, my lord. [Exit.
Lorenzo.
Now to confirm the complot thou hast cast
Of all these practices, I'll spread the watch,
Upon precise commandment from the king,
Strongly to guard the place, where Pedringano
This night shall murder hapless Serberine.
Thus must we work, that will avoid distrust:
Thus must we practise to prevent mishap:
And thus one ill another must expulse.
This sly inquiry of Hieronimo
For Bell'-Imperia breeds suspicion,
And this suspicion bodes a further ill.
As for myself, I know my secret fault,
And so do they; but I have dealt for them.
They that for coin their souls endangered,
To save my life, for coin shall venture theirs:
And better 'tis that base companions die,
Than by their life to hazard our good haps;
Nor shall they live, for me to fear their faith:
I'll trust myself, myself shall be my friend;
For die they shall, slaves are ordain'd to[157] no other end. [Exit.
Enter Pedringano, with a pistol.