2d Watch. You're the more unkind; he that wrongs himself will not stick to wrong the whole world also.
1st Watch. Nay, strive not, for we arrest you by virtue of the king's commission.
Alph. Well, my masters, be careful; you may mistake me.
2d Watch. Indeed it is no marvel, you are so like other men.
Alph. Indeed at this time I am hardly like one of God's making.
1st Watch. Faith, and I am sure you are no man of a good tailor's making, you are but pieced-work.
Alph. Well, yet I may hap to prove a nobleman.
2d Watch. A whoremaster or an unthrift! away with him, and let no man catechise him upon pain of my displeasure. [Exeunt.
Enter the Duke OF Epire alone.
Epire. Roll on, the chariot-wheels of my dear plots,
And bear mine ends to their desired marks.
As yet there's not a rub of wit, a gulf of thought,
No rocky misconstruction, thorny maze,
Or other let of any doubtfulness.
As yet thy way is smooth and plain,
Like the green ocean in a silent calm.
Blessed credulity, thou great God of error,
Thou art the strong foundation of huge wrongs,
To thee give I my vows and sacrifice;
By thy great deity he doth believe
Falsehoods, that falsehood's self could not invent,
And from that misbelief doth draw a course
To overwhelm even virtue, truth, and sanctity.
Let him go on, bless'd stars, 'tis meet he fall,
Whose blindfold judgment hath no guide at all.
But O, these shadows have bewitched long:
To threat and not to do doth malice wrong.
And see, here comes the queen.