Pol. This is beyond our wishes.
[Aside.]
Vir. What made him swear this, I wonder?
Euph. A heavy oath to me, and most unlook'd for.
Your justice, sir, has set a period
Unto a loyal house, a family
That have been props of the Sicilian crown,
That with their bloods in many an honour'd field,
'Gainst the hot French and Neapolitan,
Have serv'd for you and your great ancestors:
Their children now can never more do so.
Farewell, my sovereign! whilst I in tears
Spend the sad remnant of my childless age,
I'll pray for your long life and happy reign,
And may your grace and your posterity
At need find hands as good and hearts as true,
As ours have ever been!
King. Farewell, good old man.
Euph. For you, my lord, your cruelty has deserv'd
A curse from me, but I can utter none:
Your daughter's goodness has weigh'd down your malice,
Heaven prosper her!
[Exit Euphues.
Pol. Amen.
King. He is an honest man, and truly noble.
O my rash oath! my lust that was the cause:
Would any price would buy it in again!
Vir. Your majesty is just.
Pol. 'Tis a happy land,
Where the king squares his actions by the law.
King. Away! you are base and bloody,
That feed your malice with pretence of justice.
'Tis such as you make princes tyrannous,
And hated of their subjects: but look to't,
Look your own heads stand fast; for if the law
Do find a hole in your coats, beg no mercy.