The Court.—Enter King, Nicanor.
King. Nicanor, I would find some privy place,
Where I might stand unseen, unknown of any,
To hear th' arraignment of young Philocles.
Nic. The judges are now entering: please you, sir,
Here to ascend: you may both hear and see.
King. Well, I'll go up;
And, like a jealous husband, hear and see
That that will strike me dead. Am I a king,
And cannot pardon such a small offence?
I cannot do't, nor am I Cæsar now.
Lust has uncrown'd me, and my rash-ta'en oath
Has reft me of a king's prerogative.
Come, come, Nicanor, help me to ascend,
And see that fault that I want pow'r to mend.
[They ascend.
Enter three Judges, Virro, Polymetes, Euphues, Francisco, Leucothoë, Clerimont, Roscio.
1st Judge. Bring forth the prisoner: where are the witnesses?
Pol. Here, my lords. I am the wronged party, and the fact my man here, besides the officers that took them, can justify.
2d Judge. That's enough.
Enter Philocles, with a guard.
1st Judge. Philocles, stand to the bar, and answer to such crimes,
As shall be here objected 'gainst thy life.
Read the indictment.