Phil. Spare that labour;
I do confess the fact that I am charg'd with,
And speak as much as my accusers can—
As much as all the witnesses can prove.
'Twas I that stole away the daughter and heir
Of Lord Polymetes, which were't to do again,
Rather than lose her, I again would venture.
This was the fact: your sentence, honour'd fathers.
Cler. 'Tis brave and resolute.
1st Judge. A heavy sentence, noble Philocles;
And such a one as I could wish myself
Off from this place some other might deliver.
You must die for it: death is your sentence.
Phil. Which I embrace with willingness. Now, my lord,
Is your hate glutted yet, or is my life
[To Polymetes.
Too poor a sacrifice to appease the rancour
Of your inveterate malice? If it be too,[438]
Invent some scandal, that may after blot
My reputation. Father, dry your tears,
[To Euphues.
Weep not for me; my death shall leave no stain
Upon your blood, nor blot on your fair name.
The honour'd ashes of my ancestors
May still rest quiet in their tear-wet urns
For any fact of mine. I might have liv'd,
If heaven had not prevented it, and found
Death for some foul dishonourable act.
Brother, farewell; no sooner have I found
[To Francisco.
But I must leave thy wish'd-for company.
Farewell, my dearest love; live thou still happy;
And may some one of more desert than I
Be bless'd in the enjoying what I lose!
I need not wish him happiness that has thee,
For thou wilt bring it; may he prove as good
As thou art worthy.
Leu. Dearest Philocles,
There is no room for any man but thee
Within this breast. O good my lords,
Be merciful, condemn us both together,
Our faults are both alike; why should the law
Be partial thus, and lay it all on him?
1st Judge. Lady, I would we could as lawfully
Save him as you: he should not die for this.
Enter Constable, leading Eugenio.