Act 4 — SCENE VIII.
Reading edition
Enter Libacer.
Rin. As sure as death, this is one of the rogues That hath his roguery to act, and comes in like Something that hath brought news in th' latter end Of a play. Now shall we have some strange discovery— How the rogue stares! Lib. No sooner had we shut the gates, my liege, Than an uncertain rumour spread among the people That Plangus was in danger. When, if you ever saw a hive of bees: How, if you stir but one, the whole swarm moves, And testify their anger; so straight whole crowds Of people, the greatest half not knowing what They came for, swarm'd to the gates, and with confus'd Cries hinder'd themselves from being understood; Till some having divers times cried Plangus: [And] some their prince: all with one note, made up A common voice, and so continued, till some Captains, with one or two selected troops, made up To them, and having promised them they would Secure the prince, desir'd them to withdraw. And when they came so nigh as to be heard, They did in earnest what the other had Attempted with such[98] noise, and fail'd in; For they told the porter, in plain soldier's language, They would either see Plangus safe, or force The gates upon him. He, in this exigence, Hath sent to know your pleasure. Eph. How say you now, my lords? where is The innocence, the love to you and us? For my part, I will meet the danger; Tame expectation is beneath a king. Only let me entreat you to see my queen safe. 'Tis pity she should smart who hath no sin To answer for but calling me her husband. Plangus, Iberia shall be thine; but with curses O' th' angry gods, and a kind injur'd dying father.
[He goes to stab himself, Rinatus stays him.
Rin. Heav'n bless you, sir, what a despair is this? Because you hate a hangman, you will be Your executioner yourself. Believe me, That which presents so great danger to you, I look upon with joy. There is no subject That loves you or the prince, but must be glad To see the zeal Iberians bear to a true virtue, When bending under an unjust oppression; No doubt their love had been as great to you, Had you been in like danger. Besides, my lord, You are not sure 'tis with the prince's consent, The soldiers do this. My life for yours, you will Be safe, let the worst come. Let us Go meet your fears.
[They begin to rise, when at the instant Andromana enters undressed, and in a fright.
And. Happy am I, my lord,
[She weeps.
This sudden flight[99] hath rescu'd me from being Made the subject of some villain's lust, who With his sword drawn just now was forcing me To lewd embraces; if you command to search the court, He cannot be far hence, for he ran that way. Rin. O impudence! That durst attempt a sin darkness and woods Have too many eyes for in the open court.
[Plangus stirs behind the hangings.
I shall be with you. The devil hath Armour on!
[Rinatus draws, and runs at him.
Eph. Drag him to torture——
[They fetch him out.
My son! why have I liv'd to see this? Away with him to death; the air will grow infectious. Why stay you?