Act 5 — SCENE II.
Reading edition
Enter Isabella in royal robes, and Hortenzo.
Queen-M. Thou villain, what intend'st thou, savage slave? Ele. To advance virtue thus, and thus to tread On lust, on murder, on adultery's head. Look, lords, upon your sovereign Isabel; Though all may doubt the fruits of such a womb, Is she not like King Philip? Let her rule. Queen-M. She rule! Ele. She rule: ay, she. Queen-M. A child To sway an empire? I am her protectress; I'll pour black curses on thy damned head If thou wrong'st me. Lords, lords! Ele. Princes of Spain, Be deaf, be blind; hear not, behold her not; She kill'd my virtuous wife. Queen-M. He kill'd your king. Ele. 'Twas in my just wrath. Queen-M. 'Twas to get his crown. Ele. His crown! why, here 'tis: thou slew'st my Maria, To have access to my unstained bed. Queen-M. O heaven! Ele. 'Tis true: how often have I stopp'd Thy unchaste songs from passing through mine ears. How oft, when thy luxurious arms have twin'd About my jetty neck, have I cried out: Away, those scalding veins burn me—'tis true. Queen-M. Devil, 'tis a lie! Ele. Thou slew'st my sweet Maria; Alvero, 'twas thy daughter, 'twas; Hortenzo, She was thy sister; justice, Isabella; This serpent poison'd thy dear father's bed, Setting large horns on his imperial head. Queen-M. Hear me! Ele. Ha, why? Alv. Madam, you shall be heard Before the courts, before the courts of Spain. Ele. A guard! a guard!
Enter two Moors and others.
Queen-M. A guard! for what? for whom? Hor. To wait on you; So many great sins must not wait with few. Queen-M. Keep me in prison! dare you, lords? Alv. O no! Were your cause strong, we would not arm you so; But honour fainting needeth many hands; Kingdoms stand safe when mischief lies in bands. You must to prison.
[Exeunt.
Queen-M. Must I! must I! Slave, I'll damn thee, ere thou triumph'st o'er my grave.
[Exit with a guard.