SCENA III.

_Enter Demetrius, and Leontius.

Dem. Let me but see her, dear Leontius; Let me but dye before her.

Leo. Would that would doe it: If I knew where she lay now, with what honestie, You having flung so main a mischief on her, And on so innocent and sweet a Beauty, Dare I present your visit?

Dem. I'le repent all: And with the greatest sacrifice of sorrow, That ever Lover made.

Leo. 'Twill be too late Sir: I know not what will become of you.

Dem. You can help me.

Leo. It may be to her sight: what are you nearer? She has sworn she will not speak to ye, look upon ye, And to love ye again, O she cries out, and thunders, She had rather love—there is no hope—

Dem. Yes Leontius, There is a hope, which though it draw no love to it, At least will draw her to lament my fortune, And that hope shall relieve me.

Leo. Hark ye Sir, hark ye: Say I should bring ye—

Dem. Do [not] trifle with me?

Leo. I will not trifle; both together bring ye, You know the wrongs ye' done.

Dem. I do confess 'em.

Leo. And if you should then jump into your fury, And have another querk in your head.

Dem. I'le dye first.

Leo. You must say nothing to her; for 'tis certain, The nature of your crime will admit [no] excuse.

Dem. I will not speak, mine eyes shall tell my penance.

Leo. You must look wondrous sad too.

Dem. I need not look so, I am truly sadness self.

Leo. That look will do it: Stay here, I'le bring her to you instantly: But take heed how you bear your self: sit down there, The more humble you are, the more she'l take compassion. Women are per'lous thing[s] to deal upon. [Exit.

Dem. What shall become of me? to curse my fortune, Were but to curse my Father; that's too impious; But under whatsoever fate I suffer, Bless I beseech thee heaven her harmless goodness.

Enter Leontius, and Celia.

Leo. Now arm your self.

Cel. You have not brought him?

Leo. Yes faith, And there he is: you see in what poor plight too, Now you may doe your will, kill him, or save him.

Cel. I will goe back.

Leo. I will be hang'd then Lady, Are ye a coward now?

Cel. I cannot speak to him.

Dem. O me.

Leo. There was a sigh to blow a Church down; So, now their eyes are fixt, the small shot playes, They will come to th' batterie anon.

Cel. He weeps extreamly.

Leo. Rail at him now.

Cel. I dare not.

Leo. I am glad on't.

Cel. Nor dare believe his tears.

Dem. You may, blest beauty, For those thick streams that troubled my repentance, Are crept out long agoe.

Leo. You see how he looks.

Cel. What have I to doe how he looks? how lookt he then, When with a poisoned tooth he bit mine honour? It was your counsel too, to scorn and slight him.

Leo. I, if ye saw fit cause; and you confest too, Except this sin, he was the bravest Gentleman, The sweetest, noblest: I take nothing from ye, Nor from your anger; use him as you please: For to say truth, he has deserved your justice; But still consider what he has been to you.

Cel. Pray do not blind me thus.

Dem. O Gentle Mistris, If there were any way to expiate A sin so great as mine, by intercession, By prayers, by daily tears, by dying for ye: O what a joy would close these eyes that love ye.

Leo. They say women have tender hearts, I know not, I am sure mine melts.

Cel. Sir, I forgive ye heartily, And all your wrong to me I cast behind me, And wish ye a fit beauty to your vertues: Mine is too poor, in peace I part thus from you; I must look back: gods keep your grace: he's here still. [Ex.

Dem. She has forgiven me.

Leo. She has directed ye: Up, up, and follow like a man: away Sir, She lookt behind her twice: her heart dwells here Sir, Ye drew tears from her too: she cannot freeze thus; The door's set open too, are ye a man? Are ye alive? do ye understand her meaning? Have ye bloud and spirit in ye?

Dem. I dare not trouble her.

Leo. Nay, and you will be nip't i'th' head with nothing, Walk whining up and down; I dare not, I cannot: Strike now or never: faint heart, you know what Sir— Be govern'd by your fear, and quench your fire out. A Devil on't, stands this door ope for nothing? So get ye together, and be naught: now to secure all, Will I go fetch out a more soveraign plaister. [Exeunt.