Act 5 — SCENE II.
Reading edition
A Street.
Enter Vincentio and Leonardo, followed by several citizens.
Vincentio. Courage, my friends! this way leads to his prison. We’ll break those bars, and drag their gloomy secrets Into unwonted light. Leonardo. Nay—by such madness You cast away success. Vincentio. Shall we shrink back Even on its threshold? Leonardo. One false step, bethink you, May lose you all. Look—yonder they approach! Vincentio. Now is the moment. Leonardo. No—’twould but endanger Yourselves—and serve not him. Pray you—be patient ’Till they have reached the palace; then surround it, And with your prayers, which more than threats avail, Besiege their ears. Vincentio. To be repulsed and mocked! Leonardo. If so, despair; no force of yours can save him. The Senate would but laugh at you. To citizens.] Depart! We are safe no longer here. [Exeunt.