Act 3 — [Scene III.][790]
Reading edition
[Scene III.][790]
Enter Pedringano, with a pistol.
Ped. Now, Pedringano, bid thy pistol hold, And hold on, Fortune! once more favour me; Give but success to mine attempting spirit, And let me shift for taking of mine aim. Here is the gold: this is the gold propos’d;5 It is no dream that I adventure for, But Pedringano is possess’d thereof. And he that would not strain his conscience For him that thus his liberal purse hath stretch’d, Unworthy such a favour, may he fail,10 And, wishing, want when such as I prevail. As for the fear of apprehension, I know, if need should be, my noble lord Will stand between me and ensuing harms; Besides, this place is free from all suspect:15 Here therefore will I stay and take my stand.
Enter the Watch.
1 Watch. I wonder much to what intent it is That we are thus expressly charg’d to watch. 2 Watch. ’T is by commandment in the king’s own name. 3 Watch. But we were never wont to watch and ward20 So near the duke his brother’s house before. 2 Watch. Content yourself, stand close, there ’s somewhat in ’t.
Enter Serberine.
Ser. Here, Serberine, attend and stay thy pace; For here did Don Lorenzo’s page appoint That thou by his command shouldst meet with him.25 How fit a place—if one were so dispos’d— Methinks this corner is to close with one. Ped. Here comes the bird that I must seize upon. Now, Pedringano, or never, play the man! Ser. I wonder that his lordship stays so long,30 Or wherefore should he send for me so late? Ped. For this, Serberine!—and thou shalt ha ’t. Shoots the dag.[791] So, there he lies; my promise is perform’d.
The Watch.
1 Watch. Hark, gentlemen, this is a pistol shot. 2 Watch. And here ’s one slain;—stay the murderer.35 Ped. Now by the sorrows of the souls in hell. He strives with the Watch. Who first lays hand on me, I ’ll be his priest.[792] 3 Watch. Sirrah, confess, and therein play the priest, Why hast thou thus unkindly kill’d the man? Ped. Why? Because he walk’d abroad so late.40 3 Watch. Come, sir, you had been better kept your bed, Than have committed this misdeed so late. 2 Watch. Come, to the marshal’s with the murderer! 1 Watch. On to Hieronimo’s! help me here To bring the murd’red body with us too.45 Ped. Hieronimo? Carry me before whom you will. Whate’er he be, I’ll answer him and you; And do your worst, for I defy you all. Exeunt.