Act 4 — [Scene I.][4388]
Reading edition
[Scene I.][4388]
Enter two Lords and Hernando.
1 Lord. This is the age of wonders. 2 Lord. Wondrous mischiefs! Her. Among those guards, which some call tutelar angels, Whose office is to govern provinces, Is there not one will undertake Navarre? Hath Heaven forsook us quite? 1 Lord. Columbo at large!5 2 Lord. And grac’d now more than ever. 1 Lord. He was not pardon’d; That word was prejudicial to his fame. Her. But, as the murder done had been a dream Vanish’d to memory, he’s courted as Preserver of his country. With what chains10 Of magic does this Cardinal hold the king? 2 Lord. What will you say, my lord, if they enchant The duchess now, and by some impudent art, Advance a marriage to Columbo yet? Her. Say!15 I’ll say no woman can be sav’d; nor is ’t Fit, indeed, any should pretend to Heaven, After one such impiety in their sex: And yet my faith has been so stagger’d, since The king restor’d Columbo, I’ll be now20 Of no religion. 1 Lord. ’Tis not possible She can forgive the murder; I observ’d Her tears. Her. Why, so did I, my lord; And if they be not honest, ’tis to be Half damn’d, to look upon a woman weeping.25 When do you think the Cardinal said his prayers? 2 Lord. I know not. Her. Heaven forgive my want of charity! But, if I were to kill him, he should have No time to pray; his life could be no sacrifice, Unless his soul went too. 1 Lord. That were too much.30 Her. When you mean to dispatch him, you may give Time for confession: they have injur’d me After another rate. 2 Lord. You are too passionate, cousin.
Enter Columbo, Colonels, Alphonso, and Courtiers. They pass over the stage.
Her. How the gay men do flutter, to congratulate35 His gaol delivery! There’s one honest man: What pity ’tis a gallant fellow should Depend on knaves for his preferment! 1 Lord. Except this cruelty upon Alvarez, Columbo has no mighty stain upon him;40 But for his uncle— Her. If I had a son Of twelve years old that would not fight with him, And stake his soul against his cardinal’s cap, I would disinherit him. Time has took a lease But for three lives, I hope; a fourth may see45 Honesty walk without a crutch. 2 Lord. This is But air and wildness. Her. I will see the duchess. [1 Lord.] You may do well to comfort her; we must Attend the king. Her. Your pleasures. Exit.
Enter King and Cardinal.
1 Lord. A man of a brave soul. 2 Lord. The less his safety.—50 The king and Cardinal in consult! King. Commend us to the duchess, and employ What language you think fit and powerful To reconcile her to some peace.—My lords. Car. Sir, I possess all for your sacred uses.55 Exeunt severally.