Act 5 — [Scene II.][3260]
Reading edition
[Scene II.][3260]
Enter Philaster, Arethusa, and Bellario.
Are. Nay, faith, Philaster, grieve not; we are well. Bel. Nay, good my lord, forbear; we’re wondrous well. Phi. Oh, Arethusa, oh, Bellario, Leave to be kind! I shall be shut from Heaven, as now from earth, If you continue so. I am a man6 False to a pair of the most trusty ones That ever earth bore; can it bear us all? Forgive, and leave me. But the King hath sent To call me to my death: oh, shew it me,10 And then forget me! And for thee, my boy, I shall deliver words will mollify The hearts of beasts to spare thy innocence. Bel. Alas, my lord, my life is not a thing Worthy your noble thoughts! ’T is not a life,15 ’T is but a piece of childhood thrown away. Should I outlive you, I should then outlive Virtue and honour; and when that day comes, If ever I shall close these eyes but once, May I live spotted for my perjury,20 And waste my limbs to nothing! Are. And I (the woful’st maid that ever was, Forc’d with my hands to bring my lord to death) Do by the honour of a virgin swear To tell no hours beyond it! Phi. Make me not hated so.25 Are. Come from this prison all joyful to our deaths! Phi. People will tear me, when they find you true To such a wretch as I; I shall die loath’d. Enjoy your kingdoms peacably, whilst I For ever sleep forgotten with my faults.30 Every just servant, every maid in love, Will have a piece of me, if you be true. Are. My dear lord, say not so. Bel. A piece of you! He was not born of woman that can cut It and look on.35 Phi. Take me in tears betwixt you, for my heart Will break with shame and sorrow. Are. Why, ’t is well. Bel. Lament no more. Phi. Why, what would you have done If you had wrong’d me basely, and had found Your[3261] life no price compar’d to mine?[3261] For love, sirs,40 Deal with me truly. Bel. ’T was mistaken, sir. Phi. Why, if it were? Bel. Then, sir, we would have ask’d You pardon. Phi. And have hope to enjoy it? Are. Enjoy it! ay. Phi. Would you indeed? Be plain. Bel. We would, my lord. Phi. Forgive me, then. Are. So, so.45 Bel. ’T is as it should be now. Phi. Lead to my death. Exeunt.