Act 3 — ACT III. SCENE I.
Reading edition
The same. A Gallery in Archidamus's House.
Enter Marullo and Timandra.
Mar. Why, think you that I plot against myself[115]? Fear nothing, you are safe: these thick-skinn'd slaves, I use as instruments to serve my ends, Pierce not my deep designs; nor shall they dare To lift an arm against you.
Timand. With your will. But turbulent spirits, raised beyond themselves With ease, are not so soon laid; they oft prove Dangerous to him that call'd them up.
Mar. 'Tis true, In what is rashly undertook. Long since I have consider'd seriously their natures, Proceeded with mature advice, and know I hold their will and faculties in more awe Than I can do my own. Now, for their licence, And riot in the city, I can make A just defence and use: it may appear, too, A politic prevention of such ills As might, with greater violence and danger, Hereafter be attempted; though some smart for 't, It matters not:—however, I'm resolved; And sleep you with security. Holds Cleora Constant to her rash vow?
Timand. Beyond belief; To me, that see her hourly, it seems a fable. By signs I guess at her commands, and serve them With silence; such her pleasure is, made known By holding her fair hand thus. She eats little, Sleeps less, as I imagine; once a day I lead her to this gallery, where she walks Some half a dozen turns, and, having offer'd To her absent saint a sacrifice of sighs, She points back to her prison.
Mar. Guide her hither, And make her understand the slaves' revolt; And, with your utmost eloquence, enlarge Their insolence, and wrongs done in the city. Forget not, too, I am their chief, and tell her You strongly think my extreme dotage on her, As I'm Marullo, caused this sudden uproar, To gain possession of her.
Timand. Punctually I will discharge my part. [Exit.
Enter Poliphron.
Poliph. O, sir, I sought you: There's such variety of all disorders Among the slaves; answer'd with crying, howling, By the citizens and their wives; such a confusion, In a word, not to tire you, as I think The like was never read of.
Mar. This is some Revenge for my disgrace.
Poliph. But, sir, I fear, If your authority restrain them not, They'll fire the city, or kill one another, They are so apt to outrage; neither know I Whether you wish it, and came therefore to Acquaint you with so much.
Mar. I will among them; But must not long be absent.
Poliph. At your pleasure. [Exeunt.