Part 2 / Act 3 — ACT III. SCENE I.

An Apartment in the Duke’s House.

Enter Duchess, leading Almachildes blindfold.

Alm. This you that was a maid? how are you born

To deceive men! I’d thought to have married you:

I had been finely handled, had I not?

I’ll say that man is wise ever hereafter

That tries his wife beforehand. ’Tis no marvel

You should profess such bashfulness, to blind one,

As if you durst not look a man i’ th’ face,

Your modesty would blush so. Why do you not run

And tell the duchess now? go; you should tell all:

Let her know this too.—Why, here’s the plague now:

’Tis hard at first to win 'em; when they’re gotten,

There’s no way to be rid on 'em; they stick

To a man like bird-lime.—My oath is out:

Will you release me? I’ll release myself else.

290Duch. Nay, sure, I’ll bring you to your sight again.

[Taking off the bandage from his eyes.

Say, thou must either die, or kill the duke;

For one of them thou must do.

Alm. How, good madam?

Duch. Thou hast thy choice, and to that purpose, sir,

I’ve given thee knowledge now of what thou hast,

And what thou must do, to be worthy on’t.

You must not think to come by such a fortune

Without desert; that were unreasonable.

He that’s not born to honour must not look

To have it come with ease to him; he must win’t.

Take but unto thine actions wit and courage,

That’s all we ask of thee. But if through weakness

Of a poor spirit thou deniest me this,

Think but how thou shalt die! as I’ll work means for’t,

No murderer ever like thee; for I purpose

To call this subtle, sinful snare of mine

An act of force from thee. Thou’rt proud and youthful;

I shall be believ’d: besides, thy wantonness

Is at this hour in question 'mongst our women,

Which will make ill for thee.

Alm. I had hard chance

To light upon this pleasure that’s so costly;

’Tis not content with what a man can do,

And give him breath, but seeks to have that too.

Duch. Well, take thy choice.

Alm. I see no choice in’t, madam,

For ’tis all death, methinks.

Duch. Thou’st an ill sight then

Of a young man. ’Tis death if thou refuse it;

And say, my zeal has warn’d thee. But consenting,

291'Twill be new life, great honour, and my love,

Which in perpetual bands I’ll fasten to thee.

Alm. How, madam?

Duch. I’ll do’t religiously;

Make thee my husband; may I lose all sense

Of pleasure in life else, and be more miserable

Than ever creature was! for nothing lives

But has a joy in somewhat.

Alm. Then by all

The hopeful fortunes of a young man’s rising,

I will perform it, madam.

Duch. There’s a pledge then

Of a duchess’ love for thee; and now trust me

For thy most happy safety. I will choose

That time shall never hurt thee: when a man

Shews resolution, and there’s worth in him,

I’ll have a care of him. Part now for this time;

But still be near about us, till thou canst

Be nearer, that’s ourself.

Alm. And that I’ll venture hard for.

Duch. Good speed to thee! [Exeunt.