SCENE II.—The Courtyard of a Prison.
Reading edition
Enter Lussurioso with Nobles.
Lus. My lords, I am so much indebted to your loves For this, O, this delivery— 1st Noble. Put our duties, my lord, unto the hopes that grow in you. Lus. If e'er I live to be myself, I'll thank you. O liberty, thou sweet and heavenly dame! But hell for prison is too mild a name. [Exeunt.
Enter Ambitioso and Supervacuo, with Officers.
Amb. Officers, here's the duke's signet, your firm warrant, Brings the command of present death along with it Unto our brother, the duke's son; we are sorry That we are so unnaturally employed In such an unkind office, fitter far For enemies than brothers. Sup. But, you know, The duke's command must be obeyed. 1st Off. It must and shall, my lord. This morning, then— So suddenly? Amb. Ay, alas! poor, good soul! He must breakfast betimes; the executioner Stands ready to put forth his cowardly valour. 2nd Off. Already? Sup. Already, i' faith. O sir, destruction hies, And that is least imprudent,[215] soonest dies. 1st Off. Troth, you say true. My lord, we take our leaves: Our office shall be sound; we'll not delay The third part of a minute. Amb. Therein you show Yourselves good men and upright. Officers, Pray, let him die as private as he may; Do him that favour; for the gaping people Will but trouble him at his prayers, And make him curse and swear, and so die black. Will you be so far kind? 1st Off. It shall be done, my lord. Amb. Why, we do thank you; if we live to be— You shall have a better office. 2nd Off. Your good lordship— Sup. Commend us to the scaffold in our tears, 1st Off. We'll weep, and do your commendations. Amb. Fine fools in office! [Exeunt Officers. Sup. Things fall out so fit! Amb. So happily! come, brother! ere next clock, His head will be made serve a bigger block.[216] [Exeunt.