Gronno, I came hither now to understand, If all things are well appointed for the execution of Pithias. The king himself will see it done here in this place. GRONNO. Sir, all things are ready, here is the place, here is the hand, here is the sword: Here lacketh none but Pithias, whose head at a word, If he were present, I could finely strike off-- You may report that all things are ready. EUBULUS. I go with an heavy heart to report it. Ah woful Pithias! Full near now is thy misery. [_Exit_. GRONNO. I marvel very much, under what constellation All hangmen are born, for they are hated of all, beloved of none: Which hatred is showed by this point evidently: The hangman always dwells in the vilest place of the city. That such spite should be, I know no cause why, Unless it be for their office’s sake, which is cruel and bloody. Yet some men must do it to execute laws. Me-think they hate me without any just cause. But I must look to my toil; Pithias must lose his head at one blow, Else the boys will stone me to death in the street, as I go. But hark, the prisoner cometh, and the king also: I see there is no help, Pithias his life must forego. _Here entereth_ DIONYSIUS _and_ EUBULUS. DIONYSIUS. Bring forth Pithias, that pleasant companion, Which took me at my word, and became pledge for Damon. It pricketh[138] fast upon noon, I do him no injury, If now he lose his head, for so he requested me, If Damon return not, which now in Greece is full merry: Therefore shall Pithias pay his death, and that by and by. He thought belike, if Damon were out of the city, I would not put him to death for some foolish pity: But seeing it was his request, I will not be mock’d, he shall die; Bring him forth. _Here entereth_ SNAP.[139] SNAP. Give place; let the prisoner come by; give place. DIONYSIUS. How say you, sir; where is Damon, your trusty friend? You have play’d a wise part, I make God a vow: You know what time a day it is; make you ready. PITHIAS. Most ready I am, mighty king, and most ready also For my true friend Damon this life to forego, Even at your pleasure. DIONYSIUS. A true friend! a false traitor, that so breaketh his oath! Thou shalt lose thy life, though thou be never so loth.