We said not ay, nor durst we say him nay, Because we were already in his gallies; But seem'd content to fly with him to Rhodes: With that he purs'd the gold, and gave it us. The rest I dare not speak, it is so bad. ERASTUS. Heav'ns, hear you this, and drop[422] not vengeance on them? 2 WITNESS. The rest and worse will I discourse in brief-- Will you consent, quoth he, to fire the fleet, That lies hard by us here in Bosphorus? For be it spoke in secret here, quoth he, Rhodes must no longer bear the Turkish yoke. We said the task might easily be perform'd, But that we lack'd such drugs to mix with powder, As were not in his gallies to be got. At this he leap'd for joy, swearing and promising, That our reward should be redoubled. We came a-land, not minding to return, And as our duty and allegiance bound us, We made all known unto great Soliman; But ere we could summon him a-land, His ships were past a-kenning[423] from the shore: Belike he thought we had betray'd his treasons. MARSHAL. That all is true, that here you have declar'd, Both lay your hands upon the Alcoran. 1 WITNESS. Foul death betide me, if I swear not true! 2 WITNESS. And mischief light on me, if I swear false! SOLIMAN. Mischief and death shall light upon you both. [_Aside._ MARSHAL. Erastus, thou see'st what witness hath produc'd against thee: What answer'st thou unto their accusation? ERASTUS. That these are Sinons, and myself poor Troy. MARSHAL. Now it resteth I appoint thy death; Wherein thou shalt confess, I'll favour thee, For that thou wert belov'd of Soliman: Thou shalt forthwith be bound unto that post, And strangled, as our Turkish order is. PISTON. Such favour send all Turks, I pray God. [_Aside._ ERASTUS. I see this train was plotted, ere I came: What boots complaining, where's no remedy? Yet give me leave, before my life shall end, To moan Perseda, and accuse my friend. SOLIMAN. O unjust Soliman! O wicked time! Where filthy lust must murder honest love. [_Aside._ MARSHAL. Despatch, for our time limited is past. ERASTUS.