MAR. And I'll defend them against all men, as at single tongue. MECH. I had rather fight with a giant than you at that weapon. CYP. [_To_ EPIRE.] My lord, go forth, return in your own shape, Say I am coming. EPIRE. I go, my lord. [_Exit_ EPIRE. CYP. [_Aside._] I'll note their countenance when they hear of me: Kings often see that which they would not see. QUEEN. Dancing hath made me weary. What sport is next? PHIL. What your highness will command. CYP. [_Aside._] She will command you, sir, to play with her. _Enter_ EPIRE. EPIRE. Madam, his majesty is return'd to court. QUEEN. Nay, then, away with revels and with sports; Lie hush'd and still this vainer idleness, It now hath lost his spleen; come, lords, away, My sun is risen brings a brighter day. [_Exeunt all but_ CYPRUS _and_ EPIRE. CYP. Darkness is thy delight, lascivious queen, And thou wouldst have thy sun pent-up in clouds, If I be he. O falseness, did I for this In single opposition, hand to hand, Hazard my royal blood for thee to be My greatest shame, the scandal of my blood, Whilst rumour crowns me king of infamy? But I will be reveng'd. Watch, gentle lord When next I see them, they shall taste of death, Such power hath baseness over great defame, That monarchs cannot cover their own shame. [_Exit_ CYPRUS. EPIRE. My plot yet holds a true proportion, And I do see an even way to rule. A crown, like a bold champion, bids me on, And fame shall chronicle mine enterprise: The queen being dead, I must oppose myself Against her tyrant husband--that's my claim,-- And with strong courage stand the shock of war: If of myself I can withstand the king, Then all the land will flock unto mine aid; if not, The king is God's anointed, my head fits the block, And that's the worst: yet future times will tell, I sunk not slightly; for a crown I fell. [_Exit_ EPIRE. _Enter_ MECHANT, _and a guard of_ WATCHMEN. MECH. Come on, my masters, You know the tenor of the king's command. And what in this great business you must do, Which is to keep him safe, and not vouchsafe That any creature speak or visit him, Till he be brought to th' presence of the king. You must not start for bounty, nor for threats, No, though he say he is a nobleman, As it may be, he may prove mighty born, Yet what for that? you must perform your office, Or else expect to taste sharp punishment. 1ST WATCH. Tut, fear not, my lord, we that have had Cerberus' office so many years under a gate, are not to learn now to play either devils or tyrants; let us but see him, and then take no care for his safety.