PLAN. Madam, you riddle strangely. AND. When I had Forecast these easy possibilities, I yet Foresaw one thing that crossed our designs-- That was a sense of honour I had in me. Methought in honour I could not condescend You should debase yourself so low. It pleas'd me Better to be your mistress than your queen; And stol'n embraces, without the scandal Of a public eye, were sweeter than those Which might bring upon me--for rising greatness Is still envied--the rancour of the people, And consequent distaste[93] against their prince. Sir, now we may act safely what might have Been less secure. Your father's name gives a protection---- Or, if that startle you, we'll call him husband! PLAN. Are you in earnest? AND. As serious as love can be. PLAN. Then I want words to tell you how I hate you: I would sooner meet Megæra 'tween a pair of sheets. And can you think I should have so small pity, As to be false unto my father's bed? That I lov'd you once, I confess with shame; And that I should have done so still, had you Preserv'd those flames, I think of now with horror. But for those sins, and whatsoever else I must repent, I shall no doubt have great Occasion, when I shall see th' kingdom Envelop'd in those swarms of plagues your sins Call down, and feel a share of them myself. For heaven's sake, madam! for my father's sake, Nay, for my own, if that have any interest, Learn now at last a virtue, that may make us As happy as much as hitherto unfortunate, And render your story to posterity so burnish'd With your shining goodness, that their eyes may not Perceive the error of your former years. Perhaps I then shall have a reverence for you, As great as any son hath for a father's wife. You wonder, lady, to see me talk thus different From what you saw me half an hour ago. I look'd upon myself as one that had lost A blessing. But heaven hath been happier to me; For I am now so far from thinking you one, That I look upon you as a plague no sin Of good Ephorbas could deserve. But love To you---- AND. Sir! PLAN. Answer me not in words, but deeds; I know you always talk'd unhappily,[94] And if your heart dare do what's ill, I know it can well teach your tongue excuses. [_Exit_ PLANGUS. SCENE IV. AND. And is my love then scorn'd? The chaos of eternal night possess my breast, That it may not see to startle at any Undertakings, though they would make Medusa's snakes curl into rings for fear. If greatness have inspired me with thoughts Of a more brave revenge, they shall be acted. A husband's murder was such a puny sin, I blush to speak it; but it was great enough For a merchant's wife: a queen must be more Daring in her revenge, nor must her wrath Be pacifi'd under a whole kingdom's ruin. SCENE V. _Enter_ LIBACER. My better genius, thou art welcome as A draught of water to a thirsty man: I ne'er had need of thee till now. Muster those devils dwell within thy breast, And let them counsel me to a revenge As great as is my will to act it.