EPH. For aught I know, my bed may be the next; Men are not bad by halves, nor doth one mischief Stop a man in his career of sin. There's as much reason i' th' one as th' other. Doth he affect my kingdom, 'cause I'm old? No, that's not it; he knows I must die shortly. 'Tis not a desire of rule, and glory of Their bending knees makes him forget his duty. He may as well covet Andromana, 'cause she's handsome. He satisfies a lust alike in both. Well, let him be My rival in the kingdom; 'tis but what He was born to, and I must leave it him; But for my wife he must excuse me--nay, He shall [_Pauses._]----Yet now I think on't better, The grounds are slender, and my suspicions slight; No evidence against him but the people's love, And that's no fault of his, unless deserving Be a crime. Who is without there? _Enter_ LIBACER. Go, call in Plangus, and bid him not stay, For I must speak with him. [_Exit_ KING. SCENE II. LIB. Nay, then, all's dashed, if once he comes to parley. I must not have them talk. But here he is. SCENE III. _Enter_ PLANGUS. LIB. All health and happiness attend the prince. PLAN. Pray, tell me if you saw the king? Be short, for I am very melancholy. LIB. He parted hence just now, but with such A fury revelling in his looks, there had been Less danger in a basilisk. PLAN. Went he this way? LIB. Yes, sir. [_He is going out, but turns short._ PLAN. But dost not thou know what mov'd him? LIB. I heard some such words as these: My rival in the kingdom----There's evidence against him---- The people's love----Deserving is a crime---- And somewhat else my fear made me forget. PLAN. Who was there with him lately? LIB. I cannot tell: but about a quarter of an hour ago He ask'd for you; and every time he nam'd you He seem'd angry. PLAN. Named me! thou art mistaken. LIB. I had almost forgot, sir, I have a message to you from Andromana. PLAN. I will not hear one syllable. LIB. No!--so she told me; but charged me to speak it, Or die; for it concerned your life, which she Held dearer than her own. PLAN. I value it not; but speak the mystery.