_Quee._ Read first the Law, and what our Ancestors Have in this case provided to deter Such like offenders: To you gentle Ladies This only, Would I could as well give comfort, As bid [you] be secure from fear or doubt Of our displeasure: be as confident As if your plea were 'gainst a common man, To have all right from us; I will not grieve For what's not worth my pitty: Read the Law. Clerk reads. Lycurgus _the nineteenth against Rapes: It is provided: and_ _pu[b]lickly enacted and confirmed, That any man of what degree soever, offering violence to the chastity of a Virgin, shall_ (Ipso facto) _be lyable to her accusation, and according to the said Law be censured; Ever provided, that it shall [b]e in the choice of the said Virgin so abused, either to compell the Offender to marry her without a Dowry, if so she will be satisfied, or demanding his head for the offence, to have that accordingly performed._ _Qu._ You hear this: what do you demand? _Mer._ The benefit The Law allows me. _Bel._ For the injury Done to mine Honor, I require his head. _Mer._ I likewise have an eye upon mine Honor, But knowing that his death cannot restore it I ask him for my Husband. _Bel._ I was ravish'd, And will have justice. _Mer._ I was ravish'd too, I kneel for mercy. _Bel._ I demand but what The Law allows me. _Mer._ That which I desire Is by the same Law warranted. _Bel._ The Rape On me hath made a forfeit of his life, Which in revenge of my disgrace I plead for. _Mer._ The Rape on me gives me the priviledge To be his Wife, and that is all I sue for. _Age._ A doubtful case. _Leo._ Such pretty Lawyers, yet I never saw nor read of. _Euph._ May the Queen Favour your sweet plea, Madam.