_Gom._ What would you have my weakness do, that Suffer'd it self thus to be practis'd on, By a damn'd hell-hound, and his agent dam, The impious Midwife, to abortive births, And cruel instrument to his decrees? By forgery they first assail'd her life, Heaven playing with us yet, in that, he wrought My dearest friend, the servant to her virtue To combat me, against his Mistriss truth. That yet effectless, this enchanting Witch, Bred baneful jealousie against my Lady, My most immaculate Lady, which seiz'd on her Almost to death: Oh yet! not yet content, She in my hand put (to restore her life As I imagin'd) what did execute Their devilish malice, farther, great with child, Was this poor innocent, that too was lost, They doubled death upon her, not staying there, They have done violence unto her Tomb, Not granting rest unto her in the grave: I wish _Miranda_ had enjoy'd my prize; For sure I'm punish'd for usurping her, Oh what a Tyger is resisted Lust! How it doth forrage all! _Mount._ Part of this tale I grant you true; but 'twas not poison given her? _Ab._ I would it had, we had been far enough, If we had been so wise, and had not now Stood curtesing for your mercies here. _Mount._ Beside, What is become o' th' body? we know not. _Val._ Peace impudence, And dear _Gomera_ practice patience As I my self must, by some means at last We shall dissolve this Riddle. _Gom._ Wherefore comes This villain in this festival array, As if he triumph'd for his treachery? _Cast._ That is by our appointment: give us leave, You shall know why anon. _Enter_ Miranda, Norandine, Collona. _Val._ One of the _Esguard_. _Esg._ The Gentlemen are come. _Val._ Truce then awhile, With our sad thoughts; what are you both resolv'd? _Nor._ Not I my Lord, your down-right Captain still I'll live, and serve you, not that altogether I want compunction of conscience, I have enough to save me, and that's all, Bar me from drink, and drabs, ev'n hang me too, You must ev'n make your Captains Capons first, I have too much flesh for this spiritual Knighthood, And therefore do desire forbearance, Sir, Till I am older, or more mortifi'd, I am too sound yet. _Val._ What say you _Miranda_? _Mir._ With all pure zeal to Heaven, duty to you, I come to undergo it. _Val._ Proceed to th' ceremony. _Gom._ Before you match with this bright honor'd title, Admir'd _Miranda_, pardon what in thought I ever did transgress against your virtue; And may you find more joy with your new Bride Than poor _Gomera_ e'r enjoy'd with his, But 'twas mine own crime, and I suffer for't: Long wear your dignity, and worthily, Whilst I obscurely in some corner vanish.