_A Statute provided in case of unequal Matches, Marriages against Parents consent, stealing of Heirs, Rapes, Prostitutions, and such like: That if any person meanly descended, or ignorant of his own Parentage, which implies as much, shall with a foul intent, unlawfully sollicite the Daughter of any Peer of the Dukedom, he shall for the same offence forfeit his right hand: but if he further prostitute her to his Lust, he shall first have his right hand cut off, and then suffer death by the common Executioner. After whom, the Lady so offending, shall likewise the next day, in the same manner, dye for the Fact._ _Ger._ This Statute has more cruelty than sense: I see no ray of Mercy. Must the Lady Suffer death too? suppose she were inforc'd, By some confederates born away, and ravish'd; Is she not guiltless? _Duke._ Yes, if it be prov'd. _Ger._ This case is so: I ravish'd _Violanta_. _State._ Who ever knew a Rape produce a child? _Ben._ Pish, these are idle. Will your grace command The Executioner proceed? _Duke._ Your Office. _Ger._ Farewell to thy inticing vanity, Thou round gilt box, that dost deceive man's eye: The wise man knows, when open thou art broke, The treasure thou includ'st, is dust and smoke, Even thus, I cast thee by. My Lords, the Law Is but the great mans mule, he rides on it, And tramples poorer men under his feet; Yet when they come to knock at yon bright Gate, Ones Rags shall enter, 'fore the others State. Peace to ye all: here, sirrah, strike: this hand Hath _Violanta_ kiss'd a thousand times; It smells sweet ever since: this was the hand Plighted my faith to her: do not think thou canst Cut that in sunder with my hand. My Lord, As free from speck as this arm is, my heart Is of foul Lust, and every vein glides here As full of truth. Why does thy hand shake so? 'Tis mine must be cut off, and that is firm; For it was ever constant. _Enter_ Cornelia. _Cor._ Hold; your Sentence Unjustly is pronounced, my Lord: this blow Cuts your hand off; for his is none of yours: But _Violanta_'s given in Holy marriage Before she was delivered, consummated With the free Will of her Mother, by her Confessor, In Lord _Benvoglio_'s house. _Ger._ Alas good Aunt, That helps us nothing; else I had reveal'd it. _Duke._ What woman's this? _Ben._ A base confederate In this proceeding, kept of alms long time By him; who now expos'd to misery, Talks thus distractedly. Attach her, Guard. _Ran._ Your cruelty (brother) will have end. _Cor._ You'd best Let them attach my tongue. _Duke._ Good woman, peace: For were this truth, it doth not help thy Nephew; The Law's infring'd by their disparity, That forfeits both their lives.