_Pros._ I pray thee, mark me. I thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicated To closeness,[374-24] and the bettering of my mind With that which, but[374-25] by being so retired, O'er-prized all popular rate,[374-26] in my false brother Awaked an evil nature; and my trust, Like a good parent, did beget of him A falsehood, in its contrary as great As my trust was; which had indeed no limit, A confidence sans[375-27] bound. He being thus lorded, Not only with what my revenue yielded, But what my power might else exact,--like one Who having unto truth, by falsing of it,[375-28] Made such a sinner of his memory To[375-29] credit his own lie,--he did believe He was indeed the Duke; out o' the substitution,[375-30] And executing the outward face of royalty, With all prerogative: hence his ambition growing,-- Dost thou hear?[375-31] _Mira._ Your tale, sir, would cure deafness. _Pros._ To have no screen between this part he play'd And them he play'd it for, he needs will be Absolute Milan.[375-32] Me,[375-33] poor man, my library Was dukedom large enough: of temporal royalties He thinks me now incapable; confederates-- So dry he was for sway[376-34]--wi' th' King of Naples To give him annual tribute, do him homage, Subject his coronet to his crown, and bend The dukedom, yet unbow'd,--alas, poor Milan![376-35]-- To most ignoble stooping.[376-36] _Mira._ O the Heavens! _Pros._ This King of Naples, being an enemy To me inveterate, hearkens my brother's suit; Which was, that he, in lieu[376-37] o' the premises,-- Of homage, and I know not how much tribute,-- Should presently[376-38] extirpate me and mine Out of the dukedom, and confer fair Milan, With all the honours, on my brother: whereon, A treacherous army levied, one midnight Fated to th' practice[376-39] did Antonio open The gates of Milan; and, i' the dead of darkness, The ministers for th' purpose hurried thence Me and thy crying self.[376-40] _Mira._ Alack, for pity! I, not remembering how I cried on't then, Will cry it o'er again: it is a hint[377-41] That wrings mine eyes to't. _Pros._ Hear a little further, And then I'll bring thee to the present business Which now's upon's;[377-42] without the which this story Were most impertinent.[377-43] _Mira._ Wherefore did they not That hour destroy us?