That I can tell. Your secretary Blasco promised me, Who desired nothing more than the release Of John Palicio, that he would contrive To free him, if on my part I returned A certain letter to his hands, wherein, [_Shewing._ As you may read, he had betrayed your person 2720 To John Palicio for a price. Then I, As holder of this written ransom, came To see my kinsman freed; when in the dungeon False Blasco, with two villains and another, Who was your son, appeared before us armed: And thinking there to find Palicio Defenceless, would have slain him, and forced me To give them back this writing: but Palicio Sprang up, slew Blasco, and escaped. _Ph._ His death Was due from me. _Hu._ Give me the letter, pray. 2730 Say, Livio, is this true? _Liv._ I never knew Of this betrayal, sir; I trusted Blasco. _Mar._ He counts for nothing, since he ran away. _Enter Palicio._ _Hu._ Is this the man? _Man._ Thou art my prisoner. _PALICIO._ I make submission to your excellence. [_Offering (Blasco’s) sword._ _Man._ Dost thou surrender of thy own free-will To me, as legal viceroy of this island, Under King Frederick, and now abjuring Thy late rebellion, wilt thou trust henceforth The people’s welfare to my lawful hands? 2740 _Pal._ I do, and all will trust thee as do I. _Man._ That is thy pardon. (_Takes sword._) For the king’s good will Is grace to all. Yet there will be for thee Question in Blasco’s death. But now I need Elsewhere thy presence. (_Returning sword._) Go forth to the people, And make it known that I am their governour: And that for all disorder ere this day There will be pardon, but from this day none. Bid them disperse. _Pal._ Those hundred men of mine, Who lie in prison: is their pardon granted? 2750 _Mar._ ’Tis I should plead for them. ’Twas I betrayed them. _Hu._ Thou didst betray them? _Mar._ Ay, sir. _Hu._ ’Tis nought but wonder. _Man._ (_to Pal._). This is a day of grace. None will resent Our stretching mercy. I shall grant their pardon, But not without some cautions; for among them— Hear me, Palicio, thou who so dost cry Against the taxes—many among thy men Are a most burdensome and fruitless tax. They go free but to work, and with such measures As will ensure it. [_Palicio is going._ Now, sir, ere thou goest, 2760 Is there none here to whom a word is due?