_K._ And why should blood be spent where ink will serve? ’Twere thankless answer to our good ally To put fresh pains upon him, and not use His full sufficient victory. _Tar._ My liege, I’ll serve thee as a son, and to that title Would prove my fitness. _Sa._ (_aside_). By thine absence prove it. _K._ And if thou, son, wouldst dally now with war, Rather than grasp the hours of peace and love, What shall I think? _Tar._ That threat must stay me here. _K._ Ay, stay; and I will solve thy scruple thus, Good Sala. By the laws of chivalry 641 Thou wouldst do to thy foe as he to thee: But Ferdinand is not thy prisoner, Nor can be spared: his brother, prince Enrique, Whom thou didst truly capture,—tho’my purpose Was to require his promise to return,— Him will I give his freedom for thy sake: If he return he shall not be detained. _En._ I thank your majesty: but for my part I am but a traveller, that took occasion 650 Of this adventure to inspect your land. I pray make me the hostage; I am content With any treatment, might I come to see Your city of Fez, and from your southward folk Learn their opinion of the Libyan coast, Which some aver is circled by one sea From where we stand to Suez. _K._ And so it were, I care no more than doth a caterpillar: 658 What could that serve? If thou’rt a man of peace, The fitter then for our ambassador. _En._ ’Tis not for me to choose, and you may trust me To urge the king to treat upon your terms. I carry them most gladly. _Fer._ (_to K._). Now, I pray, Do as my brother begs: let him be hostage, And make me messenger: I will return. _K._ Nay, nay. I doubt thee not: but ’tis my will Thee to keep, not thy brother. _Fer._ Then, my Enrique, I make appeal to thee. Urge not these terms On Edward: tell him rather I am myself, And could not live ashamed. 670 _K._ I swear thou wrongst me, And temptest me to use thee ill. No more. Begone, Enrique; I shall look to thee For amicable settlement. Go therefore, And tell thy king I hold your brother here Till he surrender Ceuta. As for thee, Prince Ferdinand; thy word shall be thy chain: Give me but that, and thou shalt have the freedom Of all this castle. _Fer._ I give’t your majesty. _K._ ’Tis well: so all are suited. And thou, Enrique, Make thy best speed. _En._ I go, your majesty. 680 _Fer._ (_to E._). Thou know’st my mind.— _En._ (_to F._). In any case I will deliver thee. _K._ No words. Begone, I pray. _En._ So fare you well. [_Exit._ _K._ (_to T._). And now, Morocco, come within: I’ll show thee Whatever preparation in thine honour Is ordered; hoping it may so content thee, That thou wilt reconsider of thy threat To leave us with the moon.