Cannot, Lord Justice? By what right do you Set barriers in my path where I should go? Am I not Duchess here in Padua, And the state’s regent? LORD JUSTICE For that reason, Madam, Being the fountain-head of life and death Whence, like a mighty river, justice flows, Without thy presence justice is dried up And fails of purpose: thou must tarry here. DUCHESS What, wilt thou keep me here against my will? LORD JUSTICE We pray thy will be not against the law. DUCHESS What if I force my way out of the court? LORD JUSTICE Thou canst not force the Court to give thee way. DUCHESS I will not tarry. [_Rises from her seat_.] LORD JUSTICE Is the usher here? Let him stand forth. [_Usher comes forward_.] Thou knowest thy business, sir. [_The Usher closes the doors of the court_, _which are L._, _and when the_ DUCHESS _and her retinue approach_, _kneels down_.] USHER In all humility I beseech your Grace Turn not my duty to discourtesy, Nor make my unwelcome office an offence. DUCHESS Is there no gentleman amongst you all To prick this prating fellow from our way? MAFFIO [_drawing his sword_] Ay! that will I. LORD JUSTICE Count Maffio, have a care, And you, sir. [_To_ JEPPO.] The first man who draws his sword Upon the meanest officer of this Court, Dies before nightfall. DUCHESS Sirs, put up your swords: It is most meet that I should hear this man. [_Goes back to throne_.] MORANZONE Now hast thou got thy enemy in thy hand. LORD JUSTICE [_taking the time-glass up_] Guido Ferranti, while the crumbling sand Falls through this time-glass, thou hast leave to speak. This and no more. GUIDO It is enough, my lord. LORD JUSTICE Thou standest on the extreme verge of death; See that thou speakest nothing but the truth, Naught else will serve thee. GUIDO If I speak it not, Then give my body to the headsman there. LORD JUSTICE [_turns the time-glass_] Let there be silence while the prisoner speaks. TIPSTAFF Silence in the Court there. GUIDO My Lords Justices, And reverent judges of this worthy court, I hardly know where to begin my tale, So strangely dreadful is this history. First, let me tell you of what birth I am. I am the son of that good Duke Lorenzo Who was with damned treachery done to death By a most wicked villain, lately Duke Of this good town of Padua. LORD JUSTICE Have a care, It will avail thee nought to mock this prince Who now lies in his coffin. MAFFIO By Saint James, This is the Duke of Parma’s rightful heir. JEPPO I always thought him noble. GUIDO