_Mel_. I talk not to thee; Shall the wild words of this distempered man, Frantick with age and sorrow, make a breach Betwixt your Majesty and me? 'twas wrong To hearken to him; but to credit him As much, at least, as I have power to bear. But pardon me, whilst I speak only truth, I may commend my self--I have bestow'd My careless blood with you, and should be loth To think an action that would make me lose That, and my thanks too: when I was a boy, I thrust my self into my Countries cause, And did a deed that pluckt five years from time, And stil'd me man then: And for you my King, Your subjects all have fed by vertue of my arm. This sword of mine hath plow'd the ground, And reapt the fruit in peace; And your self have liv'd at home in ease: So terrible I grew, that without swords My name hath fetcht you conquest, and my heart And limbs are still the same; my will is great To do you service: let me not be paid With such a strange distrust. _King_. _Melantius_, I held it great injustice to believe Thine Enemy, and did not; if I did, I do not, let that satisfie: what struck With sadness all? More Wine! _Cal_. A few fine words have overthrown my truth: Ah th'art a Villain. _Mel_. Why thou wert better let me have the Fort, Dotard, I will disgrace thee thus for ever; [_Aside_. There shall no credit lie upon thy words; Think better and deliver it. _Cal_. My Liege, he's at me now agen to do it; speak, Deny it if thou canst; examine him Whilst he's hot, for he'l cool agen, he will forswear it. _King_. This is lunacy I hope, _Melantius_. _Mel_. He hath lost himself Much since his Daughter mist the happiness My Sister gain'd; and though he call me Foe, I pity him. _Cal_. Pity! a pox upon you. _King_. Mark his disordered words, and at the Mask. _Mel_. _Diagoras_ knows he raged, and rail'd at me, And cal'd a Lady Whore, so innocent She understood him not; but it becomes Both you and me too, to forgive distraction, Pardon him as I do. _Cal_. I'le not speak for thee, for all thy cunning, if you will be safe chop off his head, for there was never known so impudent a Rascal.