_Mar._ Do you weep for me? O, save that precious balm for nobler uses! I am unworthy of the smallest drop Which, in your prodigality of pity, You throw away on me. Ten of these pearls Were a large ransom to redeem a kingdom From a consuming plague, or stop heaven's vengeance, Call'd down by crying sins, though, at that instant, In dreadful flashes falling on the roofs Of bold blasphemers. I am justly punish'd For my intent of violence to such pureness; And all the torments flesh is sensible of, A soft and gentle penance. _Cleo._ Which is ended In this your free confession. _Enter_ LEOSTHENES, _and_ TIMAGORAS _behind_. _Leost._ What an object Have I encounter'd! _Timag._ I am blasted too: Yet hear a little further. _Mar._ Could I expire now, These white and innocent hands closing my eyes thus, 'Twere not to die, but in a heavenly dream To be transported, without the help of Charon, To the Elysian shades. You make me bold; And, but to wish such happiness, I fear, May give offence. _Cleo._ No; for believe 't, Marullo, You've won so much upon me, that I know not That happiness in my gift, but you may challenge. _Leost._ Are you yet satisfied? _Cleo._ Nor can you wish But what my vows will second, though it were Your freedom first, and then in me full power To make a second tender of myself, And you receive the present. By this kiss, From me a virgin bounty, I will practise All arts for your deliverance; and that purchased, In what concerns your further aims, I speak it, Do not despair, but hope---- [TIMAGORAS _and_ LEOSTHENES _come forward_. _Timag._ To have the hangman, When he is married to the cross, in scorn To say, _Gods give you joy_! _Leost._ But look on me, And be not too indulgent to your folly; And then, but that grief stops my speech, imagine What language I should use. _Cleo._ Against thyself: Thy malice cannot reach me. _Timag._ How? _Cleo._ No, brother, Though you join in the dialogue to accuse me: What I have done, I'll justify; and these favours, Which, you presume, will taint me in my honour, Though jealousy use all her eyes to spy out One stain in my behaviour, or envy As many tongues to wound it, shall appear My best perfections. For, to the world, I can in my defence allege such reasons, As my accusers shall stand dumb to hear them; When in his fetters this man's worth and virtues, But truly told, shall shame your boasted glories, Which fortune claims a share in. _Timag._ The base villain Shall never live to hear it. [_Draws his sword._ _Cleo._ Murder! help! Through me, you shall pass to him. _Enter_ ARCHIDAMUS, DIPHILUS, _and Officers_. _Archid._ What's the matter? On whom is your sword drawn? are you a judge? Or else ambitious of the hangman's office, Before it be design'd you?--You are bold, too; Unhand my daughter. _Leost._ She's my valour's prize.