_Pier._ I--pluck Castilio!--I change my humour: pluck Castilio! Die, with thy death's entreats even in thy jaws.-- 190 [_Aside._] Now, now, now, now, now, my plot begins to work! Why, thus should statesmen do, That cleave through knots of craggy policies, Use men like wedges, one strike out another, Till by degrees the tough and knurly[300] trunk Be riv'd in sunder.--Where's Antonio? _Enter_ ALBERTO, _running_. _Alb._ O, black accursèd fate! Antonio's drown'd. _Pier._ Speak, on thy faith, on thy allegiance, speak. _Alb._ As I do love Piero, he is drown'd. _Ant._ [_Aside._] In an inundation of amazement. 200 _Mel._ Ay, is this the close of all my strains in love? O me most wretched maid! _Pier._ Antonio drown'd! how? how? Antonio drown'd! _Alb._ Distraught and raving, from a turret's top He threw his body in the swollen sea, And as he headlong topsy turvy ding'd[301] down, He still cried "Mellida!" _Ant._ [_Aside._] My love's bright crown! _Mel._ He still cried "Mellida"! _Pier._ Daughter, methinks your eyes should sparkle joy, Your bosom rise on tiptoe at this news. 210 _Mel._ Ay me! _Pier._ How now? Ay, me! why, art not great of thanks To gracious Heaven for the just revenge Upon the author of thy obloquies! _Mar._ Sweet beauty, I could sigh as fast as you, But that I know that, which I weep to know. [_Aside._] His[302] fortunes should be such he dare not show His open presence! _Mel._ I know he lov'd me dearly, dearly, ay: And since I cannot live with him, I die. [_Swoons._ 220 _Pier._ 'Fore Heaven, her speech falters; look, she swouns. Convey her up into her private bed. [MARIA, NUTRICHE, _and the Ladies bear out_ MELLIDA, _as being swooned_. I hope she'll live. If not---- _Ant._ Antonio's dead! the fool will follow too. He, he, he! [_Aside._] Now works the scene; quick observation, scud To cote[303] the plot, or else the path is lost: My very self am gone, my way is fled: Ay, all is lost, if Mellida is dead. [_Exit_ ANTONIO. _Pier._ Alberto, I am kind; Alberto, kind. 230 I am sorry for thy coz, i'faith I am. Go, take him down, and bear him to his father. Let him be buried; look ye, I'll pay the priest. _Alb._ Please you to admit his father to the court? _Pier._ No. _Alb._ Please you to restore his lands and goods again? _Pier._ No. _Alb._ Please you vouchsafe him lodging in the city? _Pier._ God's fut, no, thou odd uncivil fellow! I think you do forget, sir, where you are. 240 _Alb._ I know you do forget, sir, where you must be. _Foro._ You are too malapert, i'faith you are. Your honour might do well to---- _Alb._ Peace, parasite; thou bur, that only sticks Unto the nap of greatness.