_Maq._ Yes, in reversion, as he had his office; as, in truth, he hath all things in reversion: he has his mistress in reversion, his clothes in reversion, his wit in reversion; and, indeed, is a suitor to me for my dog in reversion: but, in good verity, la, he is as proper a gentleman in reversion as--and, indeed, as fine a man as may be, having a red beard and a pair of warpt[560] legs. _Bian._ But, i'faith, I am most monstrously in love with Count Quidlibet-in-quodlibet: is he not a pretty, dapper, unidle[561] gallant? 39 _Maq._ He is even one of the most busy-fingered lords; he will put the beauties to the squeak most hideously. _Re-enter_ BILIOSO. _Bil._ Room! make a lane there! the duke is entering: stand handsomely for beauty's sake, take up the ladies there! So, cornets, cornets! _Re-enter_ PREPASSO, _joins to_ BILIOSO; _then enter two_ Pages _with lights_, FERRARDO, MENDOZA; _at the other door, two_ Pages _with lights, and the Captain leading in_ MARIA; MENDOZA _meets_ MARIA _and closeth with her; the rest fall back_. _Men._ Madam, with gentle ear receive my suit; A kingdom's safety should o'er-peise[562] slight rites; Marriage is merely nature's policy: Then, since unless our royal beds be join'd, Danger and civil tumults fright the state, Be wise as you are fair, give way to fate. 50 _Maria._ What wouldst thou, thou affliction to our house? Thou ever-devil, 'twas thou that banished'st My truly noble lord! _Men._ I! _Maria._ Ay, by thy plots, by thy black stratagems: Twelve moons have suffer'd change since I beheld The lovèd presence of my dearest lord. O thou far worse than death! he parts but soul From a weak body; but thou soul from soul Dissever'st, that which God's own hand did knit; 60 Thou scant of honour, full of devilish wit! _Men._ We'll check your too-intemperate lavishness: I can, and will. _Maria._ What canst? _Men._ Go to; in banishment thy husband dies. _Maria._ He ever is at home that's ever wise. _Men._ You'st[563] ne'er meet more: reason should love control. _Maria._ Not meet! She that dear loves, her love's still in her soul. _Men._ You are but a woman, lady, you must yield. 70 _Maria._ O, save me, thou innated bashfulness, Thou only ornament of woman's modesty! _Men._ Modesty! death, I'll torment thee. _Maria._ Do, urge all torments, all afflictions try; I'll die my lord's as long as I can die. _Men._ Thou obstinate, thou shalt die.--Captain, that lady's life Is forfeited to justice: we have examin'd her, And we do find she hath empoisonèd The reverend hermit; therefore we command Severest custody.--Nay, if you'll do's no good, 80 You'st do's no harm: a tyrant's peace is blood.