_King._ Plutus himself, That knows the tinct and multiplying medicine, Hath not in nature's mystery more science Than I have in this ring: 'twas mine, 'twas Helen's, Whoever gave it you. Then, if you know 105 That you are well acquainted with yourself, Confess 'twas hers, and by what rough enforcement You got it from her: she call'd the saints to surety That she would never put it from her finger, Unless she gave it to yourself in bed, 110 Where you have never come, or sent it us Upon her great disaster. _Ber._ She never saw it. _King._ Thou speak'st it falsely, as I love mine honour; And makest conjectural fears to come into me, Which I would fain shut out. If it should prove 115 That thou art so inhuman,--'twill not prove so;-- And yet I know not: thou didst hate her deadly, And she is dead; which nothing, but to close Her eyes myself, could win me to believe, More than to see this ring. Take him away. 120 [_Guards seize Bertram._ My fore-past proofs, howe'er the matter fall, Shall tax my fears of little vanity, Having vainly fear'd too little. Away with him! We'll sift this matter further. _Ber._ If you shall prove This ring was ever hers, you shall as easy 125 Prove that I husbanded her bed in Florence, Where yet she never was. [_Exit, guarded._ _King._ I am wrapp'd in dismal thinkings. _Enter a Gentleman._ _Gent._ Gracious sovereign, Whether I have been to blame or no, I know not: Here's a petition from a Florentine, 130 Who hath for four or five removes come short To tender it herself. I undertook it, Vanquish'd thereto by the fair grace and speech Of the poor suppliant, who by this I know Is here attending: her business looks in her 135 With an importing visage; and she told me, In a sweet verbal brief, it did concern Your highness with herself. _King._ [_reads_] Upon his many protestations to marry me when his wife was dead, I blush to say it, he won me. Now is the 140 Count Rousillon a widower: his vows are forfeited to me, and my honour's paid to him. He stole from Florence, taking no leave, and I follow him to his country for justice: grant it me, O king! in you it best lies; otherwise a seducer flourishes, and a poor maid is undone. DIANA CAPILET. 145 _Laf._ I will buy me a son-in-law in a fair, and toll for this: I 'll none of him.