_Delio._ An easy one: There is the citadel of Saint Bennet, With some demesnes, of late in the possession Of Antonio Bologna,--please you bestow them on me. _Pes._ You are my friend; but this is such a suit, Nor fit for me to give, nor you to take. _Delio._ No, sir? _Pes._ I will give you ample reason for't Soon in private:--here's the cardinal's mistress. _Enter_ JULIA. _Julia._ My lord, I am grown your poor petitioner, And should be an ill beggar, had I not A great man's letter here, the cardinal's, To court you in my favour. [_Gives a letter._ _Pes._ He entreats for you The citadel of Saint Bennet, that belonged To the banished Bologna. _Julia._ Yes. _Pes._ I could not have thought of a friend I could rather Pleasure with it: 'tis yours. _Julia._ Sir, I thank you; And he shall know how doubly I am engaged Both in your gift, and speediness of giving Which makes your grant the greater. [_Exit._ _Ant._ How they fortify Themselves with my ruin! _Delio._ Sir, I am Little bound to you. _Pes._ Why? _Delio._ Because you denied this suit to me, and gave't To such a creature. _Pes._ Do you know what it was? It was Antonio's land; not forfeited By course of law, but ravished from his throat By the cardinal's entreaty: it were not fit I should bestow so main a piece of wrong Upon my friend; 'tis a gratification Only due to a strumpet, for it is injustice. Shall I sprinkle the pure blood of innocents To make those followers I call my friends Look ruddier upon me? I am glad This land, ta'en from the owner by such wrong, Returns again unto so foul an use As salary for his lust. Learn, good Delio, To ask noble things of me, and you shall find I'll be a noble giver. _Delio._ You instruct me well. _Ant._ Why, here's a man now would fright impudence From sauciest beggars. _Pes._ Prince Ferdinand's come to Milan, Sick, as they give out, of an apoplexy; But some say 'tis a frenzy: I am going To visit him. [_Exit._ _Ant._ 'Tis a noble old fellow. _Delio._ What course do you mean to take, Antonio? _Ant._ This night I mean to venture all my fortune, Which is no more than a poor lingering life, To the cardinal's worst of malice: I have got Private access to his chamber; and intend To visit him about the mid of night, As once his brother did our noble duchess. It may be that the sudden apprehension Of danger,--for I'll go in mine own shape,-- When he shall see it fraight[139] with love and duty, May draw the poison out of him, and work A friendly reconcilement: if it fail, Yet it shall rid me of this infamous calling; For better fall once than be ever falling. _Delio._ I'll second you in all danger; and, howe'er, My life keeps rank with yours. _Ant._ You are still my loved and best friend. [_Exeunt._ SCENE II.--_A Gallery in the_ Cardinal's _Palace at Milan._ _Enter_ PESCARA _and_ Doctor.