_Sup._ We must needs confess. Some fathers would have entered into hate So deadly-pointed, that before his eyes He would ha' seen the execution sound[213] Without corrupted favour. _Amb._ But, my lord, Your grace may live the wonder of all times, In pardoning that offence, which never yet Had face to beg a pardon. _Duke._ Hunny, how's this? _Amb._ Forgive him, good my lord; he's your own son: And I must needs say, 'twas the viler done. _Sup._ He's the next heir: yet this true reason gathers, None can possess that dispossess their fathers. Be merciful!-- _Duke._ Here's no step-mother's wit; I'll try them both upon their love and hate. [_Aside._ _Amb._ Be merciful--although-- _Duke._ You have prevailed. My wrath, like flaming wax, hath spent itself; I know 'twas but some peevish moon[214] in him; Go, let him be released. _Sup._ 'Sfoot, how now, brother? [_Aside._ _Amb._ Your grace doth please to speak beside your spleen; I would it were so happy. _Duke._ Why, go, release him. _Sup._ O my good lord! I know the fault's too weighty And full of general loathing: too inhuman, Rather by all men's voices worthy death. _Duke._ 'Tis true too; here, then, receive this signet. Doom shall pass; Direct it to the judges; he shall die Ere many days. Make haste. _Amb._ All speed that may be. We could have wished his burden not so sore: We knew your grace did but delay before. [_Exeunt_ AMBITIOSO _and_ SUPERVACUO. _Duke._ Here's envy with a poor thin cover o'er't; Like scarlet hid in lawn, easily spied through. This their ambition by the mother's side Is dangerous, and for safety must be purged. I will prevent their envies; sure it was But some mistaken fury in our son, Which these aspiring boys would climb upon: He shall be released suddenly. _Enter_ Nobles. _1st Noble._ Good morning to your grace. _Duke._ Welcome, my lords. _2nd Noble._ Our knees shall take Away the office of our feet for ever, Unless your grace bestow a father's eye Upon the clouded fortunes of your son, And in compassionate virtue grant him that, Which makes e'en mean men happy--liberty. _Duke._ How seriously their loves and honours woo For that which I am about to pray them do! Arise, my lords; your knees sign his release. We freely pardon him. _1st Noble._ We owe your grace much thanks, and he much duty. [_Exeunt_ Nobles. _Duke._ It well becomes that judge to nod at crimes, That does commit greater himself, and lives. I may forgive a disobedient error, That expect pardon for adultery, And in my old days am a youth in lust. Many a beauty have I turned to poison In the denial, covetous of all. Age hot is like a monster to be seen; My hairs are white, and yet my sins are green. ACT THE THIRD. SCENE I.--_A Room in the Palace._ _Enter_ AMBITIOSO _and_ SUPERVACUO.