_Hip._ Revels! _Ven._ Ay, that's the word: we are firm yet; Strike one strain more, and then we crown our wit. [_Exeunt_ VENDICE _and_ HIPPOLITO. _Spu._ Well, have at the fairest mark--so said the duke when he begot me; And if I miss his heart, or near about, Then have at any; a bastard scorns to be out. [_Exit._ _Sup._ Notest thou that Spurio, brother? _Ant._ Yes, I note him to our shame. _Sup._ He shall not live: his hair shall not grow much longer. In this time of revels, tricks may be set afoot. Seest thou yon new moon? it shall outlive the new duke by much; this hand shall dispossess him. Then we're mighty. A mask is treason's licence, that build upon: 'Tis murder's best face, when a vizard's on. [_Exit._ _Amb._ Is't so? 'tis very good! And do you think to be duke then, kind brother? I'll see fair play; drop one, and there lies t'other. [_Exit._ SCENE II.--_A Room in_ PIERO'S _House._ _Enter_ VENDICE _and_ HIPPOLITO, _with_ PIERO _and other_ Lords. _Ven._ My lords, be all of music, strike old griefs into other countries That flow in too much milk, and have faint livers, Not daring to stab home their discontents. Let our hid flames break out as fire, as lightning, To blast this villainous dukedom, vexed with sin; Wind up your souls to their full height again. _Piero._ How? _1st Lord._ Which way? _2nd Lord._ Any way: our wrongs are such, We cannot justly be revenged too much. _Ven._ You shall have all enough. Revels are toward, And those few nobles that have long suppressed you, Are busied to the furnishing of a masque, And do affect to make a pleasant tale on't: The masquing suits are fashioning: now comes in That which must glad us all. We too take pattern Of all those suits, the colour, trimming, fashion, E'en to an undistinguished hair almost: Then entering first, observing the true form, Within a strain or two we shall find leisure To steal our swords out handsomely; And when they think their pleasure sweet and good, In midst of all their joys they shall sigh blood. _Piero._ Weightily, effectually! _3rd Lord._ Before the t'other maskers come-- _Ven._ We're gone, all done and past. _Piero._ But how for the duke's guard? _Ven._ Let that alone; By one and one their strengths shall be drunk down. _Hip._ There are five hundred gentlemen in the action, That will apply themselves, and not stand idle. _Piero._ O, let us hug your bosoms! _Ven._ Come, my lords, Prepare for deeds: let other times have words. [_Exeunt._ SCENE III.--_Hall of State in the Palace._ _In a dumb show, the possessing_[233] _of the_ YOUNG DUKE _with all his_ Nobles; _sounding music. A furnished table is brought forth; then enter the_ DUKE _and his_ Nobles _to the banquet. A blazing star appeareth._ _1st Noble._ Many harmonious hours and choicest pleasures Fill up the royal number of your years!