What if a tragedy be acted here
Impossible for malice to improve,
And innocent Guido with his innocent four
Be added, all five, to the guilty three,
That we of these last days be edified
With one full taste o’ the justice of the world?
Undoubtedly no pains ought to be spared
To give the mob an inkling of our lights. (1620)
It seems unduly harsh to put the man
To the torture, as I hear the court intends,
Though readiest way of twisting out the truth;
He is noble, and he may be innocent:
On the other hand, if they exempt the man
(As it is also said they hesitate
On the fair ground, presumptive guilt is weak
I’ the case of nobility and privilege),—
What crime that ever was, ever will be,
Deserves the torture? Then abolish it! (1630)
You see the reduction ad absurdum, Sirs?
What, she prefers going and joining play?
Her Highness finds it late, intends retire?
I am of their mind: only, all this talk, talked,
’Twas not for nothing that we talked, I hope?
Both know as much about it, now, at least,
As all Rome: no particular thanks, I beg!
(You’ll see, I have not so advanced myself,
After my teaching the two idiots here!) (1640)
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