Cal. Who—I?
You would draw me in. I have had no wrong,
I do disclaim ye all.

Mel. The short is this:
’Tis no ambition to lift up myself
Urgeth me thus; I do desire again
To be a subject, so I may be free.
If not, I know my strength, and will unbuild
This goodly town. Be speedy and be wise,
In a reply.

Stra. Be sudden, sir, to tie
All up again: What’s done is past recall,
And past you to revenge; and there are thousands,
That wait for such a troubled hour as this.
Throw him the blank.

Lys. Melantius, write in that
Thy choice: My seal is at it.

[Throws him a paper.

Mel. It was our honours drew us to this act,
Not gain; and we will only work our pardons.

Cal. Put my name in too.

Diph. You disclaim’d us all
But now, Calianax.

Cal. That is all one:
I’ll not be hang’d hereafter by a trick:
I’ll have it in.

Mel. You shall, you shall.—
Come to the back gate, and we’ll call you king,
And give you up the fort.

Lys. Away, away.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.—Antechamber to Evadne’s Apartments in the Palace.

Enter ASPATIA, in man’s apparel.

Asp. This is my fatal hour. Heaven may forgive
My rash attempt, that causelessly hath laid
Griefs on me that will never let me rest;
And put a woman’s heart into my breast.
It is more honour for you, that I die;
For she, that can endure the misery
That I have on me, and be patient too,
May live and laugh at all that you can do.

Enter Servant.

Ser. And you, sir. What’s your business?

Asp. With you, sir, now; to do me the fair office
To help me to your lord.

Ser. What, would you serve him?

Asp. I’ll do him any service; but to haste,
For my affairs are earnest, I desire
To speak with him.

Ser. Sir, because you’re in such haste, I would be loth
Delay you any longer: You cannot.

Asp. It shall become you, though, to tell your lord.

Ser. Sir, he will speak with nobody; but, in particular,
I have in charge, about no weighty matters.

Asp. This is most strange. Art thou gold-proof?
There’s for thee; help me to him.