Gob. [Kneels.] She is, sir, till your pleasure do enlarge her,
Which on my knees I beg. Oh, ’tis not fit,
That all the sweetness of the world in one,
The youth and virtue that would tame wild tigers,
And wilder people, that have known no manners,
Should live thus cloister’d up! For your love’s sake,
If there be any in that noble heart
To her, a wretched lady, and forlorn;
Or for her love to you, which is as much
As Nature and Obedience ever gave,
Have pity on her beauties.

Arb. Praythee, stand up: ’Tis true, she is too fair,
And all these commendations but her own:
’Would thou hadst never so commended her,
Or I ne’er lived to have heard it, Gobrias!
If thou but knew’st the wrong her beauty does her,
Thou wouldst, in pity of her, be a liar.
Thy ignorance has drawn me, wretched man,
Whither myself, nor thou, canst well tell. Oh, my fate!
I think she loves me, but I fear another
Is deeper in her heart: How think’st thou, Gobrias?

Gob. I do beseech your grace, believe it not;
For, let me perish, if it be not false!
Good sir, read her letter.

[Arbaces reads.

Mar. This love, or what a devil it is, I know not, begets more mischief than a wake. I had rather be well beaten, starved, or lousy, than live within the air on’t. He, that had seen this brave fellow charge through a grove of pikes but t’other day, and look upon him now, will ne’er believe his eyes again. If he continue thus but two days more, a tailor may beat him with one hand tied behind him.

Arb. Alas, she would be at liberty;
And there be thousand reasons, Gobrias,
Thousands, that will deny it;
Which, if she knew, she would contentedly
Be where she is, and bless her virtues for it,
And me, though she were closer: She would, Gobrias;
Good man, indeed, she would.

Gob. Then, good sir, for her satisfaction,
Send for her, and, with reason, make her know
Why she must live thus from you.

Arb. I will. Go bring her to me.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.—A Room in the House of Bessus.

Enter BESSUS, two Swordmen, and a Boy.

Bes. You’re very welcome, both! Some stools there, boy;
And reach a table. Gentlemen o’ th’ sword,
Pray sit, without more compliment. Begone, child!
I have been curious in the searching of you,
Because I understand you wise and valiant persons.

1 Sw. We understand ourselves, sir.

Bes. Nay, gentlemen, and dear friends o’ the sword,
No compliment, I pray; but to the cause
I hang upon, which, in few, is my honour.

2 Sw. You cannot hang too much, sir, for your honour.
But to your cause.

Bes. Be wise, and speak truth.
My first doubt is, my beating by my prince.

1 Sw. Stay there a little, sir; Do you doubt a beating?
Or, have you had a beating by your prince?

Bes. Gentlemen o’ th’ sword, my prince has beaten me.

2 Sw. Brother, what think you of this case?

1 Sw. If he has beaten him, the case is clear.