DUKE. You have prevailed. My wrath, like flaming wax, hath spent itself; I know 'twas but some peevish moon[65] in him; Go, let him be releas'd.
AMB. Your grace doth please to speak beside your spleen; I would it were so happy.
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 wish'd his burden not so sore: We knew your grace did but delay before. [_Exeunt._
DUKE. Here's envy[66] 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 purg'd, 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 releas'd suddenly.
2D 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,[67] my lords; your knees sign his release. We freely pardon him.
1ST NOBLE. We owe your grace much thanks, and he much duty.
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 turn'd 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.
[34] [Edits., _myself_. Gilchrist's correction.]
[37] [Query, wheel of fortune. Perhaps we should read _weal_.]
[41] [A MS. note in one of the former edits., refers us to the closet scene in "Hamlet."]
[42] _i.e._, Embrace it. So again in this play--
"Here in this lodge they meet for damned _clips_."
[43] [Copies, _you_. This emendation was suggested by a MS. note in one of the former edits.]
[44] Alluding to the custom of hanging _hats_ in ancient halls upon _stags' horns_.--_Steevens._