DIONYSIUS. With pain mine ears have heard this vain talk of mercy. I tell thee, fear and terror defendeth kings only: Till he be gone, whom I suspect, how shall I live quietly, Whose memory with chilling horror fills my breast day and night violently? My dreadful dreams of him bereaves my rest; on bed I lie Shaking and trembling, as one ready to yield his throat to Damon’s sword. This quaking dread nothing but Damon’s blood can stay: Better he die, than I to be tormented with fear alway. He shall die, though Eubulus consent not thereto: It is lawful, for kings, as they list, all things to do.
_Here_ GRONNO [_and_ SNAP] _bring in_ DAMON, _and_ PITHIAS _meeteth him by the way._
DAMON. O my Pithias! seeing death must part us, farewell for ever.
SNAP. Away from the prisoner: what a prease have we here?
GRONNO. As you commanded, O mighty king, we have brought Damon.
DIONYSIUS. Then go to: make ready. I will not stir out of this place, Till I see his head stroken off before my face.
GRONNO. It shall be done, sir. [_To Damon_] Because your eyes have made such a-do. I will knock down this your lantern, and shut up your shop-window too.
DAMON. O mighty king, where as no truth my innocent life can save, But that so greedily you thirst[72] my guiltless blood to have, Albeit (even in thought) I had not ought against your person: Yet now I plead not for life, ne will I crave your pardon. But seeing in Greece my country, where well I am known, I have worldly things fit for mine alliance, when I am gone, To dispose them, ere I die, if I might obtain leisure, I would account it (O king) for a passing great pleasure: Not to prolong my life thereby, for which I reckon not this, But to set my things in a stay: and surely I will not miss, Upon the faith which all gentlemen ought to embrace, To return again, at your time to appoint, to yield my body here in this place. Grant me (O king) such time to despatch this inquiry,[73] And I will not fail when you appoint, even here my life to pay.[74]
DIONYSIUS. A pleasant request! as though I could trust him absent, Whom in no wise I cannot trust being present. And yet though I sware the contrary, do that I require, Give me a pledge for thy return, and have thine own desire. He is as near now as he was before. [_Aside._