SOPH. But I'll not go to prison to try that, Give me the open world: there's a good air!
TYR. I would fain send death after him, but I dare not-- He knows I dare not; that would give just cause Of her unkindness everlasting to me. His life may thank his daughter. Sophonirus! Here, take this jewel, bear it as a token To our heart's saint, 'twill do thy words no harm; Speech may do much, but wealth's a greater charm Than any made of words; and to be sure, If one or both should fail, I provide farther. Call forth those resolute fellows, whom our clemency Sav'd from a death of shame in time of war For field offences: give them charge from us They arm themselves with speed, beset the house Of Govianus round; that if thou fail'st, Or stay'st beyond the time thou leav'st with them, They may with violence break in themselves, And seize her for our use.
SOPH. They're not so savage To seize her for their own, I hope, As there are many knaves will begin first, And bring their lords the bottom; I have been serv'd so A hundred times myself by a scurvy page That I kept once; but my wife lov'd him, And I could not help it. [_Exit._
[459] The beginning of this act, down to the line _Comes with my father_, is inserted, like some other passages further on, on a separate slip in the MS., as if it were an afterthought.
[463] [Saunce bell, soul bell, or parting bell. See "Popular Antiquities of Great Britain," ii. 159, 160.]
_Enter_ GOVIANUS, _with his_ LADY _and a servant. A_ _flourish_.
GOV. He should be wise by's years; he will not dare To come about such business; 'tis not man's work. Art sure he desir'd to speak with thy lady?
GOV. Faith, thou'rt mistook, 'tis with me certain. Let's do the man no wrong: go, know it truly, sir!
SER. This is a strange humour, we must know things twice.
GOV. There's no man is so dull, but he will weigh The work he undertakes, and set about it E'en in the best sobriety of his judgment, With all his senses watchful; then his guilt Does equal his for whom 'tis undertaken.
SER. E'en as he said at first, sir. He's business with my lady from the king.
GOV. Still from the king! he will not come near, will he?
GOV. I cannot think it, Let him be tried!
SER. Small trial will serve him, I warrant you, sir.