书城公版Locrine-Mucedorus
20033400000058

第58章 THE LAMENTABLE TRAGEDY OF LOCRINE(58)

Presumptuous villain, wilt thou take my prize?

SECOND SOLDIER.

Nay, rather thou deprivest me of my right.

FIRST SOLDIER.

Resign thy title, cative, unto me, Or with my sword I'll pierce thy coward's loins.

SECOND SOLDIER.

Soft words, good sir, tis not enough to speak;A barking dog doth seldom strangers bite.

LOCRINE.

Unreverent villains, strive you in our sight?

Take them hence, Jailor, to the dungeon;

There let them lie and try their quarrel out.

But thou, fair princess, be no whit dismayed, But rather joy that Locrine favours thee.

ESTRILD.

How can he favor me that slew my spouse?

LOCRINE.

The chance of war, my love, took him from thee.

ESTRILD.

But Locrine was the causer of his death.

LOCRINE.

He was an enemy to Locrine's state, And slew my noble brother Albanact.

ESTRILD.

But he was linked to me in marriage bond, And would you have me love his slaughterer?

LOCRINE.

Better to live, than not to live at all.

ESTRILD.

Better to die renowned for chastity, Than live with shame and endless infamy.

What would the common sort report of me, If I forget my love, and cleave to thee?

LOCRINE.

Kings need not fear the vulgar sentences.

ESTRILD.

But Ladies must regard their honest name.

LOCRINE.