The prison
Enter Ambitioso and Supervacuo, with Officers.
AMBITIOSO
Officers, here’s the duke’s signet, your firm warrant,
Brings the command of present death along with it
Unto our brother, the duke’s son; we are sorry
That we are so unnaturally employ’d
In such an unkind office, fitter far
For enemies than brothers.
SUPERVACUO
But you know,
The duke’s command must be obey’d.
FIRST OFFICER
It must and shall my lord; this morning then.
So suddenly?
AMBITIOSO
Ay, alas, poor good soul,
He must breakfast betimes; the executioner
Stands ready to put forth his cowardly valour.
SECOND OFFICER
Already?
SUPERVACUO
Already, i’faith. Oh, sir, destruction hies,
And that is least impudent soonest dies.
FIRST OFFICER
Troth, you say true, my lord. We take our leaves;
Our office shall be sound: we’ll not delay
The third part of a minute.
AMBITIOSO
Therein you show
Yourselves good men and upright officers.
Pray let him die as private as he may;
Do him that favour, for the gaping people
Will but trouble him at his prayers
And make him curse and swear, and so die black.
Will you be so far kind?
FIRST OFFICER
It shall be done, my lord.
AMBITIOSO
Why, we do thank you; if we live to be,
You shall have a better office.
SECOND OFFICER
Your good lordship.
SUPERVACUO
Commend us to the scaffold in our tears.
FIRST OFFICER
We’ll weep and do your commendations.
Exeunt [Officers].
AMBITIOSO
Fine fools in office!
SUPERVACUO
Things fall out so fit.
AMBITIOSO
So happily! Come, brother, ere next clock
His head will be made serve a bigger block.
Exeunt.