The Duke’s palace
Enter Duchess, leading Almachildes blindfold.
ALMACHILDES
This you that was a maid, how are you born
To deceive men! I had thought to have married you:
I had been finely handled, had I not?
I’ll say that man is wise ever hereafter
That tries his wife beforehand: ’tis no marvel
You should profess such bashfulness to blind one,
As if you durst not look a man i’ th’ face,
Your modesty would blush so. Why do you not run
And tell the duchess now? Go, you should tell all;
Let her know this, too. [Aside] Why, here’s the plague now:
’Tis hard at first to win ‘em; when they’re gotten,
There’s no way to be rid on ‘em, they stick
To a man like bird-lime. — My oath’s out:
Will you release me? I’ll release myself else.
DUCHESS
Nay, sure I’ll bring you to your sights again.
[Takes off his blindfold.]
Say, thou must either die or kill the duke,
For one of them thou must do.
ALMACHILDES
How, good madam?
DUCHESS
Thou hast thy choice, and to that purpose, sir,
I’ve given thee knowledge of what thou hast,
And what thou must do to be worthy on’t.
You must not think to come by such a fortune
Without desert; that were unreasonable.
He that’s not born to honour must not look
To have it come with ease to him; he must win’t.
Take but unto thine actions wit and courage;
That’s all we ask of thee: but if through weakness
Of a poor spirit thou deniest me this,
Think but how thou shalt die, as I’ll work means for’t,
No murderer ever like thee; for I purpose
To call this subtle, sinful snare of mine
An act of force from thee. Thou’rt proud and youthful,
I shall be believ’d; besides, thy wantonness
Is at this hour in question ‘mongst our women,
Which will make ill for thee.
ALMACHILDES
I had hard chance
To light upon this pleasure that’s so costly:
’Tis not content with what a man can do
And give him breath, but seeks to have that, too.
DUCHESS
Well, take thy choice.
ALMACHILDES
I see no choice in’t, madam,
For ’tis all death, methinks.
DUCHESS
Thou’st an ill sight then
Of a young man; ’tis death if thou refuse it,
And say my zeal has warn’d thee: but consenting,
‘Twill be new life, great honour, and my love,
Which in perpetual bands I’ll fasten to thee.
ALMACHILDES
How, madam?
DUCHESS
I’ll do’t religiously,
Make thee my husband: may I lose all sense
Of pleasure in life else, and be more miserable
Than ever creature was, for nothing lives
But has a joy in somewhat.
ALMACHILDES
Then by all
The hopeful fortunes of a young man’s rising,
I will perform it, madam.
DUCHESS
[Kisses him.] There’s a pledge then
Of a duchess’ love for thee. And now trust me
For thy most happy safety: I will choose
That time shall never hurt thee; when a man
Shows resolution, and there’s worth in him,
I’ll have a care of him. Part now for this time,
But still be near about us till thou canst
Be nearer, that’s ourself.
ALMACHILDES
And that I’ll venture hard for.
DUCHESS
Good speed to thee.
Exeunt.