Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/106

104

Duke. My Governor I have severely punish'd As a most daring traitor to my orders. He cannot from his darksome dungeon tell, Why then should they suspect?

Gaur. He must not live if Charles should prove victorious.

Duke. He's done me service, say not so Gauriecio.

Gaur. A traitor's name he will not calmly bear, He'll tell his tale aloud—he must not live.

Duke. Well if it must—we'll talk of this again.

Gaur. But while with anxious care and crafty wiles, You would enlarge the limits of your state, Your highness must beware lest inward broils Bring danger near at hand: your northern subjects E'en now are discontented and unquiet.

Duke. What, dare the ungrateful miscreants thus return The many favours of my princely grace? 'Tis ever thus indulgence spoils the base, Raising up pride, and lawless turbulence, Like noxious vapours from the fulsome marsh When morning shines upon it— Did I not lately, with parental care, When dire invaders their destruction threaten'd, Provide them all with means of their defence? Did I not, as a mark of gracious trust, A body of their vagrant youth select To guard my sacred person? Till that day An honour never yet allow'd their race. Did I not suffer them upon their suit