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They are its grounds, its mud, its sediment, And we the mantling top which crowns the whole. Calm, steady labour is their greatest bliss, To aim at higher things beseems them not. To let them work in peace my care shall be, To slacken labour is to nourish pride. Methinks thou art a pleader for these fools; What may this mean Gauriecio?

Gaur. They were resolv'd to lay their cause before you, And would have found some other advocate Less pleasing to your Grace, had I refus'd.

Duke. Well, let them know some more convenient season I'll think of this, and do for them as much As suits the honour of my princely state; Their prince's honour should be ever dear To worthy subjects as their precious lives.

Gaur. I fear, unless you give some special promise, They will be violent still—

Duke. Then do it, if the wretches are so bold; We can retract it when the times allow 'Tis of small consequence. Go see Bernardo, And come to me again. [

Gaur, solus. O! happy people! whose indulgent lord From ev'ry care, with which increasing wealth, With all its hopes and fears, doth ever move The human bosom, would most kindly free,