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When honour'd lately by your princely presence, You gave to me this ring with words of favour; And said if I should e'er, by fortune press'd, Return the same to you, whatever grace I then might ask, should be conceded to me. (Giving the ring.) Receive your royal token: my request Is that you swear upon my sword to grant This sword, this honour'd blade, I know it well, Which thou in battle from the princely Moor So valiantly did'st win: why should I shrink From any oath that shall be sworn on this? I swear, by the firm honour of a soldier, To grant thy boon, whatever it may be. Declare it then, Henriquez. (A pause.) Thou art pale And silent too: I wait upon thy words.

My breath forsook me. 'Tis a passing weakness: I have power now.—There is a criminal, Whose guilt before your Highness in due form Shall shortly be attested; and my boon Is, that your Highness will not pardon him, However strongly you may be inclined