Page:The Tragedy of the Duchesse of Malfy (1623).pdf/76

 Or (bold in a good cause) oppos'd thy selfe With thy advanced sword above thy head, Betweene her Innocence, and my Revenge? I bad thee, when I was distracted of my wits, Goe kill my dearest friend, and thou hast don't. For let me but examine well the cause; What was the meanenes of her match to me? Onely I must confesse, I had a hope (Had she continu'd widow) to have gain'd An infinite masse of Treasure by her death: And that was the mayne cause; her Marriage, That drew a streame of gall, quite through my heart; For thee, (as we observe in Tragedies That a good Actor many times is curss'd For playing a villaines part) I hate thee for't: And (for my sake) say thou hast done much ill, well:

Bos. Let me quicken your memory: for I perceive You are falling into ingratitude: I challenge The reward due to my service.

Ferd. I'll tell thee, What I'll give thee,

Bos. Doe:

Ferd. I'll give thee a pardon For this murther:

Bos. Hah?

Ferd. Yes: and 'tis The largest bounty I can studie to doe thee. By what authority did'st thou execute This bloody sentence?

Bos. By yours

Ferd. Mine? was I her Judge? Did any ceremoniall forme of Law, Doombe her to not-Being? did a compleat Jury Deliver her conviction up i'th Court? Where shalt thou find this Judgement registerd Unlesse in hell? See: like a bloody foole Th'hast forfeyted thy life, and thou shalt die for't.

Bos. The Office of Justice is perverted quite When one Thiefe hangs another: who shall dare To reveale this:

Ferd. Oh, I'll tell thee: