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34 Here, and eternally, if thy noble hand Would cut me from my sorrows.

Mel.This is base And fearful. They, that use to utter lies Provide not blows, but words, to qualifie The men they wrong'd; thou hast a guilty cause.

Amin.Thou pleasest me; for so much more like this Will raise my anger up above my griefs, Which is a passion easier to be born And I shall then be happy.

Mel.Take then more To raise thine anger: 'Tis meer cowardice Makes thee not draw; and I will leave thee dead, However. But if thou art so much prest With guilt and fear, as not to dare to fight, I'll make thy memory loath'd, and fix a scandal Upon thy name for ever.

Amin.Then I draw, As justly as our magistrates their swords To cut offenders off. I knew before, 'Twould grate your ears; but it was base in you To urge a weighty secret from your friend, And then rage at it. I shall be at ease, If I be kill'd; and if you fall by me, I shall not long out-live you.

Mel.Stay a while. The name of friend is more than family, Or all the world besides: I was a fool. Thou searching human nature, that didst wake To do me wrong, thou art inquisitive, And thrust'st me upon questions that will take My sleep away! 'Would I had died, ere known This sad dishonour!—Pardon me, my friend! If thou wilt strike, here is a faithful heart; Pierce it, for I will never heave my hand To thine. Behold the power thou hast in me! I do believe my sister is a whore, A leprous one! Put up thy sword, young man.

Amin.How shall I bear it then, she being so? I fear, my friend, that you will lose me shortly; And I shall do a foul act on myself, Through these disgraces.

Mel.Better half the land Were buried quick together. No, Amintor; Thou shalt have case. Oh, this adulterous king, That drew her to it! Where got he the spirit To wrong me so?

Amin.What is it then to me, If it be wrong to you!

Mel.Why, not so much: The credit of our house is thrown away; But from his iron den I'll waken Death And