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45 whilst a rogue with strong arms cuts your throat.

King.Well, I will try him; and, if this be true, I'll pawn my life I'll find it. If't be false, And that you clothe your hate in such a lie, You shall hereafter dote in your own house, Not in the court.

Cal.Why, if it be a lie, Mine ears are false; for, I'll be sworn, I heard it. Old men are good for nothing: You were best Put me to death for hearing, and free him For meaning it. You would have trusted me Once, but the time is alter'd.

King.And will still, Where I may do with justice to the world: You have no witness?

Cal.Yes, myself.

King.No more, I mean, there were that heard it.

Cal.How! no more? Would you have more? why, am not I enough To hang a thousand rogues?

King.But, so, you may Hang honest men too, if you please.

Cal.I may! 'Tis like I will do so: There are a hundred Will swear it for a need too, if I say it——

King.Such witnesses we need not.

Cal.And 'tis hard If my word cannot hang a boisterous knave.

King.Enough.—Where's Strato?

Stra.Sir!

King.Why, where's all the company? Call Amintor in;

Evad. Where's my brother, and Melantius? Bid him come too; and Diphilus. Call all That are without there.

[Exit Stra.If he should desire The combat of you, tis not in the power Of all our laws to hinder it, unless We mean to quit 'em.

Cal.Why, if you do think 'Tis fit an old man, and a counsellor, Do fight for what he says, then you may grant it.

King.Come, sirs!—Amintor, thou art yet a bridegroom, And I will use thee so: Thou shalt sit down.— Evadne, sit; and you, Amintor, too: This banquet is for you, sir.—Who has brought A merry tale about him, to raise laughter Amongst our wine? Why, Strato, where art thou? Thou wilt chop out with them unseasonably, When I desire them not.

Stra.'Tis my ill luck, sir, so to spend them then.

King.Reach me a Bowl of Wine: Melantius, thou art sad.

Mel.I should be, Sir, the merriest here, But