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48 But I ha' lost my Anger. Sir, I hope you are well satisfied.

King.Lysippus, cheer Amintor and his lady; there's no sound Comes from you; I will come and do't my self.

Amin.You have done already Sir for me, I thank you.

King.Melantius, I do credit this from him, How slight soe'er you make't.

Mel.'Tis strange you should.

Cal.'Tis strange he should believe an old man's word That never lied in's life.

Mel.I talk not to thee!— Shall the wild words of this distemper'd man, Frantic with age and sorrow, make a breach Betwixt your majesty and me? 'Twas wrong To hearken to him; but to credit him, As much, at least, as I have power to bear. But pardon me—whilst I speak only truth, I may commend myself—I have bestow'd My careless blood with you, and should be loth To think an action that would make me lose That, and my thanks too. When I was a boy, I thrust myself into my country's cause, And did a deed that pluck'd five years from time, And styled me man then. And for you, my king, Your subjects all have fed by virtue of My arm. This sword of mine hath plough'd the ground, And reapt the fruit in peace; And you yourself have lived at home in ease. So terrible I grew, that, without swords, My name hath fetch'd you conquest: And my heart And limbs are still the same: my will as great To do you service. Let me not be paid With such a strange distrust.

King.Melantius, I held it great Injustice to believe Thine enemy, and did not; if I did, I do not; let that satisfy.—What, struck With sadness all? More wine!

Cal.A few fine words have overthrown my truth: Ah, thou'rt a villain!

Mel.Why thou wert better let me have the Fort, Dotard, I will disgrace thee thus for ever; There shall no credit lye upon thy Words; Think better, and deliver it.

Cal.My liege, He's at me now again to do it.—Speak; Deny it, if thou canst.—Examine him While he is hot; for if he cool again, He will forswear it.

King.This is lunacy, I hope, Melantius Mel.