SCENE I.[2684

_Enter_ MENDOZA, _with a sconce,[2685] to observe_ FERNEZE’S _entrance, who, whilst the act is playing, enters unbraced, two_ Pages _before him with lights_; _is met by_ MAQUERELLE _and convey’d in_; _the_ Pages _are sent away_.

_Men._ He’s caught, the woodcock’s head is i’ th’ noose. Now treads Ferneze in dangerous path of lust, Swearing his sense is merely[2686] deified: The fool grasps clouds, and shall beget Centaurs: And now, in strength of panting faint delight, 5 The goat bids heaven envy him.—Good goose, I can afford thee nothing But the poor comfort of calamity, pity. Lust ’s like the plummets hanging on clock-lines, Will ne’er ha’ done till all is quite undone; 10 Such is the course salt sallow lust doth run; Which thou shalt try. I’ll be reveng’d. Duke, thy suspect; Duchess, thy disgrace; Ferneze, thy rivalship; Shall have swift vengeance. Nothing so holy, No band of nature so strong, 15 No law of friendship so sacred, But I’ll profane, burst, violate, ’fore I’ll Endure disgrace, contempt, and poverty. Shall I, whose very “Hum” struck all heads bare, Whose face made silence, creaking of whose shoe 20 Forc’d the most private passages fly ope, Scrape like a servile dog at some latch’d door? Learn how to make a leg, and cry “Beseech ye, Pray ye, is such a lord within?” be aw’d At some odd usher’s scoff’d formality? 25 First sear my brains! _Unde cadis non quo, refert_;[2687] My heart cries, “Perish all!” How! how! what fate Can once avoid revenge, that’s desperate? 28 I ’ll to the duke; if all should ope—If! tush. Fortune still dotes on those who cannot blush. [_Exit._]