Like flames of sulphur, which, methinks, do dart Infection on me; and thou hast a mouth Enough to take me in, where there do stand Four rows of iron teeth.
Bes. I feel no such thing. But 'tis no matter how I
170
look; I'll do your business as well as they that look better: and when this is dispatch'd, if you have a mind to your mother, tell me, and you shall see I'll set it hard.
Arb. My mother!--Heaven forgive me, to hear this!
175
I am inspired with hoffor.--Now I hate thee Worse than my sin; which, if I could come by, Should suffer death eternal, neer to rise In any breast again. Know, I will die
Languishing mad, as I resolve I shall,
180
Ere I will deal by such an instrument. Thou art too sinful to employ in this: Out of the world, away! [Beats him.
Bes. What do you mean, sir?
Arb. Hung round with curses, take thy fearful flight
Into the deserts; where, 'mongst all the monsters,
185
If thou find'st one so beastly as thyself, Thou shalt be held as innocent.
Bes. Good sir-----
Arb. If there were no such instruments as thou, We kings could never act such wicked deeds.
Seek out a man that mocks divinity,
190
That breaks each precept both of God and man, And nature's too, and does it without lust, Merely because it is a law and good, And live with him; for him thou canst not spoil; Away, I say!-- (Exit BESSUS.
I will not do this sin:
195
I'll press it here till it do break my breast. It heaves to get out; but thou art a sin, And, spite of torture, I will keep thee in. [Exit. ____________________
-9sulphur . . iron teeth] The description seems reminiscent of the miracle plays, not extinct till 1600; but possibly of Faerie Queene, I. xi. 12-14, where the rows of teeth are three.
Beats him] Weber did rightly to insert this stage-direction. This is the occasion referred to in his interview with the Swordmen, Act iv. sc. 3. ll. 12, 23.
-307-
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Publication Information: Book Title: The Maid's Tragedy; Philaster; A King and No King; The Scornful Lady; The Custom of the Country. Contributors: Francis Beaumont - author, John Fletcher - author. Publisher: George Bell and Sons & A. H. Bullen. Place of Publication: London. Publication Year: 1904. Page Number: 307.
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