# The Tragedy of the Dutchesse of Malfy/Act V, scene i

ACTUS V. SCENA. I.
Antonio, Delio, Pescara, Julia.
Ant. What thinke you of my hope of reconcilement To the Aragonian brethren?
Del. I misdoubt it For though they have sent their letters of safe conduct For your repaire to Millaine, they appeare But Nets, to entrap you: The Marquis of Pescara, Under whom you hold certaine land in Cheit, Much 'gainst his noble nature, hath bin mou'd To ceize those lands, and some of his dependants Are at this instant, making it their suit To be invested in your Revenewes. I cannot thinke, they meane well to your life, That doe deprive you of your meanes of life, Your living.
Ant. You are still an heretique. To any safety, I can shape my selfe.
Del. Here comes the Marquis: I will make my selfe Petitioner for some part of your land, To know whether it is flying.
Ant. I pray doe.
Del. Sir, I have a suit to you.
Pesc. To me.
Del. An easie one: There is the Cittadell of St. Bennet, With some demeasnes, of late in the possession Of Antonio Bologna, please you bestow them on me?
Pesc. You are my friend: But this is such a suit, Nor fit for me to give, nor you to take.
Del. No sir?
Pesc. I will give you ample reason for't, Soone in private: Here's the Cardinalls Mistris.
Jul. My Lord, I am growne your poore Petitioner, And should be an ill begger, had I not A Great mans letter, here (the Cardinalls) To Court you in my favour.
Pesc. He entreates for you The Cittadell of Saint Bennet, that belong'd To the banish'd Bologna.
Jul. Yes:
Pesc. I could not have thought of a friend, I could Rather pleasure with it: 'tis yours:
Jul. Sir, I thanke you: And he shall know how doubly I am engag'd Both in your guift, and speedinesse of giving, Which makes your graunt, the greater. Exit.
Ant. How they fortefie Themselves with my ruine?
Del. Sir: I am Litle bound to you:
Pesc. Why.
Del. Because you denide this suit, to me, and gav't To such a creature.
Pesc. Doe you know what it was? It was Antonios land: not forfeyted By course of lawe; but ravish'd from his throate By the Cardinals entreaty: it were not fit I should bestow so maine a peece of wrong Upon my friend: 'tis a gratification Onely due to a Strumpet: for it is injustice; Shall I sprinckle the pure blood of Innocents To make those followers, I call my friends Looke ruddier upon me? I am glad This land, (ta'ne from the owner by such wrong) Returnes againe unto so fowle an use, As Salary for his Lust. Learne, (good Delio) To aske noble things of me, and you shall find I'll be a noble giver.
Del. You instruct me well:
Ant Why, here's a man, now, would fright impudence From sawciest Beggers.
Pesc. Prince Ferdinand's come to Millaine Sicke (as they give out) of an Appoplexie: But some say, 'tis a frenzie; I am going To visite him. Exit.
Ant. 'Tis a noble old fellow:
Del. What course doe you meane to take, Antonio?
Ant.
This night, I meane to venture all my fortune (Which is no more, than a poore lingering life) To the Cardinals worst of mallice: I have got Private accesse to his chamber: and intend To visit him, about the mid of night. (As once his brother did our noble Duchesse.) It may be that the sudden apprehension Of danger (for I'll goe in mine owne shape) When he shall see it fraight with love, and dutie, May draw the poyson out of him, and worke A friendly reconcilement; if it faile; Yet, is shall rid me of this infamous calling, For better fall once, than be ever falling.
Del.
I'll second you in all danger: and (how ere) My life keepes ranke with yours
Ant.
You are still my lov'd and best friend. Exeunt.
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