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Come, leave this spot, Romiero; some few hours,
I am persuaded, will reveal this mystery.
Meantime, let me constrain thee as a friend;
Thou art not fit to speak or act with reason.

ROMIERO.

Think'st thou to bind and lead me like a maniac?

GUZMAN.

Like what thou art: but here comes Beatrice.

Wouldst thou to her expose thy sorry state?

Enter Beatrice.

ROMIERO.

To her or any one, what boot they now,

Fair seemings and fair words?

BEATRICE.

Are you not well, my Lord?

ROMIERO.

No, damsel; well was banish'd from the world

When woman came to it.

BEATRICE.

Fy! say not so.

For if deprived of women, what were men?
Like leafless elms stripped of the clasping vine;
Like unrigg'd barks, of sail and pennant bare;
Like unstring'd viols, which yield no melody.
Banish us all, and lay my life upon it,
You will right quickly send for us again.