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MENCIA (rushing forward).

Oh he is innocent! Have pity on us!

Turn not away from me, noble Henriquez.
(Catching hold of him eagerly.)
Heaven knows that he is innocent,

HENRIQUEZ.

Then, pray thee, be at peace; Heaven will protect him.

MENCIA.

Frown not; my wretchedness has made me bold.

HENRIQUEZ.

Away, away! I do not frown on thee.

Thou art the baleful cause of all this misery,
And yet I blame thee not. Away, and leave us.

ANTONIO.

Retire, dear Mencia; to thy chamber go;

It is not fit that thou should'st tarry here.

(She retires unwillingly; Henriquez waving his hand to quicken her retreat, and waiting in gloomy silence till she is gone.)

HENRIQUEZ.

Unhappy youth; thou hast to thine accusers

Thine innocence asserted with the earnest
And simple manliness of truth; yet truth,
Supported only by the word of him
Who is accused, will nought avail. How is it?
If there be any circumstance that may