Page:Dramas 1.pdf/349

HENRIQUEZ.

When honour'd lately by your princely presence,

You gave to me this ring with words of favour;
And said if I should e'er, by fortune press'd,
Return the same to you, whatever grace
I then might ask, should be conceded to me.
(Giving the ring.)
Receive your royal token: my request
Is that you swear upon my sword to grant

This boon which I shall beg. (Holds out his sword to the King, who lays his hand on it.)

KING.

This sword, this honour'd blade, I know it well,

Which thou in battle from the princely Moor
So valiantly did'st win: why should I shrink
From any oath that shall be sworn on this?
I swear, by the firm honour of a soldier,
To grant thy boon, whatever it may be.
Declare it then, Henriquez. (A pause.)
Thou art pale
And silent too: I wait upon thy words.

HENRIQUEZ.

My breath forsook me. 'Tis a passing weakness:

I have power now.—There is a criminal,
Whose guilt before your Highness in due form
Shall shortly be attested; and my boon
Is, that your Highness will not pardon him,
However strongly you may be inclined