That, if she be not victualled well within,
And have some sudden succours, she will, I fear,
Ere long surrender.
Clar. O Fidelio,65
When kings do tempt, th' had need be angels that
Endure the shock, not women.
Fid. 'Tis true, my lord.
Yet let not uncertain fears create new griefs.
Doubt is of all the sharpest passion,
And often turns distempers to diseases.70
Collect yourself, and be assur'd my zeal
Shall watch abroad; and, when I may reveal
Myself your servant, I'll not do't in breath,
But with the adventure of my life or death.
Clar. O, you are noble, sir, I know't, and mean75
To hope the best. Farewell.[Exeunt
Scene II
Enter Lorenzo solus, as going to prison
Arm'd with the love of sovereignty and revenge,
I'll ravish fortune, and all engines try,
That heaven or hell have yet discovered;
But I will scale my end, and plant desire
As high as any thought durst e'er aspire.5
The dotage of the king shall not secure thee,
Poor old man!
Clarimont, I come: this night our quarrel ends!
Nothing but death could ever make us friends.[Knocks at the prison door
Enter the Keeper
Where's old Clarimont?10
Keep. In's bed, my lord.
Lor. In's grave, thou wouldst have said.
Keep. Must he then die to-night?
Lor. The king will have it so:
He fears the people love him, and to save
His life may prove tumultuous.
Keep. Poor gentleman! how quick15
Is fate come on him! how sudden is all woe!
