Melitus: 

      What Laws are those, Sir? 
      Let me so much importune you.

Gaspero: 

      You shall,
      And they be worth your knowledge:  briefly thus: 
      Who e’r he be that can detect apparently
      Another of ingratitude, for any
      Received Benefit, the Plaintiff may
      Require the Offenders life; unless he please
      Freely and willingly to grant remission.

Melitus: 

      By which strict Law, the Senate is in danger,
      Should they neglect Gonzalo?

Gaspero: 

      Right, the Law
      Permits a like equality to Aliens,
      As to a home-bred Patriot.

Melitus: 

      Pray Sir, the other?

Gaspero: 

      Know, Melitus,
      The elder Cretans flourished many years,
      In War, in Peace unparallel’d, and they
      (To spur heroic Spirits on to Vertue)
      Enacted that what man so ere he were,
239] Did noblest in the field against his enemy,
      So by the general voice approv’d, and known,
      Might at his home-return, make his demand
      For satisfaction, and reward.

Melitus: 

      They are
      Both famous Laws indeed.

      [Enter a Messenger]

Messenger: 

      Master Secretary,
      The Senate is about to sit, and crave
      Your presence.

Gaspero: 

      What, so suddenly?

Messenger: 

      These Letters
      Will shew the causes why.

Gaspero: 

      Heaven, thou art great,
      And worthy to be thanked!

Melitus: 

      Your countenance, Sir,
      Doth promise some good tidings.

Gaspero: 

      O the best
      And happiest for this land that e’r was told! 
      All the Venetian Forces are defeated.

Melitus: 

      How, Sir?

Gaspero: 

      And what doth add some delight more,
      There is amongst the Souldiers a contention
      Who shall be the triumpher, and it stands
      Doubtful between a Father and his Son,
      Old Cassilanes, and young Antinous.

Melitus: 

      Why may not both demand it?

Gaspero: 

      The Law denies it,
      But where the Souldiers do not all consent,
      The Parties in contention, are refer’d
      To plead before the Senate; and from them
      Upon an open audience to be judg’d
      The Chief, and then to make demands.

Melitus: 

      You ravish me
      With wonder and delight.

Gaspero: 

      Come; as we walk,
      I shall more fully inform you.

[Exeunt.

240] SCENE II

      [Enter Cassilanes, Arcanes, Antinous, and Decius.]