ORSINO: 
You cannot say
I urged you to the deed.

GIACOMO: 
O, had I never
Found in thy smooth and ready countenance 20
The mirror of my darkest thoughts; hadst thou
Never with hints and questions made me look
Upon the monster of my thought, until
It grew familiar to desire...

ORSINO: 
’Tis thus
Men cast the blame of their unprosperous acts 25
Upon the abettors of their own resolve;
Or anything but their weak, guilty selves. 
And yet, confess the truth, it is the peril
In which you stand that gives you this pale sickness
Of penitence; confess ’tis fear disguised 30
From its own shame that takes the mantle now
Of thin remorse.  What if we yet were safe?

GIACOMO: 
How can that be?  Already Beatrice,
Lucretia and the murderer are in prison. 
I doubt not officers are, whilst we speak, 35
Sent to arrest us.

ORSINO: 
I have all prepared
For instant flight.  We can escape even now,
So we take fleet occasion by the hair.

GIACOMO: 
Rather expire in tortures, as I may. 
What! will you cast by self-accusing flight 40
Assured conviction upon Beatrice? 
She, who alone in this unnatural work,
Stands like God’s angel ministered upon
By fiends; avenging such a nameless wrong
As turns black parricide to piety; 45
Whilst we for basest ends...I fear, Orsino,
While I consider all your words and looks,
Comparing them with your proposal now,
That you must be a villain.  For what end
Could you engage in such a perilous crime, 50
Training me on with hints, and signs, and smiles,
Even to this gulf?  Thou art no liar?  No,
Thou art a lie!  Traitor and murderer! 
Coward and slave!  But no, defend thyself;
[DRAWING.]
Let the sword speak what the indignant tongue 55
Disdains to brand thee with.

ORSINO: 
Put up your weapon. 
Is it the desperation of your fear
Makes you thus rash and sudden with a friend,
Now ruined for your sake?  If honest anger
Have moved you, know, that what I just proposed 60
Was but to try you.  As for me, I think,
Thankless affection led me to this point,
From which, if my firm temper could repent,
I cannot now recede.  Even whilst we speak
The ministers of justice wait below:  65
They grant me these brief moments.  Now if you
Have any word of melancholy comfort
To speak to your pale wife, ’twere best to pass
Out at the postern, and avoid them so.

NOTE: 
58 a friend edition 1821; your friend edition 1839.

GIACOMO: 
O, generous friend!  How canst thou pardon me? 70
Would that my life could purchase thine!