de, 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_.]

Cassilanes:

Admit no Souldier near us till the Senate
Have took their places.

Arcanes:

You are obey'd, my Lord.

A