Part 29 (1/2)

d.u.c.h.eSS

Proceed, sir, without compliment.

LORD JUSTICE

We find, As your own Grace did rightly signify, That any citizen, who by force or craft Conspires against the person of the Liege, Is ipso facto outlaw, void of rights Such as pertain to other citizens, Is traitor, and a public enemy, Who may by any casual sword be slain Without the slayer's danger; nay, if brought Into the presence of the tribunal, Must with dumb lips and silence reverent Listen unto his well-deserved doom, Nor has the privilege of open speech.

d.u.c.h.eSS

I thank thee, my Lord Justice, heartily; I like your law: and now I pray dispatch This public outlaw to his righteous doom; What is there more?

LORD JUSTICE

Ay, there is more, your Grace.

This man being alien born, not Paduan, Nor by allegiance bound unto the Duke, Save such as common nature doth lay down, Hath, though accused of treasons manifold, Whose slightest penalty is certain death, Yet still the right of public utterance Before the people and the open court; Nay, shall be much entreated by the Court, To make some formal pleading for his life, Lest his own city, righteously incensed, Should with an unjust trial tax our state, And wars spring up against the commonwealth: So merciful are the laws of Padua Unto the stranger living in her gates.

d.u.c.h.eSS

Being of my Lord's household, is he stranger here?

LORD JUSTICE

Ay, until seven years of service spent He cannot be a Paduan citizen.

GUIDO

I thank thee, my Lord Justice, heartily; I like your law.

SECOND CITIZEN

I like no law at all: Were there no law there'd be no law-breakers, So all men would be virtuous.

FIRST CITIZEN

So they would; 'Tis a wise saying that, and brings you far.

TIPSTAFF

Ay! to the gallows, knave.

d.u.c.h.eSS

Is this the law?

LORD JUSTICE

It is the law most certainly, my liege.

d.u.c.h.eSS

Show me the book: 'tis written in blood-red.

JEPPO