Volume Xi Part 138 (1/2)

POL. Now we have our ends. [_Exeunt._

KING. Is there no means to save him, no way To get a dispensation for an oath?

None that I know, except the court of Rome Will grant one: that's well thought on; I will not spare for gold, and that will do it.

Nicanor!

_Enter_ NICANOR.

NIC. Sir!

KING. What book is that Thou hadst from Paris about the price of sins?

NIC. 'Tis called the Taxes of the Apostolical Chancery.[434]

KING. Is there a price for any sin set down?

NIC. Any, sir: how heinous e'er it be, Or of what nature, for such a sum of money As is set down there, it shall be remitted.

KING. That's well; go fetch the book presently.

NIC. I will, my lord. [_Exit_ NICANOR.

KING. Sure, there is perjury Among the rest, and I shall know what rate It bears, before I have committed it.

_Re-enter_ NICANOR.

How now, hast brought it?

NIC. Yes, sir.

KING. Read; I would know the price of perjury.

NIC. I shall find it quickly; here's an index. [_He reads._]

_Imprimis_. For murder of all kinds, of a clergyman, of a layman, of father, mother, son, brother, sister, wife----

KING. Read till you come at perjury.

NIC. _Item_, for impoisoning, enchantments, witchcraft, sacrilege, simony, and their kind and branches.

_Item, pro lapsu carnis_, fornication, adultery, incest without any exception or distinction; for sodomy, brutality, or any of that kind.

KING. My heart shakes with horror To hear the names of such detested sins.

Can these be bought for any price of money?

Or do these merchants but deceive the world With their false wares? No more of that foul book; I will not now know what I came to know.

I would not for the world redeem my oath By such a course as this. No more, Nicanor, Unless thou find a price for atheism.

Well, this is not the way to help, I see; I have thought of another that may prove And both discharge my oath, and save his life.

Nicanor, run presently, call Matho hither-- Matho the lawyer: command him to make haste; I long to be resolv'd.

NIC. I run, sir.