DUCHESS
I will not tarry then to hear this man
Rail with rude tongue against our sacred person.
Come, gentlemen.
LORD JUSTICE
My liege,
You cannot leave this court until the prisoner
Be purged or guilty of this dread offence.
DUCHESS
Cannot, Lord Justice? By what right do you
Set barriers in my path where I should go?
Am I not Duchess here in Padua,
And the state's regent?
LORD JUSTICE
For that reason, Madam,
Being the fountain-head of life and death
Whence, like a mighty river, justice flows,
Without thy presence justice is dried up
And fails of purpose: thou must tarry here.
DUCHESS
What, wilt thou keep me here against my will?
LORD JUSTICE
We pray thy will be not against the law.
DUCHESS
What if I force my way out of the court?
LORD JUSTICE
Thou canst not force the Court to give thee way.
DUCHESS
I will not tarry. [Rises from her seat.]
LORD JUSTICE
Is the usher here?
Let him stand forth. [Usher comes forward.]
Thou knowest thy business, sir.
[The Usher closes the doors of the court, which are L., and when
the DUCHESS and her retinue approach, kneels down.]
USHER
In all humility I beseech your Grace
Turn not my duty to discourtesy,
Nor make my unwelcome office an offence.
DUCHESS
Is there no gentleman amongst you all
To prick this prating fellow from our way?
MAFFIO
[drawing his sword]
Ay! that will I.
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