Mardonius, stay Mardonius, for though My present state requires nothing but knaves To be about me, such as are prepar’d For every wicked act, yet who does know But that my loathed Fate may turn about, And I have use for honest men again?  I hope I may, I prethee leave me not.

Enter Bessus.

Bes.

  Where is the King?

Mar.

  There.

Bes.

  An’t please your Majesty, there’s the knife.

Arb.

  What knife?

Bes.

   The Sword is eaten.

Mar.

  Away you fool, the King is serious,
  And cannot now admit your vanities.

Bes.

  Vanities!  I’me no honest man, if my enemies have not brought it
  to this, what, do you think I lie?

Arb.

  No, no, ’tis well Bessus, ’tis very well I’m glad on’t.

Mar.

  If your enemies brought it to this, your enemies are Cutlers,
  come leave the King.

Bes.

   Why, may not valour approach him?

Mar.

  Yes, but he has affairs, depart, or I shall be something
  unmannerly with you.

Arb.

  No, let him stay Mardonius, let him stay,
  I have occasion with him very weighty,
  And I can spare you now.

Mar.

  Sir?

Arb.

  Why I can spare you now.

Bes.

  Mardonius give way to these State affairs.

Mar.

  Indeed you are fitter for this present purpose.

[Exit Mar.

Arb.

  Bessus, I should imploy thee, wilt thou do’t?

Bes.

  Do’t for you? by this Air I will do any thing without exception,
  be it a good, bad, or indifferent thing.

Arb.

  Do not swear.

Bes.

  By this light but I will, any thing whatsoever.

Arb.

  But I shall name the thing,
  Thy Conscience will not suffer thee to do.

Bes.

  I would fain hear that thing.

Arb.

  Why I would have thee get my Sister for me? 
  Thou understandst me, in a wicked manner.

Bes.

  O you would have a bout with her? 
  I’le do’t, I’le do’t, I’faith.

Arb.

  Wilt thou, do’st thou make no more on’t?  Bes.  More? no, why is
  there any thing else? if there be, it shall be done too.

Arb.

  Hast thou no greater sense of such a sin? 
  Thou art too wicked for my company,
  Though I have hell within me, thou may’st yet
  Corrupt me further:  pray thee answer me,
  How do I shew to thee after this motion?