_Man._ (_to Pal._). This is a day of grace. None will resent Our stretching mercy. I shall grant their pardon, But not without some cautions; for among them— Hear me, Palicio, thou who so dost cry Against the taxes—many among thy men Are a most burdensome and fruitless tax. They go free but to work, and with such measures As will ensure it. [_Palicio is going._ Now, sir, ere thou goest, 2760 Is there none here to whom a word is due?
_Pal._ O, Manuel, I dare not, nay,—I pray thee, Be not too generous towards me: since my heart Has fallen so far, let me have trial yet That I may win what I but falsely stole, And now would leave in thy security, Till I may bring some right to claim it. Yet I lack the worth to ask. But there’s one thing Which I will ask (_goes to Margaret_), forgiveness; and for that I kneel.
_Mar._ I will not hide it from thee, sir, 2770 That in the mutual interchange of pardons, Which is our friendly game, I have had some pain Standing out in the cold, merely for lack Of such a suit as thine. I have looked and longed To find a debtor; and I will take thee. Rise, sir. I must present thee to a kinsman.
(_To Hugo._) Do you remember, sir, a cruel saying Spoken to me against this gentleman? Since that I have been his friend, ay, and yours too, For I betrayed his people to your hands, 2780 When they were setting forth to burn the palace; And so prevented Blasco’s treachery; From which him too I saved, and for that deed He takes me now in marriage.
_Hu._ All thou sayst Margaret, with much of what hath happed to-day Needs explanation. I must see so far That Livio by his conduct is cut off: But if you tell me now that you will marry This man ...
_Man._ Palicio is of noble blood, My lord. Yourself have given him oft such praise As by an enemy must be well deserved 2791 Ere it be spoken. The king’s pardon proves Justification: he is quit of treason. We shall restore his rank, the loss of which, Due to his grandsire in the civil wars, Brings him no stain: nay, we shall further make him Chief secretary, where his ancient zeal For all the commons’ rights may still be shewn.
_Con._ Margaret, we may be married the same day.
_Hu._ I see indeed this is a day of grace, 2800 Of wondrous grace: and where I take so much I should be churlish did I not rejoice That I may rank behind no one of you In the free dispensation of my favour. And there’s one act would set the balance even, Lay it even lower against me: it is this, For I will do it: John Palicio, I do forgive thee ...