OPAS. I never yet have seen where long success
Hath followed him who warred upon his king.

JUL. Because the virtue that inflicts the stroke
Dies with him, and the rank ignoble heads
Of plundering faction soon unite again,
And prince-protected share the spoil at rest.


FIRST ACT: THIRD SCENE.


Guard announces a herald. OPAS departs.

GUARD. A messenger of peace is at the gate,
My lord, safe access, private audience,
And free return, he claims.

JUL. Conduct him in.

RODERIGO enters as a herald.

A messenger of peace! audacious man!
In what attire appearest thou? a herald's?
Under no garb can such a wretch be safe.

ROD. Thy violence and fancied wrongs I know,
And what thy sacrilegious hands would do,
O traitor and apostate!