Kyng did entertayne him agayne for his faythfull
seruaunt, as he was wont to do. Vpon which resolution, Acharisto
was sent for, and being come, Sinapus and Euphimia together with
the nurse tolde hym in what sort they three had concluded
touchinge his health and safegarde: which of him being well
lyked, did giue them humble thankes: and then Sinapus went vnto
the kyng, and told him, that there was one newly arriued at
Corinth, to make a present vnto his grace of the head of
Acharisto. At which newes the kynge shewed hymselfe so ioyfull,
as if hee had gotten an other Kingdome: and beinge placed vnder
his cloath of state, with his Counsell and Princely trayne about
hym, tellinge them the cause of that assembly, commaunded hym
that brought those news, to bring the party forth newely come
vnto the City to present the head of Acharisto before the
presence of the King, who no sooner looked vpon him, but fell
into sutch a rage, as the fire seemed to flame out of his angry
eyes, and commaunded him presently to be taken and put to death.
But Acharisto falling downe vpon hys knees, humbly besought his
maiesty to geeue him leaue to speake: but the kinge not
suffering him to vtter one word commaunded hym away. Then the
Counsellours and other Lords of the Court, intreated his grace
to heare him: at whose requestes and supplications he seemed to
be content. Then Acharisto began to say: "Most sacred Prynce,
and redoubted souerayne Lord, the cause of this my presumptuous
repaire before your maiesty, is not to shew my selfe guilty of
thy late deuised conspiracy, ne yet to craue pardon for the
same, but to satisfie your Maiesty, wyth that contented desire,
whych by Proclamation ye haue pronounced through your highnesse
Realmes and dominions: which is, to offer this heade for reuenge
of the faulte vniustlye layed vnto my charge by those foure,
which worthily haue tasted the deserued payne of theyr offense.
Wherfore I am come hither of myne owne accord, to shew the loue
and greate desyre, whych euer I had to serue and please your
Maiesty: and for that I would not consume my life in your
displeasure, I make offer of the same to your mercifull wyll and
dysposition, chosynge rather to die, and leaue your maiesty
satisfied and contented, than to lyue in happy state, your
princely minde displeased: but desyrous that your maiesty should
know myne innocence, I humblye besech your grace to heare what I
can say, that my fidelity maye bee throughl