nowledge my selfe
to deserue for my faulte. Take then of me if it please you sutch
vengance as you thynke meete for myne offence." Nathan caused
Mithridanes to rise vp, kissinge and imbracinge hym tenderly,
and sayd vnto hym: "My sonne, thou needest not to demaund
pardon, for the enterprise done, good or euill as thou list to
name it: for thou diddest not go about to rid me of my lyfe for
any hatred thou diddest bear me, but only to be accompted the
better: be assured then of me, and verily beleue, that there is
no lyuing man, that I loue better than thy self, considering the
greatnesse of thine heart not inclyned to hoorde or gather
togither the drossy muck of Syluer, as the myserable do, but to
spend that which is gathered. Be not ashamed for hauing a will
to kill me, thereby to great renowme: for Emperours and greatest
kings, neuer streatched forth their power, and racked their
Realmes, and consequently aspired fam, for other purpose but to
kyl: not by murdering one man as thou didst meane, but of
infinit numbers, besides the burning of Countries, and rasing of
Cities: wherefore if to make thy selfe more famous, thou
wouldest have killed me alone, thyne enterprise was not newly to
be wondred at, but a thyng in dayly practise." Mithridanes no
more excusinge hys wicked intent, but praysinge the honest
excuse, which Nathan had deuised, drew neare vnto hym to enter
into further talke wyth hym, which was, how he greatly
maruelled, that he durst approch the place, with so litle
rescue, where his death was sworne, and what he meant him selfe
to tell the way and meanes: wherein he required him to say his
mynde, for disclosinge of the cause. Whereunto Nathan replied:
"Maruell not, Mithridanes, of mine intent and purpose, for
sithens I was at age disposed to myne owne free will, and
determined to do that which thou hast gone about to do, neuer
any came to me, but I haue contented them (so farre as I was
hable) of that they did demaund: thou art come hither with
desire to haue my lyfe, wherefore seeing that thou diddest
craue, I forthwith dyd meane to gieue it, that thou alone
mightest not be the man that should depart from hence without
atchieuing thy request: and to bring to passe that thou myghtest
haue the same, I gaue thee the best Counsel I could, aswel for
bereuing of my lyfe, as for enioyinge of thyne owne: and
therefore I say to thee agayne, and pray thee for to take it,
thereby to content thy selfe, if thou haue an