I'll rather leap down first, and break your fall.
Dryden.
13. To impart, as news or information; to broach; - - with to, and often with a modified word implying some reserve; as, to break the news gently to the widow; to break a purpose cautiously to a friend.
14. To tame; to reduce to subjection; to make tractable; to discipline; as, to break a horse to the harness or saddle. "To break a colt." Spenser.
Why, then thou canst not break her to the lute?
Shak.