Thrust but these men away, and I'll forgive you, Hub. Go stand within; let me alone with him. First Attend. I am best pleased to be from such a deed. (Exeunt Attendants.) friend: Arth. Alas! I then have chid away my He hath a stern look, but a gentle heart :— Let him come back, that his compassion may Give life to yours. Hub. Come, boy, prepare yourself. Hub. None, but to lose your eyes. Arth. Oh heaven! that there were but a mote in yours, A grain, a dust, a gnat, a wandering hair, Any annoyance in that precious sense! Then, feeling what small things are boisterous there, Hub. Is this your promise? Go to, hold your tongue. So I may keep mine eyes; Oh, spare mine eyes, And would not harm me. Hub. I can heat it, boy. Arth. No, in good sooth, the fire is dead with griefBeing create for comfort-to be used In undeserved extremes: See else yourself: There is no malice in this burning coal; The breath of heaven hath blown its spirit out, And strewed repentant ashes on his head. That mercy, which fierce fire, and iron extends, Creatures of note, for mercy-lacking uses. Hub. Well, see to live; I will not touch thine eyes For all the treasure that thine uncle owns; Yet I am sworn, and I did purpose, boy, Arth. Oh, now you look like Hubert! all this while Hub. Peace: no more: Adieu!— Your uncle must not know but you are dead: Arth. Oh heaven!-I thank you, Hubert. Silence: no more. Go closely in with me: Much danger do I undergo for thee. SELECTION XXV. KING EDWARD-WARWICK-SUFFOLK.-Franklin. King Edward. Good Suffolk, for awhile I would be private; therefore, wait without; Let me have no intruders; above all, Keep Warwick from my sight. (Exit Suffolk. Enter Warwick.) Warwick. Behold him here; No welcome guest, it seems, unless I ask My lord of Suffolk's leave: there was a time K. Edw. There was a time, perhaps, When Warwick more desired and more deserved it.. All my best years, the morning of my life, K. Edw. I thought, my lord, I had full well repaid Guided in secret every latent wheel Of government, and moved the whole machine: War. Who gave that cipher worth, and seated thee K. Edw. Know too, reproach for benefits received War. Why, that indeed is frugal honesty, K. Edw. When you have counted o'er the numerous train Of mighty gifts your bounty lavished on me, You may remember next the injuries Which I have done you; let me know them all, And I will make you ample satisfaction. War. Thou canst not; thou hast robbed me of a jewel It is not in thy power to restore : I was the first, shall future annals say, That broke the sacred bonds of public trust That haunt your court, could none be found but Warwick, K. Edw. And wouldst thou turn the vile reproach on me? If I have broke my faith, and stained the name Of England, thank thy own pernicious counsels, War. I've been abused, insulted, and betrayed; My injured honor cries aloud for vengeance,— K. Edw. These gusts of passion Will but inflame them; if I have been right K. Edw. Nay, start not, I have cause War. And so have I : Too well I know thy breach of friendship there, K. Edw. I scorn it, sir; Elizabeth hath charms, So all-commanding in the name of Warwick, War. By heaven, 'tis false! You knew it all, and meanly took occasion, I had a right, nor will I tamely yield My claim to happiness, the privilege, To choose the partner of my throne and bed: It is a branch of my prerogative. War. Prerogative! what's that? the boast of tyrants: A borrowed jewel, glittering in the crown With specious lustre, lent but to betray: You had it, sir, and hold it from the people. K. Edw. And therefore do I prize it; I would guard Their liberties, and they shall strengthen mine; But when proud faction and her rebel crew Insult their sovereign, trample on his laws, And bid defiance to his power, the people,, In justice to themselves, will then defend War. Go to your darling people then; for soon, Their boasted zeal, and see if one of them. Will dare to lift his arm up in your cause, If I forbid him. K. Edw. Is it so, my lord? Then mark my words: I've been your slave too long, But henceforth know, proud peer, I am thy master, War. Look well then to your own; It sits but loosely on your head; for, know, K. Edw. Nor he who threatened Edward— You may repent it, sir-my guards there! seize This traitor, and convey him to the tower; There let him learn obedience. (Enter guards, who seize Warwick.) War. Slaves, stand off: If I must yield my sword, I'll give it him K. Edw. Hence: away with him. War. "Tis well: Exert your power, it may not last you long; SELECTION XXVI. CASWALLON-MADOR-FITZ-EDWARD.-Walker. Mador. My lord, the prisoner. (Exit Mador.) (Fitz-Edward is brought in guarded.) Caswallon. Let me look on him His friendly visit shall have fitting welcome. |