With words, at distance dropp'd, I sounded Hastings, Piercing how far he did affect your purpose; To which, indeed, I found him cold, unwilling; At length, from plainer speaking, urg'd to answer, He shall be taken care of; meanwhile, Catesby, Of Edward's children. Buck. Doubt not, my lord, I'll play the orator, As if myself might wear the golden fee, For which I plead. Glost. If you thrive well, bring them to see me here, Where you shall find me seriously employ'd, Buck. I shall remember, that your grace was boun tiful. Glost. Cousin, I have said it. Buck. I am gone, my lord. Glost. So, I've secur'd my cousin here. Will never let his brains rest, till I'm king. Catesby, go you with speed to Doctor Shaw, [Exit CATESBY. Meanwhile, my private orders shall be given, Come, this conscience is a convenient scarecrow; They know 'tis rags, and gather in the face on't; While half-starv'd, shallow daws, through fear, are honest. Why were laws made, but, that we're rogues by na ture? Conscience! 'tis our coin-we live by parting with it; And the deluded virgin, short-lived pleasure; Your lank-jaw'd, hungry judge, will dine upon't, And hang the guiltless, rather than eat his mutton cold: The crown'd head quits it for despotic sway; SCENE II. A Chamber. LADY ANNE discovered, sitting on a Couch. Lady A. When-when shall I have rest? Was marriage made To be the scourge of our offences here? Oh, no! 'twas meant a blessing to the virtuous; [Soft Music. It will not be; naught but the grave can close my But see, eyes. He comes the rude disturber of my pillow. Enter GLOSter. Glost. Ha! still in tears? let them flow on; theyr'e signs Of a substantial grief.-Why don't she die? They'll bend, indeed, but he must strain, that cracks them. All I can hope's to throw her into sickness, That I may send her a physician's help. So, madam, what! you still take care, I see, I'll have you tell the world I dote upon you. Lady A. I wish I could-but 'twill not be believ'd. Have I deserv'd this usage? Glost. You have-you do not please me, as at first. Lady A. What have I done? What horrid crime committed? Glost. To me the worst of crimes; outliv'd my liking. Lady A. If that be criminal, just Hea'vn be kind, And take me while my penitence is warm; Oh, sir, forgive and kill me. Glost. Umph! no-the meddling world will call And I would have them think me pitiful: Lady A. How fain would I be friends with death! Glost. Thy husband's hate: nor do I hate thee, only From the dull'd edge of sated appetite, But from the eager love I bear another. Some call me hypocrite-what think'st, thou now? Do I dissemble? Lady A. Thy vows of love to me were all dissem bled. Glost. Not one-for when I told thee so, I lov'd: Thou art the only soul I never yet deceiv'd; And 'tis my honesty that tells thee now, With all my heart I hate thee. If this have no effect, she is immortal! [Aside. Lady A. Forgive me, Heav'n, that I forgave this man. Oh may my story, told in after ages, Give warning to our easy sex's ears; May it unveil the hearts of men, and strike Enter CATESBY. Glost. Now, Catesby Catesby. My lord, his Grace of Buckingham attends your highness' pleasure. Glost. Wait on him-I'll expect him here. [Exit CATESBY. [Exit. Your absence, madam, will be necessary. Glost. It may be, shortly. [CATESBY passes over the back of the Stage. Enter BUCKINGHAM. My cousin, what say the citizens? Buck. Now, by our hopes, my lord, they are senseless stones: Their hesitating fear has struck them dumb! Glost. Touch'd you the bastardy of Edward's children? Buck. I did, with his contract to lady Lucy; Indeed left nothing that might gild our cause, Buck. Not one, by Heav'n-but each like statues Speechless and pale, star'd in his fellow's face: And ask'd the Mayor what meant this wilful silence? |